Embark on a soul-stirring journey through Nepal’s Langtang region, where alpine lakes shimmer beneath towering peaks and ancient traditions come alive in remote mountain villages. The Gosaikunda Lake Trek is more than just a hike—it’s a cultural and spiritual adventure into the high Himalayas.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, winding through picturesque valleys and foothills. From there, the trail leads you through enchanting rhododendron and pine forests, peaceful Tamang settlements, and rugged, high-altitude landscapes. Along the way, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of majestic peaks like Langtang Lirung (7,234m) and Ganesh Himal (7,422m).
The crown jewel of the trek is the sacred Gosaikunda Lake (4,380m), a serene glacial pool revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Especially vibrant during the Janai Purnima festival, this holy site draws pilgrims and trekkers alike, offering a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
With flexible itineraries available for 2025 and 2026, the Gosaikunda Trek promises a perfect mix of adventure, cultural connection, and awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery—an experience that will stay with you long after the journey ends.
7 days / 6 nights Gosaikunda Lake trip
Trek to Timeless Beauty in Langtang Region
Highlights
- Explore the rich biodiversity of Langtang National Park, including its diverse flora and fauna.
- Learn about the elusive and endangered Red Panda.
- Hike through scenic rhododendron and pine forests.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and Hiuchuli ranges.
- Engage with the Tamang community and experience their unique culture and traditions.
- Visit the sacred Gosaikunda Lake and nearby alpine lakes such as Bhairab, Saraswati, and Surya Kunda.
- Discover the historic Sing Gompa monastery.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Once you're settled at the hotel, we will schedule a trip briefing at the hotel lobby or restaurant.
Your Gosaikunda Lake Trek begins this morning after breakfast. Your guide will escort you to the Machha Pokhari Bus Station for the drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche. The 5–6 hour scenic journey passes through forests, terraced fields, streams, and alongside the Trishuli River, offering views of charming villages and green pastures. Dhunche, the administrative center of Rasuwa District, is a small but vibrant mountain town.
Upon arrival, you’ll explore the village and interact with locals before spending the night at a comfortable tea house.
After breakfast in Dhunche, you'll begin your trek to Gosaikunda Lake. After about an hour of walking, you'll reach Ghatte Khola. From there, follow the Trishuli River to Deurali, a small village with a few tea houses on the way to Chandanbari. After 3 hours of trekking, passing streams and waterfalls, you'll reach Dhimsa. The trail then becomes steeper as it climbs through beautiful pine forests.
Chandanbari, also known as Sing Gompa, is nestled in the forest and can only be reached by a challenging uphill hike. The village is home to a monastery and a yak cheese factory, making it a popular stop for trekkers.
Today’s Gosaikunda Trek will be more challenging than yesterday. After breakfast at Chandanbari, you'll begin trekking uphill along a narrow, rocky path. As you ascend, you'll pass barren hills and feel cool breezes. After about 1.5 hours, you'll reach Cholangpati, where you can enjoy stunning views of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal.
From Cholangpati, continue trekking for 2.5 hours to Lauribina. Then, climb for another 2 hours to reach Buddha Temple. After an hour of hiking from the temple, you'll encounter Saraswati Kunda, followed by Bhairav Kunda, and finally the magnificent Gosaikunda Lake. You’ll spend the night at a tea house and have the opportunity to explore other nearby lakes.
After a delicious breakfast, you'll spend the morning exploring the surroundings of Gosaikunda Lake. Then, you'll retrace your steps back to Dhunche, passing through the charming villages of Lauribina, Cholangpati, Dhimsa, and Deurali. This marks the conclusion of your Gosaikunda Lake Trek.
As you descend, the hike becomes easier and more enjoyable, offering beautiful views of the mountains, pine forests, and the famous Chandandari cheese. Along the way, you'll have the chance to spot protected species like Wood Snipe, Snow Partridge, and Tibetan Snow Cock. If you're lucky, you may even see the endangered Red Panda.
After about seven hours of downhill trekking, you'll reach Dhunche.
The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek ends today. After a restful night in a Dhunche tea house, you'll enjoy breakfast before boarding a bus back to Kathmandu. The scenic drive takes you through charming towns, meadows, and along the majestic Trishuli River, lasting about six to seven hours.
This journey will leave you with lasting memories of Gosaikunda Lake, its stunning trails, the culturally rich Tamang people, the Tibetan-influenced lifestyle, and the delicious Yak cheese.
Today marks the final day of your Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. Our staff will assist you in reaching the airport for your departure. If you'd like to extend your trip, Green Lotus Trekking can arrange additional plans. For evening flights, you may also have time to shop for souvenirs.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Private coach for airport pick-up and drop-off
- 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- 4 nights’ accommodation in tea houses during the trek
- Guide’s expenses: salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment
- Public bus transportation to and from Dhunche (as per itinerary)
- Langtang National Park entry permit and TIMS card
- Water purification tablets
- All government taxes, VAT, and service charges
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal visa fees
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and medical insurance
- Porter service and private jeep transport
- Personal expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, laundry)
- Costs due to unforeseen events (e.g., roadblocks, delays)
- Tips for the guide (expected after the trek)
FAQs
The Gosaikunda Trek is moderately challenging—more demanding than easy hikes but not as strenuous as high-altitude treks. The difficulty can be adjusted based on your pace and preparation.
Yes. Gosaikunda is a good choice for first-time trekkers looking to take on a moderately difficult hike.
ATMs and credit card facilities are available in Kathmandu. Once on the trail, only cash is accepted for goods and services.
Teahouses along the trail provide electricity, typically for a small fee, to charge phones, cameras, or tablets. Wi-Fi is limited, available in some teahouses for a fee, but the connection is usually slow and unreliable. We do not recommend bringing laptops.
Yes. The trek exceeds 3,000 meters, making altitude sickness a potential issue due to lower oxygen levels and reduced air pressure.
Our guides recommend the following:
- Ascend gradually with proper rest and acclimatization
- Stay well-hydrated
- Eat nutritious meals
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and smoking
- Prepare physically and mentally before the trek
Yes. You can:
- Buy mineral water at shops along the route (cost increases with altitude)
- Fill reusable bottles with tap or stream water and purify it
- Drink boiled water at teahouses (recommended)
You’ll need:
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
- Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Free storage is available at your hotel in Kathmandu or at our office. You can safely leave anything not needed for the trek.
If a trekker becomes ill, an assistant guide will escort them to a lower altitude. The rest of the group can continue unaffected. In serious cases, emergency evacuation by helicopter will be arranged, depending on the situation’s severity.
The Gosaikunda Lake Trek is ideal for those with limited time who still want to experience trekking in Nepal. This short and scenic route in the Langtang region leads to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially during the Janai Purnima festival. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the lake’s holy waters brings salvation.
The trail passes through vibrant rhododendron and pine forests rich in wildlife, offering occasional glimpses of rare species like the endangered Red Panda. You’ll also explore Tamang villages, cross suspension bridges, and visit a monastery and yak cheese factory, adding a cultural dimension to the natural beauty.
Located at 4,380 meters, Gosaikunda Lake is believed to be the source of the Trisuli River. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu ranges. The route also features several other scenic lakes, including Bhairav Kunda, Surya Kunda, Saraswati Kunda, Ragat Kunda, Nau Kunda, and Nag Kunda.
The 7-day trek begins with a scenic 6-hour drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, passing through towns like Kakani, Ranipauwa, Bidur, and Trishuli. From Dhunche, the trail climbs steadily through Deurali and Dimsa to Chandanbari. The route then continues via Chyolangpati, Laurebina, and the Bouddha Temple to reach Gosaikunda, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes. After exploring the lake, the trek returns to Dhunche, followed by a drive back to Kathmandu.
Green Lotus Trekking Pvt. Ltd is proud to offer this well-organized Gosaikunda Trek itinerary, available for booking in 2025 and 2026. We can customize the trip to match your schedule, budget, and fitness level. For pricing or additional information, feel free to contact us.
Benefits of Booking the Gosaikunda Lake Trek with Us
- Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off
- Gosaikunda trek route map
- Oximeter to monitor blood oxygen levels
- Medical kit available for emergency use
- Free luggage storage at our office during the trek
- Sleeping bags provided upon request
Preparation for the Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Proper preparation is essential for the Gosaikunda Trek, especially due to the high altitude. Trekkers should be capable of hiking uphill and downhill for 5–6 hours daily while carrying a backpack. If you’re new to hiking, prone to altitude sickness, or have conditions like asthma, avoid heading straight to high elevations.
To prepare, begin with regular hikes at increasing altitudes to help your body adapt. Jogging and aerobic exercises can improve stamina and oxygen efficiency. It’s recommended to start physical training, including stretching and moderate aerobics, at least a month before your trek.
Physical fitness significantly reduces the risk of altitude-related issues. Equally important is having the right gear. A complete equipment checklist is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable trek. Try to gather all necessary items before arriving in Nepal, though any missing gear can also be purchased or rented in Kathmandu.
Useful Info for Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Best Seasons for Gosaikunda Lake Trek
- Spring (March to May): Spring is the second-best season for the Gosaikunda Trek. Langtang National Park comes alive with blooming rhododendrons in shades of red, pink, and yellow. The trails are lined with pine and maple, and the air is filled with floral scents. Wildlife is active, and with some luck, you may spot the rare red panda. The weather is stable—cool, dry, and ideal for trekking.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the most popular season for the trek due to clear skies, dry trails, and moderate temperatures. With minimal rain, there are fewer leeches and insects. Views of peaks like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and Dorje Lakpa are crystal clear, and the trails are in excellent condition.
Meals During the Trek
You’ll enjoy a mix of traditional Nepali dishes and international cuisine throughout the trek.
- Breakfast options: Tibetan bread, porridge, muesli, pancakes, French toast, hash browns, fried eggs, chapatti, and tea.
- Lunch options: Dal Bhat, momos (dumplings), fried rice, noodle soup, cheese potatoes, and vegetable dishes.
- Dinner options: Thukpa, stews, pasta, fried noodles, spring rolls, and pizza. Meals are freshly prepared in local tea houses.
Accommodation
Lodging is in basic tea houses along the route, typically shared twin rooms. Facilities include shared bathrooms with cold water and optional hot showers for an extra fee. Private rooms may be available in some locations for an additional cost, but availability is limited in peak seasons.
Trek Difficulty
The Gosaikunda Trek is rated easy to moderate. Most sections have gentle slopes, though parts—especially near Cholangpati—can be steep and oxygen levels lower. The most demanding day is the ascent to Gosaikunda Lake, which involves a steep 2-hour climb followed by a flatter section. Expect to walk 5–7 hours daily. Altitude sickness is a risk above 3,000m but can be avoided with proper acclimatization and a gradual ascent.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory due to the trek’s altitude (up to 4,380m) and potential risks like altitude sickness or landslides. Insurance must cover high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, medical treatment, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. A copy of your policy must be submitted to Green Lotus Trekking before the trek.
Altitude Sickness & Prevention
Altitude sickness can occur above 3,000m due to lower oxygen levels. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and appetite loss.
Prevention tips:
- Ascend slowly and acclimatize properly
- Stay hydrated and eat well
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Carry natural remedies like ginger and garlic
- Descend if symptoms worsen
Packing List Essentials
Key gear includes:
- Sleeping bag
- Warm clothing and layers
- High-quality hiking boots
- Walking poles
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Gloves, socks, and a duffel bag
- Necessary documents (passport, permits)
Wear lightweight, comfortable, and weather-appropriate gear. Most items are available in Kathmandu if you forget anything.
Safety Measures
Green Lotus Trekking prioritizes your safety:
- All guides are trained in wilderness first aid
- Leaders monitor your health throughout the trek
- Clean meals and hygienic accommodations
- Full emergency gear and first aid available
- Leaders may modify or stop the trek if altitude sickness occurs
Booking Procedure
Green Lotus Trekking is a government-authorized operator, registered with NMA and TAAN, with over years of experience. To book, a 10% deposit is required. Email us your passport copy, passport-size photo, travel insurance, and flight details within a week of booking.
Payment options:
- Online via bank transfer or Western Union
- Upon arrival in Nepal: cash, bank transfer, or credit card
We will provide all payment details upon booking.
