Gosainkunda Festival Trek

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Trip Overview


The Gosainkunda Festival Trek is a special trekking route in Nepal that is designed around the annual Gosainkunda Festival, which is celebrated by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims who visit the holy Gosainkunda Lake. The festival takes place in August during the full moon and believed to have religious and spiritual significance.
The trek usually takes around 7-10 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 60 km. The starting point of the trek is in Dhunche, which is a 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu. From there, the trek takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas along the way. During the festival, thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India flock to the lake to take a dip in its holy waters. The festival is a colorful and lively affair, with traditional music, dance, and religious ceremonies taking place throughout the day and night. The Gosainkunda Festival Trek is a unique opportunity to experience the culture and spirituality of Nepal and witness a sacred event that has celebrated for centuries. The best time to do this trek is during August when the festival takes place. However, it is essential to book in advance and prepare it for large crowds and limited accommodation options during the festival period. Overall, the Gosainkunda Festival Trek is an unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty, cultural significance, and spiritual connection. It is a must-do trek for anyone interested in exploring the unique culture and traditions of Nepal.

Trip Highlights


  • 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


Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

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.

Day 02: Kathmandu City Half Day Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

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.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche by Bus or Jeep

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.

Day 04: Trek from Dhunche to Sing Gompa

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)

Day 05: Trek from Sing Gompa to Lauribinayak

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)

Day 06: Trek from laurebinayak to Gosainkunda

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)

Day 07: Rest Day in Gosainkunda to enjoy the Festival with Locals

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.

Day 08: Trek to Thulo Syabru from Gosainkunda

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)

Day 09: Trek from Thulo Syabru to Syabrubesi

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)

Day 10: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu by Bus or Jeep

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

Day 11: Final Departure from Kathmandu

Our Representatives will Drop you at the Airport before 3 hours of your Departure Time.

Price Includes


  • 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
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