Gosaikunda Lake Trek is one of the breathless and most well-liked treks. It falls under Dhunche – Helambu trekking route. It is situated at an elevation of 4380 meters from sea level. The Gosaikunda trek starts from Dhunche where as Langtang Valley Trek starts from Syfrubesi, after an 8-9 hours drive to Dhunche from Kathmandu.
Gosaikunda Lake Trek – Sacred Lake is believed that Lord Shiva, who drank the poison to save the universe which is extracted from the sea, had to find a place for burning throat to cool himself, in a place which is known as Trisuldhara, which is the source of Gosaikunda as well as for the famous Trishuli river. It is believed that Lord created multiple lakes, including Nagh Kunda, Surya Kunda, and Bhairav Kunda. The Gosaikunda lake is frozen half of the year during winter.
The Hindu and Buddhist festival of Janai Purnima (also known as Raksha Bandhan) takes place on Shrawan on a full moon day. The sacred thread worn by men and Purnima means full moon. During this festival, Buddhist bathe in scared streams and visit their temple. The Brahmin priests offered ornamental threads to tie around the wrist of Hindus and, in return, received the gift. The high-altitude Gosaikunda Lake in Rasuwa District is important during festival time. Many people go to religious places of pilgrimage in Gosaikunda Lake to remove their sins. Hundreds of pilgrims take rituals in the icy waters.
Trek highlight
The people
Gosaikunda Lake Trek passes through many local villages and gives us a chance to experience the lifestyle of rural people. Unfortunately, many people in the Langtang region lost their relatives in the earthquake, and tourism has dropped. However, everyone is welcoming and grateful if you step toward their guest house and treat them with famous Nepali kindness.
Culture
Langtang valley trekking is culturally rich and traditionally fascinating close to the Tibetan border. The local Tamang people are sincere and most welcoming in Nepal. We soak up the heritage, monastery, and beautiful local architecture of Tamang homes towards the north.
The Wildlife
Some of the most attractive parts of the Langtang National Park include Langtang valley, the holy lakes at Gosaikunda, and the forest hill above the Helambu. Langtang National Park is home to different vertebrates such as Red Panda, Musk deers, Panther, Jackals, Mountain Thar, and the thick timberland of rhododendron.
Starting point
The initial point for trekking in Langtang valley is Syafrubesi. It takes 7 to 8 hours of driving to cover 117 km from Kathmandu to Syafrubesi. As we leave Kathmandu Valley, one can enjoy impressive views of the Annapurna Himalayas in the west, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the peak of the Langtang region ahead. Next, we drive through the town of Trisuli before reaching Dhunche and Langtang National Park.
Modes of transport.
There are three buses during the day from Kathmandu to Syafrubesi. The local bus departs every morning from 7-9 am from Machhapokahari. You can skip the local bus with a private jeep. The bus ride to Trisuli bazaar is smooth; there is a military checkpoint where the journey will slow. The bus will stop at Dhunche, which makes hikers convenient wants to climb Singh Gompa.
Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Dhunche
Syafrubesi is the starting point for trekking Langtang Region. From Kathmandu to Syafrubesi, it takes a 7-8 hours drive to cover 117km. It is the best place for hotels and lodges.
Day 2: Dhuche to Chandan Bari
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will start the trek to Chandan Bari. On the way, you will encounter a satisfying view of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and the Tibetan Mountains.
You will visit the cheese factory, the main attraction, and stay overnight at Chandan Bari.
Day 3 Chandan Bari to Gosaikunda
On this day, you will trek for 5 to 7 hours of walking to the lake. During the trek you will visit Cholang Pati and Lauribinayak; after Lauribinayak, we will head towards the lake at an elevation of 4380m.
On the way, you will pass two holy lakes, Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda.
Day 4: Back to Dhunche
After the trek, you’ll be ready to descend. You will trek down the same way, which will lead to Dhunche. You will stay overnight at Dhunche.
Day 5 Dhunche to Kathmandu
You will return to the valley, enjoying the view. Then, you will reach Kathmandu within 7-8 hours of driving.
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