Gosaikunda Short Trek: 7 days

Introduction: Gosainkunda Short Trek

Embark on this Gosainkunda short trek as it takes visitors through the heart of the Langtang region. The Gosaikunda Lake is situated at Langtang National Park region, which is 41.5 kilometers from the capital of Kathmandu.

Gosaikunda, situated at 4,380 meters, is surrounded by several mountain peaks. The Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri lay for a panoramic view of these snow-capped towering peaks in the Gosaikunda region.

Gosainkunda Short Trek is a moderate trek suitable for all travelers coming solo and in groups. Couples or people with children can also complete the trek. Getting travel insurance for the Gosaikunda trek is optional. However, taking travel insurance to safeguard against any unforeseen circumstances is recommended.

The places of interest in this short Gosaikunda trekking itinerary are the Langtang Valley, Sing Gompa Lauri Bina Pass, and Gosaikunda and its surrounding lakes. Similarly, the Gosaikunda Lake needs various permits to enter as it is a protected area. Some documents required to enter the region are the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

History of Gosaikunda lake

The Gosaikunda Lake is believed to have been formed by a Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, when he threw his trident into the earth's surface to pull water to calm his throat after consuming poison. Thus, for religious reasons, this pilgrimage site was visited by many during the time of Janai Purnima, which is an entire moon festival in August.

During the Janai Purnima festival, it is believed that bathing in the holy lake of Gosaikunda can wash away human sins, so many visitors come to the lake during August to pay respect to the Hindu god Shiva. The best time to embark on the Gosaikunda route is spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November.

Why Gosainkunda trek?

Gosainkunda Short Trek starts from the capital city and moves towards Dhunche to finally reach Gosaikunda Lake. The Tamang community inherits the area, which holds its own distinct culture. Likewise, the serene Gosaikunda hosts 108 other kundas, or lakes. Some of the renowned lakes alongside Gosaikunda are Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, Surya Kunda, Naga Kunda, Rakta Kunda, Chandra Kunda, Ama Kunda, Dudh Kunda, and many more.

As mentioned, the Gosaikunda Lake lies in the Langtang National Park. Thus, Langtang National Park is a protected and conserved area, home to various wild animals and birds. The place is home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna found on the planet. The animals in Langtang National Park include Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Wild Dog, Ghoral, Serow, and many others.

How does the Gosainkunda short trek start and end?

The Gosainkunda short trek begins in the bustling city of Kathmandu. The trip continues to Dhunche, which lies in the Rasuwa district of Nepal, through a scenic drive on the Pasang Lhamu Highway. The road trip moves through dense forests and along the Trishuli River while passing many waterfalls. The road to Dhunche is under construction, so some sections might get bumpy. Despite the road conditions, the drive to Dhunche is a fantastic experience.

Similarly, Dhunche is the headquarters of the Rasuwa district of Nepal, which lies around 120 kilometers from Kathmandu. Trekkers must pass numerous prominent villages, including Kakani, Ranipauwa, Bidur, Trishuli, Betrawati, and Ramche, to finally reach Dhunche.

Dhunche is a big village that is also the gateway of the Gosainkunda journey; the settlement is on the terraced side with hills and mountains surrounding it. Some of the mountains seen from Dhunche are Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.

After Dhunche, the Gosaikunda trek continues toward Sing Gompa or Chandanbari via Deurali and Dimsa. Sing Gompa is a scenic village located inside Langtang National Park. It is a small but beautiful village with a monastery and a yak cheese factory. Ganesh III and Ganesh IV can be seen from Chandanbari as the exploration of Chandanbari completes the trek march towards the main highlight of the trek, the Gosaikunda Lake. As visitors pass Chandanbari, they will come across Chyolangpati, Laurebina, and Bouddha Temple to finally reach Gosainkunda Lake.

Gosainkunda is a freshwater glacier lake that has a religious background, with its origin story existing in various Hindu scriptures. Upon arriving at Gosainkunda Lake, trekkers can explore numerous lakes like Bhiarav Kunda, Surya Kunda, Saraswati Kunda, Ragat Kunda, Nau Kunda, and Nag Kunda with views of Langtang range, Ganesh Himal range, and many more.

As the holy lake is explored, the Gosainkunda Short Trek Itinerary takes travelers back to Dhunche. The return journey is through the same route as approaching the lake. Trekkers will now meander down the rhododendron and pine forests while revisiting Langtang National Park to reach Dhunche. The end of the journey to this Gosaikunda trekking is when trekkers drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu.

So come together with Holiday Tours Nepal in this comprehensive Gosainkunda Short Trekking Package for a once-in-a-lifetime experience through the rugged terrains of the Langtang region.

Best season and time for Gosainkunda short trek

Gosaikunda short trek can be done all around the year in Nepal. Nepal mainly faces four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. However, spring and autumn are the best seasons and times to plan a holiday for the Gosaikunda trek in Nepal.

Spring Trek

The Gosainkunda route becomes vibrant and clear during spring, which lasts from March to May. These months are one of the most recommended trekking times for a holiday in Nepal. The skies are clear, with an unobstructed view of the Himalayan range of Nepal. The rhododendron forests come to full bloom alongside the greenery of pine and oak forests. The pleasing smell or aroma in the air provides a comfortable walk in the rugged terrains of the Langtang region. The average temperature during the spring season in the Gosaikunda area is 18 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, with very low to almost no rainfall or snowfall. As it is one of the best seasons to travel in Nepal, the Gosainkunda trekking trail may be crowded with trekkers.

Autumn Trek

Another best and recommended season for a short Gosaikunda trek is autumn, which lasts from September to November. The weather is warm and stable during this season, with clear skies. The average temperature in autumn ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius, which can drop to 6–10 degrees Celsius at night. As the autumn season is dry, there is no chance of rainfall and fog. This enables a clear view of the mountain peaks and surrounding hills. The Autumn season consists of the festive month of the Gosaikunda region. Janai Purnima is a festival celebrated in the full moon where pilgrims bathe in the holy lake, which is believed to wash away all sins. Thus, the trek to Gosaikunda in Autumn can be crowded.

Besides spring and autumn, traveling in winter and summer is also possible. However, these seasons are challenging and only recommended for hardcore trekkers and adrenaline enthusiasts.

Winter Trek

The winter season, which lasts from causes heavy snowfall with volatile weather conditions. The temperature can go below freezing point with chances of blizzards and avalanches. Trekking in winter requires intense physical and mental fitness and precise logistical preparation. Be sure to carry an extra layer of clothes and properly hydrate while touring towards Gosaikunda in winter.

Summer Trek

The summer season lasts from June to August and is dominated by heavy rainfall. The average temperature can be between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius and go as low as 17 to 21 degrees Celsius at night. Due to heavy rain, the trails become slippery with increased fog, which can block the Himalayan views. The abundance of leeches can also rise in the summer season, so extra packing of insect repellent, waterproof jackets, and ointment is necessary.

How to prepare for the Gosaikunda short trek?

Gosaikunda short trek is considered a moderately complex trek. Gosaikunda trekking does not require prior experience and can be easily encountered by beginner trekkers. However, proper mental and physical fitness is necessary to accomplish this trek with no difficulty.

Walking in the stone-embedded steps with steep ups and downs and increasing elevation is a challenge. So, it is necessary to maintain good stamina and endurance. For physical fitness, cardiovascular exercises like swimming, cycling, running, jogging, and walking can be done one month before embarking on the trek. Trekkers planning the Gosaikunda hike can change their daily habits by avoiding lifts and taking stairs. Similarly, walking for at least 45 minutes daily can significantly enhance the trekking experience.

Similarly, as the Langtang region is located in a remote part of Nepal, travelers do not expect luxury in the area. Besides Holiday Tours Nepal providing the best available services, travelers might need to compromise several factors during the trek. Whether walking uphill on the steepest slopes or facing the chilliest weather, trekking can become hectic without a strong mentality. So, keeping an open mind and not getting irritated with small changes is recommended.

Accommodation facilities during the Gosainkunda short trek

The Gosaikunda trekking trail accommodates various teahouses and guesthouses where trekkers can spend the night. The amenities these places provide might differ according to the cost; however, every settlement aims to give travelers a comfortable and relaxing environment. The following are some of the accommodation options available en route to Gosaikunda:

• Teahouse: They are the primary accommodation facilities in the Langtang region. They provide comfortable bed and blanket facilities. Teahouses are small guesthouses with single or double beds. One room in the teahouse can accommodate a maximum of two individuals. They are the cheapest option for those on a budget. The bathrooms in teahouses are often shared, and they offer buckets, geysers, and solar showers. Travelers often need to pay extra for hot showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi in teahouses.
• Guesthouses: They are relatively expensive accommodation options compared to teahouses. Guesthouses are available in highly populated areas and provide comfortable beds and blanket facilities with various other amenities. Trekkers can savor a variety of cuisines available on the menu. Another thing about guesthouses is that trekkers can communicate with the locals as they run them. For this reason, trekkers can gain insights into the mountain life of the people living in the Langtang area.

Rooms in guesthouses consist of single or double beds with attached bathrooms where one can sleep in a single room. So, they work on one individual one-bedroom basis. Those who wish to book a room with attached bathrooms should book in advance, as these rooms are the first to get booked. 

• Luxury houses: These are the most expensive type of accommodation for visitors. Luxury houses are not found in remote or high-altitude places, meaning they are found only in prominent places along the Gosaikunda trekking route. They provide the highest amenities among all the options, with attached bathrooms and hot showers. Electric blankets and heating systems are also available in these places. Electricity and Wi-Fi costs are already added to the cost of the room, so charging and communication are fine.

Internet and electricity facilities at Gosainkunda Trail

Communication, charging, and electricity are critical for traveling anywhere, including Gosaikunda. As Gosaikunda is a high-altitude trip, communication and electricity may be limited in some areas because of the remoteness. The signaling station may not work at high elevations or inside forests, and specific routes are simple, aside from this communication infrastructure.

Holiday Tours Nepal provides a free SIM card with a data allowance of 20 GB. This will allow users to communicate and surf the internet while staying in Nepal.

All of the accommodations have charging stations and electricity. Cell phones and cameras can be set up in lodges, hotels, guesthouses, and luxury homes' rooms.

However, anyone staying in the teahouse must charge their electronics in the hotel lobby. Charging in the teahouse is additional, ranging from $3 to $5. Charging is not an option while traveling or camping; thus, taking power banks, a different set of batteries, and solar chargers is recommended to ensure an unrivaled power supply.

Permits and documents required for Gosaikunda

The Gosainkunda Lake lies in the Langtang region, which the Government of Nepal has labeled as a protected area. Due to this reason, various permits and documents are required to enter the Gosainkunda area, and visitors need to show these permits and documents for Gosainkunda at various check posts and permit points. The following are the types of permits and documents required for trekkers and visitors to enter the Gosaikunda region:

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card

The TIMS card is a must-have document for all trekkers. The TIMS card keeps track of trekkers and their destinations, allowing authorities to update information during an emergency during the walk. The cost of a TIMS card is estimated below:

Can trekkers get altitude sickness during Gosaikunda trek?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), often known as altitude sickness, is common for those who hike at high altitudes. A rapid climb to higher heights without adequate time for acclimatization is the primary cause of altitude sickness. At higher elevations, the body must adapt to lower oxygen levels. A headache, dizziness, nausea, exhaustion, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Things may become complicated if any necessary precautions are not taken. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) are extreme manifestations of AMS.

The most severe kind of HAPE affects the lungs and causes them to fill with fluid, but it can create serious health concerns.

Similarly, the most severe kind is HACE, when altitude sickness causes the brain to swell. This is the most hazardous condition and must be treated immediately.

Note: If you experience any uneasiness or discomfort in your health while trekking in the Everest zone, you should seek immediate medical attention. The condition must be disclosed to the guide, who is an expert in this area.

Holiday Planner Nepal has prepared the following considerations to prevent altitude sickness during the Gosainkunda short trek:

• Acclimatization: Acclimatization is required for decreasing oxygen levels at higher elevations. This means that people must rest periodically before ascending to higher elevations. This will acquaint the body with the environment, reducing the probability of altitude sickness. It is also recommended to gain at most 300-500 meters of elevation each day and to rest every 3-4 days.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated to avoid dehydration, which can exacerbate altitude sickness. Hikers should avoid caffeine and alcohol since they dehydrate the body.
• Medicine: To avoid altitude sickness, have garlic soup or consider taking medicine. Consult your doctor before taking any medication, and ensure you take the correct dosage.
• Descend: If you develop altitude sickness symptoms, descend swiftly to a lower altitude. When your symptoms have subsided, you should stop climbing.
• Determine Symptoms: Notify your guide or trekking partner if you notice any altitude sickness symptoms. Headache, nausea, vertigo, and dyspnea are some of the symptoms.
• Fitness: Train well before the trip to prepare for the ascent's physical demands and lower your chances of altitude sickness. This will increase your endurance and fitness.

Is travel insurance required for the Gosaikunda Short Trek?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the short trekking trip to Gosaikunda. However, with travel insurance, individuals can safely guard against unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance can be purchased from any insurance company; however, Holiday Tours Nepal will not provide any insurance facility and should be bought on your own. Travel insurance will have various types of policies and conditions, so be sure to purchase the one that will cover all the following points:

• Medical coverage: Having travel insurance can help to cover any medical emergencies. Check that the insurance covers all the medical expenses in case of emergency medical care and evacuation.
• Trip interruption and cancellation: Sometimes, trekkers need to forfeit the trekking experience due to unforeseen events, illness, injury, natural calamities, or any other reason. Due to this, the trekking might need to be postponed or canceled. So, buy travel insurance to compensate for any interruption and cancellation.
• Lost or stolen items: Theft is uncommon in Nepal; however, it is better to buy insurance that will cover any stolen or lost items, such as gear, equipment, accessories, and belongings.
• Pre-existing conditions: Check to see if the insurance covers your pre-existing medical conditions or if you can get a waiver if you have any.

Gosaikunda short trek outline itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Kathmandu 
Day 2: Drive to Dhunche (1,950 m/6398 ft) for 6 to 7 hours.
Day 3: Trek to Sing Gompa-Chandan bari (3,254 m/10676ft), about five 5-hour walk.
Day 4: Trek to Gosaikunda Lake (4,336 m/14226 ft) 5- 5 hours walk
Day 5: Trek to Dhunche (1,950 m/6398 ft), about 6 hours of walking
Day 6: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1350 m/4430 ft), about a 5-hour drive
Day 7: International departure