One of the most awe-inspiring high altitude lakes, the Gosainkunda is not only pristine and beautiful to look at but has considerable historical and religious significance. The area that it is situated in, the Helambu region within the Langtang valley offers amazing panoramic views of the central Himalayas sure to soothe your soul in more ways than one.
The lake itself is a freshwater lake, which is located at a massive altitude of 4380m, remains frozen for abour half the year during winter. It is one of the sources for the river Trishuli, located in central Nepal. The religious significance of the lake is that it was created by the Hindu God Shiva when he wanted to cool his throat, where he held the Halaahala poision. Buddhists in the region also revere the lake as being holy and hence a wonderful syncretism can be seen here.
The week long trail begins from Sundarijal reached after a short drive from Kathmandu to the Shivapuri National park. From Sundarijal, which literally means “the beautiful water”, we follow the national park to reach Chisopani, “Cold Water”.
Staying overnight at Chisopani, we move the next day to Kutumsang, walking through old chortens and wonderful views of the central Himalaya seen from Tamang villages. Kutumsang is a picturesque Sherpa settlement where one can experience the humble hospitality of the Sherpa people.
Walking from Kutumsang through rhododendron forests, we take two days to reach Ghopte, staying overnight at Mangengoth along the way. From Mangengoth, we have two days of relatively short treks to reach Ghopte and Phedi respectively. Phedi is the gateway to Gosainkunda. The way to Gosainkunda goes through the highest point on our trek, the Lauribinayak pass at a massive altitude of 4610m. Walking from Phedi, through Laurebinayak pass showcasing amazing views of the Langtang mountain range, we reach Gosainkunda, where we stay overnight at a guesthouse. The magical views and ambiance that the lake brings is sure to fill your soul.
After taking our fill of the wonder of the lake, we descend to Sing Gompa, with a wonderful old monastery that the place is named after. Stayong overnight at Sing Gompa, we descend to Dhunche, where our trek ends and we return to Kathmandu via jeep.
Suitable for beginner to intermediate trekkers, the Gosainkunda lake trek is not only a trek that offers you spectacular views of the Himalaya, but it is also a pilgrimage undertaken to set your soul at rest.
Upon our arrival at Kathmandu Airport (TIA); we will be met by our local representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
Having breakfast; we drive to Sundarijal (approx.. 16 k.m, 40 minutes drive); and start our 1st day walking by ascending to Shivapuri National park & Mulkharka,(1900m), a Tamang community village, from here we can see a rim of Kathmandu valley. We then continue our walking uphill through oak forest and reach at a small pass, Borlang Bhanjyang (2420m) and we decent to Chisopani (2215m). Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast.
Today we walk down to Patibhanjyang (1770m), then we gradually ascent to Chipling (2170m), a small Tamang village and to Manjyu Danda (2455m) having a large chorten, some teashops and this place offers good views of mountain range. From here we descend to a village of Golphu Bhanjyang (2130m), and we take a final ascend to Kutumsang (2470m), a nice settlement of Sherpa community. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast.
Today we ascend following the ridge and through the oak and rhododendron forest; we then reach to Mangengoth, surrounded by rhododendron forest. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast.
We climb up following the north ridgeline and through the rhododendron forest until we reach to Tharepati (3510m). From here we gradually descend following some rocky trail and pine forest; and after a short ascend we reach at Ghopte. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast.
Today we walk following the trail with many turns and bends, and with mixture of gradual up and down hill. We eventually reach Phedi at ease. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast.
Today we get up earlier than as usual and set off our trek after having breakfast. We follow up the rough trail by passing a chorten and ascend to Lauribinayak Pass in approx.. 4 hours that offers spectacular view of snowy-capped mountain ranges of Mt. Langtang, Ganesh Himal & Mt. Annapurna. From here we descend to Gosaikunda, the sacred crystal lake by following some small lakes en route. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast.
From Gosaikunda we take a short ascend, and then descend following the south ridge with a view of another sacred lake of Bhairav Kunda, beneath the trail on our left. After 1 hour continues descending from Gosainkunda, we reach at a place called “Lauribina” – 3900m. From this place we can see impressive view of Langtang range to the northeast and Ganesh Himal to the northwest. From Lauribina, we continue descend to the southern ridge through the rhododendron and pine forest; then we reach at Singgompa. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast.
We trek down to Trishuli river (2000m) through impressive forest; and cross the bridge to the south bank of the river and continue descending until reach Dhunche. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast.
We drive back to Kathmand by private jeep or van. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
After breakfast we will be transferred to airport for flight back home, or we can extend our holiday depending on our holiday duration.
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