- +977-9801214198
- info@hairyyakadventures.com
The Gosaikunda Lake Trek is an 8-day spiritual and scenic adventure in Nepal’s Langtang National Park, located north of Kathmandu in the Rasuwa district. Priced at $550 per person, this moderate trek takes you to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m / 14,370 ft), a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva created the lake by piercing a glacier with his trident to quench his thirst after consuming poison during the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning). The trek, covering approximately 45 km round-trip from Dhunche, offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Langtang Lirung (7,246 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), and glimpses of the Annapurna range on clear days.
This trek is ideal for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual significance. The trail winds through lush rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, alpine meadows, and traditional Tamang villages, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Trekkers may encounter wildlife such as red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and musk deer, alongside vibrant birdlife and wildflowers. The route is less crowded than popular treks like Everest Base Camp, offering a tranquil experience, especially outside the Janai Purnima festival in August, when thousands of pilgrims visit for a holy dip. With a maximum altitude of 4,610 m at Lauribina Pass, the trek requires moderate fitness and careful acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. Basic teahouses provide cozy lodging and hearty meals, ensuring a comfortable journey through this pristine Himalayan landscape.
The Gosaikunda Lake Trek starts at $550 per person for an 8-day package, offering excellent value for a Himalayan adventure. This cost typically includes:
Permits: Langtang National Park Entry Permit ($30) and TIMS card ($10 for group trekkers, $20 for solo).
Accommodation: Teahouses or lodges during the trek (twin rooms with shared bathrooms) and a hotel in Kathmandu for pre- and post-trek nights.
Meals: Three meals daily during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner), featuring Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat, Tibetan, and Indian options.
Guide and Porter: A licensed guide ($25–$35/day) and porter ($15–$20/day, carrying up to 20 kg for two people) for navigation and luggage support.
Transportation: Round-trip local bus from Kathmandu to Dhunche (6–8 hours, $10–$15 one way) or optional private jeep ($200–$245, split among 6–8 people).
Additional expenses may include personal items (snacks, hot showers, device charging: $2–$5 each at higher altitudes), travel insurance (covering up to 5,000 m), and tips for guides/porters (10% of trek cost recommended). Group discounts (5–10% for 5+ people) and off-season deals can lower costs, while deluxe packages with private transport or extra amenities may reach $700.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal, offering clear skies, mild weather, and vibrant scenery. March–May features blooming rhododendrons, while September–November provides crisp mountain views. Winter (December–February) is colder but quieter, with possible snow at higher altitudes. Monsoon season (June–August) is wet, with risks of landslides and leeches.
Moderate to challenging, with 6–9-hour days and high passes (5,306m–5,416m). Suitable for fit trekkers with some experience; acclimatization days reduce altitude sickness risks.
Yes, since April 2023, a licensed guide is required for restricted areas like Nar Phu. A minimum of two trekkers is needed for permits.
ACAP (~$30), TIMS (~$10–$20), and RAP ($100/week Sept–Nov, $75/week Dec–Aug, plus $10–$15/day thereafter). Agencies handle permits.
Basic teahouses and homestays offer twin beds, shared bathrooms, and Nepali meals (dal bhat, momos). Nar Phedi may involve a monastery stay. Wi-Fi and hot showers cost ~$2–$5.