Gosainkunda Pass Trek

Today’s itinerary is filled with cultural immersion as you explore many of Kathmandu’s most vital and historic sites with one in of our friendly tour guides. Your journey begins at the long-lasting Swayambhunath Temple, affectionately called the Monkey Temple, which offers panoramic views of the town from its hilltop location. Next, you'll visit Pashupatinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus, followed by a stop at Boudhanath Stupa, the foremost important stupa in Nepal, showcasing exquisite Tibetan Buddhist architecture. The tour concludes at Kathmandu Durbar Square, an "open museum" of palaces, courtyards, and temples, vibrant with the bustling local market and various eateries. After exploring these rich cultural sites, you'll have time to rest before we meet again in our office for a trek briefing. Tonight, we are visiting to finalize your preparations for the Langtang Valley trek, including packing and last-minute shopping, while our team handles all necessary trek permits. This ensures a smooth start to your upcoming adventure.

The journey from Kathmandu to Dhunche unfolds along the Northern Highway, a scenic route that cuts through the center Hill forests and farmlands. Starting northeast, the highway crosses the Tadi Khola at Devighat, near its meeting point with the Trisuli Nadi flowing from Tibet. It then winds northeast up the Trisuli Valley to Betrawati, traverses a pass to Ramche, and proceeds more gently to Dhunche. Your day ends with an overnight stay in Dhunche, setting the stage for the trek ahead. This route offers a vivid introduction to the varied landscapes that characterize this region of Nepal.

Today’s trek may be a challenging ascent beginning from the lower end of Dhunche. You'll start on a road that quickly transitions to a trail through fields along the south bank of the Trisuli Khola. After crossing to the north bank, the trail steepens because it lands up the narrowing valley to a spur, then turns northeast towards Deorali. Continuing upward for about an hour, you’ll labor under stands of fir and rhododendrons, reaching the next ridge and so a clearing. An hour further brings you to Atiny Low Hamlet, followed by a solitary teahouse offering stunning views over the valley. The trail then ascends to the subsequent ridge, resulting in the hamlet of Dimsa at 3,030 meters. Here, a fork within the path presents two options; taking the correct ends up in a military post and a final erupting oak tree to Chandan Bari and also the Shin Gompa. The Gompa, notable for its onsite cheese factory, is well worth a visit. You’ll spend the night in Chandan Bari, with rest and exploration of this serene and spiritual location.

As you advance along the trail, the magnificent Ganesh and Langtang Himal remain visible, enhancing the journey's visual appeal. The trail ascends through a district designated as a sanctuary for the endangered panda, locally called the "cat bear," nestled on the northern slopes. With increasing altitude, the dense trees subside to scrubby vegetation. Reaching Chalang Pati at 3,550 meters, you will find an open panorama that gives an ideal setting for a coffee break amidst expansive views. Because the trail climbs further, the scenery becomes even more spectacular with Manaslu, towering at 8,156 meters, emerging to the east. A sweeping array of peaks, including those beyond the border, extends towards the Annapurnas within the west. Your day concludes in Laurebina Yak, where you'll be able to enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore the environment. This high-altitude haven offers a serene night's stay, surrounded by a number of the foremost iconic vistas within the Himalayas.

Begin your day by capturing the breathtaking sunrise before enjoying breakfast. Today’s hike takes you to a scenic ridge and past the cascading waterfalls from Saraswati Kund at 4,100 meters. The trail continues high and exposed, offering commanding views over the southwestern Trisuli Valley then Bhairav Kund. Your path results in Gosaikunda, the biggest lake within the area, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The village on its northwestern shore hosts a very important Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, making it a spiritual hub, especially during the annual festival held over the complete moon in August. Spend your afternoon exploring the enchanting surroundings, including several semi-frozen lakes to the south, and therefore the rich cultural and natural landscape of Gosaikunda. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in this serene and sacred location, surrounded by the high Himalayan peaks and also the tranquil waters of the lake.

Your trek to the summit of Laurebina La requires approximately 1½ hours, during which you'll pass three smaller lakes and also the Sura (Sun) Kund. At the summit, you're rewarded with stunning panoramic views. The descent of about 1,200 meters begins by following a stream to a seasonal 'high camp teahouse' before dropping further down to Phedi at 3,740 meters. From Phedi, the rocky trail undulates down several ridges and eventually descends into lush pine and rhododendron forests below the cliffs of Thare Danda. As you navigate through more ravines, the trail ascends to the ridge of Gopte, where you may spend the night. Gopte, being at a lower altitude than your previous stops, offers a hotter overnight stay after daily of challenging ascents and descents. This segment of the trek is both physically demanding and visually rewarding, showcasing a spread of landscapes and natural beauty.

Your journey today features a trek across challenging rocky ravines and old moraine beds strewn with boulders, before ascending to a high, windy ridge resulting in Tharepati village. From here, the vistas expand northeastward, offering spectacular views of Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, and Jugal Himal, and increasing into Tibet with glimpses of Shisha Pangma, China’s sole 8,000-meter peak. After soaking in the expansive views, you'll start a steep 1,200-meter descent, beginning through dense pine forests down to Magin Goth at 3,290 meters, located within the hilly Helambu region. The route then climbs to Mera Danda at 3,510 meters for a final grand view of the Langtang Himal before crossing another valley towards Panghu Danda at 3,350 meters. Continuing the descent, the trail follows ridges downward, passing a waterfall and winding through fir and rhododendron forests, eventually resulting in the fields that encircle Kutumsang. Here, you will find a welcome respite and an opportunity to rest your legs after every day full of diverse terrains and elevations. Overnight in Kutumsang, you'll experience the peace of this quaint village, marking a successful day of trekking through a number of the Himalayas' most stunning and varied landscapes.

Starting with an ascent past striking granite cliffs, the trail takes you to the Tamang village of Golphu Bhanjyang at 2,140 meters. Progressing gently upward, you reach Thotong at 2,260 meters, followed by Lapchu Danda at 2,420 meters, where expansive views over the region await. The journey continues with a descent through terraced landscapes and newly grown forests until you reach the substantial village of Chipping. After negotiating two lower ridges, the trail ascends gently to Chisopani. Here, the northern horizon all over again parades to distant peak views, providing a serene backdrop for your overnight stay in Chisopani.

Chisopani, situated on the northern fringe of Shivapuri Park, is a significant water catchment basin for Kathmandu. From here, your walk leads through dense forest to Borlang Bhanjyang at 2,430 meters. The trail then undulates towards Mulkharka at 1,800 meters before descending to Sundarijal, located on the park's southern border. A car is waiting to take you back to your hotel in Kathmandu, marking the conclusion of your trekking journey. Enjoy a restful overnight stay within the comfort of Kathmandu.

Gosaikunda Pass trek concludes, and you're invited to share any feedback with Nature Heaven Trek. Their team will ensure a smooth transfer from your hotel to the international airport, time along your flight schedule. If you’re considering extending your stay in Nepal, they supply a range of additional adventurous and relaxing trips throughout the country. Let the team know if you’re interested in exploring more, and they'll help plan further unforgettable experiences for you.

Allow our experts at Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition to help you Plan one of the most Memorable Vacations based on your interests with their in-depth knowledge of the Himalayas, they can craft the journey of your dreams considering your preferred location, time frame, and Budget