Duration
11 days
Max. Elevation
4610.00m
Group size
2+
Gosainkunda Lake is a famous and holy lake in Nepal for both Buddhist and Hindu people. The holy lake is located about 4381 meters above sea level in the northeast of Kathmandu, surrounded by the Himalayas. Other holy lakes such as Saraswati Kunda, Ganesh Kunda, Surya Kunda, and Bhairav Kunda surround the summits. Lord Shiva created this holy lake by piercing a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after swallowing a poison that threatened to destroy the world. Amarsing Thapa (a famous warrior) spent the final minutes of his life in a cave just above the lake. Inside the cave is a half-body statue of Amarsing Thapa.
Thousands of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims gather here every year on the Full Moon day in August to worship Lord Shiva and bathe in the sacred lake of Gosaikunda. Shamans known as "Dhami-Jhankris" perform sacred dances and sing mantras (holy prayers). According to Hindu belief, a conduit from the lake transports water directly from the lake to the Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan, Kathmandu Valley (60 km southwest). Hindus sing Gayatri Mantra and alter their holy thread (Janai) for protection, as well as Rakshya Bandhan, a sacred red-yellow thread tied around the wrist by a priest. In this lake, we can see an image of Shiva in the center, which is filled with water. The Gosaikunda festival trip is tailored to coincide with this specific celebration in the Langtang area.
On the way to Gosaikunda, you will pass through various villages, each with its own culture and customs. Both Tamanags and Sherpas live in villages, and their culture is inspired by Tibetan culture. You will learn about the culture of these people who have been living in this manner for generations, denying themselves modern conveniences. There is a historic monastery in Chandanbari, locally named as Sing Gompa. You can stop there to light some butter lamps, listen to the praying monk, and keep your mind and body free from stress.
Day
1
When you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted by a senior representative from Holiday Tours Nepal and transferred to your hotel. After you have refreshed yourself, your tour guide will arrive to pick you up for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Return to the hotel and prepare for the cultural program supper.Stay the night at the recommended hotel.
Day
2
Today you have a full day of guided viewing excursions to the Buddhist and Hindu landmarks in Kathmandu, most likely to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swyambhunath; a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism known as the Monkey Temple due to the presence of numerous sacred monkeys in the temple's north-west corner. Pashupatinath is a holy Hindu temple located on the Bagmati River's bank. Then travel to the Buddhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest and oldest stupas. A pre-trip meeting with your hiking guide will take place in the hotel later in the afternoon. Our office staff will update you about our walk and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the forthcoming trip with your guide. and stayed in Kathmandu overnight.
Day
3
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a 1-hour journey to Sundarijal, where the trekking will begin. The trail begins steeply ascending through a dense forest of oak, pine, and rhododendron, passing alongside a large water pipe that supplies water to Kathmandu, until you reach the ridge of Burlang Bhanjyang (2442m), from which you will have magnificent views of Annapurna in the west to Ganesh Himal and Numbur in the east. Then you return to Chisapani via oak and rhododendron woodlands, agricultural farms, and meadows. Spend the night in the tea house.
Day
4
Chisapani is a lovely location from which to explore the Dorgelakpa and Langtang Himalayan ranges. After breakfast, you descend for approximately an hour and a half to Pati Bhanjyang, a huge Tamang hamlet, from which you rise to a pass of 2470m and then drop to Gul Bhanjyang, another Tamang town. The trail then climbs to a pass of 2620 meters before descending to Khtumsang. The views will be spectacular, spanning from the Annapurnas and Manaslu in the west to Numbur in the east. Spend the night in the tea house.
Day
5
The path ascends from Khutumsang through woodland with spectacular views of Numbur, Jugal Himal, and many other snowcapped peaks before reaching a ridge from which a short descent leads to Mangan Kharka at 3285m. The route now ascends steadily through pine and rhododendron woodland, with views down into the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur. Finally, we arrive to Tharepati for the night.
Day
6
The route dips to a creek before ascending over a ridge through rhododendron and juniper trees to Ghopte at 3359m. We return to Phedi from here. This is a beautiful climb with incredible views of the Laurebina Pass. Spend the night in the tea house.
Day
7
The path ascends to the 4610m Laurebina pass, passes four tiny lakes, and then descends over tough terrain to Gosaikunda. Saraswati Kunda, Bharavi Kunda, and Gosaikunda are the three holy lakes at Gosaikunda. This third lake is especially holy and is a summer pilgrimage site. According to tradition, Lord Shiva created this lake by piercing a glacier with his trident to collect water to satiate his thirst after drinking the poison produced by "Suras" and "Asuras" when churning the ocean for ambrosia. Spend the night in the tea house.
Day
8
The route ascends to a hill from the lake—Saraswati Kunda. There are excellent views of Langtang Lirung over the Langtang valley. Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu may be seen to the west. From here we descend to Sing Gompa through Laurebina. Sing Gompa is home to a small monastery as well as a cheese factory. Spend the night in the tea house.
Day
9
After breakfast, you will descend all the way to Dhunche via an oak, fir, and rhododendron forest. Rasuwa's district headquarters are at Dhunche. Spend the night in the tea house.
Day
10
After an early morning meal, your guide will transport you to the bus station for a lovely rural trip back to Kathmandu along the rocky route to Betrbati Bazaar. The road improves after Betrabati Bazaar. Stay at the hotel for the night.
Day
11
After a wonderful time in Nepal, you will be transferred to an international airport according to flight time or you can join us for the next trip.
