Gosaikunda Trek
Gosaikunda Trek
Gosaikunda Lake holds great spiritual importance and serves as an important pilgrimage spot for visitors from Nepal and India alike who come seeking worship. This sacred spot is famous for hosting both Gangadashahara and Janaipurnima festivals which draw thousands of devotees each year from across both borders.
Legend attributes the origins of Gosaikunda Shiva to “Samudra Manthana”, wherein Lord Shiva consumed poison and then used his trident to pierce through the ground to release water; later he would suction out any burning sensation that arises in his throat before sucking it back up through Gosaikunda Shiva and Gauri’s throat – this gave rise to Gosaikunda Shiva and Gauri. Today this lake forms part of an extensive complex that comprises 108 sacred lakes as well as being accessible for trekkers throughout treks.
Langtang National Park and the Gosaikunda Trek offer incredible sights of tranquil, clear lakes. Each day on this adventure presents its own distinct experiences – no two are identical as each route differs significantly from another day’s trek. From dense oak and rhododendron woodlands through Tibetan villages with longstanding traditions before ascending into alpine zones where breathtaking peaks such as Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung become impressively visible peaks are mesmerizing sights to behold.
Contrasting with other Nepal treks that emphasize teahouse accommodation, the Langtang trek stands out due to its immersive cultural immersion experience. Situated near the Tibetan/Chinese border in villages that showcase both Tibetan customs and Tamang tradition, this trek provides an intriguing look into their way of life as it stands against a backdrop of dramatic Tibetan mountains.
The five-day Gosaikunda Trek is a sought-after adventure for those who love adventure and exploration of the spiritual. It is located at 4,300 feet, Gosaikunda presents a challenging and rewarding trip. To get to this sacred spot hikers must traverse an altitude pass before embarking for a hike that lasts several days, and the same stunning path waiting to be explored on the return.
In your five-day Gosaikunda Trek, you will be able to trek through the mountainous landscape of Nepal and explore interesting places and discover more about the nation. On the way from Gosaikunda the trek will take you through various rhododendron woodlands as well as streams, rivers as well as villages.
On this trek it is possible to have an opportunity to see breathtaking views from Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Annapurna, and various other mountain ranges. The hike up to Luaribina Pass can be a difficult portion that is a bit challenging trek.During the five-day Gosaikunda Trek, your expedition starts at Kathmandu prior to moving on to Dhunche, where you will begin your journey. The first night in Dhunche the next day, you’ll begin your trek the next day.
Following a trek lasting two days to reach Gosaikunda the sacred lake of utmost reverence by Hindus as well as Buddhists. Each year, in this Full Moon of August, thousands of pilgrims flock to Gosaikunda to wash, which makes it an important location to visit during this Langtang Helicopter Tour.
After a wonderful evening in Gosaikunda After a wonderful evening, you’ll take the way home to Dhunche next day. You will stay the night in Dhunche prior to returning to Kathmandu on the next day.
The teahouses on the way provide basic but satisfactory facilities, such as decent meals and a comfortable accommodation. For those looking for more expensive facilities may find the accommodations along one way to Gosaikunda to be a bit unsatisfactory. For those seeking an easy but beautiful trekking adventure in Nepal’s rugged terrain, the five-day Gosaikunda trekking is an ideal and attractive option.
Best Time for Gosaikunda Trek
Between March and May, spring is the most vibrant array of colours in the landscape, as rhododendrons flower and a variety of plants are seen. The mild weather, with temperatures ranging between 6 and 30 degrees Celsius, is ideal for those who love going on hikes and might even get the mysterious red panda. The emergence of spring is a wonderful time to enjoy nature.
Between June and August, the beginning of the monsoon season, the summer months result in vibrant foliage, many waterfalls, and lakes bursting at their maximum capacity. Even though the dry days offer pleasant temperatures that range from 22-30degC and between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius minimum, the heavy rain of between 400 and 500mm per month could make hiking trails difficult. Trails.
(September-November): It is the best time to trek due to the warm conditions (20-28degC maximum, 6-10 degC minimum) and a sunny day. The trekking routes are dry with stunning views of snow-covered mountains as well as blossoming wildflowers.
Between mid-December and February, the region of high altitude changes into something magical as snowfall begins to fall. In this time, the daytime temperature can rise to 18-22 degrees Celsius, and atand nighttime temperatures can fall to 6 degrees Celsius, making warm clothes essential. Visitors can benefit from tranquil frozen lakes, walking trails, and stunning views of mountains covered with snow.
Highlights of Gosaikunda Trek
- This rock formation stands out and serves as a recognizable landmark to guide you to the trek’s starting point. Upon approaching it, you’ll realize that this charming rock face is, in fact, a massive boulder with an imposing overhang.
- Upon reaching the summit of Kunagalu hill, a breathtaking vista unfolds, revealing the town’s expansive countryside. The scene encompasses a multitude of hills, coconut plantations, farmlands, and the meandering Arkavathi River passing through various villages. The juxtaposition of these elements creates a sense of being in a lush tropical oasis.
- While the trek is short, there are a few parts where you must pass through caves, jump on rocks and large stones, and navigate carefully through open areas. These parts are exciting but safe. Be cautious when encountering them, particularly if older individuals and children accompany you.
Detailed Trek Itinerary about Gosaikunda Trek
Day 1: Kathmandu to Dhunche
- Elevation: 1,400-2,000 meters (4,593-6,560 feet)
- Duration and Distance: 116 km; 8-10 hours in a car
- Route:
- The majority of roads are highways and roads. There are 2km of rough terrain.
- Check out the many cafes in town that serve breakfast, tea and flowing water.
- Highlights:
- Take a flight to Kathmandu (Nepal’s bustling capital city and the entry point towards the Himalayan Mountains).
- Go to important places like Pashupatinath Temple and Thamil Chowk If time allows.
- Travel by Galchi (approximately two hours drive from Kathmandu) and observe what is known as the Trishuli River, an important water source.
- Alternatively, you can stop by Langtang Wildlife Park to gather details about the wildlife (notably, Red Panda sightings).
- Arrival:
- Reach Dhunche following a 10-hour drive.
- Take in the breathtaking perspectives of Mt. Ganesh Himal and the China Himalayas, as well as glimpses of Tibet Road.
- Dhunche has a range of accommodations and shops to make any last-minute purchase.
Day 2: Dhunche to Sing Gompa
- Elevation: 2,000-3,300 meters (6,560-10,827 feet)
- Distance and Time: 8.3 km; 5-6 hours
- The Trail’s Difficulty is moderate, following an easy mountain trail with a few steep slopes
- Wasser: Teahouses along the trail supply pure drinking water
- Highlights:
- Take a walk from the Dhunche hotel through a gorgeous Nature reserve dotted with pine trees, rhododendrons, oaks, and bamboo.
- April is a great time to enjoy the blooming Rhododendrons and excellent birding spots (e.g., Himalayan Bulbuls).
- Deurali is the place where you can find the halfway mark with breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Tibet (China) and Mt. Ganesh Himal.
- Explore Tibetan tradition through the prayer flags of monasteries, prayers, and organic local teahouse food.
- Destination:
- Take a trip to Sing Gompa, a picturesque village renowned for its peace and the traditional process of making cheese.
Day 3: Sing Gompa to Lauribina
- Elevation: 3,300-3,900 meters (10,827-12,799 feet)
- Distance and Time: 5.7 km; 7 to 7.5 hours
- Terrain Usually flat, with moderately inclined
- Wasser: Refill water supplies at teahouses at lunchtime during
- Highlights:
- Explore dense pine forests adorned with orchids epiphytes, moss, ferns and colorful wildflowers.
- When the trail climbs, you can witness the change from forest to meadows of grass with breathtaking mountain views.
- When you reach Cholangpati, Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of mountains like Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, Annapurna, Mt. Annapurna II, Mt. Bhuda Himal, Himchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Manaslu, and Mt. Langtang Lirung.
- Lauribina, which is a collection of teahouses situated on a plateau, has 360deg views that are perfect for relaxing meal and memorable sunsets.
- Note:
- It is possible to travel straight through Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda without spending the night in Lauribina but, staying overnight assists in getting acclimated.
Day 4: Lauribina to Gosaikunda and Return to Lauribina
- Elevation: 3,900-4,380 meters (12,795-14,370 feet)
- Duration and Distance: 8 km; roughly eight hours (moderate)
- Trail Details:
- There are no teahouses in this area Carry enough supply of water and food.
- Start early in order to catch an amazing sunrise with towering mountain peaks.
- The climb is a steep and cloud-enshrouded hill for two hours. Then, you’ll have to traverse the rocky terrain before arriving at Gosaikunda Lake. Gosaikunda Lake area.
- Highlights:
- The Gosaikunda lake is a beautiful tourmaline lake with clear waters and spiritual significance, as it is the home of the gods Lord Shiva and Gauri.
- Find the hidden Ganesha statue and a teahouse at a high altitude near a trade route that was once in use between Nepal and Tibet.
- Alternatively, If you’d like to extend your stay, take a look at climbing Surya Peak for spectacular views of the nearby five lakes prior to returning to Lauribina.
Day 5: Lauribina to Thulo Syabru
- elevation: Descend from approximately 3,900 meters up to 2,120 meters
- Distance and Duration: 8.5 km on the road and 4-5 hours
- The Trail’s Difficulty is Medium, provided you go down a simple downhill
- Wasser: Teahouses along the route will provide water filtered during lunch breaks.
- Highlights:
- Take note of local wildlife such as Himalayan Bulbuls, Blue and White Whistling Thrush, Marsh deer and Barking deer.
- Go through fields of agriculture that are cultivated by locals who cultivate wheat, potatoes, and sorghum.
- You will arrive at Thulo Syabru, a charming mountain town with stunning panoramas from Langtang as well as Ganesh Himal peaks.
- Be aware that local market prices could be higher (e.g., for example, an INR 75-100 shampoo container might be priced at INR 120).
Day 6: Thulo Syabru to Roadhead to Kathmandu
- The elevation of the mountain: Descend from approximately 6,955 feet (2,120 meters) and 4 659 feet (1,420 m)
- Travel Details:
- The trek: 3.5 km from Thulo Syabru to the road-head (approximately two hours)
- Driving: 126 km from the point of departure to Kathmandu (8-10 hour drive)
- Highlights:
- Explore the Langtang River on your way towards the roadhead.
- Be sure to arrive at the end of the road by car or taxi to Kathmandu.
- Take in the stunning descent and change the scenery as you return to the capital city’s bustling streets.
How to Reach For Gosaikunda Trek
- Getting to Dhunche (Trek Starting Point):Time: between 8 and 10 hours away from Kathmandu.
- Private Jeeps: Hire from local operators or trekking businesses for between $150 and $200.
- Public Transportation: Buses from Kathmandu New Bus Park are accessible (approximately $200 per seat), although seating cannot be guaranteed.
Importan Guidelines About Gosaikunda Trek
- Diverse habitats: The trail runs through dense Rhododendron forests and evergreens in tropical areas, such as Oak and Pine trees. Look out for vibrant blossoms from Rhododendrons, tree trunks, and forest floors decorated with orchids.
- Wildlife Encounters:- Langtang Sanctuary: Red Pandas in danger are a remarkable, rare moment.
- Other Fauna: Be on the lookout for hares with bright colours, such as deer, stags, a wide variety of birds, and even rabbits, on the way.
- Water & Refreshments: Water that is clean and free of charge can be found at teahouses in the area, which are ideal for filling the supplies (in combination with bottled water). Teahouses can serve various dishes; you can try the local food item Dal-Baath, which is a combination of rice with water with mild spices, potatoes curry, stir-fried vegetables and pickles.
- Organized Tours These tours, which include lodging, food, a tour guide, and an experienced porter, are generally priced between $350 and $800.
- Teahouse Fees (if travelling on your own):
- Rooms: NRs 400-2,500
- Mineral Water: NRs 40-200
- Hot Water/Shower: NRs 100-400
- Food: Food costs NRs 200-550, and tea/coffee costs between 50 and 250 NRs.
- Additional Features: Additional services (blankets, showers, towels, etc.) can cost around $10-30 daily.
- Currency: Always bring Nepalese rupees as the main payment option. Certain teahouses will take US dollars. However, this generally is not a choice.
- Tips: Bring essentials from Kathmandu to keep the costs low.
Difficult Sections
- The hike is not too difficult in general, but it becomes significantly more difficult close to Cholangpati due to the lack of vegetation and a higher altitude.
- The highest point is near Gosaikunda Lake. On Monday mornings, be prepared for an exhausting climb of two hours through the hazy air, which tests your legs and lung endurance.
- The summit’s top for the last breath of fresh air is an arduous but satisfying point during the hike.
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
