Gosaikunda is situated at an altitude of 4380m to the north of Kathmandu on the Langtang trekking trail. A lake is one of the most divine pilgrimage trips in Nepal. The lake is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul (trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison. There is a large rock in the center of the lake, which is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine. People often claim that they see Shiva lying in the water.
Ramsar sites Gosaikunda and Associated Lakes
The Gosainkunda wetland series falls within Langtang National Park and is managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Government of Nepal. The Park management has delineated the Gosaikunda Area as a religious site. Animal slaughter, sacrifice, and even grazing in the upper catchment are prohibited.
Gosainkunda, with its direct reference to saints and wetlands, is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake series with alpine meadows, bogs, lakes/ponds, streams, and wet steep slopes creating a unique and representative wetland of high religious significance in the high Himalayan Paleo Arctic biogeographical region. It is one of the world’s highest freshwater lake systems.
Gosaikunda is situated at an altitude of 4380m to the north of Kathmandu on the Langtang trekking trail. A lake is one of the most divine pilgrimage trips in Nepal. The lake is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul (trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison. There is a large rock in the center of the lake, which is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine. People often claim that they see Shiva lying in the water. There are four different trails one can use to reach Gosaikunda from Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchok districts: Kathmandu-Dhunche-Gosaikunda; Melamchi-Kutumsang-Thadepati-Gosaikunda; Sundarijal-Kutumsang- Gosaikunda; and Ghyang Phedi-Yarsa-Gosaikunda.
The features the trail offers depend on the season. If one travels in March or April, one can see the undulating hills painted red with at least 16 different species of rhododendrons. The forests are home to rare wildlife such as red panda, musk deer, and several species of birds amid its wild greenery. Gosaikunda is also a known religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
The 9 days program of Gosaikunda Lake is easily accessible from Kathmandu which remains remarkably beautiful. On the way, we can explore the Tamang ethnic community, their culture, and the course of their living style. We will reach 4610m (Laurebena Pass) where we can view the mesmerizing natural beauty of Gosaikunda and the Panorama view of different mountains. The trek will start from Dunche (1950m) to Sundarijal (1350m) or we can reverse it from Sundarijal to Dunche. Our overnight will be beautiful and memorable as we sleep under an open sky by counting the stars. Our overnight stay will be Tea House or Tented Camp.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
On the day of your arrival, we will be there to pick you up from the airport and check you into your hotel. After that, you can rest as you will probably be tired from a long flight. If you arrive early, after rest you can walk around the places near your hotel and freshen up or do some last-minute shopping for things you will need or buy souvenirs.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing
On the second day, we will rise early and have breakfast as well as the tour guide will brief you on your travel plans. Then we will begin our journey, we will first go to Swayambhu MahaChaitya. We will arrange all the required travel permits before we head to our main destination.
Day 3: Kathmandu- Dhunche
Today after breakfast, we leave Kathmandu Valley to Dhunche. Dhunche, the district headquarters of Rasuwa is a small hilltop around 120 KM away from Kathmandu. In approx, 6-7 hours we will reach Dhunche. The way to Dhunche is filled with greenery and hills, uphill and downhill, waterfalls, beautiful valleys, and mountain views. The local shops, locals in daily chores, terrace farms, and roaming animals, and the sound of rivers adds charm to our journey. On our way, we will stop for lunch and refreshments.
Day 4: Dhunche – Chandan bari
After breakfast, we will start to ascend toward one of the holiest lakes in Nepal. The trail winds uphill after crossing a stream with continuous uphill and beautiful surroundings. The more we climb up more beautiful it gets.
Chandan Bari as the name is a famous destination where the holy Chandan grows. This place is famous for fresh Cheese known as Yak Cheese.
Day 5: Chandan bari- Gosaikunda Lake
From Chandan Bari, For an hour we will walk through the evergreen rainforest, then trails cross over to the mountain environment with changes in tree cover from tall forest to fir and small scrubs. After Lauribina( without a stick) uphill we will reach Buddha temple, from here we could see Dhunche far below.
From this point, we will descent towards our destination Gosaikunda Lake
Day 6: Gosaikunda- Tharepati
In the morning we will enjoy this spiritual and mesmerizing lake. From here we can either return back the same way or continue the journey uphill to witness more beautiful high altitude Lakes, mountain views, and horizons. On our way, we will witness waterfalls all around and green surroundings.
After crossing Surya Kunda (Lake) we will cross Lauribina Pass for a long downhill toward Kathmandu
Day 7: Tharepati-Kathmandu
We continue our journey towards Kathmandu passing through small villages, uphill and downhill.
After Lunch, we will catch a Jeep to ride back to Kathmandu to soak in the fresh pool.
Day 8: Kathmandu
Today explore the Medieval Town of Bhaktapur and relax with culture, art, and architecture. In the evening farewell dinner and explore around the city.
Day 9: Onwards:
On the day of departure, you will be assisted to the airport by our staff, and see you off. Hopefully, we get to see you again taking on a different destination of Nepal.