Gosaikunda Lake Trek

duration: 9 Days
activity: trekking
best season:
Max elevation:
Difficulty:
accommodation: tea house

Starts at: $599

abilibility: yes
group size:
Trip Cost: $599

trip information

Sacred Waters of Gosaikunda: A Pilgrimage’s Journey”

Embark on the Gosaikunda Lake Trek, a spiritual odyssey to a revered alpine lake within the Langtang National Park. This pristine freshwater body is not only the birthplace of the Trisuli River but also endures a six-month winter slumber.

Significance of Gosaikunda: Gosaikunda is a sanctuary for both Hindus and Buddhists, who believe its waters possess the power to absolve sins. Every August, during the full moon, the lake draws a multitude of devotees seeking spiritual purification.

Trekking Highlights: On this trek, you’ll scale the Lauribina pass at 4,610m, delve into the lush Helambu Sherpa & Tamang settlements, and encounter the amiable locals with strong familial and cultural bonds.

Adaptable Trekking Schedule: Nepal Trekking Guide offers adaptable trek durations to suit those with limited time or budget. The Gosainkunda Lake Trek can be condensed to 4 days for swift trekkers, though we suggest a measured pace, especially for novices, to avoid altitude sickness.

Langtang’s Gosainkunda Lake Fame: The Gosaikunda Holy Lake is famed in Langtang for its role as a pilgrimage site and for exploring villages, ascending minor peaks, and visiting glaciers at a modest elevation.

You can initiate your trek from Kathmandu. The lake is a focal point for thousands of Hindu pilgrims during August’s full moon festival and holds equal sanctity for Buddhists. Gosaikunda is the largest among three key lakes, the other two being Saraswatikunda and Bhairabkunda.

Legend of Gosaikunda: The lake’s religious lore is rooted in the tale of God Siva, who struck his trident into the earth to extract water, leading to the formation of the Trisuli River. The name Trisuli (meaning three) and Suli (meaning needle), or Trisuli, originates from the trident wielded by Shiva.

Trekking Experience: The trek offers breathtaking vistas for all. If time allows, you can proceed to cross the Gosaikunda Pass (4,610m) through Helambu village, culminating at Sundarijal and then driving back to Kathmandu.

Cost of Gosaikunda Trek: For a 9-day Gosainkunda Trek, the package is priced at USD 599 for international visitors. The expense hinges on the trek’s length, and we provide flexible trekking durations for those with limited time who prefer a more budget-conscious option.


itinerary

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our team from Trekking Guide Team Adventure will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the evening, your guide will provide a short briefing about the trek, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

Day 02: Journey to Dhunche

Early in the morning, you’ll head to Maxapokhari to catch a local bus to Dhunche. The 6-7 hour drive offers enchanting views of rolling hills, meandering rivers, and terraced fields. Dhunche, the gateway to the Langtang region and the district headquarters of Rasuwa, is where you’ll spend the night.

Day 03: Hike to Cholangpati via Shin Gompa

After breakfast at the teahouse, you’ll begin your trek. Today’s route is longer and takes you through picturesque villages like Thulo Syabru and Shin Gompa. You’ll climb through vibrant woodlands of rhododendron and pine. At Shin Gompa, you can visit monasteries and a local cheese factory, where you can sample authentic local cheese while enjoying the stunning surroundings. The ascent from Shin Gompa to Cholangpati might be a bit challenging for those new to trekking, but the forested path and occasional views of the Himalayas make it a delightful journey.

Day 04: Hike to Gosainkunda via Lauribinayak

The trail from Cholangpati to Lauribinayak and then to Gosainkunda is steep but rewarding. Lauribinayak, a quaint village, offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. As you continue, you’ll ascend and descend to Gosainkunda. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang ranges. Upon reaching the sacred Gosainkunda lake, you’ll be mesmerized by its beauty. Nearby lakes like Bhairav Kunda and Saraswati Kunda add to the allure. It is believed that the holy water of the lake purifies the body of sins, making it a significant pilgrimage site, especially during Janai Purnima. Feel free to explore the area and learn fascinating facts about the lakes from our guides.

Day 05: Journeyto Gosinkunda Pass and Trek Down to Ghopte

At an altitude of 4610m, Lauribina pass, also known as Gosainkunda pass, is the highest point of the trek and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. The descent from Lauribina pass to Ghopte takes you through the human settlement of Phedi.

Day 06: Hike to Kutumsang via Thadepati

Today, you’ll cross Thadepati pass. The trek from Thadepati to Kutumsang takes you through pine and rhododendron forests.

Day 07: Hike to Chisapani

Enjoy the downhill trek to Chisapani, passing through village settlements like Jogini Danda, Gul Bhanjyang, Chipling, and Pati Bhanjyang.

Day 08: Journey to Sundarijal & Drive to Kathmandu

Enjoy the downhill trek to Sundarijal, passing through rural settlements and the rich landscape of Shivapuri National Park. Trekkers can enjoy a peaceful walk through the forest until they arrive at Sundarijal. From there, you’ll take a local bus back to Kathmandu for the night.

Day 09: Departure Day

The trip concludes today. You’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight. Have a safe journey home.


inclusions

Cost Includes

  • Private airport transfer for both arrival and departure.
  • Two-night stay at a 2-star hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast, on a twin-sharing basis (on the day of arrival and after the trek).
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trek as per the planned itinerary.
  • Services of an experienced trekking guide and a porter for every two participants; solo travelers can hire a porter for an additional $150 USD.
  • Shared bus transportation from Kathmandu to Dhunche and private car from Sundarijal to Kathmandu. For private transport (Scorpio) from Kathmandu to Dhunche, an extra $150 USD is required.
  • All required documentation and entry permits for Langtang National Park.
  • Registration with the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS).
  • Insurance coverage for the guide and porters.
  • Accommodation during the trek in lodges/tea houses operated by local Nepalese families, with external toilet facilities.
  • Our agency’s service fee.
  • Permit for Shivapuri National Park.
  • Applicable government taxes.

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee for Nepal entry at $30 USD per person.
  • Personal trekking gear, such as a sleeping bag rated to -15 Celsius, down jacket, trekking boots, personal towel, flashlight, gloves, trekking poles, warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, socks, and basic medical supplies for common ailments (sleeping bags can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu).
  • Personal travel insurance that should cover medical, accidental, natural disaster, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation, as well as loss, theft, or damage to baggage and gear.
  • Additional accommodation nights in Kathmandu if arriving early or departing late, outside of the itinerary.
  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu.
  • Beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, including tea, coffee, soup, mineral water, beer, and hot water.
  • Emergency rescue and evacuation services, which should be covered by your insurance.
  • Desserts like chocolate and sweets.
  • Facilities for hot showers and laundry services during the trek.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and shopping.
  • Tips for the guide and porter, which are at your discretion.
  • Any items not specified in the included services.
  • Wi-Fi, internet access, phone calls, and battery charging services.