Gosaikunda Lake Trek

Your journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. Kathmandu, known for its rich cultural heritage, is a bustling city filled with historic temples, vibrant markets, and diverse traditions. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest and recover from your journey or explore the nearby attractions like Thamel, a popular tourist hub, to get a feel for the city.

On the second day, you will embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, which is located at an altitude of 1,960 meters. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours, covering about 120 kilometers, and offers stunning views of hills, rivers, and terraced farmlands. The drive passes through several small towns and villages such as Kakani, Ranipauwa, Bidur, Trishuli, Betrawati, and Ramche. Dhunche, the starting point of the trek, serves as the headquarters of the Rasuwa district and the gateway to Langtang National Park. After arriving in Dhunche, you will check into a lodge, where you can rest and prepare for the trekking days ahead.

The trekking adventure begins on Day 3 with a hike from Dhunche to Chandanbari, also known as Sing Gompa, situated at an altitude of 3,330 meters. This day’s trek covers approximately 7 kilometers and takes around 5 to 6 hours. The trail ascends gradually through lush forests of oak, fir, and Rhododendron, which is Nepal’s national flower. You may encounter diverse wildlife, including monkeys and various bird species, along the way. As you climb higher, the air becomes fresher, and the views more breathtaking. Upon reaching Chandanbari, you can visit the famous Sing Gompa monastery and the local yak cheese factory, where you can taste and purchase fresh yak cheese. You will stay overnight in a tea house or lodge in Chandanbari.

Day 4 involves trekking from Chandanbari to Gosaikunda, the highest point of the trek, at an altitude of 4,380 meters. This trek covers a distance of about 9 kilometers and takes 5 to 6 hours to complete. The trail ascends steeply, passing through Chyolangpati and Laurebina, offering panoramic views of the Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges. The landscape transforms into alpine terrain as you approach Gosaikunda, with fewer trees and more rocky landscapes. Upon arrival, you will witness the sacred Gosaikunda Lake, revered by Hindus for its spiritual significance. Pilgrims visit this lake, especially during the Janai Purnima festival, to take a holy dip in its waters. You can explore the surrounding lakes, such as Bhairab Kunda and Saraswati Kunda, and enjoy the serene environment. Overnight accommodation will be in a tea house or lodge near the lake.

On Day 5, you will descend from Gosaikunda back to Dhunche, retracing your steps through the scenic trail. This downhill trek covers about 15 kilometers and takes 7 to 8 hours. As you descend, the vegetation changes from alpine to temperate forests, providing different perspectives of the landscape you ascended a couple of days ago. You will pass by landmarks such as Laurebina and Chandanbari, where you can take short breaks to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Upon arrival in Dhunche, you will check into a lodge and spend the night, reflecting on the incredible journey to Gosaikunda.

Day 6 marks the return journey from Dhunche to Kathmandu by road. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, following the same scenic route back to the bustling city. As you make your way back to Kathmandu, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and reminisce about the trek's memorable experiences. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night. You may choose to explore more of Kathmandu’s cultural and historical sites or simply relax and recover from the trek.

The final day marks the end of your trekking adventure in Nepal. After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. If you have a later flight, you might have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu. With unforgettable memories of the Gosaikunda Lake Trek, you’ll bid farewell to Nepal, carrying with you the experiences of the stunning landscapes, unique culture, and spiritual significance of this journey.