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.
Highlights
- Animals and birds of Shivapuri and Langtang National Parks
- Shamanistic cultural practices of Tamang ethnic community
- Crossing Laurivinayak Pass (4,610m)
- Natural network of 108 glacial lakes of various sizes and shapes
- Mesmerizing view of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa and many more sowy peaks
- Highly beautified forests by colourful rhododendron forests