The Gosaikunda is a holy site for both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. Several legends exist concerning the formation of the lake. One commonly accepted version mentions Gods and demons both trying to obtain immortality from the ocean. As a result, both parties decided to work together and share the elixir of immortality. Later, gods and demons both did Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean. During the churning, Precious gems, animals, gold, silver, Goddess Lakshmi, Dhanvantri, etc. were some of the things which emerged from the ocean which were divided among the Gods and the demons.
Among the many things which came out of the ocean, a deadly poison was also one of them. This poison was extremely deadly and soon all the beings who came in contact with it began to perish. Then the Hindu god Lord Shiva sacrificed himself after seeing the poisons and drank it. He became very ill and thirsty so he traveled into the Himalayas and created many lakes, mainly Gosaikunda and BhairavKunda, by piercing the snow-covered mountainside to obtain pure water to cure a terrible sickness and thirst. They lie on a ridge just off the crest and the waters are collected here by the snow from the headwaters of the Trisuli River. The trail is not so hard but sometimes the climb is very steep making it more adventurous. This trek is moderate but in some places, the trail is a bit challenging.
Highlights:
Today, we begin our journey to Gosaikunda. We will take a half an hour’s drive to Sundarijal, the trek starting point, and start walking up onto a ridge. On the way, you will see Sundarijal waterfall and then enter the Shivapuri National Park area through lush green forests and streams that serve as the main source of water in the Kathmandu valley. The forest is full of epiphytic ferns, orchids, rhododendron plants, and other exotic and beautiful flowers. Also, Sundarijal is famous for bird watching and you can observe bird watching. We will walk for around 5 hours through the forest area from Sundarijal to Chisapani.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
You can view the sunrise from Chisapani as it is surrounded by many Himalayan ranges like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, etc. After breakfast, we will start walking toward Kutumsang. We will walk for around 6-7 hours today through the dense forest and a few settlements. We will walk past the villages of Patti Bhanjyang and Chipping which have the majority of the Tamang community but all ethnic groups Chhetris, Brahmins, and Newars also live with great harmony in these villages.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After breakfast, we will walk uphill through terraced fields, meadows, and forest as the trail start changing character as we will be walking from warm, terraced and populated areas to the higher, and refreshingly cooler, temperate and sub-alpine zones. By the time we reach the top of the climb, we are among rhododendrons and conifers. 5-6 hours of walk from Kutumsang we will reach Tharepati.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
We start our trail from Tharepati to Phedi. The trial is an uphill to Gosaikunda but the distance is short so we take our time while ascending the hill through the cold breeze and mountains.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today you have a free day to go sightseeing around the Gosaikunda area. There are many small and big lakes in the Gosaikunda area. Gosaikunda Lake and BhairavKunda Lake are two of the big lakes situated in the area.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today we start our journey back home. The trail is very steep as it leads to Laurebinayak (4610 m), the highest point of the trek. We will walk on the well-defined trail through the pastures and small crags and take a short descend the ridge. From here you can see the Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and other famous mountains. We will have the stay of the night in one of the lodges here.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After breakfast, we will continue our descent to Dhunche, the administrative headquarter of Rasuwa District. It will take about 5 hours to reach Dhunche. The trial is a pleasant walk as we can see LangtangLirung to our right, with the Ganesh Himal in front and pines, barberries, and rhododendron. Our private vehicle will be waiting for you at Dhunche. Hop on and ride back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, check-in in at your hotel, have a good rest and go strolling around Thamel in the evening.
