Gosainkunda Lake trek is one of the holiest and most sacred pilgrimage treks in Nepal. Situated just north of Kathmandu, this trek is close to the capital and easily accessible without a flight.
Gosainkunda Lake trek is suitable for those who wish to take the holy pilgrimage route as well as those seeking an adventure in the Himalayan mountain region. The Gosainkunda Lake trek offers stunning mountain ranges, the alpine villages of Tamang and the Sherpa people with their unique culture and traditions. The trails are well-established, with well-facilitated guesthouses along the way, a reason why the trek to Gosainkunda Lake is popular among pilgrimage trekkers.
The holy lake of Gosainkunda is entrenched in history, believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul (trident) in the mountain to extract water, to cool his burning throat after swallowing poison. It is situated 4,380m above sea level and is also referred to as the frozen lake, due to its high altitude alpine location. There lies a large rock in the center of the lake, which is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine, people often claim that they see Shiva lying in the water. Thousands of devotees visit Gosainkunda during the full moon night of August to take a holy dip in the lake.
The Gosainkunda Lake trek begins with a scenic nine-hour drive from the capital city of Kathmandu to Dhunche, the large Tamang and Sherpa villages, with friendly locals of Tibetan origin. The trek then continues to Gosainkunda Lake passing through terrace farming lands, lush forests and crossing ancient monasteries and alpine yak pastures, sleeping in the well-facilitated lodges in the evenings. The mountain views from Gosainkunda Lake are breathtaking. On our way back we can either follow the same route to Dhunche or drive back to Kathmandu, or we can combine the Helambu region and trek all the way from Gosainkunda to Sundarijal crossing the amazing Lauribinala Pass.
