Sundarijal Gosainkunda trek is the perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural variety and religious serenity found in the popular Langtang region. It is one of the short trekking in Nepal that is most appropriate for those having limited vacation from their busy work schedule. It rewards you with the snowcapped peaks of Langtang region and the Sacred Gosainkunda Lake along with the diverse flora and fauna. This trek gives you the best lifelong memory while exploring the hidden valleys, unspoiled natural beauty and authentic rustic lifestyle.
As Gosiankunda trek leads you to the closest pilgrimage site from Kathmandu, it has been a growing tourism destination of Nepal. It is the ultimate choice for the domestic and international trekkers who want to have glimpses of alpine glacial lakes. Gosainkunda is a sacred lake for both Hindus and Buddhist that thousands of people set for pilgrimage in Janai Purnima Festival. Janai Purnima (Holy Thread) festival, which falls in the month of August that the followers of Hinduism go to the lake for holy dip.
Gosainkunda short trek starts from Sundarijal, a gateway to Langtang region trekking quite close to Kathmandu or from Dhunche, Rasuwa. High altitude pristine lakes of Gosainkunda, waterfalls of Sundarijal, rugged trails are the attractions of this trek. The dense forests of Langtang National Park, the second largest Himalayan national park in Nepal, houses diverse flora and fauna. While walking through the least crowded trekking trail, you can enjoy different species of birds and animals en route Gosainkunda. You will explore the entire Gosainkunda region and the network of 108 glacial lakes of various sizes and shapes.
Moving ahead from Sundarijal towards the final destination, you have to walk past a few Tamang Villages who follow Pre-Buddhist culture. You can witness the shamanistic and animistic culture and tradition followed by Tamang villages of Langtang Gosainkunda region. You walk past the Shivapuri and Langtang National Park which are famous for bird watching tour and trekking. You can also have occasional sight of red panda, musk deer, snow leopard and Himalayan thar in rhododendron and pine forests. Finally by crossing the Laurivinayak Pass (4,610m), one of the high passes of Langtang region, you reach Gosainkunda Lake Valley.
There are many legends associated with the formation of Gosainkunda Lake, however, only one is accepted by most of the people. According to this legend, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison released during the Churning of the Ocean while a dispute between gods and demons. On the request of the gods, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison to protect the world from the destruction. As the effect of the poison started growing, Lord Shiva ran towards the Himalayas to pacify the burning throat. When he arrived in Langtang Valley, he thrust the mountain with this holy trident and the Gosainkunda Lake was formed.
Whatever the truth behind the formation of Gosankunda Lake, Gosainkunda Langtang trek gives you the stunning view of high Himalayas. The major peaks seen during Sundarijal Langtang trek are Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa and other many peaks. Tamang and Sherpa cultural villages reflecting their centuries long culture and tradition in the Langtang valley within Langtang National Park are equally rewarding. To experience the intermingling of nature, culture and creature, you have Gosainkund Sundarijal trekking itinerary ranging from 5 days to 17 days.
FAQs:
1. Where is Gosainkunda Lake?
Gosainkunda Lake is a frozen lake located at an elevation of 4,380m in the Langtang National Park, Rasuwa district. To reach this lake intertwined with 108 glacial lakes of different sizes and shapes, you have to cross a challenging pass, Laurivinayak Pass (4,610m). You can do Gosainkunda Lake trek from 2 days to 11 days depending upon the trail and acclimatization days you choose.
2. What are the major peaks seen during Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
The major peaks seen during Gosainkunda Lake trek are Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Kinsung, Yala, Dorje Lakpa and Paldor Peak. You can also have the distant view of the snowy peaks of Manaslu region, Ganesh Himal and Annapurna region.
3. Which is the best time for Gosainkunda Sundarijal trek?
In fact, you can do this trek throughout the year without any doubt. However, the best time for Gosainkunda Sundarijal trek is spring and autumn when the weather is clear with fine days. On the clear day, you can have the 360-degree panoramic view of the snowcapped peaks of Langtang region.
4. Can I get altitude sickness during Gosainkunda Lake trek?
There is always chance of altitude sickness during trekking to the high Himalayas. While Gosainkunda Lake trek, you spend most of the time above 3,000m that you must take enough precaution to avoid altitude sickness. First of all, we suggest you to drink enough water and eat hygienic food items. Walk with slow pace and pack some medicines like Diamox Oral to prevent and cure Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The trekking guide of Orbit Alpine Adventure will help you if any kind of health problem is seen in the course of trekking.
5. Can I do Gosainkunda Sundarijal Langtang trek solo?
Yes, you can definitely do Gosainkunda Sundarijal Langtang trek solo as there is not any restricted area in it. However, we highly recommend you to hire a professional guide and a porter to avoid any kind of troubles. There are some cases when the trekkers have missed the main trekking trail and got lost on the way. Sometimes, the trekkers have also lost their lives by falling from the ridges because they missed the trekking route. If you hire a professional guide, he helps you to find the right trekking route and avoid the mishaps.
6. What are the main lakes of Gosiankunda region?
The main lakes of Gosainkunda region are Gosainkunda, Saraswatikunda, Bhairavkunda and Surajkunda.
