Gosainkunda Festival Trek
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Trek to Nepal’s sacred lake with local pilgrims.
- Participate in a high-altitude shamanic festival
- Witness a night of dancing under the full moon
- Camp on the shores of Lake Gosainkunda
- Follow the ancient trade route between Tibet & Nepal
- Special festival trekking in Langtang
- Traditional culture on display
- Visit Old Cheese Factory at Singh Gompa
- Explore mostly Tamang Ethinic culture and Traditions
- Spiritual Significance to both Hindu and Buddhist religion
- Visit 4610m Lauribina Pass, the highest Pass During this Trek
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu. Your trek guide will be at Kathmandu Airport to welcome and transfer you to the hotel. Welcome dinner and trek pre-arrangement organize.
Today after having breakfast your city guide will take you to two world heritage sites, first you go to visit Pasupati Nath Temple and after that, you will go to visit one of the largest Buddhist Stupa. It is a half-day sightseeing tour. In the afternoon will be free to explore the city in Kathmandu. Trek briefing and preparation in the afternoon.
After having breakfast we will be driving by tourist coach which will take about 7-9 hours to reach Dhunche. Driving through scenic landscapes and different villages-you will be heading to the northeast of Kathmandu. Drive from Kathmandu to Trishuli Bazar is smooth and from here path moves to the gravel road and sometimes smooth road as well. During the rainy season, the road will be blocked due to the landslide. Overnight at Hotel/teahouse.
The trail ascends gradually through the mineral water factory up to Ghatte Khola. You cross a suspension bridge and start climbing steeply uphill. Walking through pine, silver oak, and rhododendron forest Crossing a suspension bridge over this stream, then you start climbing steeply uphill un eventually you reach Singompa. There is an old cheese factory at Sing Gompa. Stay at the local teahouse.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 10,498 feet (3,200 m)
Today the trail begins climbing uphill to Lauribinayak. The top of Lauribinayak gives you beautiful views of Langtang Himal, Annapurna, and Tibetan Himal. Then the trails ascend all the way to Gosaikunda. You follow a rugged trail with dramatic views; to the west Himal Chuli (7,893 m) Manaslu range (8156 m), Ganesh Himal ranges (7,406 m), Tibetan peaks, and Langtang Lirung. On a clear day, even the Annapurna range can be seen rising up behind and to the north across the valley is Langtang Lirung. You pass a few huts in the high pasture of Laurebinayak to enter Gosainkunda.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 11,811 feet (3,600 m)
You pass a few huts in the high pasture of Laurebinayak, cross a small ridge, and have your first views of the holy lakes. There are about a dozen lakes in the Gosainkunda Basin, the main three being Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda, and Gosainkunda. Along the way, you’ll start to be joined by the several hundred pilgrims following the route, who move fast and will have started at the base this morning. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the sacred lake of Gosainkunda, already crowded with pilgrims.
Your crew will have reached the lake in advance and secured a small spot for your tents. It’s impossible to get local rooms during this time, so you’ll spend the next two nights in a comfortable tent but eat in the nearby lodges.
Every August full moon, apprentice shamans and pilgrims make this journey to the lake, considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the ultimate shaman. Legend has it that when the destructor of evil got poisoned as he conquered evil, he would come to these high-altitude lakes to quench his thirst and recover among the pristine beauty. Tonight, the apprentices will dance the night away to prove themselves full shamans, while several hundred pilgrims join in.
As evening falls, the song and dance will reach a feverish pitch, as the shamans and locals alike dance the night away in pilgrimage and prayer.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 14,107 feet (4,300 m)
This morning, most pilgrims will take a holy dip in the lake to cleanse their sins, while the shamans dance their way to a shrine in the eastern corner of the lake. You’ll follow the shamans first, and then have a chance to walk another hour or so to the 15,091-foot (4,610 m) Lauribina pass before descending back to the village—now empty as most of the pilgrims have started their descent. Enjoy the incredible tranquility this afternoon as you look out over the sacred lake and experience a mountain sunset.
Rested and strong, you’ll start your long descent today, passing Sing Gomba and continuing towards your base for the night in Thulo Syabru, on the edge of the famous Langtang Valley. After a full day of downhill trekking, you’ll be happy to reach your lodge in time for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Elevation: 8,530 feet (2,600 m)
After breakfast, you’ll complete the last bit of the trek as you make your way down to the river and then across into Syabrubesi, which marks the start and end of treks into the Langtang Valley and along the Tamang Heritage Trail. This is a small town and a hub for the area, so it’s fairly developed compared to the villages you’ve seen so far.
In the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to wander around town at your leisure. As evening falls, enjoy a small celebratory dinner with your trekking crew.
Trekking time: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 7,874 feet (2,400 m)
Your Gosainkunda Festival Trek adventure comes to a close today as you catch an early local bus for the full day’s journey back to Kathmandu. During your Journey, You will enjoy the sightseeing during travel to Kathmandu
Our Representatives will Drop you at the Airport before 3 hours of your Departure Time.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
| Start Date | Price | Availability |
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Airport pick up and airport drop by private transportation (If needed)
- Kathmandu to Dhunche and Syabrubesi back to kathmandu overland transportation by public mini bus
- Twin sharing trekking accommodation in normal Trekkers lodge / Teahouse
- Three time meal during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Government license holder trekking guide /leader for the team
- One porter who will carry your luggage during the trekking (Two tourist get one porter)
- Langtang national park entry fee
- Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS) card
- Insurance for Nepalese staff (Trekking guide and Porters)
- Nepal Government tax and Office service charge
Price Excludes
- Accommodation and meals during the stay in Kathmandu
- International or domestic air tickets and airport taxes
- Nepal entry visa fee US$ 25 (duration 15 days ) and US$ 40 (duration 30 days )
- Personal trekking equipment s & Clothing
- Wire Transfer charge or Credit card service charge as company rule
- Alcoholic beverages, laundry, Telephone calls and all type of hot drinks
- Soft drinks such as cola, mineral water etc
- Personal nature expenses and Tipping (Tips)
- High risk medical / travel insurance and First aid kit
- Emergency rescue evacuation (if needed)
- Any other things not mentioned in includes list
Gears And Equipment
TRIP INFORMATION
Best Season for Gosaikunda Festival Trek
Like other treks of Nepal, Spring and Autumn and are the best seasons if you want to go to Gosainkunda Festival Trek. The Spring trekkers trek to Langtang between late February to early June is considered an ideal one. Likewise, Autumn Season trekkers trek to Gosaikunda which is also between early September to late December.
Skies remain clear and weather is good. Air will be cool and it will like you have entered into a Heaven plane. Alpine forests and green pasture lands are at their best. And the views of the Himalayas are just breathtaking at these seasons.
Best Time for Gosainkunda Festival Trek
Spring Time (March, April, May):
Spring is the 2nd favorite month to be trek in Nepal. For nature lovers, this can be the season to do treks here or anywhere else in the kingdom of Nepal. You can also enjoy the blooms of the local flora and fauna in the Langtang National Park in the spring season. You get views of entire sections of forest which will be covered in pink, red, and yellow blooms of rhododendron. You can enjoy your walk along the park with the scents of pine and maple.
The wildlife of the region has also come alive after the winter slumber. If lucky, you can spot the endangered red panda at the trek. The weather conditions at spring are also quite stable. You can enjoy walks in cool, warm and dry weather. The average max. temperatures is between 18-30 degrees Celsius. The average min. temperature remains around which lies around 6-18 degrees Celsius. Hence, it is not too hot for walks at the region.
Summer Time (June, July, August)
Summer is also known as monsoon season in Nepal. During the non-rainy days, the average max. temperature tends to be in between 22-30 degrees Celsius. And, the average min. temperature lies between 17-21 degrees Celsius. During the rainy days, it can also get colder. It gets an average of around 400-500mm of rainfall per month during these 3 months. Yet, from Dhuche onwards, the trek becomes drier. If you don’t like the rain, try early June for your trek during summer. The local summer season sets in after mid-June. If you are looking for a comfortable trekking experience or a an in experienced trekker, this season can be difficult. But, if you are looking for some adventure and thrill and enjoy the rain, then this can be the perfect season for you. Nature comes alive during summer. The vegetation in and around the region is lush and green. The water sources come alive. You can see so many streams, waterfalls being born during at this season. The lakes will also appear more full than normal. Hence, summer trekking in Gosaikunda can be a great experience. You also get nice surprises of clear, warm days with spectacular views of the landscape and the mountains.
Autumn Time (September, October, November):
Autumn is the most popular season for treks in Nepal that also Gosainkunda Festival Trek. During autumn time, the average max. temperature which lies in between 20-28 degrees Celsius in Gosaikunda. And the average min. temperature which lies in between 6-10 degrees Celsius.
The moderate temperatures with the clearer weather conditions make autumn the ideal season for treks here. During this season, you can also enjoy your walks at the Langtang region in warm, dry weather. The trails are also in their best condition. They are no longer muddy and slippery. You will also find fewer infestations at the mosquitoes and leeches during this season. The clear blue skies during this season can also offer breathtaking views of the mountain peaks. Some of the famous ones to look out for are Langtang Lirung, Ganesh, Himalchuli, and Dorje Lakpa. You can also enjoy the clear views for the surrounding valleys, ridges, and highlands. You can also enjoy a spectacular display of wildflowers.
Winter Time (December, January, February)
Till mid-December, you can enjoy the benefits of treks at the autumn season in Gosaikunda. Winter settles in only after mid-December. After this, the high-altitude regions of Gosaikunda also get snowfall. The trails can get slippery from the snow as well. Yet, you can still enjoy and do Gosainkunda Festival Trek. During this season, the average max. temperature also lies between 18- 22 degree in the Winter.
The average min. temperature lies between 2 to -6 degrees Celsius. Hence, it is not as cold as in some other high-altitude treks of Nepal. With proper clothing, equipment, and supplies, you can have a good time in Gosaikunda. You can witness the frozen lakes and waterfalls. You can also enjoy snowfall in the region. During winter, you also get some of the best views of snow-capped mountain peaks. With fewer trekkers on the trails, you can enjoy the tranquility for the region. You can witness nature in its undisturbed form at these winter months.
Gosainkunda Festive Days
Festivals in Nepal are a celebration and amazing in itself Most festivals in Nepal have an association with religion and tradition of the nation of Nepal. Hence, they are a great way to enjoy and understand some aspects of the rich culture of Nepal in the following lines.
Gosaikunda Lake is the focal point of one of the most important festivals of the Hindus and Buddhists of Nepal- Janai Purnima. This festival usually takes place during the full moon day of August.
Hindu and Buddhist devotees from all over Nepal and other parts of the world likes to visit Gosaikunda during this day. According to religious belief, the lake carries water directly from the lake to the Kumbheshwar Temple at Patan in Kathmandu Valley (60 km southwest). Hindu people chant Gayatri Mantra and change their Sacred thread (Janai) for protection and Rakshya Bandhan which is a sacred red-yellow thread tie around the wrist by the priest. We can see an image of Shiva at its center, filled with water in this lake. We have to also customize the Gosaikunda festival trek to coincide with this special festive at the Langtang region.
Gosainkunda Festival Trek Difficulties
Gosainkunda Festival Trek is a relatively moderate trek. The trail has both easy and steep sections. There are many ascends and descends through dense forests and sometimes rugged paths too.
You have to have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day in the minimum, therefore good health and stamina are needed to go at the Gosainkunda Festival Trek Trekking. You do not need to be an experienced trekker to go on this adventurous journey.
Weather and Temperature of Gosainkunda Festival Trek
The weather at the Gosaikunda is quite unpredictable and can change in a. The weather is always wet so before traveling to Gosaikunda, arrange all necessary stuff you will need during the trek. Keep warm clothes, hiking boots, walking steak, gloves, water bottles, sunglasses, raincoats, medicine and also some food too
Gosainkunda Festival Trek Route Map
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
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