Gosainkunda Lake Trek
Gosainkunda Lake Trek
The Gosainkunda Lake (4380m) Trek takes you to into the Langtang region and alpine regions that will leave you lost for words as you immerse yourself in this pristine countryside, which happens to be Nepal’s first designated national park (1976). The trails will see you crossing over suspension bridges alongside raging rivers in a region rich in Tamang culture.
The Gosainkunda Lake Trek has everything you would expect to see in the Himalayas. It is a relatively short trek that makes it attractive for travelers and is also only a stones’ throw from Kathmandu which means less time on the road and more time dedicated to trekking. The Langtang region is quiet with fewer trekkers and more peace and quiet allowing you to enjoy the birds singing, monkeys frolicking in the treetops, and time to smell the aroma of the numerous forests you trek through.
The Langtang region is more pristine and untouched than the Annapurna and Mt. Everest regions. Gosainkunda is located close to the Tibetan border and is greatly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan culture. One of the highest points on the trek is Langtang Himal where the ice and snow melts and flows down to form the Trishuli River. Gosainkunda Lake is frozen for 6 months of the year from October to June. The waters of Lake Gosainkunda are considered sacred and of particular importance during the Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima festivals when thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area. Gosainkunda is said to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul (holy Trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison.
The journey explores the vast area between Langtang and Ganesh Himal and allows you to experience the unique culture, traditions and lifestyle of the Tamang people.
The Langtang National Park is 25% forest that ranges from subtropical to alpine terrains and includes deciduous oak, maple, pine, and rhododendron (in full white, pink & red bloom in spring). You can expect to see a range of native animals, such as the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Tahr, Assam macaque and red pandas It is rumored that the mythical Yeti has been seen here too!
Besides Gosainkunda Lake there are incredible views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The trail passes through bamboo groves down in the valleys and to alpine forests. If you are lucky you will see red panda, or maybe the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Tahr and rhesus monkeys. The birdlife is also plentiful in this region. A reasonable level of fitness is required on this trek due to climbing at higher altitudes.
The Gosainkunda Lake -Langtang trek can be done all year – even in winter!
Sherpa Expedition Teams will take care of all permits, meals and accommodation on the trek.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu transfer to hotel.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking staff and transported to your hotel, followed by a short briefing concerning your trek.
Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (2,30m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We head north for about 5 to 7 hours driving through the scenic foothills out of Kathmandu until we reach Dhunche. The first leg of the journey takes us to Trishuli Bazaar and after along a gravel road until Dhunche where we stay the night. The type of transport we utilize will depend on road conditions. After heavy rainfall a 4WD is preferable.
Day 3 : Trek from Dhunche to Sing Gompa (3,250m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we have a 5 to 7-hour trek, firstly heading to The first part of the trails ascends to Ghatte Khola (river) where we cross over on a suspension bridge and then ascend to Sing Gompa along a trail through silver oak, pine and rhododendron forests..Sing Gompa is also home to an old cheese manufacturing plant. Tonight we stay at Sing Gompa.
Day 4 : Trek from Sing Gompa to Lauribina (3,910m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Leaving Sing Gompa we have our first views of Ganesh Himal as we follow the trail on the northern edge of a ridge before reaching Cholangpati Village. Ascending higher we come to Lauribina where we stay the night.
Day 5 : Trek from Lauribina to Gosainkunda (4,380m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
The trek today is about 2 to 3 hours along a trail with amazing views of many surrounding lakes. The main attraction here is Gosainkunda Lake. The trail gradually climbs higher passing lush meadows and ancient stone walls, Chortens, and Buddhist shrines. The first lake along this trail is Saraswati Kund that is quite a distance below us. The next lake we come to is the much larger Bhairab Kund. Just above the lake are stone figurines of Saraswati and Ganesh. A little further on the trail we reach Gosainkunda where we stay the night.
Day 6 : Trek from Gosainkunda to Ghopte (3,780m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Our trek today takes us through Lauribina La Pass (4610m) can be treacherous if there has been a lot of snow. The trail winds its way past Dudh Kund, Ganesh Kund, and Surya Kund lakes. Leaving the pass we descend down a steep and rugged trail to the lodge at Phedi High Camp (4100m) that is now closed due to storm damage. We continue until we reach Phedi where we stay the night.
Day 7 : Trek from Ghopte to Tharepati (3,600m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we trek for 6 to 7 hours under imposing cliffs through juniper and rhododendron forests next to a river with occasional waterfalls cascading from above. We follow the trail as it descends to Mera Kharka (3566m) and then on toTharepati (3690m) with some fantastic views over Helambu Village. We follow a ridge that leads to Mangengoth. Tonight we stay at Tharepati.
Day 8 : Trek from Tharepati to Mangengoth (3,420m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Leaving Tharepati it is a relatively easy trek along a wide trail that offers views to the east and west with possible glimpses of Ganesh to Gaurishankar. The area is bounded by forest and a side trek to Kyuola Bhanjyang (3480m) is an option where you may see the elusive red panda and meerkats frolicking around..
Day 9 : Trek from Mangengoth to Kutumsang (2,470m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
The 4 to 5 hour trek today follows the ridge to Kutumsang with a rest stop at Sangugupte Village where we can have tea. We descend through the forest along a difficult path with steep steps and monkeys around us in the tree tops. Just before reaching Kutumsang is a white stupa. Tonight we stay at Kutumsang.
Day 10 : Trek from Kutumsang to Thodung (2,160m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today is quite a challenging trek as we head to Gul Zhanjiang and on to Gul Bhanjyang (2130) with its narrow streets and several lodges. Tonight we stay at Thodung.
Day 11 : Trek from Thodung to Chisapani (2,165m) 5-6 hours.
A 5 to 6 hour trek today is through a more humid region passing through Chipling (2170m) and Lapche with awesome panoramic views of the Annapurna Ranges in the west and Chobo Bamare in the east. The trail heads downhill to Thankune Bhanjyang (1900m) and on to Pati Bhanjyang (1830). The trail along this section is rough but improves as we get closer to Chisapani where we stay the night. From here there are often spectacular sunset vistas.
Day 12 : Trek from Chisapani to Sundarijal & drive to Kathmandu.
Today we trek for 3 to 4 hours through the sub-tropical forests of Shivapuri National Park then head through Borlang Bhanjyang pass at which point we descend through the forest down stone steps until we reach Malkharka (1855m). We reach Sundrajijal (1460m) from where we take a bus to Kathmandu.
Day 13 : Transfer to International Airport.
Today your adventure ends and you depart Nepal with fond memories and many photos of spectacular scenes from your trek to this amazing out of the way Langtang region of the Himalayas. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in this mountainous wonderful – Nepal.
SERVICES
Costs Included In Your Package
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Two Night's hotel accommodation In Kathmandu with breakfast (3 star Hotel)
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Dhunche via public bus.
- Sundarijal To Kathmandu transportation by private car
- All standard meals - 3 Meals a day (lunch, dinners & breakfast) during the trek.
- Best possible teahouses, lodge accommodation (generally twin share rooms)- during the trek
- Government licensed holder English speaking trek leader (10 or more trekkers an assistant guide) and porter to help carry your luggage.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Guides and porters provided by Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions, including their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- All the required permits and paper works( Langtang National park permit, TIMS etc)
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions such as altitude sickness (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions t-shirt
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after the trip is completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s certificate of appreciation & completion after the successful trek
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
Costs Exclude
- International airfares
- Nepal Entry Visa Fees for multiple Entries on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport- (15 days - $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
- Extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters (recommended in our culture – and well deserved too!)
- Additional costs or delays caused by events beyond our control, for example, landslides, severe weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies & strikes.
- All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "costs include" will be counted as exclusions.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Langtang region is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
What is the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
The Gosainkunda Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda, located in the Langtang region. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, diverse landscapes, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.
How long does the Gosainkunda Lake Trek take?
The duration of the Gosainkunda Lake Trek can vary depending on the chosen itinerary and trekking pace. On average, it takes around 7-10 days to complete the trek. However, the duration can be customized to fit your preferences and fitness level.
Is the Gosainkunda Lake Trek difficult?
The Gosainkunda Lake Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves walking for several hours each day on varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents. Some sections of the trail can be physically demanding, especially as you gain altitude. Prior trekking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended.
What is the best time to do the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
The best time to do the Gosainkunda Lake Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and great visibility. The weather is generally favorable for trekking, and you can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains and lakes. However, the trek can be done throughout the year, except during the monsoon season (June to August) when the trails may be muddy and slippery.
Do I need a permit for the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
Yes, you need to obtain a Langtang National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card to do the Gosainkunda Lake Trek. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entry checkpoint in Dhunche.
What is the accommodation like during the trek?
The accommodation during the Gosainkunda Lake Trek is typically in tea houses or lodges. These are basic but comfortable guesthouses that offer simple rooms with shared bathrooms. Some tea houses also provide hot showers for an additional cost. It is advisable to carry a sleeping bag for added comfort and warmth.
How do I get to the starting point of the trek?
The starting point of the Gosainkunda Lake Trek is usually Dhunche, which is around a 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can hire a private vehicle or take a public bus from Kathmandu to reach Dhunche. From Dhunche, the trek begins and takes you to the beautiful lakes of Gosainkunda.
Is it necessary to hire a guide and porter for the trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide and porter for the Gosainkunda Lake Trek, it is highly recommended, especially if you are not familiar with the area or have limited trekking experience. A guide can provide valuable information about the local culture, history, and geography, as well as assist with navigation and communication. A porter can help carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with less weight and fatigue.
What should I pack for the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Gosainkunda Lake Trek include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing (including a down jacket and thermals), a good quality sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and personal medication. It is also advisable to pack some snacks and water purification tablets.
Is it safe to trek to Gosainkunda Lake?
Trekking to Gosainkunda Lake is generally safe, but it is important to take necessary precautions and be prepared. It is recommended to trek with a licensed guide, follow their instructions, and be cautious of your surroundings. Altitude sickness can be a concern, so proper acclimatization is essential. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers trekking activities and to stay updated on weather conditions and potential risks.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
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Based On 20 Reviews
Chungwah Tai
United Kingdom
September 5, 2024
Remarkable Gosaikunda Trek
Sherpa Expedition provided a remarkable experience on our Gosaikunda Lake Trek. Their team’s professionalism and thoroughness were apparent from the planning stages to the completion of the trek. The guides were both skilled and personable, offering valuable insights into the trek’s highlights and ensuring our safety. The porters were hardworking and attentive, making the trek as comfortable as possible. Sherpa Expedition’s commitment to delivering an exceptional adventure was evident throughout. For a well-organized and enriching Gosaikunda trek, Sherpa Expedition comes highly recommended.
Renata Rogaczewska
Australia
August 20, 2024
Top-Notch Gosaikunda Lake Trek Experience
Our Gosaikunda Lake Trek with Sherpa Expedition was a top-notch experience. The team’s organization and expertise were evident throughout. Our guide’s in-depth knowledge and engaging demeanor made the trek both educational and enjoyable. The porters were hardworking and ensured our gear was well-handled. Sherpa Expedition’s attention to detail and commitment to providing an exceptional service ensured a smooth and enriching trek. For a professionally managed and unforgettable Gosaikunda trek, Sherpa Expedition is the ideal choice.
Prynce Marius
Germany
August 2, 2024
Memorable Gosaikunda Trek
The Gosaikunda Lake Trek with Sherpa Expedition was truly memorable, thanks to their expert team. From the start, their professionalism and care were apparent. The guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate, sharing interesting details about the trek and local culture. The porters were efficient and made the journey comfortable. Sherpa Expedition’s focus on quality and client satisfaction ensured a smooth and enjoyable trek. If you want a memorable and well-organized Gosaikunda adventure, Sherpa Expedition is the team to trust.
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