Gosaikunda Trek

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Good to Know
  • Duration 7 Days
  • Destination Nepal

What To Expect

  • Get closer to the Tamang Village and their culture
  • Walk along the Langtang National Park
  • Enjoy the views of Langtang Lirung and others
  • Explore the holy Gosaikunda Lake
  • Observe the surrounding lakes

Gosaikunda Trek is also popular as the frozen lake trek. The Gosaikunda Lake lies in the Langtang region at an altitude of 4,380 m, the northern part of Kathmandu Valley. It is wonderful trekking along the Langtang National Park.

Trekkers get the fascination with diverse scenarios such as the White Mountains, rhododendron forests, gorges, rock formations, frozen Lakes, and ethnic villages. The whole area is surrounded by flowers and it becomes surprising in spring. You can view the wonders of Mt. Langtang Lirung, west of Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu peaks.

Gosaikunda Lake is not renowned only for its glaciated lakes, but also for its religious values as it is a pristine lake both in Hinduism and Buddhism. According to Hindu mythology, the Hindu god of Lord Shiva, a god of destruction had drunk the water from this lake and gotten rid of his pain. So, every year, lots of pilgrims visit this sacred lake. Saraswatikunda and the Bhairabhakunda are the reputed neighboring lakes of Gosaikunda Lake.

The Gosaikunda Lake Trekking starts from a place, called Dhunche. You can reach there by bus.

Trekking to Gosaikunda embarks on through the pine forest after crossing the Sing Gompa. This Gompa is popular for the Newari Style Monastery and for Cheese production too. The trekkers can enjoy the views of Ganesh Himal.

This Gosaikunda Trekking route includes the Helambu region too. So, it can be named the Gosaikunda Helambu Trekking. As a result, trekkers get the chance to know about the typical culture of ethnic groups, especially of the Tamangs and the Sherpas which is indescribable.

The continuation of Gosaikunda Trekking in Nepal takes you to Gosaikunda Lake. Immediately after reaching there, you fall in love with the beautiful glaciated lake Gosaikunda and its surrounding views.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking trail ascends and crosses the Lauribinayak La Pass. It is a little bit difficult day as the trekkers need to walk on the rocky ridges. However, our experience trekking guides ease the way and take you to the top of the Pass where you are surrounded by the many remarkable mountain views from the Annapurna ranges to the Langtang ranges.

Then the trek descends and goes through the forests of oak, rhododendron, and so on. Finally, you get back to Kathmandu after an hour's drive from Sundarijal.

Gosaikunda Trekking Weather changes in a minute. It is tough to predict the Gosaikunda weather condition as it is a rainy place. Besides, April to May and September to December can be considered the Gosaikunda Trekking Best Seasons.

Gosaikunda Lake Trekking is one of the beautiful options to explore the Himalayan region of Nepal. For more details, please do not hesitate to contact Rising Adventure P. Ltd.

Itinerary
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Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary

The Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary is neither a very long nor very short trekking itinerary. The Gosaikunda is a kind of frozen lake so, it can be named a frozen lake trekking in the Langtang region of Nepal. It is a pristine lake and most people visit it for religious purposes. Every year, many pilgrims visit it for having a bath because there is a belief that a man can get rid of disease after having a bath in this lake.

For more information, you can go through the Gosaikunda Trek detail itinerary.

  • Accommodation3 Star Hotel
  • Maximum Altitude1350 m

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Rising Adventure at the arrival gate and transferred to the hotel. 

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1960 m

Your travel will start early in the morning from Kathmandu to Dunche by a local bus. It takes almost 8 hours to reach there. On the way, you will have an opportunity to see the majestic views of the green valley, and terrace fields as well as the magnificent sceneries of the Himalayan ranges.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3330 m

Today, you are going to start your trekking. Your trail will go up slowly until Trisuli River and then a lit bit steep up to Chandanbari(Sing Gompa, a place popular for cheese production and Newari-style monastery). En route, you will pass the beautiful pine forest as well as the panoramic sceneries of Ganesh Himal.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3910 m

Your trail will go through the pine forest to Lauribinayak which offers a majestic view of the Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Langtang.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3910 m

Today you are going to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains in the morning. Then your trekking will embark on to reach your final destination. From there, it takes almost three and a half an hour to reach your final destination means Gosainkunda. After exploring the surroundings of that holy place, your trail will go back to Lauribina.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1960 m

Today you are going back to Dhunche. So, you will descend through the same pleasant route and reach Sing Gompa and then Dhunche.

  • Accommodation3 star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast and Lunch
  • Maximum Altitude1350 m

After having breakfast, your travel will return to Kathmandu on the bus along the previous way.

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Inclusions
Cost Includes
  • English-speaking, experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable trekking guide during the trip
  • Kathmandu to Dhunche to Kathmandu by bus
  • Three times food for you in trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) according to your choice
  • Permit for trekking 
  • TIMS cards for trekking
  • Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary
  • All the government taxes
  • Farewell dinner at one of the Nepalese typical restaurant
Cost Excludes
  • Nepal arrival visa fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • All your personal expenses
  • Tips for guide
  • Porter
  • Other expenses which are not mentioned in the trip "Cost includes "

 

Things to Know

Gosaikunda Trek Difficulty

Gosaikunda Lake collects the attraction from geographical, historical, and mythological points of view. It is a wonderful lake in the Langtang region of Nepal. 
Regarding the trek difficulty, the Gosaikunda trek has been categorized as a moderately difficult destination. This trek is difficult mainly because of its elevation range. The trail goes over 4000 meters above sea level and crossing 3000 meters may create altitude sickness. It happens due to the poor oxygen level because the vegetation seems little to less up to Gosaikunda lake. 
So, you must make your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water and soups. Having well acclimatization would also be very helpful for keeping you away from altitude problems.
Though beginners can also join this trip, it may be exhausting for them because they have to trek for almost 6 hours per day on a rocky trail.
Besides, you need to walk up steeping on the edges of mountains for reaching this lake. Therefore, we consider the trekking to Gosaikunda is a moderately strenuous trek trail.
Another most noticeable problem is Leeches. As you know, most of the travellers prefer to visit this lake during the Janai Purnia festival and it falls under the monsoon period. So, there is the chance of encountering leeches while trekking. These leeches come from water sources especially and from trees too.
In order to get rid of these leeches problems, please follow the following advice;
Have a rest only in the dry places where the accessibility of sun is.
Wear a full sleeves shirts and trousers and tuck your top inside the pants for keeping your skin safe from the leeches
Use of raw tobacco-soaked water on your clothes and foot wears may keep the leeches far away from you
Apply a pinch of salt on your skin where is leech instead of pulling it for less bleeding

Gosaikunda Trek Attractions

The major attractions of the Gosaikunda trek are as follows;

  • Gosaikunda Lake 
  • 108 ponds
  • Kundas like, Saraswati, Parvati, Bhairav, Aama, and Dudh Kuda
  • Langtang National Park
  • Mt. Langtang Lirung and other peaks like Chimse Danda, Jugal Himal, Ganja La Pass, and the Ganesh Himal
  • Endangered fauna like red pandas, mammal, leopards, and others
  • Tamang Heritage
  • Local Historical Monastries and the Sing Gompa
  • Praying Monks
  • Local Cheese Factory
  • Folk Culture and Tradition

Myths and Beliefs

Gosaikunda Lake is a holy place, popular in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Its depth is almost 4380 meters. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva created this lake as the home for himself and his wife Parvati.
During the renowned Nepalese festivals, Janai Purnima and Gangadashara, the large numbers of people from Nepal and India come to visit this lake. Because there is a strong belief that having a bath at Janai Purnima in this lake, it washes out all the sins. On the other hand, it is believed that Goddess Ganga appears there in the lake during Gangadashara.

Best Visiting Times

As usual, trekking to Gosaikunda is also preferable during spring and autumn. During these seasons, the panoramic mountain views can be explored very clearly. You can even observe the folklore.
In spring, the sun shines brightly and the temperature ranges from 18 to 25 degrees celsius whereas the temperature raises up to 28 degrees celsius in Autumn.
In the former period, the flora blossoms beautifully and the sky looks very clear as this season comes after the monsoon, so it washes out every dirt from the sky. On the other hand, the latter season showcases the mountain views very clearly because the sky remains very clear as in spring. The day temperature remains warm and stable. You may get snowfall as well.

Packing Lists for Gosainkunda Trek

  • Waterproof and Comfortable Travel Bag
  • Light and Warm Jacket
  • Inner Warm Thermal
  • Trekking pants and shirts
  • Innerwear
  • Hiking Boots
  • Warm Shocks
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm
  • Sun Hat
  • Woolen Cap
  • Trekking Poles
  • Toilet Papers
  • Towel
  • Sanitary Pad (for women)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water Bottle (optional)
  • Water Purification Medicine (optional)
Gosaikunda Trek FAQs

  • Among 5,358 Lakes in Nepal, Gosaikunda is the purest holy lake. Resting above 4,380 meters above sea level Gosaikunda is located in the Langtang National Park of the Rasuwa district. The lake shelters a surface area of about 13.8 ha (34 acres) and lies at an elevation of 4,380 m (14,370 ft).
    The lake melts from the Trishuli River and remains frozen for six months in winter October to June. This alpine freshwater lake has 108 associated lakes including Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, Surya Kunda, and Naga Kunda.

  • Gosaikunda is 67.5 km far away from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. To reach there it takes about seven days to cover 32.4 Km from Sundarijal Chisapani. During the trek, you will encounter the culture of remote villages, picturesque hills, diverse wildlife, plants, tranquil Langtang valley, and beautiful high-altitude lakes.
    Similarly, there is also an alternate route from Dunche. Through the beautiful village, you will get to see snow-capped mountains and trek to Chandanwari. In Chandanwari, there is a famous monastery named Singompa. The Gumba provides a glimpse into the local culture of the Rasuwa district. Then after walking for 5 to 7 hours you will reach Cholangiopathy. Additionally, you will trek onwards to Lauribine and continue your journey until you reach Gosaikunda. 

  • Like other places in Nepal, this region also experiences four distinct regions: summer, autumn, spring, and winter. Among all of these seasons, October to December and March to May is considered to be the best time to go on the Gosaikunda trek. During this time the temperature is also moderate, and the sky remains blue and clear. There is a pilgrimage festival taking place every year on the full moon day of July/August in Gosaikunda Lake, believed to be the holy lake of this area.

  • Altogether, including small and large one there are several 108 Kunda around this area. The lake remains frozen for six months in winter October to June. Some popular pilgrims’ lakes are Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, Surya Kunda, Naga Kunda, and Gosaikunda (Lakes). Likewise, the Gosaikunda is one of the most well-known drawing points and is often considered the crown jewel for trekkers and pilgrims. 

  • Speaking of the difficulty of the Gosaikunda trek, it is considered to be a moderate trek. It depends upon other things such as age factor, your trekking habit, physical fitness, the itinerary you choose, or the unpredictable weather of the season you are trekking in. The beautiful alpine lake is at an elevation of 4380 meters, thus some may also get altitude sickness. Thus, ignoring altitude sickness could be problematic. While traveling drinks plenty of water and can take Diamox, a medicine that helps during altitude sickness.

  • You can reach Gosaikunda Lake via helicopter. The average Helicopter Tour Price starts from USD 250 per person. The price is for those who travel with their family member and in a group. However, if you want to charter a private helicopter for USD 1200 if you wish to travel alone. The helicopter ride toward Gosaikunda offers the most warming views and spectacular sights of the ever-changing landscape, breathtaking views of mountains, and so on. 

  • Travel insurance offers financial protection if you face certain problems during your journey. It asylums a range of opportunities, from lost luggage to the cost of medical care if you become ill or have an accident. It is better to buy travel insurance earlier you book your flight, it's better to wait until after you back up your seat on the plane. In this way, you will see your ticket price and can make sure your travel insurance will cover the full cost of the ticket, in case you need to file a claim later.

  • Like elsewhere in the Langtang region, teahouses on the Gosaikunda lake trek are well-developed and very common. The region is enclosed with a lot of variety of hotels, from ultra-budget hotels to hotels of quality. 

  • The Gosaikunda trek takes you to a lush jungle of rhododendron, and pine trees, and a panoramic view of the Langtang Himalayan range. During the trek, you will also be able to see different flora and fauna including Rhesus monkeys, grey wolves, snow leopards, wild boars, and more importantly, this is also a Red Panda protected zone. Not only that the Gosaikunda trek has so many reasons to visit. Here is the list of why you should visit the Gosaikunda trek: 
    ⦁    Unspoiled Culture and Tamang Heritage Trace
    ⦁    Gosaikunda Lake, a Holy Pilgrimage Site of Hindus
    ⦁    Shin Gompa and Buddhist Monasteries
    ⦁    Sceneries and Sights
    ⦁    Langtang National Park
    ⦁    Spectacular Peak Sights: Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Tserko Ri (5,000m), Mt. Annapurna, Ganja La Pass (5,122m), and many others. 
    ⦁    Villages and Settlements

  • The average trek to the Gosaikunda costs you around USD 400 to USD 550. This comprises the cost of trekking permits, accommodation with full board meals throughout the trek, transportation, and many other costs as well. The porter costs around Rs 2,000 per day while the guide costs you around Rs 2,300 per day. However, if you are planning to do this trek with the group then the cost can share. 

  • No! The water available on the tap and streams during the trek are not safe to drink. Thus, drink only mineral water and boiled water. If you don’t have both then in case use a water purifier or SteriPen.

  • Medical treatment including a first aid kit is very important to carry while traveling. A pain relief spray, medical tapes, and band-aids may all appear like small things. You will also want moleskin for blisters. It will help with Fractures, Altitude sickness, Minor cuts, Sunburn, Blisters, sprains, Cramps, Khumbu cough, Choking, Muscle strains, Flu, Insect bites, Dehydration, Stomachache, Fainting, etc.

  • While preparing for the Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trek, you should have a common clue about what to pack for the trek. Here is a list of what to pack for the Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trekking in Nepal.
    ⦁    For hand: hand gloves
    ⦁    Clothes: T-shirts, Light, weight thermal tops, Light jackets, Wind rain jackets, Shirts, and warm shirts.
    ⦁    Walking poles, Water bottle with purification tablets, Hand wash liquids, Lip guard, and Sun block cream.
    ⦁    Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies), Pocket knife, mp3 player, Paperback books, cards. Avoid players touching hardware as it may not function. 

  • Yes! You must have a permit to enter the Gosaikunda region. First, you have to get a Langtang National Park Entry permit, and a TIM card. Without a permit travel to any part of Nepal, it is illegal. The TIMS permit cost you around USD 10 per person while the Langtang National Park permits cost you around USD 30 per person. The permits are available in Kathmandu. In case you are traveling with the agency then they will provide you with it.

  • Gosaikunda trek in Nepal is known for its outstanding and spectacular scenery. Most of the tea houses and lodges offer you the internet although it can be spotty. Not only that cell phone networks can be found on the trek. Most of the places get cell phone coverage either by NCell or NTC networks. You can buy a Nepalese SIM card at the airport when you arrive. As in Nepal, your country’s SIM doesn’t work. Likewise, you can buy Wi-Fi cards for the adventure trek in Nepal.

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Customer Reviews
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  • P

    Best Gosaikunda Trek

    Peter, PolandTrip Date: December 13, 2022

    Chandan was extremely professional in organising the trek. The trek itself, guided by Sundar as porter cum guide, went like clockwork! We were looked after very well. I would definitely recommend Rising Adventure if you would like a great trekking experience in Nepal.

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