Gosaikunda Trek

Overview

Gosaikunda is a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus and is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva himself to cool his throat after consuming poison to preserve the cosmos. This area has 108 lakes, varying in size from small to medium to large. It is also an equally important site for Buddhist people. Gosaikunda is part of Langtang National Park, located at an altitude of 4,380 meters in the Rasuwa District.

Normally Gosaikunda trek starts from Dhunche Village or Syabru Besi, both from the Langtang side. Alternatively, trekkers may also start from Sundarijal, which lies on the outskirts of Kathmandu. From Dhunche, the first day involves a long, steady climb to reach Shin Gompa, which is at a height of about 3330 metres.

The trail leads you through some of the most stunning views of the green hills and himalayan panoramas. From the rhododendron forests that bloom in the spring to the breathtaking views of the Langtang Himalayan range, including Langtang Lirung (7,227 m) and Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), every turn exposes a new surprise.

Every year, during the full moon in August, thousands of pilgrims go to the lake to take a holy dip, believing that it will wash away their sins. During this time, the atmosphere is electrifying, full of devotion and a wonderfully uplifting sense of community.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the Gosaikunda Trek is the lack of crowds compared to more popular regions such as the Everest and Annapurna regions. This means you can experience the calmness of the mountains and the authenticity of the villages without the masses of tourists.