About this trip
The Gosainkunda Pilgrimage Trek is another major trek of the Langtang region offering both natural and cultural experiences.
During the trek, tourists and trekkers can catch panoramic views of different Himalayas like Langtang Lirung, Jugal, Ganesh, Manaslu, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, etc. The Langtang region’s biological and cultural diversity can attract anyone’s mind and eyes. Several rivers, glaciers, lakes, suspension bridges, forests, Tamang villages, and their cultures, rituals and traditions can be observed on the route.
The major attraction of the trek is the holy Gosainkunda Lake – one of the most precious lakes sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The lake is located at an altitude of 4310 m in Langtang National Park, Rasuwa district and occupies a total area of 4 square miles.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva himself created this high altitude lake when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain the water to quench his thirst after consuming poison gathered from the churning of the oceans. Gosainkunda is beautifully decorated with prayer flags all around. There is a black rock in the middle of the lake and it is said to be the head of Lord Shiva. Nearby Gosainkunda, there are other two lakes -the Bhairabi Kund and Surya.
More than 25,000 Hindus and Buddhists pilgrims come to bathe in the lake during the month of August – during Janai Purnima (a popular Hindu festival).
By Q-lieb-in (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Top photo by Q-lieb-in (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Itinerary Outline
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Trip Facts
- Departure Date / Time
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Highlights
Name: Gosainkunda Trek
Duration: 11 days
Grade: ModerateTrek
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Activity: Sightseeing and trekking
Accomodation: Hotel and Lodge
Transportation: Private vehicle ( Jeep/ Bus)
Maximum altitude: 4400m
Per day walking: 4-5 hours
11 Days and 10 Nights tour Package
Arrive Kathmandu
The representative will help you to check into your hotel. In the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities during the trek.
Photo by Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
The valley offers you a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influences.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will be guided to visit 3 renowned Buddhist and Hindu temples: Pashupatinath, Bouddha Stupa, and Swayambhunath.
After lunch, you will be visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square.
Photo by Alexander Shafir (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Drive to Dhunche
The drive will approximately take 8 – 9 hours and the Pasang Lamu Highway will be taken.
On the way to your destination, you will pass through several locations like Kakani (best known for a panoramic view of the great Himalayas, hills and Kathmandu city itself) and Trishuli Bazaar.
The route will be accompanied by magnificent views of the mountains such as Annapurna, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Ganesh and Manaslu, etc.) and an opportunity to observe local villages, their people and lifestyle.
Photo by Rajivkilanashrestha (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Dhunche to Sing Gompa
The trail continues across the head of a second valley, Sing Gompa, which is the main attraction at Chandan Bari.
Sing Gompa has several hotels and a small cheese factory.
Photo by John Hill
Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda
As the trail ascends, outstanding views across Langtang valley to Langtang Lirung and Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu can be observed.
Eventually the trail will descend from the ridge to the three lakes: Saraswati Kund, Bhairab Kund, and Gosainkunda.
Gosainkunda (Holy Shiva’s lake) is a particularly sacred place of pilgrimage in the summer (especially in the day of Janai Purnima, which is the one of the popular festival of Hindus).
According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva himself created this high altitude lake.
Photo by Mohan K. Duwal (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Explore around Gosainkunda
As mentioned earlier, many Hindus and Buddhists participate in the huge festival that takes place in summer.
Nearby Gosainkunda you can also find the Bhairab Kund and Saraswati Kund lakes.
Trek to Ghopte/Thadepati
We will pass several lakes en route and the view from Lauribina pass is stunning. We will then ascend for two and half-hours to the top and again descend to Phedi for lunch.
Another short ascent will take us to the final destination of the day, i.e., Thadepati.
Photo by AjayKumarShrestha (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Kutumsang
Following the latter route, we will walk through the jungles to Kutumsang.
Normally the trek goes down to Mangengoth for lunch from where we will have to make a steep descent to Kutumsang.
Photo by LawrieM (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Chisapani
A walk of three hours through forests, beautiful hills and a Tamang village will take you to Chisapani.
Photo by Bijaya2043 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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Trek to Sundarijal and drive to Kathmandu
On the way to Sundarijal, you will pass through Shivapuri National Park where you can see varieties of flora fauna in addition to a beautiful view of the Kathmandu valley.
Photo by Saroj Pandey (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Depart Kathmandu
You also have the option to to extend your stay in Nepal for shorter trips, such as visits to national parks, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and more. We are always ready to help you plan for these if you would require them.
Photo by Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
What's included
What's not included
