Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek

The religious significance of Gosaikunda Lake

Along with being a popular tourist destination for foreigners looking for trekking routes in Nepal, Gosaikunda has crucial religious significance as it has been listed as a sacred site. According to Hindu Mythology, Gosakunda is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Gauri or Shiva Parvati.

In Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva drank the poison from the Kallkut Naag during the battle of Samundramanthan, which is believed to be the origin of Gosaikunda, and the said battle took place in the Gosaikunda. Due to these religious beliefs, hundreds of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the site to bathe in the lake.

Another belief is that anyone who bathes in Gosaikunda Lake will have their sins cleared and all their diseases cured. The lake’s water is also considered holy for festivals like Janai Purnima and Gangadashahara. Furthermore, another belief is that the Kumbheshwor temple complex springs mix with the water of Gosaikunda, so the old and disabled people who cannot go towards Gosaikunda can visit the Kumbheshwor temple instead.

Gosaikunda is crucial not only for the Brahmin caste but also for the Newars in Nepal. They have named the religious site Silu and have also released a film and song giving the honor to the prestigious destination.

Hence, Gosaikunda is much more important than just another trekking destination as there are various cultural, traditional, and religious importance attached to the site.

Festival Days in Gosaikunda

Nepal is a country of several festivals, all celebrated with equal happiness and enthusiasm. Gosaikunda is a religious site where people of different castes, customs, and traditions celebrate many festivals. One of the important festivals that is celebrated in Gosaikunda is the Janai Purnima festival.

Janai Purnima is a significant Hindu and Buddhist festival in Nepal and is celebrated in August. Since Purnima means full moon, the festival is celebrated on the full moon day of August, as many people who have already conducted their Bradhmandh ceremony will exchange their Janai.

Many Pilgrims from Nepal and India travel to either Gosaikunda or Kumbeshowor temple to bathe in the sacred lake, exchange sacred white thread Janai, and tie a holy yellow thread in their right hand, locally called Doro.

Generally, Janai Purnima and Raskhya Bhandhan fall on the same day, which makes the festive mood even bigger and better as sisters tie Rakhi in their brother’s hand on the bank of the lake.

Since Gosaikunda is also regarded as the abode of Shiva and Gauri, it becomes very crowded during the occasion of Mahashivaratri. The pilgrims from around the world visit the place to worship the giant Shiva statue in the middle of the religious site.

Permits Needed for Gosaikunda Lake Trek

Despite being a short and sweet trek for local and foreign people, you still need a permit to make the trek legal. You need two permits to be valid for the trek. First, you must have all the required documents, such as a passport, visa, and travel insurance.

You must apply for the TIMS card and Langtang National Park Entry Permit to trek around Gosaikunda. The Langtang National Parke Entry Permit can be issued in the Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu, or Dhunche by paying the appropriate costs.

Best Season for Langtang Gosainkunda Lake Trek

The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is possible throughout 12 months. However, the trip will not match your expectations during the off-seasons. Trekking in winter or monsoon will be quite challenging. It has several factors. Therefore, you should choose the perfect season to make your hike wonderful and memorable.

Here are the details you should know about the ideal season for the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek.

Spring Season for Trekking: If you are a photographer or nature lover, spring will be the best choice for you. During this season, you will capture everything that you see during your trek. The beautiful sunshine and rhododendrons fall all over the trail. You may spot flying Danphe or other birds on your way.

Throughout the spring season, the Langtang Gosaikunda trek makes your trip more memorable than any season. There are the least chances of rainfall. Furthermore, the skies are clear. In addition, you’ll get the awe-inspiring views of mountains, lush green vegetation, and landscapes.

Trekking in autumn: Autumn starts in September and ends in November or early December. This season is also promising for the Gosaikunda Lake trek.

During these three months, the weather is clear, sunny days and pleasant temperatures. As autumn is dry, therefore you’ll get the impeccable views of mountains & landscapes. This is also the time when you will know the customs, traditions, and culture of the Nepalese by seeing their festivals like Janai Purnima, Dashain (worshipping of Nava Durga), Laxmi Puja, and Gobardhan Puja.

Sometimes, the visitors may find it difficult to get to Gosaikunda during early September. Therefore, advance bookings will be added advantages for you.

Trekking in winter: The December, January, and February months are the winter trekking in Nepal. During these three months, trekking becomes difficult due to the poor weather conditions. Despite that, hikers love to visit during these times because of the astonishing views.

In the winter season, you’ll be overwhelmed by seeing snow-capped mountains. Furthermore, there is nothing like awesome walking in the snow. If you want to see the breathtaking views, Gosaikunda welcomes you. Remember, in winter the temperature is minus even at lower altitudes.

Monsoon Trekking: In Nepal, monsoons fall between June and August. This is the least favorable time for trekking in Nepal. It is also called the hottest and wettest because of heavy rain and summer.
Due to the heavy rainfall, there will be a slippery path. Furthermore, there are high chances of landslides and mudflows. However, after the rainfall, you’ll see the perfect views of mountains that will be mesmerizing for you. Due to the continuous rainfall, you may get stuck with leeches, earthworms, and mosquitoes too.

Accommodation Facilities on Langtang Gosaikuna Lake Trek

Accommodation and living facilities for the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek will be available as per your needs and demands. When you are in Kathmandu, we’ll provide you a 3-4 star hotel. It will have a wide range of facilities like a swimming pool, gym, spas, in-house, large & spacious rooms, and 24-hour room service.

As you ascend upwards, your facilities will be less compared to the hotel in Kathmandu. You will experience the hospitality of Sherpa and Tamang during your trekking and spending a night in tea houses.

The tea houses have amenities like twin rooms, shared or attached bathrooms (traditional or modern toilets), and single dining. The tea houses may be small in size, but you get comfortable and convenient rooms, pillows, and warm blankets.

It is pretty sure that you do not have to be anxious about accommodation during the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek. For hot showers, gadget charging, and laundry services at the tea house you have to pay from your pocket.

Meals & Food During the trek

During the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek, you can enjoy varieties of cuisine which includes Asian, Nepalese, Indian’s and western foods. It says “Food is the life to survive”. Therefore, we serve healthy, nutritious and delicious food to our trekkers. We are providing meals 3 times a day which includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here are the details.

Breakfast (morning meal): Breakfast is the first meal of the day, which recharges and energizes you all day. A morning meal is mighty significant; therefore, trekkers have several options. You can select breakfast from our menu’s items. Boiled eggs, omelets, toast, teas (milk, hot, lemon), pancakes, Tibetan bread, puri tarkari, and some other delicious items.

Lunch: Imagine having delicious food while exploring mountains and landscapes. At the lap of the Himalayas, we’ll serve you rice, lentils, vegetables (aka dal, bhat, tarkari), momos (dumplings), macaroni, noodles, chapati, spinach, and veggies.

Dinner (The last Meal): Usually, the night meal should be plentiful and nutritious. By keeping an eye on the health of the trekkers, we serve a variety of meals. Our night food menu items are rice, lentils, vegetables, soups, pizza, fried rice, thukpa, and spaghetti. You may also have dal, bhat, and tarkari in your night meal.

What to expect on the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek?

The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is one of the best adventurous activities to do in Nepal. The trip will be enjoyable and joyous if you comfortably travel 6-7 hours every day. Your hiking altitude will be between 1500 to 5000 meters.

Throughout the trek, you’ll be surprised by seeing the beautiful glaciers, snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, waterfalls, and rivers. Besides this, you’ll be able to see the hospitality and culture of the Tamang and Sherpa.

During your 17-day-long Langtang Gosaikunda lake trek, you explore rhododendron forests, beautiful settlements, terraced fields, farmlands, tranquil valleys, and unique Buddhist monasteries.
Throughout your trekking, you may encounter wildlife & animals, unseen beautiful birds, and a diverse range of flora & fauna.

Throughout the trek, you’ll see several sky-touching mountains: Mount Langtang, Ganesh Himal, the Annapurna ranges, Yansa Tsenji, and other surrounding peaks.

Is this trek possible for Beginners?

Going on 17 days of Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is challenging but not impossible at all. The trek covers 6-8 hours of daily walking, and you have to spend more than 2 weeks. However, if you are passionate of trekking, then we welcome you.

For the 17th day of the rewarding trip, you need to make a proper plan & implementation before the execution of the trip. A good level of fitness and mental awareness is necessary for this trip. If your health is poor, I am afraid you will have a bit of difficulty throughout the hiking days. Here are some significant things that you should consider:

Moderate Strenuous Path: The trail will be moderately strenuous; you have to hike 6-8 hours every day.

Fitness & Health: You must have excellent health to conquer this trip. The uphill climbing demands good fitness for the trekkers.

Altitude Sickness: If you have any issues related to altitude, then this trip will damage your health.

What is the difficulty level of the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek?

Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is quite challenging but not overly strenuous. Excellent health and a good level of fitness can easily conquer this trip. This hike is not as difficult as the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. The maximum elevation is 5,000 meters.

The trails during the trek are not very challenging. However, you get the narrow trails and rocky paths while approaching the Lauribina Pass. Sometimes, you felt difficulty due to chilly, unstable, and cold weather. This is the reason you should be conscious and careful about your health.

These astonishing treks take you to the depths of the Himalayas and remote locations that may be too tough for you. There is a little chance of acute mountain sickness when you approach Lauribina Pass and Gosaikunda Lake.

Preparation for Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek

The 17-day Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek takes you to the depths of the Himalayas and remote areas of that region. Your trek will be quite challenging when you approach your steps to Laurinina Pass and Gosaikunda Lake.

For the accomplishment of the trek, you must start your planning & preparation at least 2 weeks before the trip. You must focus on cardiovascular training and physical exercises to stay away from health issues like acute mountain sickness. Aside from this, practicing cycling & swimming will give strength to your muscles and body, which will ultimately help you during your hiking days after the trek starts. You can also walk for 1-2 hours with a 5-10 kg bag on your back. These are the basic but significant preparations for the trip.

Before commencing the trip, you’d better consult your doctor about whether you are fit or unfit. During the trek, you’d better put a small first aid kit in your bag.

Travel Insurance for the safety and security of Trekkers

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but extremely significant when you travel from one country to another country. It is useful and beneficial for the travelers. The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is 17 days of trekking, and you have uphill climbing, challenging paths, and remote areas. Therefore, we suggest you get travel insurance. We are ascending our feet 5,000 meters upwards. Here are some crucial points that tell you why travel insurance is necessary for every single trekker.

• An excellent defence against your medical expenses
• Managing and securing your money, if the trip is cancelled.
• Helpful in flight cancellations or delays
• Protection: if baggage is theft, damaged or lost.
• Managing overall travel safety and security

Altitude Sickness and Safety Measures

The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is a unique blend of diving into the Himalayas and beautiful nature. It is a 17-day-long trek that takes you to the altitude of 5,000 meters.

When you are at the top of a place, the air pressure and oxygen become low. As a result, you may undergo altitude problems like acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema. In addition, there are also signs of headache, nausea, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, and difficulty in breathing.

To ensure safe, comfortable, and convenient trekking, we must know how to overcome these kinds of problems.

• Take a gradual ascent. Be steady and stable rather than hurry
• Stay hydrated: have lots of water, fluids & juices during hiking
• Take plentiful foods which include high fiber, vitamins, proteins & carbohydrates.
• Avoid Smoking and alcohol during your trek days
• Take a small first aid kit in your bag.

Highlighted Places of Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek

Visit Syabrubesi: Syabrubesi is the starting point for the trek in the Langtang region. One can easily reach this place from Kathmandu by jeep or local bus. It is a beautiful and small settlement situated in the Rasuwa district. It has an altitude of 1,467 meters. The place gives you picturesque views of beautiful valleys and landscapes. Besides this, you can also enjoy the Tamang culture & hospitality.

Langtang Village: Langtang is a beautiful small settlement located in the Rasuwa district. It has an elevation of 3,500 meters. On the 5th day of your trek, you’ll be able to explore this beautiful place. The majority of people are from Tamang.

Langtang village is damaged by the 2015 Nepal earthquake. However, in 2023, it was completely renovated. ActionAid and Relief International World Vision jointly worked and provided new homes to 150+ families.

Kyanjin Gompa: Kyanjin Gompa is a renowned gateway of Langtang Valley. When you are on 6th day of your trek, you’ll be able to explore this beautiful place. This

ThuloSyapru Village: Many a one has not heard about this place. On your 10th day of the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek, you get a chance to dive into the beautiful environment of this settlement. It has an elevation of 2210 meters.

Shing Gompa: Shing Gompa popularly known as Sing Gompa is a famous Buddhist monastery situated in the Langtang region. It has an altitude of 3,500 meters.
Shing Gompa holds a religious and cultural importance. The Tibetans are devotees of this place. It is a site for those who want to be monks, practicing Buddhism, daily prayers,a nd meditation.

Gosaikunda Lake: Gosaikunda Lake, popularly known as Gosaikund, is one of the sacred lakes of Nepal. It is situated in the Langtang National Park. It has an elevation of 4,380 meters and lies in the Rasuwa district.

This sacred lake holds religious importance for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. There is a belief that the Dwapar Yuga Pandavas visited Gosaikunda during their exile. It is a pilgrimage site for Janai Purnima (full moon day) and other important festivals of Nepal.