Trip Grade

Moderate
Starts at

Kathmandu
Ends at

Kathmandu
Trip Area

Rasuwa
Trip Style

Adventure/Active
Age Group

12+
Trip Type

Private and Group
Trip Method

Fully Guided
Booking Type

Instant Booking
Max Altitude

4380 m
Best Season

March-May and Sep-Nov

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Langtang National Park is the sacred Gosaikunda lake. Hikers also refer to it as Gosainkuna pass or the Surya Kunda pass trek. The other side of Langtang National Park can be reached if they make it across the Gosainkunda pass. The elevation of Lake Gosaikunda is 14,370 ft (4,380 m). Besides Gosainkunda, there are several additional well-known lakes in the vicinity, each of which holds some religious importance in its own right. Legend has it that Shiva, the Hindu god, resides in Gosaikunda.

Both casual hikers and religious tourists go to the Gosaikunda trail. The trek’s 4,300-meter elevation may seem daunting at first, but it’s more than worth it for the breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is a great way for history and culture buffs to get a taste of Nepal. As you travel, you’ll see rhododendron groves, rivers, streams, and towns. Gosaikunda is the final stop on the journey, and it’s here that you’ll get your first glimpse of the stunning lakes that give the region its name. The Gosaikunda Trek will more than satisfy your need for an exciting adventure or a chance to learn about Nepal’s rich culture.

Gosaikunda is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, which may be seen along the hike there. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Annapurna and Langtang mountain ranges, as well as the surrounding mountains in the Langtang region. Some of the mountains you can see from here include: Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Changbu (6,251 m), Kinshung (6,781 m), Yobra (6,264 m), Yala (5,500 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Langshisa Ri (6,427 m), Ganchenpo (6,387 m), Naya Kanga (5, (5,903 meters). A visit to Gosaikunda can fulfill every traveler’s desires, whether they be for physical activity, spiritual fulfillment, or a glimpse into the past.

Highlights

Walk to the Gosaikunda Lake at an altitude of 4315m.
Explore Langtang National Park and the rich flora and fauna it has to offer.
Views of high peaks like Langtang Lirung (7,246 m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m) and others.
Look into the culture and lifestyle of the local Tamang people.
108 small to medium, alpine freshwater lake. Popular ones among these are Bhairav Kunds.
Forest of Pine, Maple, and Rhododendron.
Beautiful sunset and sunrise views over the Himalayas.

Day 1 :

Arrival at Kathmandu(1350m)

Day 2 :

Drive to Dhunchhe

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 3 :

Trek to Sing Gompa

From Dhunche, our trek starts after breakfast. It's pretty straightforward at first, as we pass the town and take a side trail that leads into the side of the mountain. From here, it's a constant uphill as we inch forward slowly and steadily for about five hours. Stop for lunch at our destination for the day, Sing Gompa, high in the ridge line. This village has a quaint yak cheese farm, too.

Day 4 :

Trek to Lauribina

Today is a shorter day of trekking as we continue to rise in altitude, so it's better to keep the pace slow and steady. You follow a rugged trail with dramatic views; to the west Himal Chuli (25,895 ft./ 7893 m.), the Manaslu range (26,758 ft./8156 m.), the Ganesh Himal range (24,297 ft./7406 m.), Tibetan peaks, and Langtang Lirung (23,710 ft./7227 m.). On a clear day, even the Annapurna range can be seen rising up behind.

We'll make it to the makeshift lodges in Lauribina in about four hours or so, and halt there to appreciate the views.

Day 5 :

Trek to Gosaikunda lake

Today is the big day! Steadily trek another three to four hours to reach the lakes at Gosainkunda in time for lunch. Time and energy levels permitting, we can make the one hour walk to the highest point at Laurebina Pass at 15,091 feet (4600 m.), or go over to the viewpoint above the lake, from where there are dramatic mountain views. Alternatively, just chill and enjoy the lake views. It's your choice.

Day 6 :

Trek to Sing Gompa

Today it's time to head back down the mountain and say goodbye to the lake. Retrace your footsteps for about 4.5 hours, to Sing Gompa. The journey should be easier on the way down than it was coming up, as your altitude decreases. Enjoy some well-deserved cheese at Sing Gompa.

Day 7 :

Trek to Thulo Syabru

Today's trek down to Thulo Syabru takes about four hours. The first part of the trails descend through pine, silver oak, and rhododendron forests (as well as marijuana plants!). You'll also cross a suspension, from which there are magnificent mountain views.

Day 8 :

Trek to Syabru Bensi and drive back to Kathmandu

Walk the final part of the trail down from Thulo Syabru to Syabrubesi, from where you'll drive back to Kathmandu. The journey will take the full day, but you can enjoy a meal and a hot shower in the city again tonight

Day 9 :

Final departure

FAQs

Expand all

Trek difficulty

The trip around Gosainkunda Lake is not very difficult. There are flat stretches as well as more challenging climbs along the way. There are a lot of ups and downs, and the routes are often rocky and wind through thick forests.

The distance from Trisuli to Dhunche on the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is roughly 35 kilometers, while the total distance traveled is about 117 kilometers. Starting at an elevation of 2,000 meters at Dunche, your climb will take you as high as 4,380 meters at Gosaikunda, where you will encounter both uphill and downhill walking.

Good health and stamina are required for the 6-to-7-hour day minimums of walking required for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. You don’t have to have any hiking expertise to enjoy this trip. However, it is possible to get altitude sickness during the Gosaikunda Lake Trek. Because of the rapid ascent in altitude, it is crucial that you acclimate your body to the higher altitude during the course of the climb.

Best Seasons

Spring and autumn are the optimum times for Langtang Gosainkunda Trek. Spring is in March, April, and May, and Autumn is in September, October, and November in Nepal.

After winter, Nepal’s spring is the pre-monsoon season. This is when nature regains its charm. In spring, Langtang’s natural beauty peaks. New plants and trees flourish along the Langtang Gosainkunda route. In spring, Langtang has fresh, clear weather. You’ll see mountain ranges from the trails. Rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower, blooms now. Walking, you may smell its fresh scent. Overall, Spring is Trekkers’ favorite season. Spring temperatures at Langtang Gosaikunda are 10-20 degrees. The weather is good for hiking. In late May, it may rain. So be prepared.

Autumn is the best time for Langtang Gosainkunda. The season is it. Fall weather and skies are usually clear. Now is a good moment to photograph the Langtang Himalayas. The weather is pleasant as you trek to Langtang Gosainkunda. Autumn midday temperatures in Langtang are 10-15 degrees. Weather is pleasant and good for hiking. Autumn is Nepal’s festival season. So, it’s the holiday season. In this month, Nepal celebrates Dashain and Tihar. You can attend festivals if you like. Autumn has beautiful sky and better views of the mountains and scenery. In early September, it rains. So, pack your hiking gear.

People and Lifestyle

Along the way, you’ll see a number of Tamang villages. Speaking with warm locals is a great way to learn about Tamang beliefs and practices in all areas, including religion. Sing Gompa is one of the local monasteries. The locals refer to the ancient monastery as Chandanbari. If you need to calm your mind, take a break to watch the monks pray and meditate with a butter lamp. You can visit the local cheese factory in the same region.

On the trail to Gosaikunda, you’ll pass through a number of villages, each with its own history and way of life. The Tamanags and Sherpas that live there have Tibetan cultural influences, and their villages reflect this. You’ll learn about the traditions of a people who have gone without modern conveniences for generations.

Heritage and Beliefs

Hindus and Buddhists revere Gosaikunda. This lake has numerous secrets and legends.

The oligotrophic, 4380-meter-deep lake is almost pristine. Hindu mythology calls this body of water Samundra Manthan, or ocean churning. Lord Shiva pierced a glacier with his “Trishul” after ingesting poison, creating the lake and making it their home.
Janai Purnima and Gangadashara attract many Indian travelers. The Gosaikunda is believed to wash away sins during Janai Purnima. Since Gangadashara, the Ganga has been on the ground.

Mythology says washing in Ganga or another sacred lake and worshiping the goddess will wash away sins. Dushera is when ten sins are destroyed. Ten physical, mental, and verbal sins are removed by same-day virtual deeds.

Buddhists also value this lake. Tamang locals say most Buddhists visit the lake to pray for their dead loved ones’ afterlife well-being. On Janai Purnima, Jhankris sing and chant their way to the lake.

Flora and Fauna

Over the past few years, Gosaikunda has attracted a large number of visitors from all over the world. Stunning vistas of the Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Lirung await you as you trek through a region as varied as its name. Stride across canyons and suspension bridges as you wander through rhododendron, pine, and birch groves.

As the hiking routes to Langtang valley and Gosaikunda now wind through the verdant woods of Langtang National Park, you may look forward to seeing a wide variety of unique flora and fauna. There is a plethora of fauna in the Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola gorges, as well as in the surrounding oak and maple forests. Deers, gray langurs, wild boars, the Himalayan black bear, the rare red panda, and the snow leopard will all share the landscape with domesticated animals like yaks, cows, and mules.