Gosaikunda Lake trek

Gosainkunda trek starts right from Shivapuri national park in the northern rim of Kathmandu valley providing the magnificent view of the snow peaks from the first day itself. Walk through the subtropical forest to an alpine zone with Rhododendron, Oak, pine and birch, finally climbing above the tree line. The trek could be combined with Surya peak (5,100 m) trekking / climbing, Langtang valley trek and Ama Yangri peak (3,771 m) climbing in Helambu.
Gosainkunda Lake at 4380 m /14368 ft is one of the spectacular trekking destinations, reached with a short trek from Kathmandu. The lake is one of the most important spiritual destinations for both Buddhists and Hindus. Group of lakes and surrounding peaks make the place surreal. The view point above the lake is overlooking the Langtang valley with a wide range of Himalayan peaks.

This is also the best short trek from Kathmandu for acclimatization before heading to Mt Kailash or other Tibet tours. The Kerung border (Nepal Tibet border) is only 32 km from the trailhead of the trek.

Highlights of Gosainkunda Trek

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Shamans Trek - 'Gosaikunda Mela' in August

Gosainkunda Lake Trek Itinerary

Day 1 : Kathmanud arrival | Pick up from the airport and transfer to the Hotel | Trek briefing and preparation.

DAY 2: Drive to Sundarijal | Trek 5 hrs to Chisapani (2,167 m)

Drive for about 40 mints to the Shivapuri National park entrance in the north of Kathmandu. Sundarijal is scenic recreation and picnic spot for locals from Kathmadu. Walk 2 hrs. to the Mulpani village where we will have lunch / snacks and then climb through the forest to Chisapani. Chisapani village is perched along the mountain ridge offering view of lush valleys with Himalayan backdrop.

DAY 3: Trek to Tuksang - 6 hrs / 3,180 m

The day’s walk is through the lively forest and charming Tamang villages with Himalayan view. Tamang follows pre-Buddhist shamanistic and animistic practices now dominated by Buddhism. Langtang and Shivapuri national park is popular birding destination that protects several rare species of flora and fauna including the last population of ‘Red Panda’.

DAY 4: Trek to Ghopte - 7 hrs / 3,340 m

The walking becomes more interesting through sparsely populated, deep forest. Altitude gain slows you down but the temperature and scenery is inspiring.

DAY 5: Trek to Gosaikunda - 7 hrs

Gosaikunda Lake is sacred for both Hundus and Buddhists. Shamans and other pilgrims visit the Lake during the full moon day in August. It is a complex of about 108 alpine lakes spread in the area of 1,030 ha (4 sq mi). The area is designated as Ramsar Site in 2007. The trail climbs steeply through the rocky terrain and cross the Lauribina pass (4,610 m) coming down to Gosaikunda valley.

DAY 6: Trek down to Dhunchhe - 6 hrs / 1,764 m

Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu - 6 hrs

DAY 8:Drive to the airport for final departure.

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Best trek for acclimatization before Tibet tour

Gosaikunda Lake trek is also the best trek for acclimatization before going to Mt Kailash or other Tibet trips. The trekking route lies along the way to Kerung, the border of Tibet. So instead of waiting at Kathmandu for the visa, you can do a short trek to Gosaikunda Lake and drive to the border afterward. Since this involves walking at high altitude, the trek is the best way to acclimatize before driving to the high altitude plateau of Tibet. Walking allows more time for our body to acclimatize. Also we gradually ascended to the altitude of 4,400 m after spending two nights at lower altitude.

Spiritual Lake

The lake is also one of the most spiritual places in the Himalayas revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed that the lake was created by Lord Shiva himself to plunge in to calm the effect of the poison Kalkut from ‘Samundra Manthan’. For Buddhists and Shamans, the pilgrimage to Gosaikunda is an honor to departed souls and well-being in the afterlife. After the trekking, it just takes two hours to drive to the Tibet border. The area has been a meditation ground and dwellings of many spiritual masters including Milarepa.

Trek Extension