Embark on a transformative journey to the heart of Nepal’s mystical beauty, where the ethereal Gosaikunda Lake resides in serene splendor. Nestled within the embrace of the Rasuwa district, this crystalline oasis spans 13.8 hectares, a tranquil realm veiled by the towering giants of the Helambu and Langtang Valleys and cocooned by the embrace of Langtang National Park.
Here, at a lofty altitude of 4,380 meters, the lake’s shimmering waters hold tales of devotion and divine connection that have reverberated through the annals of time. Gosaikunda’s origin itself is cloaked in mythic allure. Legend speaks of Lord Shiva’s trident piercing the mountain’s heart, birthing the lake’s crystalline waters that danced with his divine essence. A massive rock poised between the sky and water is believed to be his sacred shrine, a reminder of the cosmic dance that once unfolded here.
Langtang Gosaikunda isn’t just a trek; it’s a symphony of experiences. Ascend uphill trails shrouded in emerald green and encounter vistas that seize the soul. In March and April, the hills don a vermilion cloak, adorned with the regal presence of 16 rhododendron species. Wildlife thrives in the embrace of the forests, a sanctuary for the elusive red panda, the graceful musk deer, and a symphony of birds.
As the trail winds through Tamang settlements, an enchanting world of tradition unfolds. Conversations with locals reveal their way of life, their history, and their heritage. The trekking seasons of September to November and March to May offer the ideal windows to experience this realm.
Trekking Permits
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card and the Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Itinerary of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
Day 1: Kathmandu to SyabruBesi
We will drive to Syabru Besi. The drive is about seven hours and is a scenic one by bus. You travel north of Kathmandu, past Dhunche, through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas, to Syabru Besi.
Day 2: SyabruBesi to Lama Hotel
The first section of the trail today passes through Bhote Koshi and parallels the Langtang Khola. The route gradually ascends to Ramche (2400 m) through Bamboo (1960 m), located on the Langtang Khola bank.
Day 3: Lama Hotel to Mundu
The trek route follows Gumanechok, Ghoda Tabela, which translates to horse stable. After that, our path heads to Mundu, a small settlement about 30 minutes from Langtang village.
Day 4: Mundu to Kyanjing Gompa
After breakfast, we will trek to Sindum and advance toward Yamphu. We will cross a few suspension bridges over the Laja Khola River. We traverse along the river bank and trek up to Kyanjin Gompa. We will see a large amount of ice coursing through the Langtang Lirung. On our way to Kyanjin Gompa, we will be surrounded by mountains, making our trek worthwhile.
Day 5: Kyangjuma Gompa Exploration
It is an easy day. Take a rest and explore the nearby areas. There are several attractions to visit in the village. You can take an excursion to the cheese factory or hike through the moraine trail to see spectacular icefalls and ascend Chorkari Ri (5050 m). Chorakari Ri is the trek’s highest point and takes you directly behind the village for a picturesque view of Langtang Peak.
Day 6: Kyanjin Gompa-Lama Hotel
We descend to the Lama Hotel and enjoy amazing views of towering mountains.
Day 7: Lama Hotel-Thulo Syabru
The trail descends to the canal, crosses it, and ascends to Thulo Syabru. Breathtaking views of Langtang Himal and its surrounding peaks accompany you. You will walk across pine and juniper forests to Thulo Syabru, today’s final destination.
Day 8: Thulo Syabru-Shin Gompa
You follow the wide path up to Dimsa village and then continue through rhododendron, hemlock, and oak woods to Shin Gumba. You can enjoy picturesque views of Langtang Himal and Langtang Valley on the way. Shin Gompa is another popular cheese destination on this journey.
Day 9: Shin Gompa to Gosaikunda
The first segment of the trail appears, and we slowly ascend up to Laurebinayak, where the peak gives you an amazing feeling. All the way to Gosaikunda is a steep ascent. You trek along a rocky path with stunning views of the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Langtang Lirung, and Tibetan peaks. On a clear day, you will see the Annapurna range behind and to the north. Langtang Lirung is also visible across the valley. You pass a few huts in Laurebinayak’s high pasture, cross a narrow hill, and get your first glimpses of the holy lake of Gosaikunda.
Explore the lake, and do take a dive too for a refreshing memory of the trek.
Day 10: Gosaikunda to Ghopte
The path starts from Gosaikunda and climbs through rugged terrain, past four small lakes, to the Laure Binayak La (4610 m), the trek’s highest point. Continue to stare back at the stunning views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the now-familiar Langtang Lirung. You then make a steep descent to camp near Ghopte.
Day 11: Ghopte to Malemchigaon
You descend through trees and ascend through a dry riverbed to enter a Kharka surrounded by rhododendron forests. Walking through dense woods, we make our way to Tharepati village. Climbing the ridge directly above the town provides a breathtaking view of the Jugal Plain. We cross the village and a jungle before descending to the Melamchi River and ascending again.
Day 12: Malemchigaon to Tarkeghyang
Today you reach Helambu Region. Walk up to Tarkeghyang, where you can enjoy Sherpa culture with traditional villages and monasteries. The stone houses are close together, separated by narrow alleyways.
Day 13: Tarkeghyang to Shermathang
You pass through a small forest with a lovely view of the Helambu region’s settlement. The path winds through the valley between Parachin and the picturesque Sherpa village of Gangyul. The residents of this village follow Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, Bhutan’s national religion.
Day 14: to Melamchi-PPul Bazar and Kathmandu
Take a short walk down to Melamchi Pul Bazar, with many Sherpa villages, and catch your transport back to Kathmandu.
Best season
The best times to explore this region are from September to November and March to May. These seasons provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the experience to the fullest and be closer to Mother Nature.
Itinerary by:
Nepal Hiking Team
Nayabazar-16, Kathmandu, Nepal
Contact Details: +977 1 4389212
sales@nepalhikingteam.com
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