Gosaikunda Lake Trek - Highlights, Overview, Itinerary, Best Time, Difficulty, Permits, Packing List, Useful Information

The 5 days Gosaikunda Lake trek is intended for those with a short period in Nepal and who want to witness the alpine zone and freshwater lakes in Nepal and experience the Himalayas. The Gosaikunda Trek is one of the shortest treks in Nepal and can be combined with other Langtang region treks in Nepal including the Langtang Valley Trek and Helambu Trek.

The trek takes place in the Langtang National Park, home to a variety of wildlife, including red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and many more species. The 5-day itinerary starts from Dhunche to Chandanbari (Sing Gompa) and Gosaikunda through Lauribina La Pass, the highest elevation of the trek.

The Gosaikunda trek can be completed within a week, and the best time to go is Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November).

The trek to Gosaikunda Lake is an easy-moderate trek on a difficulty level ranging from easy to difficult. The trail from Chandanbari to Gosaikunda can be a challenging one for most trekkers as the trail will take you to the highest elevation of 4,610 m (15,120 ft). Gosaikunda Trek is considered suitable for every trekker from experienced to beginners. So, if you are a beginner trekker with basic physical fitness, the trek is perfect for you.

Since the trek takes place in the protected area of Langtang National Park, you will need two permits for the trek- a TIMS card and a Langtang National Park entry permit.

Trekking in the remote Himalayan region of Nepal requires good preparation. Physical and mental preparation is good but packing the right trekking gear and equipment is important for comfort, safety, and convenience. It can help ensure an enjoyable and stress-free experience and protect against extreme weather conditions and minor health problems. Right clothing gear, quality footwear (trekking boots), medical and first-aid kits, and other additional gear like trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and toiletries essentials will make your trekking experience better.

Tea houses are the main type of accommodation in the trek with basic services and facilities. The tea houses have a small room with twin shared beds, and mattresses, pillows, and blankets are available. The bathrooms are generally common outside of the room, depending upon the location. The tea houses provide electricity with a charging facility and WI-FI services for extra charge. Make sure to bring a portable power bank to charge your electronics and not rely completely on solar-powered electricity.

What Makes Gosaikunda Trek Special?

Trek Highlights

• Short and easy trek near Kathmandu Valley.
• A quiet trek in the Langtang region of Nepal.
• Visit the sacred lakes - Gosaikunda, Bhairav Kunda, Saraswati Kunda, and many more.
• Panoramic view of mountains like Langtang Lirung(7,234m), Langtang Ri(7,205m), Ganesh Himal(7,422m), and many other small peaks.
• Home to different endangered species like Red Panda and snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and many more.
• Experience the diverse flora and fauna of the Langtang National Park.
• Interact with local inhabitants to learn about their way of life, customs, and cultures.
• Explore Gosaikunda Lake, the historic Sing Gompa, Monasteries, and the Yak cheese Factory.

Gosaikunda Lake Trek Overview

Gosaikunda or Gosainkunda, is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake in Nepal's Langtang National Park. The Gosaikunda Lake in Nepal sits at an elevation of 4,380 m (14,370 ft) with a surface area of 13.8 ha (34 acres) in the Rasuwa District of Nepal. The Lake is a site of deep religious significance and the locus of the important Gangadashahara and Janaipurnima festivals.

There are 108 Kundas (Lakes) in the vicinity famous for their religious significance. The 5 Kundas - Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, Surya Kunda, Naga Kunda, and Gosikunda (Lakes) are the most popular. Gosaikunda and the associated lakes are designated as a Ramsar Site on 29 September 2007.

The Hindu scriptures and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata refer to Samudra Manthan, which is directly related to the origin of Gosaikunda. The Lake is considered sacred and of huge religious belief and significance. During the Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima festivals, thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area. The Gosaikunda lake is also known abode of Lord Shiva and Gauri.

After taking a bus from Kathmandu to Dhunche, your 5-Day Gosainkunda Trekking Itinerary will start. Dhunche is around 5-6 hours drive from Kathmandu.

The next day, your Gosaikunda Lake Trek Itinerary will start from Dhunche and head toward Chandanbari (Sing Gompa), passing via remote villages Deurali and then Dimsa. You will gain steep elevation from Deurali till you reach Chandanbari.

Starting from Chandanbari, you will go via Chyolangpati and pass through Lauribina La Pass to reach Gosaikunda, your trek destination. You will explore nearby Kundas (Lakes) and have some spiritual time in the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda and head back to Dhunche the same day. Since the trail is downhill, so you will feel light and comfortable walking.

The Gosaikunda Lake Trek Itinerary concludes with bus travel from Dhunche to Kathmandu. On your 5-day trekking journey, you will have stunning views of the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Tibetan peaks, and Langtang Lirung, as well as Kundas located in the area.

The Gosaikunda Trek takes you to the spectacular sight of a pristine, crystal-clear lake after a week-long trek among dense forests, villages steeped in Tibetan culture, and majestic mountain views of the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Tibetan peaks, and Langtang Lirung.

The trek offers a unique cultural experience where you can experience Tibetan culture with the Tamang people as local inhabitants in the region.

5 Days Gosaikunda Trek Itineraries

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Dhunche (1,960 m)

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Distance: 98 km (60 miles)

Your journey to Gosaikunda Lake begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche. Dhunche is approximately 98 km / 60 miles from Kathmandu. The drive can take anywhere from 6-8 hours, depending on the road conditions and traffic.

The road starts relatively smooth but becomes bumpy in some parts as you ascend into the mountains. On the way to Dhunche, you will pass through a lovely picturesque road that crosses woods, terraced farms, a bustling market of Trishuli and Malekhu, small village settlements, and the enormous Trishuli River.

The majestic Himalayan peaks come into view as you gain elevation on the way.

Day 2: Trek from Dhunche (1,960 m) to Chandanbari / Sing Gompa (3,330 m)

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours walk

Accommodation: Tea house

Trek Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

From today you will start the trek to Gosaikunda. The trek from Dhunche to Chandabari is a steeply ascending trail. 

You will reach Ghatte Khola after around an hour of walking from Dhunche. You will pass through a small town, Deurali, and reach Dhimsa after 3 hours of treks by following a lovely track that passes by streamlets and cascades. The climb from Dhimsa is a little challenging.

The village of Chandanbari is tucked away in the middle of a pine forest and is only accessible by way of challenging uphill hikes. This location is also known as Sing Gompa.

You will stay overnight at Chandanbari (Sing Gompa) and explore around as the place has several tourist attractions including a monastery and yak cheese factory.

Day 3:Trek from Chandanbari (3,330 m) to Gosaikunda (4,380 m)

Trek Duration:  5 – 6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

The Gosainkunda Trek Route will be considerably more challenging yet rewarding as you ascend to the sacred Gosaikunda Lakes, surrounded by panoramic mountain views.

After having breakfast at Chandanbari, the trail gently rises from the beginning. You will hike through a rocky, narrow path, cross desolate hills, and experience chilly breezes as you gain elevation.

You will reach Cholangpati which is at an elevation of 3,580 m / 11,745 ft after a nearly 1-2 hour hike. You will enjoy stunning views of the Langtang Lirung 7,234 m (23,734 ft), the highest mountain of the Langtang range, Langtang Ri 7,205 m (23,638 ft), Manaslu 8,163 m (26,781 ft), and Ganesh Himal 7,422 m (24,350 ft) from Cholangpati.

You will Cross the challenging Lauribina La Pass 4,610 m (15,120 ft), the highest point of your trek. Take your time to enjoy the accomplishment, and admire the stunning 360-degree mountain views. After climbing up through the pass, you will arrive at Buddha Temple. 

After an hour of hiking from the Buddha Temple, you will witness a series of glacial lakes considered holy by Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. 

The first lake you will see is Saraswati Kunda, followed by Bhairav Kunda and the Mighty Lake Gosaikunda, after an hour of hiking from Buddha Temple. 

You will spend the night at a tea house at Gosaikunda village and tour other surrounding lakes throughout the day.

Day 4: Trek from Gosaikunda (4,380 m) to Dhunche (1,960 m)

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Trek Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)

Today is the last day of your trek.

Today, you will spend some time in the morning touring Gosaikunda Lake surrounding and clicking photographs. After having breakfast, you will head back to Dhunche, passing through the same routes via the lovely settlements of Lauribina, Cholangpati, Dhimsa, and Deurali. 

Since you will be descending downhill, hiking will be a bit easier and more enjoyable. Along your walk, You will witness the appealing vistas of the mountains, and a variety of protected species, including Red Panda and Tibetan Snow Cock.

You will arrive at Dhunche after around 7-8 hours of downhill trekking.

Day 5: Drive from Dhunche (1,960 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

The Gosaikunda Lake Trek Itinerary will conclude on this day which marks the end of your trek journey.

After breakfast, you will take a bus to Kathmandu and drive over the same beautiful road passing through the Trishuli River, meadows, and charming towns.

You will arrive in Kathmandu after a roughly 6-7 hour drive. 

You will always remember the majestic and sacred Gosaikunda Lake, its beautiful trails, the culturally rich Tamang people, the Tibetan-influenced way of life, and the locally made Yak's cheese.

What is the best time to go to Gosaikunda?

The best time for the Gosainkunda trek is Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November, early December). 

The mild and stable weather, clear mountain views, and the best of natural beauty during these seasons make it perfect for trekking.

Spring is the perfect time for the Gosainkunda trek to see the best of nature. You will walk through the lush greenery and dense forests. The flowers and rhododendrons are in full bloom. This season also offers a chance to witness rare wildflowers and vegetation.

Autumn season is another best time for the trek. The weather conditions are stable, and warm, with less chance of rainfall and snowfall.

Both these seasons offer clear skies, through dense lush forests surrounded by the clear views of the Himalayas.

How Difficult is Gosaikunda Trek?

The Gosaikunda Trek is easy to moderately difficult. The trek is suitable for both experienced and beginner trekkers. The main thing is, that you will need to have good physical and mental endurance as the journey asks you to walk for an average of 5 to 7 hours every day.

The trail includes several steep sections, both uphill and downhill, which can be physically demanding. The climb to Lauribina La Pass 4,610 m (15,120 ft), the highest point on the trek is particularly challenging due to its steep and rugged nature.

Since the trek takes you beyond 3000 m above sea level, the risk of altitude sickness is a major factor in the trek. No matter how experienced a trekker you are, the risk associated with altitude sickness is always there. But the entire journey won’t bother you if you climb gradually and properly acclimatize throughout the trek with proper hydration and a nutritious diet.

Packing List for Gosaikunda Lake Trek

Packing appropriately for the Gosaikunda Lake Trek is crucial for comfort, safety, and overall trekking experience. 

A pair of good quality trekking boots, trekking poles, warm and cozy hiking clothes, socks, a pair of summer and winter gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and other necessities are included in the necessary equipment.

Medical items and first aid kits for health problems like altitude sickness, cold, and pain are very essential as minor health issues may occur anytime in the trek. The health clinics or health posts may not be always accessible in remote areas. 

You need to be well-prepared for everything and the packing items you carry can help you a lot and make your trekking journey. 

Useful Information on the Gosaikunda Lake Trekking

Foods and Accommodations

Foods

You will find a wide variety of European, Italian, Chinese, and Indian meals on the trek. 

Morning Breakfasts – Varieties of Bread and Chapati (with jam, yak cheese, honey, peanut butter, omelet), Garlic omelet, boiled omelet, Onion omelet, Porridge and Puddings, Pancakes, fresh soups (Garlic Soup, Sherpa Stew, Tomato Soup, Mushroom Soup, Mixed Soup, Potato soup, Onion Soup) and options of Packet soup (chicken soup, tomato soup, mushroom, noodle soup).

Hot Drink Options – Black tea, Black coffee, Hot milk, milk tea, ginger tea, Masala tea, Ginger tea, Hot chocolate, Lemon tea, etc. 

Lunch Options – Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari (with both veg and non-veg options), Sandwich (egg sandwich, veg sandwich), Dumplings (Momo), Pasta and Macaroni (Veg fried pasta, Cheese fried pasta, Pasta with cheese and tomato sauce, Plain macaroni, Macaroni with vegetables, cheese, and egg, Mix macaroni), Chowmein, Spaghetti, Pizza (veg pizza, chicken pizza, mushroom pizza, mixed pizza, etc).

Dinner Options – Popular nepal dish Dal (lentils), Bhat (Rice) & Tarkari (Curry), Dumplings (Momo), Macaroni Dishes, Spaghetti, Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable Curry, Potato Items, Pizza, Snacks, Papad, Prawn, Korean Ramen, Rice Pudding, Apple Pie etc. 

The dinner options are similar to the lunch menu. Most trekkers choose Nepali Dal Bhat options.

Accommodation

Tea houses are the most common type of accommodation on the Gosainkunda Trek Route. In rural areas, tea houses serve as small hotels that offer basic rooms, meals, and services.

The rooms are small and generally on a twin-shared basis. Rooms are small with shared wooden beds (mostly), mattresses, pillows, and blankets. You will get attached toilets till Dhunche and as you climb up the elevation the toilets are generally common outside the room. 

Additionally, tea houses do have a facility for a hot shower but it requires an additional fee.

Accessibility of Electricity and Water in Gosaikunda Trek

Electricity and Water are easily available in the Gosaikunda Lake Trek. 

The electricity is generated by solar energy at high altitudes. Due to this, the power available has a low voltage and may be limited in bad weather conditions.

However, the electricity usage comes with an extra charge. If you want to charge your mobile phones or camera batteries, teahouses will charge you around a certain cost of $2 to $3.

Water is available in tea houses and en-route shops. But as you climb up the elevations the bottle of mineral water becomes costly. So, it is recommended to bring a reusable water bottle for the trek.

Tea houses serve cold water comes for free but charges for hot water. Make sure to drink only hot water and use a water purifier for safety. Do not drink tap water or stream water directly.

Travel Insurance for Gosaikunda Lake Trek

High Altitude Coverage: The trek reaches altitudes over 4,000 meters, so the policy should cover activities at high altitudes. Some insurers have altitude limits, so confirm that the policy covers the highest point of your trek.

Medical and Evacuation Coverage: Comprehensive medical coverage is essential, including emergency evacuation by helicopter if necessary. This is crucial for treating altitude sickness or other medical emergencies.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Coverage for trip cancellation or interruption can protect you financially if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or severe weather.

Lost or Stolen Belongings: Ensure the policy covers loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings, including trekking equipment.

Adventure Activities: Confirm that trekking is listed as a covered activity, as some policies exclude certain adventure activities.

Travel Delays: Coverage for delays due to weather, strikes, or other reasons can help with additional accommodation and transportation costs.

Always look for policies from reputable insurance companies that specialize in adventure travel or trekking. Understand the policy details, including exclusions, coverage limits, and claims process.

FAQs