The Langtang Gosainkunda Lake Trek is among the closest and easiest trekking routes from Kathmandu Valley, located in the Langtang region of Nepal. Gosaikunda Lake Trek is one of the most popular trekking trails in the region, mainly due to its stunning Himalayan views, variety of scenery, rich Tamang Culture, and the sacred Gosaikunda Lake.
This 16-day Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake trek highlights the Langtang Valley, also referred to as the valley of glaciers, and the holy Gosaikunda Lake at an altitude of 4,380 m. This is an alpine freshwater lake located high in the mountains above Rasuwa. Along the trail, you will pass through deep gorges, rocky hill sides, pine forests, yak pastures, and traditional villages. You will explore hillside terraces, peaceful valleys, Buddhist monasteries, glaciers flowing down from towering peaks, while gaining insight into local Buddhist practices.
The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi in the Rasuwa district, the gateway to the Langtang region. From here, the trek starts as you make your way through dense forests and river valleys to Lama Hotel, followed by a steady climb to Langtang Village, a settlement rich in Tamang culture. The trail then passes through Kyanjin Gompa, a small monastery village surrounded by mountains. From Kyanjin, you’ll hike up to Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) and the next day, explore further with a challenging ascent to Tserko Ri (4,984 m) for incredible panoramic views.
Once we are done exploring Kyanjin, we will take the same trail back to the Lama hotel and head on to the next part of the trek to Thulo Syabru, which is a traditional hillside village. From Thulo Syabru, we will trek to Cholangpati or Sing Gompa (3,330 m) located at which is known for its small monastery and local cheese production. The next part of the trek will lead us to Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m). Gosaikunda Lake is an important pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Buddhists, and you will have time to explore the area surrounding this high-altitude lake.
Gosaikunda Lake is situated in Langtang National Park and is a religiously significant site. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva created the lake by striking the ground with his trident. Each year, about 1 million Hindu pilgrims visit Gosaikunda Lake during the Janai Purnima festival in August for the ritual bath. Gosaikunda Lake is a significant stop along the Langtang Gosaikunda trekking route.
After visiting Gosaikunda, you will cross Laurebina La Pass (4,610 m), and descend to Ghopte (3,430 m). From Ghopte, your trail continues to Kutumsang Village via Thadepati, then Chisapani, where you will see the Langtang and Helambu regions. Finally, on the last day, you will trek from Chisapani to Sundarijal (1,460 m) and drive back to Kathmandu to end your trek.
Highlights of Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake Trek
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.
- Trek through diverse terrain that includes lush pine, rhododendron, and bamboo forests, alpine meadows, deep gorges, waterfalls, glaciers, and stunning panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Langtang Lirung, Gang Chenpo, and Dorje Lakpa.
- Walk through Langtang National Park, encountering a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare species like the red panda, Himalayan tahr, and numerous bird species.
- Pass through traditional Tamang and Tibetan villages to immerse yourself in local culture, traditions, and warm hospitality.
- Visit Gosaikunda Lake, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and witness the serene beauty of nearby lakes such as Bhairab, Saraswati, and Surya Kunda.
- Explore Kyanjin Gompa, a renowned Buddhist monastery surrounded by yak pastures, and gain insight into the spiritual life of the Langtang region.
- Visit local cheese factories, interact with local people, and experience the unique blend of Tamang and Tibetan ways of life.
- Hike up to Tserko Ri (4,984 m) highest point of the trek, for breathtaking views of the Langtang Himalayan range.
Major Attractions of Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Tserko Ri
Tserko Ri, a prominent peak with an elevation of 4,984 meters, stands as a challenging yet incredible vantage point during the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. As you embark on the trek, prepare yourself for a strenuous climb to reach its summit. However, the effort pays off immensely as you are greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes. From the vast expanse of the Langtang Valley to the majestic peaks such as Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa, the panorama from Tserko Ri is nothing short of awe-inspiring, particularly when witnessed during the magical moments of sunrise and sunset.
Gosaikunda Lake
The sacred Gosaikunda Lake is another major attraction of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, nestled at an altitude of 4,380 meters within the Langtang National Park. This alpine lake holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal.
According to Hindu mythology, Gosaikunda was formed by Lord Shiva's trident and is considered his celestial abode. The lake is a pilgrimage site, drawing devotees during the Janai Purnima festival. Beyond its spiritual importance, Gosaikunda captivates with its natural beauty. Surrounded by towering peaks, the turquoise-blue lake creates a mesmerizing scene against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The trek to Gosaikunda takes adventurers through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, picturesque villages, and high alpine meadows.
When is the Best time to do the Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake Trek?
The Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake trek in Nepal is best undertaken during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. Spring offers stable weather with mild temperatures and clear skies. The blooming rhododendron flowers add vibrant colors to the landscapes, making it a visually appealing time for trekking.
Autumn is another best seasons for the Gosaikunda trek, characterized by stable weather and clear skies. The cool temperatures, especially at higher altitudes, create comfortable trekking conditions. Both seasons provide excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains, allowing trekkers to enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.
However, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall, which can result in slippery and muddy trails, leeches, and limited visibility. Similarly, winter (December to February) is not recommended as temperatures drop significantly, and higher-altitude trails may be covered in snow. Before embarking on the trek, it's crucial to check current weather forecasts and trail conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Who Can do the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek, and how to Prepare Yourself for the Trek?
The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is considered a moderate to strenuous trek. This 16-day Langtang Gosaikunda Itinerary takes you to the highest point, Tserko Ri, at an elevation of 4,983 meters above sea level.
Whether a beginner or an experienced hiker, altitude sickness can be a concern during this trek. It is highly recommended to acclimate at higher altitudes to get used to the increasing elevation.
The trek demands a reasonable level of fitness, and prior trekking experience is beneficial. Weather conditions, especially during winter and monsoon seasons, can add to the challenge. Overall, adequate preparation, including physical fitness and awareness of altitude-related risks, is crucial for a successful Langtang Gosaikunda Trek.
Why Choose Footprint Adventure for Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake Trek in 2024/2025?
We offer the best price for trekking in Nepal, including the Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake trek. Our package is all-inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs. Most importantly, we follow the Leave No Trace principle and are strongly committed to responsible tourism. We work on reducing the waste and keeping the trails clean through campaigns like CarryMeBag. Moreover, our itinerary is well-planned, and we also customize trips based on your needs. We focus on your comfort and safety by providing gear, medical help, and 24/7 support during the trek.
