Gosaikunda Trek is famous for its scenic and breathtaking beauty. Gosaikunda is a popular trekking destination for both domestic as well as international trekkers. It is one of the best short treks in Nepal and is ideal for those who are short on time looking for Himalayan experience.
There are various routes to reach Gosaikunda. One starts from Dhunche village, Rasuwa and the other from Sundarijal in the Kathmandu valley.
One of the reasons behind the importance of Gosaikunda Trek among locals is the holy and pilgrimage lake of Gosaikunda. However, the trek is equally popular among foreign trekking enthusiasts. As it provides an opportunity to explore the unspoiled and underdeveloped Langtang Region of Nepal.
The Gosaikunda trek is not too far from the capital city Kathmandu. Thus, its proximity with the capital city is also another reason why this place has been a popular trekking destination for many international and internal Nepalese trekkers.
On this trail, other than the Holy Lake of Gosaikunda, you can witness spectacular snow-capped mountains most of which are part of the Langtang Mountain range.
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Where is Gosaikunda?
Gosaikunda is an alpine freshwater lake in Nepal’s Langtang National Park located at an altitude of 4380m in the Rasuwa District.
The lake melts and sips down the Trishuli River and remains frozen for six months in winter (October to June).
The Gosaikunda area is also a religious site. The holy water holds particular significance during the Janai Purnima. During this time thousands of Pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area.
There is a belief that the creation of Gosaikunda comes from Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul (holy trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison.
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Main Highlights of Gosaikunda Trek
- Witness the exotic wildlife, flora, and fauna of Langtang National Park.
- Enjoy the lush green Pine and Rhododendron forest.
- Gosaikunda Lake – One of the holiest lakes for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Magnificent views of the mountains like Ganesh Himal, Annapurna,Hiuchuli etc.
- Get to know the culture and lifestyle of the Tamangs of Rasuwa district.
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Gosaikunda-Dhunche Route
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche
Elevation– 2090 meteres
Travel hours– 6 to 7 hours
The day starts early in the morning. After you have your breakfast you will move to a bus station to start your journey towards Dhunche.
The bus journey will take you through beautiful villages and you will see snow-capped mountains along the Langtang Himal. This will give you the feels of a pleasant trekking experience ahead.
After 6 to 7 hours drive you will reach Dhunche. Dhunche is the starting point of your actual trek to Gosaikunda.
Dhunche is the headquarter of the Rasuwa district. Make sure you have the necessary documents since there are many checkpoints along the way. You need to show your permits.
You will spend the night in Dhunche.
Day 2: Trek to Chandanwari
Elevation– 3580 meters
Travel hours– 4 to 5 hours
After breakfast, you will leave Dhunche and trek to Deurali. There are good choices of restaurants and cafes so you can take a little rest in one of them.
Later, you will start your trek to Chandanwari. In Chandanwari, there is a famous monastery called Singompa.
You can visit and offer respect at the monastery. This place also provides a glimpse into the local culture of Rasuwa district.
The area is also famous for its cheese factory. You can visit the factory if you reach early in Chandanwari.
One thing you don’t have to worry about is spending the night at Chandanwari because there are a lot of good tea houses and lodges here.
Day 3: Trek to Gosaikunda.
Elevation– 4380 meters (Gosaikunda)
Travel hours– 5 to 7 hours
After an amazing night in Chandanwari, your trek starts with an ascend till you reach Cholangiopathy. Further, you will trek onwards to Lauribine.
This is the most difficult part of the trek. But keeping the beautiful destination in mind, you will continue your trek till you reach Gosaikunda.
Here, once you reach, you can explore the area and try to see all the 108 lakes. You can also either choose to relax and embrace the beauty and magnificence of the Gosaikunda lake.
If you want, you can take a dip in the Gosaikunda lake because people believe it is a holy lake and dipping in the water washes off their sins.
The mighty mountains surround the lake from all sides. From here you can also witness the best sunrises and sunsets.
Some of the famous lakes around Gosaikunda lake are Bhairav Kunda, Nagkunda, and Suryakunda etc.
Overnight at Gosaikunda.
Day 4: Trek back to Dhunche
Today after breakfast you will trek back from the way you came. You will stop for lunch at Singompa. Here you can enjoy the view of the Pine and the Rhododendron forests.
You will also see the view of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Manaslu range, Hiunchuli, and Tibetan peak.
From Singompa, the trail directly drops you downhill to Dhunche via small village of Ramche and other villages along the route.
For some, the descent is more difficult. Thus, having a trekking pole can be of great help to keep up with the balance.
Overnight at Dunche.
Day 5: Return to Kathmandu.
After a night at Dhunche, you will drive to Kathmandu by bus or jeep.
Once in Kathmandu, the remaining day is at your disposal. You can choose to relax or explore the beautiful city.
Gosaikunda- Sundarijal route
Day 1: Sundarijal to Chisapani
Elevation– 2167 meters
Travel hours – 5 hours
Get up early in the morning and catch the local bus to Sundarijal from the buspark at RatnaPark. Sundarijal is a scenic recreation and picnic spot for locals in Kathmandu.
After you reach Sundarijal you will walk 2hrs to the Mulkharka village. Here you will have lunch or snacks and then climb through the forest to Chisapani.
Chisapani village sits along the mountain ridge offering a view of lush valleys with the Himalayan backdrop.
Overnight at Chisapani in a local lodge.
Day 2: Chisapani to Tuksang
Elevation– 3180 meters
Travel hours – 6 hours
The 6 hours trek starts early in the morning from Chisapani to Tuksang. Along the trail, you will see the green forests and village life of Tamang communities.
You get to witness pre-Buddhist shamanistic and animistic practices and the cultural activities of the Tamang Buddhists.
Here you can see different types of traditional house. Similarly, you will also enjoy the nature at its best with the chirping of birds and spectacular mountain views.
Overnight at a local lodge in Tuksang
Day 3: Tuksang to Ghopte
Elevation– 3340 meters
Travel hours– 6 to 7 hours
After breakfast in the morning, you will start your trek from Tukang to Ghopte. The walking becomes more interesting in the sparsely populated, deep forest.
You will get to see different types of birds and plants like the Rhododendron along with many flora and faunas.
You will start gaining the altitude slowly but the temperature and scenery are inspiring.
Overnight at Ghopte
Day 4: Trek from Ghopte to Gosaikunda
Elevation– 4380 meters
Travel hours– 6 to 7 hours
Like every day, the trek starts early in the morning and the duration is approximately 6 to 7 hours to reach the destination of Gosaikunda.
The trail climbs steeply through the rocky terrain and crosses the Laurebina Pass (4610m) coming down to Gosaikunda valley.
Upon reaching Gosaikunda you can take a deep breathe and enjoy the nature. You will witness the mountain views reflecting on the lake providing a perfect visual treat.
You can also fulfill your religious wish of dipping inside the holy lake. The water is going to be freezing so, prepare yourself for that before you take a dip.
If you are not physically strong, do not attempt it because you might end up falling sick which can be problematic.
Overnight at a local lodge in Gosaikunda.
Day 5: Rest day
Altitude sickness is a concern in all the places with higher altitude. As such a day off is necessary to acclimatize and also to rest.
So, today you have the whole day to rest from the fatigue of trekking and also to enjoy the scenery and explore Gosaikunda.
Day 6: Trek back to Dhunche
Elevation– 1764 meters
Travel hours – 6 hours
Get up early in the morning and after breakfast, you will trek back towards Dhunche.
It is going to be approximately 6 hours of trek till you reach Dhunche which is the district headquarter of Rasuwa.
You might be very sore from walking for many hours. So, rest well in the hotel and spend the night celebrating the success of the trek.
Day 7: Return to Kathmandu
Today after breakfast you will walk down to Dhunche to catch a public bus to return to Kathmandu. The ride is about 6 to 7 hours long. This will be your last day with us.
Tips for using Gosaikunda trekking route
- If you are not short on time, you can add nearby trekking destinations within the area to your itinerary. Like Surya Peak (5,100 m), Langtang Valley trek ,and Ama Yangri Peak (3,771 m).
- Learn about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Although the trek is short, this can be a problem.
- Have extra days if you want to trek to nearby trekking villages of Chisapani, Syabrubesi.
- Respect the faith of the local people towards the Gosaikunda holy lake.
- Make sure to study the Gosaikunda weather before you trek and pack accordingly to make your trek smooth and comfortable.
Conclusion
Gosaikunda is a short and easy trek in the Langtang region of Nepal. The trek gives the trekkers and adventure admirers an opportunity to explore the land that is far behind the time.
Glacial lakes, snow peaks, rhododendron forests, enchanting waterfalls and above all the legends of Gosaikunda itself, make the trek an outstanding experience.
You will also get to experience the Nepali culture through the trek. And, this nearest trekking route from Kathmandu is accessible either through Dhunche or Chisapani.
For further question and queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide your trek and make it a pleasant experience.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
