Gosaikunda
In Nepali: गोसाइँकुण्ड
According to legend, Shiva thrust his trident into the mountain to create water to cool his throat after swallowing poison, and Gosaikunda was formed. It is one of a chain of lakes in Langtang National Park and a Ramsar-listed wetland.
At the August full moon (Janai Purnima), pilgrims and jhankri shamans climb here in their thousands. The trail from Dhunche via Chandanbari, or the longer route from Helambu over the Laurebina pass (4,610 m), passes through forest and high meadows with views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal.
What to see and do
Walk around the main lake and the smaller lakes of the chain, including Bhairav Kunda and Saraswati Kunda, and visit the Shiva shrine on the shore. At sunrise the lake reflects the surrounding peaks. Pilgrims believe that a large rock in the lake is Shiva's resting place.
Good to know
Gosaikunda is at 4,380 m: ascend slowly, ideally with a night at Chandanbari (Sing Gompa). The lakes freeze in winter and the Laurebina pass can be dangerous in snow. Lodges exist at the lake but fill up during the festival.
Quick answers
- Where is Gosaikunda?
- Gosaikunda is in Rasuwa district, Bagmati Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Gosaikunda?
- About 4,380 m (14,371 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Gosaikunda?
- For a 7-day trip from Kathmandu, about NPR 39,000 (≈ US$290) per person on a budget, or NPR 54,000 (≈ US$400) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 19,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Gosaikunda?
- Plan 5 nights there for the trek; with travel from Kathmandu and back, about 7 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Gosaikunda?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter Langtang National Park (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Gosaikunda?
- Yes, for foreign trekkers: since 2023 a licensed guide is required in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Nepali trekkers may go on their own.
- When is the best time to visit Gosaikunda?
- Janai Purnima (August); October–November; April–May
- How do I get to Gosaikunda?
- 2–3 days' walk from Dhunche. It is about 42 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Gosaikunda called in Nepali?
- गोसाइँकुण्ड
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