Langtang Gosaikunda trek is an exciting trek in the Langtang region that is full of adventure. The perfect blend of the two finest destination regions in Langtang, which are Langtang Valley itself and the mindblowing Gosaikunda Lake, makes this trek one of the most wonderful trekking experiences in the Langtang region of Nepal. Situated in the northeast part of central Nepal, Langtang Valley is like the sanctuary of the Himalayas. The trial also takes us to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake, a beautiful glacier lake in the Himalayas.
The trek to Langtang Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys, provides us with the chance to experience deep gorges, rocky stone, pine forests, and yak pastures and observe a grand perspective of the enticing attractions of the Tibetan tribe Buddhist religion with fascinating monasteries grace the landscape, blending into the majestic visions all around with charming picturesque villages, multi-coloured hillside terraces, serene valleys and mesmerising glaciers of the highest summits.
Gosaikunda Lake, north of Kathmandu, is relatively remote and thinly populated. Gosaikunda, a glacier lake, is the most famous, with several other lakes adjoining it. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lakes during a full-moon festival in August, and Hindu people believe that the god Mahadev (Shiva), intoxicated by grief due to his wife’s (Parbati) death, felt thirsty, so he hit the stone with his holy stick, thus creating the lakes. In the same place, Lake Gosaikunda originates and Hindu people believe that the image of Mahadev can be seen on the middle surface of the water. The lake is also sacred to Buddhists.
Langtang is one of the best trekking routes in Nepal because of the beautiful forests and fascinating villages of Sherpas and Tamang, with a richness of wildlife, waterfalls, and the chance to bathe in hot springs. Langtang region offers excellent views of Mountains that include Langtang, the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh, Gaurishanker, Rolwaling range, and even Everest on a clear day. This trek is a pleasant and exciting journey, a time to relax and become occupied in the beauty of the Himalayas.
The Langtang Gosaikunda trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu Valley. This 13-day trek itinerary comprises Langtang National Park, Langtang Valley, villages, and Gosaikunda lakes. The trek’s starting point is Syabrubesi, after a drive from Kathmandu Valley, and the trek ends in Dhunche, where you get a drive back to Kathmandu.
Despite being just a week-long trek, the region, scenic beauty, and the experience are regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and memories that will last for a lifetime. This trek is essential not only for a fresh break and excellent memories but also to clean the spirits and inhale the fresh air of Langtang Valley, which will erase your tiredness and fatigue from the everyday working day.
Gosaikunda Lake is a religious place in the Langtang National Park. It is famous for its clear blue oligotrophic water, scenic beauty, and panoramic view of some of the tallest mountains in the world. It is located at an elevation of over 4,380 m in the Rasuwa district and is considered one of the best trekking destinations for local and foreign people.
Gosaikunda Lake has been announced as a Ramsar site, highly prioritised for conservation and its surroundings. The lake, along with the Gosaikunda Lake Complex, is a dedicated attraction for tourists worldwide.
During the winter, the lake remains frozen; during the summer, it melts with the river flowing to and from the Trishuli River. The Gosaikunda Lake Complex is significant as it spreads across 2500 acres, consisting of all the nearby lakes. There are over 100 lakes near the Gosaikunda Lake, and all of them fall under the conservation plan of the Gosiakunda Lake Complex.
Along with being a popular tourist destination for foreigners looking for trekking routes in Nepal, Gosaikunda has crucial religious significance as it has been listed as a sacred site. According to Hindu Mythology, Gosakunda is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Gauri or Shiva Parbati.
In Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva drank the poison from the Kallkut Naag during the battle of Samundramanthan, which is believed to be the origin of Gosaikunda, and the said battle took place in the Gosaikunda. Due to these religious beliefs, hundreds of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the site to bathe in the lake.
Another belief is that anyone who bathes in Gosaikunda Lake will have their sins cleared and all their diseases cured. The lake’s water is also considered holy for festivals like Janai Purnima and Gangadashahara. Furthermore, another belief is that the Kumbheshwor temple complex springs mix with the water of Gosaikunda, so the old and disabled people who cannot go towards Gosaikunda can visit the Kumbeshwor temple instead.
Gosaikunda is crucial not only for the Brahmin caste but also for Newars in Nepal. They have named the religious site Silu and have also released a film and song giving the honor to the prestigious destination.
Hence, Gosaikunda is much more important than just another trekking destination as there are various cultural, traditional, and religious importance attached to the site.
Nepal is a country of several festivals, all celebrated with equal happiness and enthusiasm. Gosaikunda is a religious site where people of different castes, customs, and traditions celebrate many festivals. One of the important festivals that is celebrated in Gosaikunda is the Janai Purnima festival.
Janai Purnima is a significant Hindu and Buddhist festival in Nepal and is celebrated in August. Since Purnima means full moon, the festival is celebrated on the full moon day of August, as many people who have already conducted their Bradhmandh ceremony will exchange their Janai.
Many Pilgrims from Nepal and India travel to either Gosaikunda or Kumbeshowor temple to bathe in the sacred lake, exchange sacred white thread Janai, and tie a holy yellow thread in their right hand, locally called Doro.
Generally, Janai Purnima and Raskhya Bhandhan fall on the same day, which makes the festive mood even bigger and better as sisters tie Rakhi in their brother’s hand on the bank of the lake.
Since Gosaikunda is also regarded as the abode of Shiva and Gauri, it becomes very crowded during the occasion of Mahashivaratri. The pilgrims from around the world visit the place to worship the giant Shiva statue in the middle of the religious site.
Gosiakunda Lake Trek is one of the shortest treks among other trekking destinations in Nepal. Still, they are equally enjoyable to locals and foreigners with different cultures and traditions. There are many places of attraction that you can explore while going on the Gosaikunda Lake Trek.
Let’s look at some of the major attractions of Gosaikunda Lake Trek.
Gosaikunda Lake is in the middle of Langtang National Park in the Langtang Region. The park is over 3500m sea level, and the highest peak of the National Park, called Langtang Lirung, lies over 7250m. It is located on the northern side of Kathmandu, Nepal, and you must travel just 30 km to reach it. You can visit several other places from Langtang National Park, like Chimse Dada, Ganja la Pass, and Helambu Circuit, all of which lie in the surroundings of Langtang National Park.
Dhunche is another small village located at a height of over 2320m. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Dhunche by bus as your bus moves forward from the bank of Trishuli River. The scenic route is lovely as you approach small settlements, barren landscapes, and constantly turning trails. In the evening, you will reach Dhunche, and within some time, you will become mesmerised by the small village’s beauty and the stunning view of the mountains around the town. It is the headquarters of Rasuwa and is the gateway to the Gosaikunda.
Chandanwari is another small town on the way toward Gosaikunda from Dhunche. You will first trek towards Deurali, where you take a break, and then move towards Chandanwari village. It would be best to ascend for several hours to reach the town before reaching your destination. To go to Chandanwari, you must hike uphill on a path filled with pine forests. After reaching Chandanwari, you will have plenty of time to explore the place. You can visit an old monastery and a famous Yak Cheese factory in the region, where you can also taste the fresh dairy products made from Yak.
We offer fixed departure dates. If these dates are not suitable for you or if you prefer to schedule your own departure, please contact us.
| No of People | Cost |
| 1 | $1275 |
| 2-5 | $1175 |
| 5-10 | $1075 |
Despite being a short and sweet trek for local and foreign people, you still need the permit to make the trek legal. You need two permits to be valid for the trek. First, you must have all the required documents, such as a passport, visa, and travel insurance. You must apply for the TIMS card and Langtang National Park Entry Permit to trek around Gosaikunda. The Langtang National Parke Entry Permit can be issued in the Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu, or Dhunche by paying appropriate costs.
