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Gosaikunda

Trip Facts

Trip Start/Ends
Kathmandu
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Style
Tour
Meals
Bed & Breakfast
Accomodation
Lodge / Tea House
Max. Elevation
4,380m
Group Size
2-20
Activity
Sightseeing
Best Season
Spring (March- June ) and Autumn (Sep- Dec )

Overview

Gosaikunda is a sacred alpine lake nestled at an altitude of approximately 4,380 meters in Nepal's Langtang National Park, and it is one of the most spiritually significant and scenically rewarding trekking destinations in the country. Deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, Gosaikunda is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva, who struck his trident into the mountain to quench his burning throat after swallowing poison during the Samudra Manthan.

Today, thousands of pilgrims and trekkers make the journey each year, especially during the Janai Purnima festival in August, when devotees from Nepal and India bathe in its icy waters, believing it purifies sins and fulfills wishes. The trail to Gosaikunda offers not just religious significance but also a dramatic transition from lush forests and traditional Tamang villages to high-altitude landscapes filled with rhododendron, pine, and rocky ridges that open up to breathtaking views of the Langtang, Ganesh, and Manaslu Himalayan ranges. Most treks begin with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, followed by a 2–3 day ascent via Sing Gompa and Lauribinayak, where trekkers acclimatize while enjoying spectacular sunrise points and mountain panoramas.

Along the way, travelers stay in cozy teahouses, interact with local cultures, and experience both solitude and spiritual energy as they approach the tranquil Gosaikunda basin, which holds not just the main lake but also smaller sacred lakes like Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda. Despite the physical challenge of high altitude and steep climbs, the journey is moderate and accessible to most people with average fitness, making it a perfect combination of pilgrimage and Himalayan adventure. With clear skies in spring and autumn, and spiritual intensity during summer festivals, the Gosaikunda trek is an unforgettable experience that blends devotion, cultural immersion, natural beauty, and a sense of personal accomplishment, all within a 5 to 7-day trip that begins just a few hours from the capital.

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Important Trip Note

Itinerary

  • Day 01

    Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (2,030 m) – Gateway to the Langtang Region

    The journey begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, the district headquarters of Rasuwa and the starting point of the Gosaikunda trek. The route winds along the Trishuli River, passing through charming towns like Galchi, Bidur, and Betrawati. As you climb higher, the landscape shifts from low hills to alpine forests, and the air becomes noticeably cooler and fresher. The 6 to 7-hour drive (depending on road conditions) offers stunning views of terraced farms, rivers, and distant mountains. Once in Dhunche, trekkers check into a teahouse, acclimatize to the higher elevation, and rest for the next day’s trek.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel
     

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    Meals

    Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
     

  • Day 02

    Trek from Dhunche to Sing Gompa (3,250 m) – Through Forests and Villages

    After breakfast, the trek begins with a steady ascent out of Dhunche, winding through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron. The trail also passes through small settlements like Deurali and Dimsa, where you can stop for rest and lunch. This portion of the trek offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural encounters, especially in Tamang villages where you might see traditional homes, prayer flags, and hillside farmlands. The day’s destination, Sing Gompa (also called Chandan Bari), is known for its ancient monastery and local cheese factory. From here, the views of the surrounding hills and valleys are spectacular, and the night is spent at a cozy lodge with the quiet sounds of nature all around.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel
     

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    Meals

    Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
     

  • Day 03

    Trek from Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (4,380 m) – Into Sacred Alpine Heights

    This is one of the most rewarding and visually dramatic days of the trek. The trail ascends steeply through Lauribinayak, where the treeline begins to fade and the open ridges offer expansive views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even distant peaks of the Tibetan range. From Lauribinayak, you’ll begin to see the terrain change to rugged, rocky paths with patches of alpine grasses. As you near Gosaikunda, the spiritual energy of the place becomes palpable. The lakes—especially the main Gosaikunda Lake—appear like shimmering jewels surrounded by snowy peaks. Pilgrims perform rituals at the lake, and trekkers often spend the afternoon exploring nearby lakes like Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda. The night is spent in a basic lodge near the lake, and due to the altitude, it’s important to stay warm and hydrated.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel
     

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    Meals

    Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
     

  • Day 04

    Trek from Gosaikunda back to Dhunche – A Long Descent Through Forests

    After an early morning visit to the lake for photos or a quiet moment of reflection, the descent begins. You’ll retrace your steps through Lauribinayak and Sing Gompa, offering a new perspective on the landscapes you saw during the ascent. The downhill walk, though easier on the lungs, can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles come in handy. Lunch is usually taken around Sing Gompa or Deurali, depending on timing. The forests feel richer on the way down, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some Himalayan wildlife or birds. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive back in Dhunche, where a warm meal and a comfortable lodge await after a long day’s walk.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel
     

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    Meals

    Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
     

  • Day 05

    Drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu – Back to the Capital

    After breakfast, the journey back to Kathmandu begins with the same road you took on Day 1. As the altitude drops, the change in climate, vegetation, and pace is noticeable. The ride takes 6 to 7 hours, offering plenty of time to reflect on the trek, review photos, and chat with fellow travelers. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your Gosaikunda pilgrimage and adventure officially concludes. Whether you choose to rest or celebrate with friends and family, you'll return with memories of pristine lakes, sacred legends, and majestic mountain trails that stay with you for a lifetime.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel

    Image 2
    Meals

    Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
     

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Inclusion

  • Private or shared ground transportation from Kathmandu to Dhunche and back
  • Accommodation in teahouses or lodges during the trek
  • Three meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • National Park entry permit (Langtang National Park)
  • TIMS card (Trekker’s Information Management System)
  • Basic first aid kit carried by the guide
  • Government taxes and trekking agency service charges

Exclusion

  • Meals in Kathmandu before or after the trek
  • Personal trekking gear such as jackets, boots, and sleeping bags
  • Travel insurance including emergency evacuation
  • Snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
  • Hot showers and charging fees in teahouses
  • Tips for guide and porter (optional but customary)
  • Any additional transportation or accommodation outside the itinerary
  • Helicopter rescue costs in case of altitude sickness or emergency

Meals & Accommodation

Meals

Your meals during your stay in Kathmandu will be on a bed & breakfast plan. We will host a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Any additional meals during your stay will be at your own expense.

During the tour, your meals are included as part of our package. You will have a choice of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as tea/coffee during your trekking days with us. We will source food for your group from guesthouses, prepared by trained local chefs. We take care to ensure that your food is fresh and hygienic.

Accommodation

For this trip, we use 4-star deluxe luxury hotels in Kathmandu to ensure your stay is comfortable. During the tour, you will be staying in mountain lodges and guest houses owned by local Sherpas, offering a nice and comfortable experience. You will have hotel with attached bathroom staying in Lukla whereas other places will have regular Sherpa Community Lodges which are clean, neat and comfortable. 

 


Dates & Price

We have compiled a list of departure dates for tour each month. Please feel free to select a date and time that best suits your schedule. In the event that none of the listed dates align with your availability, kindly inform us of your preferred date and time, and we will gladly accommodate your request.  As a personalized tour and trekking operator in Nepal, we predominantly offer private departure dates for tour.

However, if you prefer this tour in a group, please let us know. We will have no trouble organizing this tour as a group departure on a date and time convenient for you.

 

 

2023
  • January
  • Feb.
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • Sept.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.

Altitude Chart

Trip Informations

  • Holy Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380 m

  • Forest trails with blooming rhododendrons

  • Stunning views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu

  • Cultural interaction with Tamang and Sherpa communities

  • Peaceful monasteries and high-altitude silence

FAQ's

  • Is there mobile network or Wi-Fi?

    Partial network coverage (NTC and Ncell) in lower village. No reliable service at Gosaikunda itself. 

     

  • How difficult is the trek?

    It’s a moderate trek—no technical climbing, but altitude and steep paths can be tough. Most people in average fitness can complete it with proper pacing.


Ramkrishna Poudel

Nepal

4.45

Physically tough but emotionally rewarding. I visited during Janai Purnima—thousands of pilgrims were bathing in the icy water. The energy was powerful, and the views were beyond anything I’ve seen.

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