Gosaikunda Lake Trek- 8 days

Accommodation during the gosaikunda lake trek

Throughout the Gosaikunda Trek, accommodation is generally provided in teahouses or lodges, which are basic but comfortable. These tea houses are generally run by the local families of the Tamang and Sherpa communities. Rooms are simple, typically a wooden bed with a mattress and a blanket. Higher up in the mountains, rooms may be colder so it’s a good idea to bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially in the winter months.

Tea houses often have a common dining area where trekkers gather to eat and socialize. These areas are warm. Most tea houses provide basic meals such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soup and western style options like pancakes, porridge and sandwiches. The meals are typically filling and nutritious. Basic facilities such as shared bathrooms (often squat toilets) are available as you ascend to the higher altitudes. Hot water is often available at a small extra cost and some teahouses may offer charging facilities for electronic devices.

Although the accommodations are not luxurious, they provide a cozy, authentic trekking experience and staying in local tea houses provides the trekkers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the mountain communities. It’s important to keep in mind that as you reach higher altitudes, accommodation options become more basic but the hospitality and the warmth do not.

Gosaikunda lake

Gosaikunda Lake is a sacred alpine lake located at an altitude of about 4,380 m (14,370 ft) in the langtang National Park of Nepal. The lake covers an area of around 13.8 hectares, surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain and snow-capped peaks. The crystal-clear waters of the lake offer the stunning reflection of the surrounding mountains. The lake is thought to have been formed by the glaciers of the Langtang range, and it is fed by meltwater. It Eventually drains into the Trishuli river, one of the major rivers of Nepal.

Gosaikunda holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva, the hindu god of destruction, who, according to legend, struck the ground with his Trishul (Trident) to create the lake. This act was done to cool his throat after consuming poison in order to save the universe during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).

Gosaikunda is a major pilgrimage site, particularly during the janai purnima festival in August. Thousands of devotees take a ritual bath, as it is believed that the lake’s waters are sacred and can cleanse the sins. The lake is mentioned in ancient hindu scriptures such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. In local Tamang and other ethnic communities, Gosaikunda is regarded as a sacred place.

Gosaikunda is a popular trekking destination, typically reached as part of the Langtang valley or Helambu treks. The journey to the lake includes traversing the beautiful forests, remote villages and rugged mountain paths. The trek to gosaikunda offers breathtaking views of the himalayan peaks like langtang lirung (7,234m), Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu, and the serene beauty of the lake is the reward for trekkers who brave the challenging terrain.

At higher altitudes like Gosaikunda, temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at night. During the trekking season (spring and autumn), the weather is more stable , with clear skies and pleasant temperatures during the day. Gosaikunda lies within Langtang National Park, which is rich in biodiversity, including species like red pandas, snow leopards and various birds. The lake itself, along with the surrounding region, is protected to preserve both its natural beauty and its cultural significance.

Transportation

We will pick you up in a private jeep or car or bus, depending on the group size and drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche via Trishuli. It is a comfortable and scenic drive, which you will enjoy and relax while admiring the beautiful landscapes. And after completing the trek, we will also arrange return transportation through the same route.

Best season for Gosaikunda lake trek

The best seasons for the Gosaikunda lake trek are as follows:

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

This is very popular and peak season for this trek, which offers you a stunning view of langtang and ganesh himal. In this season, we get the best and clearest view. The temperature of gosaikunda lake is pleasant, not too hot and not too cold; it’s around 5° to 15° during the day and -3° to -8° during the night.

Spring (Mar–May)

This is the second-best season: colorful and pleasant. Warm days with blooming rhododendron forests make the trail colorful. The view is generally good, though sometimes slightly hazier than in autumn. In this season, days are long and the temperature is also warm; it’s around 8° to 18° during the day and -2° to -6° during the night.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

This season is suitable for experienced trekkers who especially can handle freezing conditions. The trek is challenging and hard for first-time trekkers. The sky’s view is clear but the trail may be covered up by snow. It’s very cold around the Gosaikunda Lake and Lauribina La Pass, especially above the 4,000m. The temperature is very cold, which is around -5° to 5° during the day and -10° to -20° during the night.

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

This season is not the best due to the heavy rainfall, slippery trails, leeches, and festivals. It’s hard and risky for this season to trek and clouds often block views. However, landscapes are lush and green; the temperature is around 10° to 18° during the day and 2° to 8° during the night. If you don’t mind the rain, you can do the trek, but janai purnima attracts pilgrims during august make the trail busy. It offers a unique cultural experience.

Difficulty of Gosaikunda lake

The Gosaikunda Lake Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. The trek reaches altitudes of up to 4,380m at Gosaikunda and 4,610m at Lauribina La Pass. The risk of altitude sickness is present , so proper acclimatization is crucial . While the trek doesn’t go as high as the Everest or Annapurna regions, the altitude can still affect trekkers.

The trail is a mix of uphill and downhill paths, including steep ascents and descents, particularly when crossing passes like Lauribina La. The paths can be rocky and uneven, with some sections that are narrow and exposed. Most of the trekking days require 5 to 7 days of walking with moderate to challenging uphill climbs.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures at higher elevations, particularly at Gosaikunda and Lauribina La. Even in the warmer months, temperatures can drop to below freezing at night. Hydration, rest and gradual ascension are key to avoiding altitude sickness. Additionally, trekkers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, carrying appropriate gear such as warm clothing, rain protection and good trekking shoes. Due to the terrain and potential for cold temperatures, mental and physical preparedness are important for completing the Gosaikunda Lake trek safely and comfortably.