Gosaikunda Lake Trek
A sacred alpine lake trek to 108 glacial lakes — one of Nepal's most revered pilgrimage sites where Shiva struck the mountain with his trident.
Distance
70 km
Duration
8 days
Elevation Gain
2,700m
Max Elevation
4,610m
Min Elevation
1,950m
Highest Point
Laurebina La (4,610m)
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Season
March-May, September-November
Route Type
Point to Point
Permit Required
Yes
Permit Cost
USD 40
Permit Information
Langtang National Park entry permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card (NPR 2,000)
Gosaikunda is one of Nepal's most revered alpine lake treks, combining spiritual significance with stunning high-altitude scenery. The trail passes through dense rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests before ascending above the treeline into a stark, rocky landscape dotted with glacial lakes. Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380m is the centerpiece — crystal-clear and sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Hindu mythology holds that Shiva created the lake by striking his trident into the mountain to obtain water after consuming poison during the churning of the ocean. During the annual Janai Purnima festival in August, thousands of pilgrims make the journey.
The trail from Dhunche (7-8 hours drive from Kathmandu) climbs through Sing Gompa before reaching the lake basin. Trekkers continuing over Laurebina La (4,610m) can descend into the Helambu region, creating an excellent through-route with panoramic views of Langtang, Ganesh, and Annapurna ranges.