Gosaikunda Lake Trek

The Gosaikunda trek climbs from Dhunche to a group of sacred alpine lakes at about 4,380 m in Langtang National Park, then returns through Thulo Syabru to Syabrubesi. Gosaikunda is a Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, said to have been created when Shiva struck the ground with his trident to quench his thirst after swallowing poison, and the area has 108 lakes in the vicinity, according to local tradition. This six-day plan drives from Kathmandu to Dhunche, climbs to Chandanbari (Sing Gompa), ascends through Laurebina to the lakes, descends to Thulo Syabru in a long day, and ends at Syabrubesi with the drive back. It is short but steep, and the altitude gain is fast, so it needs care. It suits fit walkers who want a short trek to a pilgrimage lake and who will respect the fast altitude gain with a slow pace and plenty of water.

What the trek is like

The route climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forest to Sing Gompa, then through juniper and rhododendron to Laurebina Yak, where the forest ends. Above this point the trail follows a rocky ridge with exposed sections. The lakes sit in a cirque, and the main lake, Gosaikunda, is surrounded by smaller lakes including Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda and Surya Kunda. The descent to Thulo Syabru is long and steep, through forest and terraces, and ends with a walk down to Syabrubesi.

Highlights

• Rhododendron forest above Dhunche
• Sing Gompa, a small monastery with a cheese factory
• Laurebina ridge and the view of Himalayan peaks
• Gosaikunda lake and its neighbours, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists
• Thulo Syabru, a Tamang village with views of Langtang Lirung

Permits and rules

You need a Langtang National Park entry permit and a TIMS card where required. The Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide in national parks and conservation areas, and 2026 operator reports say checkpoints enforce it in Annapurna (ACAP), Langtang (the strictest) and most other parks, but not in Khumbu, where the municipality opted out (checked 19 October 2026). See the guide rule by region. A guide is strongly recommended for this trek because of the exposed ridge and quick altitude gain. Check current fees with the issuing offices.

Best season

October and November are clearest, and April and May are good. The lakes freeze in winter and the trail is under snow; the monsoon brings rain and cloud, but the lakes host a festival at Janai Purnima in August, when thousands of pilgrims walk up.

Altitude

The route climbs from 1,960 m at Dhunche to 4,380 m at Gosaikunda in two days, which is fast. Altitude sickness is common here, so go slowly, drink plenty of water, and consider adding a night at Sing Gompa or Laurebina. If you have a headache or nausea, do not go higher. The descent to Thulo Syabru is long and steep.

Getting there and away

The drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche takes about 6 to 7 hours. From Syabrubesi, the drive back takes 7 to 8 hours. Landslides sometimes close the road in the monsoon.

Lodges, food and costs

Lodges at Chandanbari, Laurebina Yak and Gosaikunda are simple. Nights are very cold, and many lodges have no heating in bedrooms. Carry cash, because there are no machines on the trail.

Packing list

Waterproof boots, warm layers, a down jacket, hat and gloves, a sleeping bag rated to about -10 C, trekking poles, a headlamp, water purification and a first-aid kit.

Who this trek suits and how to prepare

The trek suits fit trekkers who want a short route and are comfortable with steep climbs. Prepare with stair climbing and hill walks. The altitude gain is fast, so previous experience at 3,000 to 4,000 m helps. Pack warm clothes, because the lakes are cold even in autumn.

The plan at a glance

Day 1 drives to Dhunche (1,960 m). Day 2 climbs to Sing Gompa (Chandanbari, 3,330 m). Day 3 climbs through Laurebina to Gosaikunda (4,380 m). Day 4 descends to Thulo Syabru (2,210 m), day 5 walks to Syabrubesi, and day 6 drives back to Kathmandu.

Extensions

From Gosaikunda you can continue over Laurebina La, at about 4,650 m, to Helambu, a trek of three to four more days that ends near Kathmandu. Others combine Gosaikunda with the Langtang Valley, returning to Syabrubesi and walking up the valley. Discuss the options with your guide and agency.

Practical tips from the trail

• Go slowly on the climb to Laurebina: it is the steepest section.
• Check the weather before leaving Sing Gompa, because the ridge is exposed.
• Carry water, because springs are few above the treeline.
• Take warm gloves and a hat for the lakeside.
• If you visit during Janai Purnima in August, expect crowds and book ahead.

Responsible trekking

Gosaikunda is a sacred site, so do not swim, wash or leave rubbish in the lakes, and respect the temple and pilgrims. Carry out your waste and buy from local lodges.

Food and lodging

Lodges at Dhunche, Sing Gompa, Laurebina Yak and Gosaikunda serve dal bhat, noodles, soup, eggs and tea. At Sing Gompa, cheese from the local cheese factory is a treat. Rooms are cold, with blankets and sometimes no heating, so bring a warm sleeping bag. Charging is expensive and slow, and hot showers are not available above Dhunche. Meals cost more at altitude because supplies are carried up by porters.

Photography tips

Early morning gives the best light on the lakes, when the water is still and the surrounding peaks reflect in it. Bring a polarising filter to reduce glare, and a wide-angle lens for the cirque. At Laurebina, the ridge gives a long view of the Himalayan range on clear days. Keep your camera and spare batteries warm, because they drain quickly in the cold.