Gosaikunda Lake trek

short trek to Gosainkunda in Langtang national park.
  • Jugal Himal range seen from Thadepati.

    Jugal Himal seen from Thadepati

  • Short trek to Gosainkunda lake in Langtang national park.

    Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380 m

  • Langtang Lirung from Lauribinayak

    Langtang Lirung from lauribinayak

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

  • Easy access from Kathmandu. Trek starts right from the outskirt of Kathmandu.
  • Short trek with option of climbing to 5,000 m.
  • Less touristic with pristine nature.
  • Awe-inspiring view of mountains.
  • One of the most intact Himalayan ecosystem that shelters rare species like Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan honey guide and Larch.

$ 650

10%
Off
till September 2024

Trek Includes :
  • 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast - Hotel Holy Himalaya
  • Necessary trekking permits.
  • 5 nights 6 days trekking package from Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Trekking with a guide and a porter.
  • Teahouse accommodaiton with three meals a day.
  • Private transportation to and from the trekking trail head - Kathmandu.

: 6 days
: Difficult
Trek above 4,000 m on rugged trails based on teahouse.
: Max 4,460 m
: Sept - Dec | March - June
: Teahouse
: Private Vehicle

169 reviews >

Shamans Trek - 'Gosaikunda Mela' in August

Shamans visit Gosaikunda Lake on 19 August
Hindus and Shamans make pilgrimage to Gosaikunda Lake on the full moon day of ‘Janai Purnima’. Shamans in their traditional attire make a procession to the Lake and perform the ritualistic dance with Dhyangro drum to call spirits. Hindus bath in the lake and change their sacred thread. Trek to Gosaikunda Lake this August to watch the rare pilgrimage of Shamans.

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.

Gosainkunda trek inquiry >


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

Surya peak climbing

One can climb Surya peak (5,145 m) from Gosaikunda. The climb is not technical but is challenging with scree, rockery and walking in snow or loose rocks depending upon the time of the year. It takes about 6 hrs to the Surya peak and back.

Ama Yangri Helambu

Gosaikunda trek could be combined with a climb to Ama Yangri Peak (3,800 m) in Helambu. Ama Yangri is a sacred peak for the local Sherpas. The peak is the highest that could be reached in the shortest time from Kathmandu. It offers a close panorama of central and eastern Himalayan ranges including Langtang, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling and Mt Everest.

Langtang Trek
A trek to Kyanjin Gompa 3,800 m in Langtang is a beautiful short trek with pristine nature and majestic Himalayan peaks. There is also an option of hiking to Cherko Ri (4,990 m) or exploring to Langshisha Kharka for those looking for more adventure. Langtang trek

Gosaikunda Trek with us:
  • Support local company.
  • Expertise over 20 years.
  • Cost effective Treks.
  • Cultural immersion experience.
  • High quality services.
  • Eco friendly & sustainable practices.

Gosaikunda Trek Map

Nepal Trek Advice

A blog about Himalayan trekking fitness, season, packing list and travel tips.


Teahouse Trek Video
Mardi Himal Trek

Everest sightseeing flight.

Everest sightseeing Flight

The 1 hr. fixed wing Himalayan sightseeing flight is the best way to see Mt Everest and other peaks east of Kathmandu.
USD 250 230 till September
  • Window Seat
  • Everest View
  • Airport

NEPAL TIBET BHUTAN TOUR >

Langtang Heli Trek

Langtang Heli-trek is the best way of experiencing Himalayan trek for those sort of time. The helicopter flies into alpine meadow surrounded by snow peaks leacing us with easy and scenic peace of trek.Details >

Other Short Treks

Kathmandu and Pokhara are base for several hikes and treks in the Himalayan foothills. Check other short treks in Nepal.
Short treks in Nepal >

Chitwan National Park is home to many endangered mammals including one horned rhinoceros.

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is politically in Nepal but culturally and geographically in Tibet. Visit this last Tibetan Kingdom outside of Tibet, before it changes. More >