Gosaikunda Trek

Duration

9 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Max. altitude

4,380 Meter

Group Size

1 - 15

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best season

March-May/September-November

Overview and Highlights

The Gosaikunda Trek is located in the Rasuwa District within the Langtang National Park region of Nepal. It is one of Nepal’s most popular and rewarding trekking destinations, renowned for its spectacular alpine scenery, cultural significance, and sacred high-altitude lakes.

The trek’s main highlight is Gosaikunda Lake, a beautiful and spiritually important glacial lake situated at an elevation of approximately 4,380 meters (14,370 feet) above sea level. Along the route, trekkers can also explore several other stunning lakes, including Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, and other small alpine water bodies, all surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

One of the most remarkable features of the trek is the majestic panorama of the Langtang Himalayan Range, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and rugged mountain terrain. The trail usually passes through lush forests, traditional Tamang villages, and high-altitude meadows, providing a rich experience of both culture and nature.Gosaikunda is also highly revered as a holy pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the Janai Purnima festival (usually held in August), when pilgrims travel to the lake to take ritual baths believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual blessings.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (KTM), you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening, your trekking guide will provide a short and informative briefing about the trek.

Day 2: Drive to Dhunche (1,960m)

An early start with a scenic drive by private jeep to Dhunche , the headquarters of the Rasuwa district and the trek’s starting point. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours and offers mesmerizing views of the countryside, rivers, and small villages.

Day 3: Trek to Sing Gompa / Chandanbari (3,250m)

The trek begins with a steady ascent through dense pine, oak, and rhododendron forests. You’ll pass through small villages and resting points like Deurali and Dhimsa before reaching Sing Gompa (also known as Chandanbari), a village known for its monastery and a yak cheese factory. The walk takes around 6-7 hours.

Day 4: Trek to Lauribinayak (3,910m)

This scenic day involves trekking through lush forests, which eventually thin out as you gain altitude and reach the alpine zone. From Cholangpati, you are rewarded with majestic views of Mt. Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, and Ganesh Himal. The trail becomes steeper, and the thinner air may be noticeable. The hike takes approximately 6 hours.

Day 5: Trek to Gosaikunda Lake (4,380m)

A shorter trekking day, but challenging due to high altitude. The trail consists of uphill and straight sections, with stunning panoramic views of the Langtang range. You will pass Saraswati and Bhairav Kundas before reaching the main Gosaikunda Lake a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

Day 6: Explore Gosaikunda & Trek Back to Sing Gompa (3,250m)

Spend the early morning exploring the sacred Gosaikunda Lake and the surrounding smaller lakes. After breakfast, you will retrace your steps, descending back to Sing Gompa (Chandanbari). The descent is faster, taking around 6 hours in total.

Day 7: Trek to Dhunche (1,960m)

Continue the descent all the way down to Dhunche. The trail is primarily downhill, passing through the same beautiful forests and villages encountered on the ascent. This section takes approximately 5-6 hours.

Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu

After breakfast in Dhunche, board a private jeep for the drive back to Kathmandu

The scenic journey takes about 6 hours and returns you to your hotel in the capital city.

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for your final departure, flying back to your home destination.

INCLUSIVES

All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.

Domestic flights as described in the program.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast Bed & Breakfast.
Accommodation during the trek in comfortable teahouses/lodges as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea with biscuits is served upon arrival at each lodge whenever available.
An experienced English-speaking or French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide throughout the trip. A French-speaking guide is guaranteed for groups of four or more participants.
A complete trekking team, including a licensed guide, one assistant guide for groups of four or more participants, and one porter for every two trekkers.
Porter or animal services for transporting luggage during the trek where required.
Luggage transport 13 kg meximum per person during the trek.
All necessary trekking permits, national park entry fees, and restricted area permits as applicable.
Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
Insurance coverage for all trekking staff.
All local and government taxes.

EXCLUSIVES

International flights.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal travel insurance, including medical expenses, emergency rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss.
Personal expenses, including drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and trekking equipment.
Sleeping bag rental available for approximately USD 1–2 per day if required.
Any services not specifically mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Airport transfers if you have arranged your international flights independently or if you arrive or depart on dates different from the rest of the group.

Personal Expenses at your own cost

Nepal tourist visa fee, payable upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu: approximately USD/EUR 5–10 per meal.
Optional sightseeing entrance fees for temples, monasteries, and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley: approximately USD/EUR 15–25 per person, depending on the sites visited.
Hot showers in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per shower.
Wi-Fi and battery charging in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per use.
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.

Tips

Tipping is a long-standing tradition in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by the local trekking team. At the end of the trek, it is customary to offer a collective tip to the guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service. Our staff receive fair wages, so tipping is entirely voluntary and should reflect your level of satisfaction with the services provided. As a general guideline, we recommend allowing USD/EUR 40–60 per participant per week for tips. Before your trek begins, your guide will be happy to provide advice on how to distribute gratuities fairly among the team.