Gosaikunda Trek

Gosaikunda Trek route is one of the nearest trekking routes from the capital. The Gosaikunda trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The region is home to several sacred lakes, including the Gosaikunda lake, which is revered by Hindus as the site where Lord Shiva stabbed his trident into the ground to release the waters that quenched the thirst of the goddess Parvati. The trek takes place in the Langtang National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and snow leopards. The park also contains a number of glaciers, which offer stunning views for trekkers. The Gosaikunda trek can be completed in a week, and the best time to go is between April and November.

The Gosainkunda trek is a moderate to challenging hike that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal. The trailhead is located just north of Kathmandu, and the route takes you through lush forests, past glaciers, and lakes, and up to the summit of Gosainkunda (4380m). The trek can be done in 4-5 days, and there are plenty of teahouses along the way where you can rest and refuel. The views from the top of Gosainkunda are simply breathtaking, and the sense of achievement you'll feel after reaching the summit is unbeatable. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a first-time trekker, the Gosainkunda trek is an unforgettable experience.

The Gosaikunda trek route covers a distance of about 60 kilometers and takes an average of five to seven days to complete. The trail starts from Sundarijal, a small town located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, and winds its way through dense forests and across suspension bridges. After a few hours of hiking, the trail opens up into a wide valley with terraced rice fields and traditional Nepali villages. 

Eventually, the trail reaches Gosaikunda Lake, a sacred body of water that is believed to be the source of all life. From there, hikers can either continue on to Rolwaling Valley or head back down to Sundarijal. Regardless of which route you choose, the Gosaikunda trek offers an unforgettable experience of Nepal's natural beauty.

The Gosaikunda trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The trail takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including forests, meadows, and lakes. The trail can be challenging at times, but the rewards are definitely worth it. At the end of the trek, you will have the opportunity to see the sunrise from atop a mountain. The Gosaikunda trek is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

Related Article: Panch Pokhari Trek

From the religious point of view, people set their journey toward Gosaikunda lake. But people also travel there for the refreshment and enjoyment of nature. Gosaikunda trek is the nearest trekking trail to Kathmandu Valley. This starts from the Kathmandu valley which takes about 7 hours to reach by drive. The marvellous sunrise view from Kyanjin Ri to the holy Gosaikunda lake will take you to the next level of refreshment. 

Without any further delay let us dive into our thirteen days itinerary to make your travel much more fun and enjoyable. 

Gosaikunda Short Trek 

Day One: Kathmandu Arrival and Sightseeing.

So after your flight gets landed at the airport. Our office representative will come to welcome you at the airport and will take you to your hotel where you will be fresh for a while. In the meantime, our office representative will guide you through your itinerary. 

After taking a rest for a while our office representative will take you on a short tour of the capital Kathmandu. Filled with cultural heritages and values you will be taken to the major sites of the valley. You might also have the option to enjoy the nightlife of Kathmandu valley as well for the proper preparation for your trek. 

Day Two: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche.

Your trip will begin on the very next day. You will be driven from Kathmandu to Dhunche which is about a 6 hours drive. During this drive, you will observe all the pleasant and scenic views of mountains and rolling hills. After reaching there you will stay overnight there. 

Day Three: Trek to Chandan Bari 

The next day early in the morning you will have your breakfast and then you will start your trek to Chandan Bari. This day will be of scaling a steep path passing through Dursagang (2660 m) and taking to Foprang Danda (3200m). This trail will take you through the satisfying views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Tibetan Mountain.

You will stay overnight and you will also visit the cheese factory which is the major attraction of this area.  

Day Four: Trek to Gosaikunda 

So your main trekking aim starts today which is about 5 to 7 hours of walking. Now you must progress in your journey and scale at an elevation of 4360 m taking you to Gosaikunda lake. During this trek, you will be observing Cholang Pati, Lauribinayak ultimately reaching Gosaikunda lake. 

Enjoy the pleasant 360-degree scenic view from Lauribinayak pass. Before reaching Gosaikunda lake you will pass through two holy lakes Saraswati Kunda, and Bhairaba Kunda. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva created Gosaikunda when he pierced a glacier with his trident having the aim of quenching his thirst after having swallowed the poison. You will stay overnight in Gosaikunda in the teahouse. 

Day Five: Trek to Dhunche 

After touring and appreciating the beautiful vistas in each sector surrounding the lake, you'll be ready to descend. Prepare to trek down the same way. The path will lead you to the district headquarters of Dhunche. You will sleep there overnight.

Day Six: Drive to Kathmandu

So you will be returning to the valley and enjoying the views. You will enjoy your time around the valley shopping and having the taste of local food. 

Day Seven: Departure 

So finally it's time to return. Our office representative will be there to pick you up and drop you at the airport 3 hours before your flight.  

Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Trek

So Langtang valley with Gosaijunda trek will be for longer and more exploration. This trek is about 13 days taking you to some other attractions of that place. Spotting all the remarkable views of the Langtang mountain range will be your reward. 

Day One: Kathmandu Arrival with sightseeing.

After your flight has touched down at the airport, a representative from our firm will welcome you and transport you to your hotel, where you will be revitalized for a time. Meanwhile, during this period, our office representative will escort you through your program.

After taking a rest, our office representative will take you on a quick tour of the city of Kathmandu. You will be taken to some of the valley's most significant locations, which are filled with cultural legacies and values. For the ideal trek preparation, you may also have the opportunity to explore the nightlife of Kathmandu Valley.

Day Two: Drive to Syabrubesi

The following morning, your journey will officially begin. After that, we'll drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, which is about 6 hours. Syabrubesi is the start of our journey.

Throughout the journey, you will see all of the beautiful and panoramic vistas of mountains and rolling hills. This will be followed by a breath of fresh air from nature as it passes through rural lowland communities. You'll spend the night at Syabrubesi after coming.

Day Three: Trek to Lama Hotel

After having your breakfast you will start your journey toward Lama Hotel. You will get to cross the suspension bridge crossing the stream. This trek continues to the pathway of rhododendron, bamboo, and alpine forest. This is a short trek with a combination of panoramic views of nature. You will stay overnight at Lama Hotel. 

Day Four: Trek to Langtang Village 

In the early morning after finishing our breakfast, we start to climb down the trails taking us to Ghoda Tabela. The pleasant view of Langtang Ri and Langtang Village along with the prayer flags and Mani walls welcome us. You will love the holy and peaceful atmosphere of the place where you will stay overnight. 

Day Five: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa 

After the peaceful village, we mark our journey towards ascending pasture land. Today you will be passing by Mani walls, and chortens, along wooden bridges where you will feel the high-altitude atmosphere. You will stay overnight in a lodge.

Day Six: Hike to Kyanjin Ri

This is the day of exploration. You will get a chance to rest as well as explore all of the marvellous scenery. This hike is scheduled in the morning so you will be able to enjoy Langtang Range along with Kyanjin Gompa. This place is also a Buddhist settlement area so you will get to explore the local culture and tradition.

Day Seven: Trek to Lama Hotel 

After your hiking journey, you will descend  2480 meters back to Lama Hotel. This route is mostly subsiding an easy and enjoyable walk. After a 6 hours walk, you will reach Lama Hotel and stay there overnight. 

Day Eight: Trek to Thulo Syabru 

The next day your journey will take you down to the trail leading to Thulo Syabru. While ascending Thulo Syabru you will perceive the pleasing view of Langtang Lirung and the Tibetan Himalayan Range. You will stay at the local tea house overnight. 

Day Nine: Trek to Sing Gompa 

The next day, early in the morning, you will have your breakfast before beginning your journey to Chandan Bari. The ascension of a steep path through Dursagang (2660 m) and Foprang Danda (3200m) on this day will require some effort. This trek will take you past lovely Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Tibetan Mountain.

Now get ready to make your journey a bit more enjoyable and difficult as today

There is further addition of oak and hemlock forest along with rhododendron and pasture lands making it more exciting and fun. You'll spend the night, and you'll also go to the cheese factory, which is the main draw of this region.

Day Ten: Trek to Gosaikunda Lake

You must now advance your trip and scale four kilometres at a height of 4360 meters, leading to Gosainkunda Lake. Cholang Pati, Lauribinayak, and finally Gosaikunda Lake will be seen during this journey.

From the top of Lauribinayak's pass, take in the beautiful 360-degree panoramic vista. Before arriving at Gosaikunda lake, you will go by two sacred lakes: Saraswati Kunda and Bhairaba Kunda.

Lord Shiva is said to have pierced a glacier with his trident in order to quench his thirst after drinking the poison. You will spend the night at Gosaikunda's teahouse.

Day Eleven: Trek to Dhunche 

After touring and appreciating the beautiful vistas in each sector surrounding the lake, you'll be ready to descend. Prepare to trek down the same way. The path will lead you to the district headquarters of Dhunche. You will sleep there overnight.

Day Twelve: Drive to Kathmandu

So you will be returning to the valley and enjoying the views. You will enjoy your time around the valley shopping and having the taste of local food. 

Day Thirteen: Departure 

Finally, it's time to go home. Our office staff will come to the airport three hours before your flight to pick you up and drop you off.

If you want to make your itinerary that meets your holiday timetable or if you'd like to change it, please do not hesitate to contact us. We want our valued guests to have a pleasant journey.

Related Trip: Helambu Circuit Trek

Trekking can be done for the pleasure of walking and observing the scenic and natural beauty along the trail. The exploration of scenic views of Mani walls and Buddhist culture can make your trekking the next level of excitement. The elevation ranges from 60 to 8848 meters within a distance of 150 kilometres and consists of subtropical to arctic vegetation. 

The geographical, mythological, and historical factors attract various trekkers from all around the world to the Gosaikunda Trek route. Gosaikunda trek is a moderate difficulty which is nearest to the valley and transportation is accessible easily. But the difficulty level can be altered due to other external factors. This trek is about 4360 meters of elevation. 

Trekking across the Gosaikunda Lake may be difficult for trekkers, who may not experience difficulties until they reach Cholangapti, where there is little vegetation and poor oxygen. The hardest part of the Gosaikunda Lake trek is undoubtedly the Gosaikunda lake itself. This trek demands you to climb a steep mountain that hugs the mountain's edge. This is where your journey will be most difficult and demanding.

You have to walk for around 5-6 hours daily during the trip which can be pretty exhausting for beginners. So be prepared for the trek and enjoy all the beautiful scenery and folklore.  

People may believe that Gosaikunda Trek is comparable to other treks in Nepal, which would be expensive. You may be surprised since it is one of the least expensive trekking routes on your bucket list of adventures. The Gosaikunda trek is one of the nearest trekking trips that are also quite inexpensive. 

The cost can vary from 450 to 550 USD including all the factors like transportation, accommodation, guide, and meals. Hiring a guide and porter is necessary though. The cost can be minimized if you go in a group. 

Permits 

There are many army points that can check your permits. If you do not have the permit you might have to pay double what the permit costs and also be punished according to law. So a permit is a must whenever you plan a trek. 

There might be 3 permits to get for your trip. One will be required for travelling to Langtang National Park, the next one will be for the trekker's information management system and the last one will be for going to the restricted places. 

There are three kinds of trekkers' information management systems: blue, pink, and green. A green permit is for a single person trekking without a guide or porter. A blue permit is for an organized trekking group which will cost 10 dollars for each individual. This permit can be obtained only by a government-registered trekking company. A pink permit is only for SAARC country trekkers costing about 6 dollars per individual. 

Gosaikunda has a mixture of alpine and temperate vegetation and can be one of the holiest and most geographical attractions for many tourists. Gosaikunda lake is an oligotrophic lake with alpine freshwater of 600 meters which consists of several ponds like Bhairav Kunda, Saraswati Kunda, Parvati Kunda, Dudh Kunda, and Aama Kunda stands among others. It is considered to have 108 ponds close to the Ramasar site. 

Gosaikunda residing in the region of Langtang National Park is one of the major attractions. It consists of various mountain ranges in Langtang Lirung (7245 m) in the north and other peaks like Chimse Danda, Ganja La pass, and Jugal Himal to the south. 

Some of the beautiful and endangered animals like the red panda, and the shy mammal species Habre, a leopard can be found in this national park. The scenic view of the mountains and charismatic animals might be really attractive.

This trekking trail passes through a series of Tamang settlements. Exploring Tamang culture and religious values can be done by talking with friendly local people. There are local monasteries and one of them is Sing Gompa. Locals call it Chandanbari which is a historical monastery. You might want to stop and light the butter lamp and listen to the praying monks to feel the peace in your soul. You can visit the local cheese factory in the same area. 

This holy site is visited by pilgrims during the festival of Janai Purnima and Gangadashara. This holy lake has enormous importance for Hindu and Buddhist people. According to Hindu mythology, Hindu deities descend on this lake during the auspicious Janai Purnima so taking a dip in this pond will take you closer to the divine deities and wash your sins all away. 

From observing endangered animals to enjoying the folk culture and tradition this trip can be an opportunity to be away from stress and enjoy nature for a while. 

Yeah we can all say that trekking is a great experience and if it comes to Gosaikunda we might have different experiences and difficulties we have faced. Some of the problems are mentioned below which are quite relevant to other trekking routes as well.

Altitude Sickness 

The condition known as hypoxia occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the environment. In other words, altitude sickness is the condition that develops when your body does not receive enough oxygen and your body reacts differently.

Altitude sickness is not a new word among trekkers and climbers. From an elevation, about 2500 meters above sea level, oxygen level starts to decrease along with the environment level. The main problem of altitude sickness arises due to maximum height gain within a short span of time making it difficult for people to trek and not gain the proper amount of oxygen. 

Altitude sickness might not be so hazardous if dealt with in the correct way. But this can lead to an emergency situation if not treated properly. 

The symptoms might vary from getting a cold, headache, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and a slight rise in heart rate leading to ultimate death. These conditions can be faced if certain things are kept in mind;

• First and most importantly it is necessary to walk slowly if you observe symptoms. 
• Trekkers are required to carry garlic, ginger, and other medical objects 
• Drinking water and keeping the body hydrated is a must.  
• Avoid any kinds of alcohol drinking and smoking
• Eating high calories and energy provides food. 
• Make sure to acclimatize and return to lower-level while sleeping. 
• If this can cure you then it's good but if the condition gets worse then you might take proper medical help.  

So these are some of the primary tips to make sure to prevent you from altitude sickness. Do not panic and have patience. You can always take medical help if necessary. 

Leech Problems 

Since it is a holy place people specially visit it during the festival of Janai Purnima which falls during the rainy season in Nepal. Trekkers during the monsoon season might be difficult for some people, as it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful times of year in Nepal. You could encounter leeches while trekking, which can suck your blood and lead to potentially deadly consequences if you don't recognize them early on.

They attack from water sources and even from trees. So we might want to know what can be done to prevent them? Most of them use their fingers to remove the leech from your feet but you might want to know about being safe from them.

• Use raw tobacco-soaked water on your shoes, socks, pants, and clothes.  
• Apply salt rather than pulling leech for less bleeding. 
• Tuck your clothes inside the pants to keep them from getting out of your clothes. 
• Keep walking and rest only in sunny and dry places. 

Gosaikunda is one of the venerated places of Nepal for both Hindu and Buddhist people. This lake carries many facts and beliefs you might not be aware of.

The sacred lake is oligotrophic and remains almost unspoiled, with a maximum depth of 4380 meters. This body of water has been given the name 'Samundra Manthan' or ocean churning in Hindu mythology. Lord Shiva is said to have pierced a glacier with his "Trishul" when he had digested the poison, creating the lake and making it the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Janai Purnima and Gangadashara are two Nepali festivals that attract a large number of visitors, especially from the Indian community. It is thought that bathing in the Gosaikunda during Janai Purnima washes our sins away. It is thought that the river Ganga has been sitting on the ground since Gangadashara.

According to mythology, bathing in the river, Ganga, or any other sacred lake and worshipping the goddess will help to get rid of sins. This day is called Dushera because of the destruction of ten sins. Ten sins fall under three main categories: physical, mental, and verbal which are destroyed by virtual deeds performed during the same day. 

Even this lake holds equal importance for Buddhist people. According to local Tamang people, most Buddhist people visit the lake to pray for the departed souls of their loved ones for their betterment and wellbeing in the afterlife. On the precursory night of Janai Purnima, a parade of Jhankris marks their way towards the lake singing songs and chanting hymns throughout the way. 

The cave is named in honour of Amar Singh Thapa, the Nepali commander of the western front during the Anglo-Nepal War, who went to Gosaikunda and breathed his last breath on his trip. A cave in the area is dedicated to him as an expression of gratitude for his service to our nation.

This magnificent and holy place is getting famous for its domestic trekking route. People might wonder when will be the best time to trek the magnificent lap of the Himalayan range.

So the four distinct seasons Winter, Summer, Autumn, and Spring mark the weather chart of Nepal. But the best time to visit is during spring and autumn for the trek. During this season you will be able to explore the panoramic vision of mountains and folklore. 

In the month of April, you may see the alpine vegetation and local flora and fauna in abundance. A forest covered in pink and other hues, with pine and alpine aroma, can fascinate you.

The weather remains warm with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees celsius. The temperature is moderate for your walk. During the summer season, the average temperature ranges from 22 to 33-degree Celsius and since it is monsoon season there might be rainfall of 400 to 500mm per month. 

Nature comes much more distinct during the summer season; the surroundings are filled with green and natural beauty. This might be a unique trekking experience getting a pleasant view of pasture land and mountains. 

The Autumn season is also considered to be the best when it comes to trekking. In the window period between October and November, the average temperature is between 20 to 28 degrees celsius. This is a moderate temperature which will be an ideal season for a trek with stable weather conditions. 

The clear blue skies offer a marvellous view of the Langtang mountain range along with other small hills and mountains. In the winter during December you might get to enjoy the snow but the trails get slippery so you might have a hard time trekking.  

During the winter season, you will get the best vision of snow-capped mountains along with frozen lakes and snowfall. So be careful while you pack your bags and set for your journey towards Gosaikunda Lake.

Even if you are an experienced or beginner trekker you must know about fundamentals for making your trekking experience much better. Starting from the things to pack, let me take you to a short but necessary guide. So without making you wait for long let us dive into trekking gear checklist.

Backpack (Travel Bags)

Have a good trekking bag that holds all your essentials in your trekking journey. If you are planning to carry all your gears make sure to carry a large comfortable backpack. Check all the adjustable shoulder straps and waist straps. The duffel bag will be waterproof and the bag can be around 80L. But the structured daypack might be much more comfortable, which is around 30 L. This carries everything required for you during your daytime. 

Backpacking  Essentials 

Packing the essentials is the first step toward every trip. Make sure to pack light because excessive weight can hamper your trekking journey. 

Clothing should be items such as light jackets, long pants, and closed-toe shoe items. You might also consider gloves,  thermal coats, trekking pants with shorts, and innerwear. These are the most required essentials in clothing.

For footwear, you might want to invest in good trekking shoes. Check the safety and comfort level of your shoes. Shoes with high cut-off ankle support are recommended highly for hiking up for long hours. Carry good quality socks and make sure to keep your feet dry and comfortable. 

Luxury Items

These items might be of some use. But I highly recommend you pack light and efficiently. But if you can make space for these items then this will add some extra memories to your trekking trip. The following are marked as luxury items in your trekking journey.

• Bluetooth speakers 
• Binoculars 
• Books
• Diary Pen
• Swim Suit 
• Playing Cards 

Accessories 

You will also make sure to make some space for the accessories essential for your trip. From sunscreen to sunglasses you might make a list and pack. 

Toiletries 

Sunscreen, towel, lip balm, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper are a must. Hand sanitizer and face masks are kind of mandatory nowadays. 

Sanitary Waste

Make sure to carry your sanitary napkins back to the place where you can properly dispose of your waste. Carry a zip-locked bag to carry all of this wastage.

First Aid Box 

Make sure to pack your first aid box for your safety. The box must be light and packed with essentials only. 

From crocin, Digene, knee cap, and muscle relaxant anti-allergic medicine is mandatory. If you suffer from any digestion issues you might wanna carry ORS. 

Do not worry about food cause you will get plenty of options. From tasting authentic food like Dal-Bhat (which is a mixture of white rice along with watery mild spiced lentils, potato curry accompanied with pickles ). This will be a pleasant experience to remember. 

These are the materials that are needed for your trek. You might add some according to your comfort and safety. Make sure to research properly before packing the things. The other things like permit and accommodation will be taken care of by our team so feel free to contact us for making your trip much fun and easier. 

Gosaikunda Trek Fitness Requirement

Gosaikunda trek is a moderate-difficulty trek. So even if you are a beginner you can easily prepare for this trek. But first, make sure your fitness level is according to the requirements of the trek. You might wonder how you should begin your fitness routine.

Let us help you make your journey a bit easier. First, get to know your body type and start your fitness journey by increasing your cardiovascular endurance. 

Cardiovascular Endurance

Your trekking journey requires a lot of endurance and strength. You can mark your journey slowly and efficiently. First, start with brisk walking and jogging. Then increase the speed and ratio with a combination of distance and speeding treks.

The first target was 5 km in around 40 mins. Gradually increase your pace by increasing the rate of running and keeping the milestone of 5km within 27 mins. But if you are over 45 years old make sure to consult a physician before planning a trekking journey. 

If you love cycling or swimming then you might involve them as well in your fitness journey. These are one of the major cardio exercises to make your endurance level much higher.