Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek from Kathmandu

Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek from Kathmandu is an affordable and quick adventure trek available from the capital of Nepal. For those unaware, Gosaikunda is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake located at 4380 m of Langtang National Park in Nepal. The trek is also rated as moderately easy and has thus been completed by travelers of different ages and fitness levels.

Moreover, as the travelers mostly trail via the national park during their trip, it offers a scenic exploration consisting of lush green forests, many river crossings, waterfalls and Laurie Binayak La High Pass (4610m) as well. Additionally, to add thrill to your journey, the hike finally culminates in the spectacular sight of multiple pristine crystal clear lakes including holy lake Gosaikunda itself.

Langtang National Park

Langtang National Park, also known to be a hiker’s paradise, is located in north-central Nepal. It was established in 1976 and holds the distinction of being Nepal’s first Himalayan national park and the country’s fourth protected area. Covering an area of 1710 square kilometers (660 sq mi) across the Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchok Districts, the park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from subtropical forests at lower elevations to dramatic Himalayan peaks that rise above 7000 meters.

Gosaikunda

Gosaikunda, the final destination of the trip, is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake in Nepal’s Langtang National Park, located at an elevation of 4380 m (14370 ft). It lies in the Rasuwa District with a surface area of 13.8 ha (34 acres). Together with associated lakes, the Gosaikunda Lake complex is 1030 ha (2500 acres) in size and was designated a Ramsar site in the year 2007. Moreover, the lake melts to form the Trishuli River as it remains frozen for five months during the winter (November-March).

Religious significance of Gosaikunda

The Gosaikunda area has also been delineated as a religious site to Hindus. Moreover, many Hindu scriptures refer to Lord Shiva being directly related to the origin of Gosaikunda after Samudra manthan (churning of the ocean). There is a popular belief that he melted the source of Gosaikunda with his trident to quench his thirst after drinking the poison received during the churning process. Its waters are therefore considered holy and of particular significance during the Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima festivals. In fact, thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area during the festivals (June-August).

Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek Map

Gosaikunda Trek

Additional information on Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek from Kathmandu:

Booking Your Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek from Kathmandu:

We are offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Langtang region for 2024 and 2025. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 499 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking Your International Flight:

For your Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek from Kathmandu, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu at least a day before your trip begins and depart on Day 6. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Packing for the Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek from Kathmandu:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek from Kathmandu. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival Information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us for a complimentary pickup from the Kathmandu airport. Our airport representative will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name Cordial Trek and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal.

Note: If you also need some help booking your accommodation in Kathmandu, we can arrange the same as well for an additional cost.

Trek Starting and Ending Days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 1 to Day 4. You’ll drive to Dhunche on Day 1 to commence the trek and return to Kathmandu on Day 5 and be transferred to your hotel. Expect to spend 4 nights and 5 days completing the Gosaikunda Trek from Kathmandu. You’ll begin your trek from Dhunche to Gosaikunda and back with overnight stays in places including Deurali, Chandanbari, Gosaikunda and Dhunche. Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM in the morning and conclude in the late afternoon with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll also have numerous photo opportunities along the way. Additionally, the travelers will enjoy their breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Furthermore, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

This trip does not include the traveler’s accommodation in Kathmandu. We may however help you to book your hotel as per your request.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are Teahouses. Although basic, these teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

During the trekking days, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.

Transportation for the trip:

The travelers will be provided with a sharing jeep/bus ride for their journey from Kathmandu-Dhunche and back. You may however opt for a comfortable private vehicle with additional cost (USD 150 one-way).

Drinking Water during the Trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Kindly be informed that you’re embarking on a trek and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also highly recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek. It allows you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for Extras and Tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 50 to 80 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 50-80 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Baggage and Weight Limit:

As mentioned above, the total weight a porter can carry is a maximum of 25 kgs. If you are a solo traveler, you can utilize it to the max. Else, two travelers are provided with one porter. So each one of you can load a maximum of 12.5 kgs to your porter. Please ensure you carry-on your items to stay within the weight limit.

Additionally, you also have an option to carry some of your goods in your backpack as well. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Highlights of Gosaikunda 5-Days Trek from Kathmandu:

1. Trail via lush green forests with oak and rhododendron trees

2. Explore villages with unique Tibetan & Tamang cultures

3. Visit high-altitude cheese factory

4. Experience breathtaking mountain views (including Ganesh Himal & Langtang Lirung)

5. Visit the holy lake Gosaikunda (sacred site for Hindu pilgrims)