As the saying goes, it’s the journey that matters more than the Destination!, This is true to some extent, but when trips are powered through amazing trip service providers, both the journey and destination feel equally mystical!
Gosaikunda is among the locations in Nepal that house nature, spirituality, and myth in one scenic experience. This holy alpine lake is located in Langtang National Park and has an altitude of 4,380 meters. It is believed that this lake was formed by Lord Shiva himself. The duration of the trek is treasured as much as the destination itself, from the busy Kathmandu, snaking along mountain lanes, experiencing forest lows and bird-flocks highs until finally the icy cold waters of Gosaikunda materialize before you.
Major Ways To Travel Gosaikunda From Kathmandu
- Travelling Kathmandu To Gosaikunda By Land
- Flying To Gosaukunda By Helicopter Flight
1. Travelling Kathmandu To Gosaikunda By Land
Credit : NepalWildernessTrekking
The majority of tourists start their trip in Dhunche, which serves as the administrative center of Rasuwa District. It is less than 120 km away, but the mountainous route makes it take 68 hours. You would have a choice to take a public bus, a shared jeep, or a personal vehicle.
Public buses are very cheap and they depart Machhapokhari Bus Park in the area of Balaju, but they might be slow and also at times busy too. The shared jeeps are faster and comfortable, and the personal cars are the best when a group of people is opting to manage their time. Whichever you do, even before you go trekking, make it early in the morning, avoiding even the heavy traffic, so that you have time to rest.
The Trek To Gosaikunda (Dhunche- Gosaikunda)
The rest of the journey is by foot after Dhunche. The majority of trekkers use a route lasting two- three days:
a) DAY 1: Dhunche To Chandanbari (Sing Gompa)
The hiking path follows ascents within pine and rhododendron forests. In between tiny villages, there are tea houses where you can have a hot meal and spend the night.
b) Day 2 : Chandanbari To Laurebina To Gosaikunda
It gets steeper; however, it is worth your efforts because you can see broad views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal. The last part is rocky at high elevation and therefore should be done slowly and rested.
c) Day 3(Optional) – Gosaikunda Overnight
Most trekkers stay a night at the lake to watch the sun rise over the lake. An experience they will never forget, and then they start descending.
Other Trail Through Sundarijal
It is a bit longer trek with a more beautiful view. If you are headed towards a longer scenic trek, begin at Sundarijal, near Nepal. This path goes via Shivapuri National Park, Chisapani, Kutumsang, and Tharepati and intersects the main route at Laurebina.
It typically takes five to six days to get to Gosaikunda and provides an even greater diversity of terrain, walking all the way through terraced farmland, to high alpine meadows.
Best Time To Start The Journey
The lake is accessible nearly throughout the year, though the spring season (March to May) and fall (September to November) are perfect to enjoy blue skies and beautiful weather. Spring brings the beauty of rhododendron flowers, and autumn brings the mountain views.
One of the cultural highlights is to visit in August during the Janai Purnima. Thousands of pilgrims come to take a dip in the holy waters during this time. But accommodations are packed, and the trail is busier than usual. It is trekkable during winters, though this time is risky because it is snowy and very cold, and during monsoons, there are slippery trails and chances of landslides.
Lodging And Food
There are tea houses along the trail that provide basic rooms, communal baths, and meaty meals. Be prepared to find delicacies as dal bhat, noodle soup, or fried rice- simple yet, when it comes in after a long day of climbing, it is just right. The altitude increases the price of food, because everything is transported on a mule or porter as one ascends. When you desire snacks such as chocolate or biscuits, it is cheaper to stock up in Kathmandu.
2. Flying To Gosaikunda By Helicopter Flight
Helicopter flights to Gosaikunda take the shortest time to travelers who wish to visit Gosaikunda as opposed to days of trekking.
- Flight Duration: Approximately, 30-45 mins Tribhuvan international airport Gosaikunda.
- Capacity:Typically: 4-5 passengers per helicopter.
- Cost: Varies between USD 400 to 500 per person depending on the operator and time of the year, generally a group flight should cost around USD 400 500 per person based on the same.
- Experience: You shall have the panoramic aerial views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal and the surrounding valleys prior to landing close to the lake.
- Stay Time: the average stay time on most flights is 30-45 minutes on the ground to take pictures, explore and have a quick walk out to the lake.
Note: This is the best option when pilgrims are doing Janai Purnima, our elderly visitor, or those with less time however flights need to be favorable weather wise.
Permits You Will Require
To trek there Gosaikunda area requires two permits:
- Langtang National Park Entry Permit- obtainable at Kathmandu or at park entrance in Dhunche.
- TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) – the way of tracking trekkers to be able to maintain security.
Have them readily available because there will be check points on the way that will require to view them.
What To Pack For The Trip
Here is the legitimate list of gears and essentials to pack for the trip
- Trekking shoes (even for helicopter, because trails around the lake are on rocks)
- Layers, windproof jacket
- Monsoon (rain jacket)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- Altitude sickness medication alt-first-aid kit
- Trekking route-head lamp
Staying Safe Throughout The Trip
Elevation illness should be of concern not only when hiking but also when traveling by helicopter because those who use the helicopter can’t be spared, because Gosaikunda is so high that once you are on land, milder symptoms of elevation illness may show up.
With trekking, be aware as you go up step by step, and drink water as much as possible, and go down when you feel worse. One should constantly look at weather reports before a journey, particularly in the case of helicopter flights
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Conclusion
Regardless of whether you get there by foot after having wandered the hills in days of climbing, or are lowered by helicopter into thin, crisp air, the serene beauty of Gosaikunda awaits you. The muted waters of the lake mirror the surrounding mountains, and the silence is one of sacredness. It is a spiritual pilgrimage to some; a bucket-list adventure to others. We are now confident you have sufficient knowledge base on how to reach Gosaikunda from Kathmandu!
