Gosaikunda Lake Trek - 5 Days

Gosaikunda Lake Trek - 5 Days
Gosaikunda Lake Trek - 5 Days
Gosaikunda Lake Trek - 5 Days
Quick Overview
Duration5 Days
Trip GradeEasy
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude4,380 meters
Group Size1-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking
Best TimeAutumn, Spring, Janai Purnima

Overview of Gosaikunda Lake Trek

This 5-day short trek to the Holy Glacial Lake of Gosaikunda is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery. This lake is resting at 4,380 meters inside the Langtang National Park. Every step towards this sacred lake tells a story of nature, culture and peace. 

A long time ago, Lord Shiva came to this area for rest and meditation. People believe that when lord shiva drank poison to save the world, he was very thirsty and to cool himself, he struck the mountains with his trident and Gosaikunda Lake was formed from the water that appeared.

People still visit this lake, mainly in Janai Purnima, to take a bath in this lake, believing it washes away sins and brings blessings. 

From the first step in Dhunche, your trek begins. You’ll pass through rhododendron forests and green terraced hills. As you walk more and go higher, the trees become fewer and alpine meadows with grazing yaks appear. When you finally reach the Gosaikunda Lake, it looks beautiful, the snowy peaks reflect on the clear water. This view almost feels unreal. If you’re looking for a short trek in Nepal, then Gosaikunda Lake is a perfect trek for you. 

Who can do the Gosaikunda Lake Trek?

Gosaikunda Lake Trek is one of the easiest and shortest treks in Nepal. This trek is perfect for many types of travelers. You don’t need to be an expert and can definitely do it even if you’re a first-time trekker. The only thing that is required is basic fitness, love for mountains and the willingness to walk few hours a day. 

  • First-time trekkers: If you’ve never trekked before but you can walk 4-6 hours a day then you can definitely crack this trek. The trail is clear and the tea houses are comfortable too. 
  • People who are short on time: Since Gosaikunda is a short trek of Nepal, unlike the Everest and Annapurna Region Trek. So, people who love adventure but have a short time can do this trek. 
  • Spiritual and Cultural Travelers: Gosaikunda is a holy lake that is linked to Lord Shiva. So people who believe in Nepali culture can go there and explore Nepali spiritual values. 
  • Solo Travelers & Small Groups: The trail to Gosaikunda Lake is safe and well-marked. It is filled with local villages and teahouses. So, it is perfect for solo trekkers or a small group of friends who are seeking peace. 

Gosaikunda Lake Trek - 5 Days Itinerary

Trip PlanExpand all
  • Driving Distance: 115 km, 5-7 hrs
  • Trekking Distance: 5 km, 2-3 hrs
  • Journey: Our team will pick you up from your hotel and the journey begins from Kathmandu, winding through hills, rivers, and terraced villages. Your jeep ride ends at Dhunche and trekking begins. You’ll walk through local villages and small forests. Today’s trek ends at Deurali. Here, you’ll eat filling dal bhat, and enjoy the warm hospitality. 
Max Altitude: 2,400 m Meals: Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Tea House
  • Trekking Distance: 9-10 km, 5-6 hours
  • Journey: After breakfast, the trek starts and climbs through rhododendron forests. You’ll get to inhale the fresh mountain air, and see the hills rolling on. Yaks graze here and there and after enjoying the tiring but peaceful walk, in the evening you’ll reach Chandanbari for an overnight rest. 
Max Altitude: 3,100 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Tea House
  • Trekking Distance: 10-12 km, 5-7 hours
  • Journey: Today is the most special day of the trek. This day you’ll notice the forests started disappearing, and alpine meadows and rocky ridges reveal. Every step you take this day brings you closer to the sacred lake of Gosaikunda. When you finally reach here, the stunning snowy peaks perfectly show themselves reflecting on the crystal clear lake. Everything here gives a spiritual touch. You can also see the magical sunset from here. 
Max Altitude: 4,380 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Tea House
  • Trekking Distance: 15 km, 6-7 hours
  • Journey: Our descent starts. Trekking back fills easier and faster, but it may be hard for people with knee problems. The path leads you back through the same way that includes the local villages, small lakes, and the peaceful forests. You’ll arrive at Dhunche in the evening where hot meals and beds are waiting for you. 
Max Altitude: 1,950 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Tea House
  • Travel Distance: 115 km, 5-7hrs
  • Journey: Here, your trek ends. You’ll return to Kathmandu with a heavy heart and all the memories you created during this short trek. You’ll arrive in Kathmandu in the evening. We’ll drop you off at your hotel rooms, where you can rest after your 5-day journey.
     
Max Altitude: 1400 m Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
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Cost Details

Includes

Transportation

  • Private vehicle from Kathmandu to Dhunche
  • Private vehicle from Dhunche to Kathmandu
  • All road taxes and parking fees included

Accommodation and meals

  • 4 nights teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Clean rooms with shared facilities
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner throughout the trekking days
  • Seasonal fresh fruits, tea, coffee, etc.

Trekking Staff

  • Licensed, English-speaking Trekking Guide
  • Porter service available on request (extra cost)

Permits

  • Langtang National Park Entry Permit
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

Safety & Support

  • First aid kit carried by the guide
  • Trek briefing before departure
  • Route guidance, pace support & emergency assistance

Taxes & Service Charges

  • Government and local taxes
  • Company service charges

Excludes

  • Personal trekking gear (jackets, poles, boots, etc.)
  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Hot showers or charging fees in teahouses
  • Extra snacks, bottled water, or drinks (tea/coffee/soft drinks/alcohol)
  • Travel insurance with emergency rescue coverage\
  • Porter service (available at extra cost if needed)
  • Tips for guide/porter 

Essential Information

Best time to visit Gosaikunda Lake

Best time to visit to Gosaikunda Lake is mainly in the Autumn and Spring seasons, but Janai Purnima is another good time to visit Gosaikunda for spiritual values. 

  • Autumn Season (September-November):Autumn is the most popular and beautiful season for the Gosaikunda Trek. In this season the skies are clear, the mountains look stunning and the trails feel fresh after the monsoon rain. Days are warm and nights are cool. It is also the perfect season for photography. 
  • Spring Season (March-May): The Spring season brings life back to the mountains. Rhododendron forests bloom in bright red, pink, and white colours. This makes the trekking trail even more beautiful. The weather is mild and mornings are usually clear. 
  • Janai Purnima (July-August): This is the holiest time to visit Gosaikunda. Thousands of people walk up to the Gosaikunda lake at this time to worship Lord Shiva and to take the sacred bath. The atmosphere at this time is powerful, which is best for the cultural experiences.  
  • Winter Season (December-February):Gosaikunda Lake often freezes in winter. The trails might be icy and temperature drops. If you love winter, snowy, and peaceful paths then you can go during winter. Winter is mostly for advanced trekkers only. 

Accommodation and Meals during the Gosaikunda Lake Trek

During your Gosaikunda Lake Trek, you’ll stay in a local teahouse or lodge. The teahouses are simple but cozy and comfortable. They offer you twin beds, warm blankets, and a shared bathroom. As you go higher, the facilities might get simpler.

Most of the tea houses serve fresh, homemade Nepali meals like dal bhat, noodles, soups, chapati, eggs, fried rice, pasta, and warm drinks like tea and hot lemon. Dal Bhat is the most popular because it is filling, healthy and gives you enough energy for long walks. 

Permits and Regulations required for Gosaikunda Lake Trek

To trek to Gosaikunda, you’ll need two permits:

  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System): This is required for all trekkers. It helps to keep track of trekkers for safety. 
  • Langtang National Park Entry Permit: Gosaikunda Lies inside Langtang National Park. This permit allows you to enter and trek inside the National Park. 

Packing List for Gosaikunda Trek

Packing List for Gosaikunda Trek is all about staying warm, dry, and comfortable at high altitude. The trail takes you above 4,300 m, so the weather can shift from sunny to icy in just few hours. For a detailed, all-season packing list, you can check our Ultimate packing List while trekking in Nepal on our website. 

Conclusion

Gosaikunda Trek is a feeling that takes you steadily from quiet villages, forests to the sacred lake that rests in complete silence. Every step pulls you far from noise and close to yourself. And when you finally stand at the edge of the lake, watching the mountains that reflect perfectly on the clear water, that looks almost unreal. When you reach there, you’ll finally understand why thousands of travelers call Gosaikunda one of Nepal’s most soul-touching journeys. 

So, take a short break from your day-to-day life and get ready to experience the magic of Gosaikund Lake. Book your Gosaikunda Lake Trek today with Himalayan Partner.