Gosaikunda Lake Trek
- Duration
- 7 days
- Max altitude
- 4,380 m
- Difficulty
-
Moderate
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $790.00
Overview
Gosaikunda is a glacial lake at 4,380 m in Langtang National Park, held sacred by Hindus and Buddhists alike. The story goes that Shiva drove his trident into the mountainside to draw water to cool his throat after swallowing poison, and the lake is what came out. Every year at the full moon of Janai Purnima, thousands of pilgrims walk up to bathe in it.
This is the short way to the lake: up from the roadhead at Dhunche through forest where red pandas are found, to the open ridge at Laurebina with Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu in view, then on to the lakes. We split the climb over two days so the altitude comes more gently than on most itineraries, and come back the same way.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- The sacred lake at 4,380 m, with Saraswati and Bhairav Kunda beside it
- Sunrise from Laurebina over Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu
- Rhododendron and fir forest where red pandas are found
- The small monastery and cheese factory at Sing Gompa
- Private jeep from Kathmandu, no flight needed
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (1,960 m) 1,960 m 6-7 by road hrs Teahouse L/D
An early start by private jeep out of the valley, down to Trishuli Bazaar and up the long, winding road into Rasuwa, with Ganesh Himal appearing ahead on a clear day. Your permits are checked at the national park entrance, and Dhunche, the district headquarters, is where the walking starts tomorrow.
-
Day 2: Dhunche to Sing Gompa (3,330 m) 3,330 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
A steady climb all day through oak, rhododendron and then fir, past the tea stops at Deurali and Dhimsa. This is red panda country, though you need luck and a quiet group to see one. Sing Gompa, also called Chandanbari, has a small monastery and a cheese factory that has been running for decades.
-
Day 3: Sing Gompa to Laurebina (3,910 m) 3,910 m 3-4 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
A deliberately short day. The trail leaves the trees at Cholang Pati and climbs onto the open ridge to Laurebina. The afternoon is free to rest and get used to the height, and the sunset and sunrise views here, across Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and on a clear day the Annapurnas, are one of the best things about this trek.
-
Day 4: Laurebina to Gosaikunda (4,380 m) 4,380 m 2-3 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
Two to three hours up the ridge, past Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda, to Gosaikunda itself, a deep blue lake under a wall of rock with a small Shiva shrine on its shore. The afternoon is yours by the water. Walk slowly at this height and drink plenty.
-
Day 5: Gosaikunda to Sing Gompa (3,330 m) 3,330 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
Early morning at the lake, when it is still and the light is low. If you feel strong, your guide can take you a short way up the slope behind the lodges for a view over the chain of lakes. Then back down past Laurebina and into the forest to Sing Gompa.
-
Day 6: Sing Gompa to Dhunche (1,960 m) 1,960 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
The last walking day, down through the forest the way you came. Knees will notice the descent, so poles help. An easy evening in Dhunche, with a hot shower if you want one.
-
Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu 1,400 m 6-7 by road hrs B/L
The private jeep brings you back down to Trishuli and into the Kathmandu valley, six to seven hours, and drops you at your hotel.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $950.00 | Comfortfrom $1,121.00 | Luxuryfrom $1,377.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Private jeep from Kathmandu to Dhunche and back
- Included: Teahouse accommodation for six nights on the trek, twin sharing where rooms allow
- Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek, each with tea or coffee
- Included: Langtang National Park entry permit and the TIMS registration card
- Included: A government-licensed, English-speaking guide, with wages, meals, accommodation, transport and insurance
- Included: One porter for every two travellers, with wages, meals, accommodation, equipment and insurance
- Included: Pulse oximeter checks twice a day to watch for altitude sickness
- Included: First aid kit
- Included: Duffel bag for the trek and luggage storage in Kathmandu
- Included: All government taxes and official charges
Not included
- Not included: Hotel nights in Kathmandu before and after the trek, which we can book for you
- Not included: International airfare and the Nepal entry visa
- Not included: Travel insurance, which must cover high-altitude rescue and evacuation
- Not included: Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and wifi on the trek
- Not included: Sleeping bag and down jacket, available to hire in Kathmandu
- Not included: Tips for your guide, porter and driver
- Not included: Extra costs from landslides, road closures, illness or other events beyond our control
Meeting & logistics
Getting there & back
We pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu early in the morning in a private jeep. The drive to Dhunche takes six to seven hours, out of the valley through Trishuli Bazaar and up into Rasuwa, and your permits are checked as you enter Langtang National Park.
At the end of the trek the same jeep brings you from Dhunche back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Know before you go
Suitability & requirements
Gosaikunda freezes in winter and snow often lies on the upper trail from December into March, so autumn and spring are the reliable seasons. In late July or August, for Janai Purnima, the trail and lodges fill with pilgrims. It is an unforgettable time to go, but book early and expect simple, crowded rooms.
The road from Kathmandu to Dhunche is slow and can be blocked by landslides in the monsoon. Keep a spare day before any international flight home.
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $950.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 travellers | $790.00 | $160.00 |
| 4 to 6 travellers | $745.00 | $205.00 |
| 7 or more | $695.00 | $255.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Questions
Asked about this trip
How hard is it?
It is graded moderate. The walking days are three to six hours, but the trail climbs steadily and the lake is at 4,380 m. If you can walk uphill for a few hours on consecutive days, you can do it.
How do you handle the altitude?
We sleep at Laurebina, 3,910 m, on the way up rather than going straight from Sing Gompa to the lake, which many itineraries do and which gains more than 1,000 m in a day. Your guide checks your oxygen levels twice a day with a pulse oximeter, and any serious symptoms mean going down at once.
Can I go for Janai Purnima?
Yes. The festival falls on the full moon of the Nepali month of Shrawan, usually in late July or August. Tell us early, because the lodges fill up and we plan the dates around the moon.
Who carries my luggage?
One porter for every two travellers carries the main bags, so you walk with a day pack.
When is the best time to go?
Autumn, September to November, and spring, March to May. These are the months we run this trek, plus the festival departure on request.
How does booking confirmation work?
Instantly. Your booking is confirmed as soon as your payment or deposit goes through, and the confirmation email follows straight away. We then collect what we need for your permits and introduce your licensed guide before you travel.
Can I pay a deposit and settle the balance later?
Yes. Choose the deposit option to secure your dates, and we will send a secure payment link for the balance before departure, or you can settle by bank transfer.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel before departure, we refund what you paid, minus the payment provider's transaction fee, which they do not return to us, and the cost of any permits, flights or bookings already issued for you. Full terms are in our cancellation policy.
Traveller reviews
What travellers say
Good to know
FAQ & policies
How hard is it?
It is graded moderate. The walking days are three to six hours, but the trail climbs steadily and the lake is at 4,380 m. If you can walk uphill for a few hours on consecutive days, you can do it.
How do you handle the altitude?
We sleep at Laurebina, 3,910 m, on the way up rather than going straight from Sing Gompa to the lake, which many itineraries do and which gains more than 1,000 m in a day. Your guide checks your oxygen levels twice a day with a pulse oximeter, and any serious symptoms mean going down at once.
Can I go for Janai Purnima?
Yes. The festival falls on the full moon of the Nepali month of Shrawan, usually in late July or August. Tell us early, because the lodges fill up and we plan the dates around the moon.
Who carries my luggage?
One porter for every two travellers carries the main bags, so you walk with a day pack.
When is the best time to go?
Autumn, September to November, and spring, March to May. These are the months we run this trek, plus the festival departure on request.
How does booking confirmation work?
Instantly. Your booking is confirmed as soon as your payment or deposit goes through, and the confirmation email follows straight away. We then collect what we need for your permits and introduce your licensed guide before you travel.
Can I pay a deposit and settle the balance later?
Yes. Choose the deposit option to secure your dates, and we will send a secure payment link for the balance before departure, or you can settle by bank transfer.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel before departure, we refund what you paid, minus the payment provider's transaction fee, which they do not return to us, and the cost of any permits, flights or bookings already issued for you. Full terms are in our cancellation policy.
Why book with us
Every trail, one licensed team
You may also like
