Gosaikunda Lake Trek

Duration 7 Days
Trip Grade Moderate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude 4,380
Group Size 8-12
Starts Dhunche
Ends Sundarijal
Activities Trekking
Best Time March–May, September–November, Janai Purnima Festival (August)

The Gosaikunda Holy Glacial Lake trek is perfect for those looking to experience the alpine region and explore the Himalayas in a short time. Lake Gosaikunda (4,380 m) holds great religious significance, being a renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially during the Janai Purnima festival in August. The initial days are spent trekking through mountains until you reach the treeline at Cholang Pati, where you'll catch distant views of the majestic Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Annapurna. Spend the night at Lauribinayek's tea houses, then wake up early to hike up to the serene Gosaikunda Lakes. Return to Dhunche and Kathmandu the following day.

This trek offers excellent tea house accommodations, so you don't need to carry much gear. The itinerary is shorter than our standard packages, making it ideal for those pressed for time. Reach out to us for a customized trip tailored to your unique schedule and preferences.

Highlights

Hike to the 4,380-meter-high, revered glacial lake Gosaikunda
Enjoy sweeping views of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Manaslu mountain ranges
Have a spiritually intense celebration of the August Janai Purnima holiday
Discover ancient Tamang and Sherpa villages along the route
Explore lush rhododendron forests and high alpine pastures
Traverse mountain passes that offer stunning vistas
For beginners or hikers with limited time, this is the perfect short hike
This is the ideal acclimatization trek before trying higher Himalayan routes

A summary of the tour
The stunning drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, the entry point to the Langtang region, marks the start of the Gosaikunda Trek. Trekkers climb through rocky terrain, quaint villages, and thick forests over the course of the following few days. Views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal are available at higher elevations. The trail descends toward Sundarijal, close to Kathmandu, after crossing the Laurebina Pass (4,610 m) after arriving at Gosaikunda Lake. In less than a week, this trek provides the perfect combination of religious heritage, mountain scenery, and cultural exploration. Reservations are now being accepted for the Gosaikunda Lake Trek's spring, summer, and fall 2025 departures.

Why Take the Trek to Gosaikunda?
One of Nepal's most stunning and spiritually rewarding short treks is the Gosaikunda Lake Trek. Every August, thousands of pilgrims flock to the holy lake of Gosaikunda, which is thought to have been formed by Lord Shiva. The trail provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and distinctive high-altitude ecosystems for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Because of its close proximity to Kathmandu, it is an accessible and extremely rewarding adventure for trekkers with limited time.

The cost of the Gosaikunda Lake Trek
The type of lodging, size of the group, and services chosen all affect the Gosaikunda Lake Trek's price. All permits and teahouse stays are included in our standard package. A luxury upgrade can result in better accommodations and services. For complete pricing and customization information, get in touch with us.

What Can We Anticipate from the Gosaikunda Trek?
Anticipate a difficult yet incredibly beautiful journey. Every day, five to six hours will be spent hiking through a variety of environments, such as high alpine regions and subtropical forests. Basic amenities are provided by the local teahouses that welcome visitors. At higher elevations, the weather is windy and cold, but spring and fall are typically pleasant.

Trekkers need to be ready for a steep drop and incline
Simple housing and meals
Gorgeous vistas from elevated ridges
Temperature variations based on altitude and season

Gosaikunda Trek Distances and Elevations

Trekking Route	Distance (Km)	Duration (Hrs)	Altitude (M)
Drive: Kathmandu to Dhunche	120	6-7 hrs	1,960
Trek Dhunche to Chandanbari (Sing Gompa)	9	5-6 hrs	3,330
Trek Chandanbari to Gosaikunda	10	5-6 hrs	4,380
Trek Gosaikunda to Ghopte via Laurebina Pass	14	6-7 hrs	3,440
Trek Ghopte to Kutumsang	13	5-6 hrs	2,470
Trek Kutumsang to Chisapani	16	5-6 hrs	2,165
Trek Chisapani to Sundarijal & drive to Kathmandu	12	3-4 hrs walk + 1.5 hr drive	1,400

Gosaikunda Lake Trek Itinerary

Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, the Top of the World Adventure team will be there to greet you. After collecting your baggage, you'll meet our agency staff at the international arrival gate. They will brief you about your trip, provide vouchers, and then transfer you to your hotel.

Max Altitude: 1350m
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 02:Drive from Kathmandu (1350 m) to Dhunche(1960m) , 6 hours drive

After breakfast at your hotel, our guide will pick you up and take you to the bus station at Machhapokhari. Begin your journey with a scenic drive along the Kathmandu-Rasuwagadhi highway to reach Dhunche. The route is lined with farms, villages, and mountain views. Dhunche, at 1,965 meters, serves as the headquarters of the Langtang area and the Rasuwa district and is the entrance to Langtang National Park where your permits will be checked. Explore the village with a short walk and stay overnight at a teahouse.

Max Altitude: 1960m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahosue

Day 03:Trek from Dhunche (1960m) to Chandanbari (3330m) Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, begin your trek with a moderate ascent through forests of rhododendron, oak, and other alpine flora. The trail follows the Trishuli River, passing through local settlements like Deurali and Ghattekhola. As you approach Chandanbari, enjoy majestic views of the Langtang Mountain range and Ganesh Himal. Chandanbari is known for its cheese production and ancient monastery. Stay overnight at a teahouse in Chandanbari.

Max Altitude: 3330m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 04:Trek from Chandanbari (3330m) to Gosaikunda (4380m) Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

Start your day with a trek through steep uphill trails offering expanding mountain views. The path is narrow and rocky, becoming sparser in vegetation as you approach Lauribina. After Lauribina, you will encounter Saraswati Kunda, followed by Bhairab Kunda, and finally Gosaikunda. Stay overnight at a teahouse near the sacred lake.

Max Altitude: 4380m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 05:Trek from Gosaikunda (4380m) to Dhunche (1960m) Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours

After early morning worship at the holy lake, begin your return journey. The downhill trail is easier compared to the previous day's ascent. Pass through the picturesque villages of Lauribina, Cholang Pati, Dhimsa, and Deurali, arriving in Dhunche by evening. Stay overnight at a teahouse.

Max Altitude: 1960m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 06:Drive from Dhunche (1960m) to Kathmandu (1350m)7-8 hours drive

Conclude your trekking adventure with an exciting drive back to Kathmandu. Arrive before evening, allowing time for shopping and preparation for your next journey or departure.

Max Altitude: 1350m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 07:Final departure

As per your flight schedule, our staff will transfer you to Kathmandu airport for your international departure.

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Route Map

Altitude Graph

Gosaikunda Lake Trek Cost Details

Includes

Private vehicle pickup and drop-off at the airport
Two nights with breakfast at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu
All necessary trekking permits (TIMS, Langtang National Park)
Five nights in teahouses in the mountains
English-speaking trekking guide with a government license
Transportation (tourist or private bus)
A farewell meal in Kathmandu
Trekking duffel bag
Storage of luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu
Trekking completion certificate
Service fees and taxes

Excludes

Meals (lunch or dinner in cities, meals while trekking)
Porter service (not required)
Personal hiking equipment
Flights (not relevant to this hike)
Insurance for travel
Advice for the guide or porter

Add-ons and Options

Get the most out of your visit to Gosaikunda:

Option for a Luxury Lodge: Whenever possible, move up to a cozier room.
Porter Service: To move your belongings, hire a specialized porter.
Yoga & Wellbeing: Participate in yoga classes led by guides while trekking.
Photography Package: To assist you in documenting your journey, a photography guide is provided.

Additional Info

Permits for the Gosaikunda Trek

A permit to enter Langtang National Park costs NPR 3,000 per person
NPR 2,000 per person for a TIMS card
Our package includes permits. We'll take care of everything

The Difficulty of the Gosaikunda Trek
Although this hike is moderate, the high elevation of some parts, such as the Laurebina Pass, can make it physically taxing

Be ready for:

Five to seven hours of hiking every day
Simple teahouse lodging
High elevations
Above 4,000 meters, thin air
While not strictly required, some prior hiking experience is advantageous

Sickness at Altitude
Above 3,000 meters, altitude sickness can occur, particularly in the vicinity of Gosaikunda and Laurebina Pass. Drink plenty of water, take it slow, and take breaks when necessary

Symptoms could consist of:

A headache
Feeling queasy
Breathlessness
Lightheadedness
Weariness

In addition to carrying necessary medical supplies, our guides have received basic altitude sickness response training

Gosaikunda Lake Trek FAQs

How difficult is the Gosaikunda Lake Trek?

The Gosaikunda Lake Trek is considered moderately challenging. You'll be hiking 5–6 hours daily through varied terrain, from lush forests to rocky alpine paths. While it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, the altitude (up to 4,380m) can be tough for some, so basic fitness and acclimatization are key. It’s a perfect entry-level trek for those looking to explore the Himalayas without venturing too deep into the wild.

What’s the best time to trek to Gosaikunda?

The sweet spots are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the skies are clearest, the trails are colorful with rhododendrons or post-monsoon freshness, and views of the Himalayas are breathtaking. The Janai Purnima Festival in August also draws many pilgrims, making for a powerful cultural experience—but expect more crowds then.

How high do we go, and should I worry about altitude sickness?

The trek peaks at 4,380m at Gosaikunda Lake. While this is high enough for some to feel the effects of altitude (headache, fatigue, shortness of breath), the itinerary is designed to help you acclimatize gradually. Stay hydrated, walk at a steady pace, and inform your guide if you feel unwell. It’s manageable for most healthy travelers with basic preparation.

What’s the food and accommodation like on this trek?

You’ll stay in cozy tea houses along the route—simple but welcoming. Meals are hearty and carb-rich, with options like dal bhat, momos, noodles, and pancakes. Don’t expect luxury, but the charm lies in warm hospitality, mountain views over breakfast, and stories shared around the fire at night.

What should I pack for the Gosaikunda Trek?

Think layers! Weather can shift fast, so bring a warm down jacket, moisture-wicking base layers, a good raincoat, gloves, a hat, and sturdy trekking boots. Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, a refillable water bottle, and basic first aid. Since accommodations are tea house-based, you won’t need camping gear.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

Yes—and that’s what makes it so popular. It’s a short trek with big rewards: alpine lakes, Himalayan views, rich cultural encounters, and a spiritual atmosphere, all within a week. If you’re reasonably fit and open to rustic comforts, it’s an unforgettable first step into the world of Himalayan trekking.

Is Gosaikunda safe for solo or female travelers?

Nepal is known for its welcoming culture, and the Gosaikunda route is well-trodden and safe. Whether solo or in a group, travelers generally feel secure, especially with a licensed guide. We always recommend going with a reputable agency (like us!) for extra peace of mind, proper planning, and support in case of any emergencies.

What makes Gosaikunda different from other treks in Nepal?

Gosaikunda isn’t just scenic—it’s spiritual. Thousands of pilgrims trek here annually, believing the lake was created by Lord Shiva. Combine that with jaw-dropping views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal, charming Tamang villages, and forests that glow with rhododendrons—it’s a compact trek that offers the soul of the Himalayas in just a week.

How do we get to the starting point of the trek?

The adventure begins with a scenic 6–7 hour drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, winding through mountain roads with stunning views. It’s a bumpy but beautiful ride—consider it the first taste of the journey ahead!

What kind of cultural experiences can I expect?

You'll pass through Tamang and Sherpa villages with prayer flags fluttering and Buddhist chortens along the trail. If you trek during Janai Purnima in August, the sacred energy at Gosaikunda Lake is electrifying, with pilgrims chanting, praying, and bathing in the icy waters. It’s more than a hike—it’s a walk through living tradition.

Gosaikunda Lake Trek