Gosainkunda Trek

Gosaikunda is the purest holy lake located north from Kathmandu in between Helambu, Langtang Valley and Langtang National Park. The lake is at Rasuwa district and it covers a surface with about 13.8 ha (34 acres). It’s one of the beautiful high mountain lakes in Nepal and also the religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Gosaikunda trek difficulty comes to a moderate graded trek. The maximum walking hour is 6-7 hours but other days will be 4-5 or 5-6 hours so anyone with basic fitness can complete the trek. The highest trek point is Gosaikunda lake (4460m) itself so with a steady walk and enough rest day, this trek can be done.

Gosaikunda trek best season is year-round except Jun to Aug since these months are the monsoon season. The best months to do this trek are from October to December and March to May when the weather will be good with clear skies and good mountain views. Since Gosaikunda is a holy site so each year there will be a festival in full moon day of Jul/Aug.

Altitude sickness can occur when trekking more than 3000 meters. This trek starts from a lower elevation of 2000 meters at Dhunche and up till the Gosaikunda lake (4460m) so altitude sickness depends upon individuals. So walking slow, drinking enough water will prevent you from altitude sickness.

Packing along warm clothes is suggested which should include down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. At most cases, your company already provide down jacket and sleeping bag. Besides, clothing can be purchased in Kathmandu at Thamel area as well where numerous trekking shops exists with both local and foreign brands.

You will stay at family-run local lodges which are called tea house. But they are nice, small and comfortable stays with good and organic food often grown at their backyards. Tea houses often have a common dining hall with fireplace and with common toile often a squat toilet facility.

Gosainkunda trek route starts from Dhunche, a small town at 1960 meters. It is located 117 kilometers from Kathmandu and the drive takes 6-7 hours. The trek starts from Dhunche all the way to Gosaikunda lake and ends at Sundarijal, another small town closer to Kathmandu from where you drive back to Kathmandu City which is about 1-hour drive

Gosaikunda trek permit is required which is entry fee Rs. 3000 per person for Langtang National Park plus the TIMS card Rs. 1000 per person.

Gosaikunda trek solo is actually possible. You can trek without joining a group or you can even trek without any trekking guide too. The trek is completely safe for solo trekkers. But please keep in mind that it will be safe only if you have prior experience of high altitude trek and other treks in Nepal. Otherwise, chances are a novice trekker walking alone may go through several unexpected complications.

Some parts have been affected but soon many maintenance and reconstruction have been made on the trail including the houses undergone numerous renovations, so it’s completely safe to travel and trek in this region.

Bottled water can be bought or you can take along a bottle and fill the bottle with tap water with purifying tablets. These can be bought in Kathmandu before the trek. Most brands of purification tablets take just 30 minutes before you can drink. Drinking a minimum of 3 to 4 liters of water per day is recommended.

You can bring trekking gear from your home country. They can also be bought in Kathmandu at many trekking shops around there. But, most of the trekking gears you get here are not up to standard though are comparatively cheaper. So, it’s up to you to decide.

Sickness depends upon its nature. For mild sickness usually descending to a lower altitude with the help and support of the guide or porter is done. For serious illness, emergency helicopter evacuation service is arranged. Our guide will be in constant contact with us and takes immediate action as per the situation. This is where travel insurance comes covering for a medical evacuation service and other medical expenses. Our guides carry first aid kit with basic medication like simple painkillers, altitude sickness tablets, bandages, balm for muscle aches and medication to treat diarrhea and vomiting. They are experienced trek guides and will take care of you if anything happens to you. Besides, there are health posts in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Pheriche where you can get medical services.

Your lodge where you get a room provides a blanket. But the blanket can’t be sufficient at all times. To be on the safe side bringing along sleeping bag is suggested which we shall provide and already included in the tour cost.

Your hotel where you stay in Kathmandu will store your luggage that you don’t want to take to trek without any charge. Later on, you can pick up your luggage after the trek.