Gosaikunda is the largest of a chain of glacial lakes strung along the ridge between the Trishuli and Melamchi valleys, at 4,380 m in the south of Langtang National Park. Its water is clear and cold, frozen for much of the winter, and framed by bare rock slopes with a small Shiva shrine and a cluster of lodges on the shore. Saraswati Kunda and Bhairab Kunda lie just below, and Surya Kunda sits higher on the way to the Lauribina La pass at 4,610 m. The lakes and surrounding wetland are a Ramsar site.
For Hindus the lake is one of the holiest places in Nepal. The story told at the shrine is that after the churning of the ocean, Shiva drank the poison that emerged to save the world and, burning in his throat, struck the mountain with his trishul to release cool water, creating Gosaikunda. The Trishuli River is said to take its name from that strike. A rock in the lake is pointed out as Shiva resting, and many believe the water flows underground to the Kumbheshwar temple pond in Patan.
Most visitors come one of two ways. Pilgrims walk up from Dhunche through Chandanbari (Sing Gompa) and Lauribina in two or three days, or fly in by helicopter from Kathmandu for a short darshan and puja. Trekkers often join it to the Langtang Valley trek, or continue over Lauribina La to Ghopte, Tharepati and Helambu. The busiest time by far is Janai Purnima, the August full moon, when thousands of devotees and jhankri shamans gather for the holy dip.
What to see and do
- Holy dip and puja at the shrine
Pilgrims bathe in the icy water, offer flowers and light lamps at the small Shiva shrine on the north shore. Priests and local helpers can guide a puja. Bathing at 4,380 m is brief and bracing; dry off and dress warmly straight away.
- Janai Purnima gathering
On the August full moon of Shrawan, thousands climb to Gosaikunda to bathe, change the sacred thread and receive the raksha doro. Tamang and other jhankri shamans drum and dance through the night. Lodges overflow, so plan and book early.
- Chain of sacred lakes
Saraswati Kunda and Bhairab Kunda sit below Gosaikunda on the approach from Lauribina, and Surya Kunda lies higher on the trail to the pass. Local tradition counts 108 lakes in the area. Walking the shoreline path gives views of all of them.
- Lauribina La crossing to Helambu
Trekkers continue east over Lauribina La at 4,610 m, the highest point on the Langtang–Gosaikunda–Helambu route, then descend to Phedi and Ghopte. The pass can be snowbound from December to March, so this crossing needs good weather and a guide.
- Langtang and Manaslu views at Lauribina
On the approach, the ridge at Lauribina (3,910 m) gives a long view west to the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and on clear days the Annapurnas, and north to Langtang Lirung. Sunrise from here is a reason to sleep one night at Lauribina.
Experiences in Gosaikunda
How to reach Gosaikunda
Road
Drive about 117 km and 6–7 hours from Kathmandu to Dhunche (1,960 m), the trailhead, by bus or jeep via Trishuli Bazaar. Some jeeps continue on rough tracks towards Deurali, but this changes by season.
On foot
From Dhunche walk 6 hours to Chandanbari (Sing Gompa, 3,330 m), then 5–6 hours via Lauribina (3,910 m) to Gosaikunda. Pilgrims often break the second day with a night at Lauribina for better acclimatisation.
Helicopter
Charter or shared helicopters fly from Kathmandu in about 35 minutes and land near the lake, weather permitting. Flights operate in the morning, ground time is usually limited, and a pilgrimage puja can be arranged during the stop.
Where to stay
A handful of simple lodges stand on the lake shore near the shrine, with dormitory rooms, small twin rooms, blankets and basic dining halls; electricity is limited and toilets are outside. At Janai Purnima they are completely full and many pilgrims sleep in tents or crowded halls, so we carry tents on festival departures. Outside the festival, a room is usually available, but book through your agency in October. Many trekkers prefer to sleep lower at Lauribina (3,910 m) and walk up to the lake, which helps with altitude. There are no hotels here, and nights fall below freezing for most of the year, so a four-season sleeping bag is essential.
Tips from our trip managers
- Sleep at Lauribina or Chandanbari on the way up rather than climbing from Dhunche to the lake in one push.
- Take the holy dip quickly, then change into dry, warm clothes at once; the water is near freezing even in August.
- During Janai Purnima, start from Dhunche two or three days early to avoid the worst crowds on the trail.
- Carry rain gear and leech socks if you walk in July or August, because the forest below Chandanbari is very wet.
- Do not attempt Lauribina La after fresh snow without a guide who knows the current state of the trail.
