Gosaikunda Lake: Trek Guide, Permits and Best Time to Visit
Gosaikunda is a sacred alpine lake at 4,380m in Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu. The best time to visit is March to May and September to November. From Dhunche, most itineraries reach the lake in about 3 to 4 days of walking. The Sundarijal route takes longer because it crosses the Helambu region and Laurebina La.
You need a Langtang National Park permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS (NPR 2,000 for most foreign trekkers), and a licensed guide is required. MountainKick runs Gosaikunda as part of the 17-day Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek, from $556 per person for groups of 4 to 9.
October 2026 access update: The August 2026 floods badly damaged roads and bridges in the Rasuwa corridor, particularly around Syabrubesi. The road to Dhunche is still in poor shape, so right now the easier way in is from Sundarijal, on the edge of Kathmandu, through Helambu. Check the latest road situation with your trekking agency before departure. See our update on travelling in Nepal after the 2026 floods.
- Altitude: 4,380m (14,370 ft)
- Highest point nearby: Laurebina La pass, 4,610m
- The lake: one of 108 lakes in the cluster, covering 13.8 hectares
- Location: Langtang National Park, Rasuwa district
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Routes: Dhunche side (shorter, via Lauribinayak) or Sundarijal side (via Helambu and Laurebina La)
- Walking time to the lake: about 3 to 4 days from Dhunche, 4 to 5 days from Sundarijal
- Permits: Langtang National Park permit NPR 3,000 plus TIMS NPR 2,000. Add Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park (NPR 1,000) if you start from Sundarijal.
- Guide: licensed guide required
- Flights: none needed
- Festival: Janai Purnima full moon in August brings thousands of pilgrims
Last updated: October 2026
Gosaikunda is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhists. It’s also one of the few places where you can reach real high altitude without committing to a long expedition.
The lake sits in a glacial basin surrounded by peaks. On a clear day the ridgeline reflects on the water, and it’s the kind of view that makes the climb worth it. It’s cold, remote and beautiful in a way the busier routes in Nepal rarely are.
Unlike the Everest region, there are no flights. If Lukla flight logistics worry you, this is a good alternative.
How High Is Gosaikunda Lake?
Gosaikunda sits at 4,380m (14,370 ft). The Laurebina La pass just above it reaches 4,610m, which is the highest point if you continue on towards Helambu.
That’s high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk. Above 3,500m, the usual rules apply: go up slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early if you get a headache, nausea or feel unusually tired. Read our guide to altitude sickness on Nepal treks before you go.
Routes to Gosaikunda: Dhunche or Sundarijal?
There are two main ways to reach the lake.
From Dhunche (the shorter route)
This is the most common approach. You drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (about 1,960m), then walk up through Chandanbari (Shin Gompa) and Lauribinayak to the lake. Most itineraries reach Gosaikunda in about 3 to 4 days of walking.
The climb is steep, so this side gains height quickly. Build in time to acclimatise. After the August 2026 floods the road to Dhunche is in poor shape and slow, so for now most trekkers are starting from Sundarijal instead. Check current conditions before you go.
From Sundarijal (through Helambu, the easier start right now)
This route starts at Sundarijal on the edge of Kathmandu and climbs through Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park and the Helambu region, via Chisapani and Kutumsang. The final day crosses the Laurebina La pass at 4,610m before dropping down to the lake. It takes 4 to 5 days to reach Gosaikunda.
The terrain above the treeline is rocky and exposed, and the pass can hold snow.
Combining Gosaikunda with a longer trek
Gosaikunda can be combined with the Langtang Valley and Helambu regions to make a much longer trek. This gives you forests, high mountain valleys, alpine lakes and the Laurebina La pass in one journey.
MountainKick’s Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek starts at Syabrubesi, walks up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa, then crosses to Gosaikunda via Thulo Syabru, Shin Gompa and Lauribinayak. From the lake it goes over Laurebina La and down through Helambu to Melamchi Pul Bazaar. It’s one of the most complete and underrated longer treks in Nepal.
Sample Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary
These are typical plans for a short Gosaikunda trek. Walking times are approximate and depend on your pace and the weather. We can run either one as a private trek from Kathmandu.
From Sundarijal, about 7 days
| Day | Route | Overnight altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Short drive to Sundarijal, trek to Chisapani | 2,215m |
| 2 | Chisapani to Kutumsang | 2,470m |
| 3 | Kutumsang to Tharepati | 3,690m |
| 4 | Tharepati to Phedi | 3,740m |
| 5 | Over Laurebina La (4,610m) to Gosaikunda | 4,380m |
| 6 | Gosaikunda down to Chandanbari (Shin Gompa) | 3,330m |
| 7 | Walk to Dhunche and drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400m |
From Dhunche, about 6 days
| Day | Route | Overnight altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive Kathmandu to Dhunche | 1,960m |
| 2 | Dhunche to Chandanbari (Shin Gompa) | 3,330m |
| 3 | Chandanbari to Lauribinayak | 3,920m |
| 4 | Lauribinayak to Gosaikunda | 4,380m |
| 5 | Gosaikunda back down to Dhunche | 1,960m |
| 6 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400m |
Sleeping at Lauribinayak on day 3 gives your body an extra night to adjust before the lake, and the sunrise there is one of the best on the route.
How Difficult Is the Gosaikunda Trek?
It is moderate to challenging. There is no technical climbing, but a few things make it harder than it looks on a map:
- Fast height gain. From Dhunche you climb about 2,400m in three days. Take the acclimatisation night seriously.
- Steep trail. Long stretches of stone steps on the way up and a hard descent on the knees on the way down. Trekking poles help.
- Laurebina La. On the Sundarijal route, the pass at 4,610m is rocky and exposed and can hold snow, especially from December to March.
- Cold nights. The lake often drops below freezing at night, even in autumn.
If you can walk 5 to 6 hours a day on hilly ground, you can do it with a sensible pace. See our Nepal trek difficulty guide to compare it with other routes.
How Much Does the Gosaikunda Trek Cost?
For a short guided trek of about a week, these are the main costs per person:
| Cost | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Langtang National Park permit | NPR 3,000 |
| TIMS card | NPR 2,000 |
| Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park (Sundarijal route only) | NPR 1,000 |
| Licensed guide | About USD 30 to 40 a day, shared by the group |
| Food on the trail | About USD 15 to 30 a day |
| Teahouse rooms | Cheap or included with meals lower down, more at the lake |
Food and rooms cost more the higher you go, and the lakeside teahouses are the most expensive on the route. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu, as there are no ATMs on the trail.
We can arrange a private Gosaikunda trek with your guide, porter, permits, teahouses and transport included. Tell us your dates and group size for a quote, or see the full 17-day trek below.
Gosaikunda vs Everest Base Camp: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Gosaikunda Lake | Everest Base Camp |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there from Kathmandu | By road | Flight to Lukla or via Ramechhap |
| Max altitude | 4,610m (Laurebina La) | 5,545m (Kala Patthar) |
| Crowds | Moderate to low | High |
| Best for | Sacred lakes, shorter high altitude trek | Iconic Everest views, longer trek |
See our Everest Base Camp trek cost guide if you’re weighing the two.
Permits Required for the Gosaikunda Trek
For the standard Dhunche approach, you need:
- Langtang National Park permit: NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers
- TIMS card: NPR 2,000 for most foreign trekkers, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals
The Nepal Tourism Board’s current TIMS rules list Gosaikunda and the Langtang Gosaikunda route by name among the routes that need a licensed guide and TIMS.
If you start from Sundarijal, the route also enters Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, which has a separate entry fee of NPR 1,000 per person for foreign visitors.
At MountainKick, the required permits are handled as part of the trek package. For every Nepal permit in 2026, see our Nepal trekking permits guide.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Gosaikunda Lake?
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
- Spring: rhododendrons bloom on the lower trail, with mild days and some afternoon cloud
- Autumn: the clearest skies and best views at the lake, especially October and November
- Monsoon (June to August): wet, cloudy and leech season on the lower trail. The exception is the Janai Purnima festival in August, when thousands of pilgrims come.
- Winter (December to February): very cold, with snow and ice possible around the lake and on Laurebina La
If you want quiet trails and clear views, aim for late October or November.
Accommodation on the Trail
Teahouses run along both main routes. Facilities get more basic as you climb. At the lake, expect simple twin rooms, limited electricity and no reliable hot showers. Above Lauribinayak the options are limited, and they fill up in autumn. Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for sub-zero nights near the lake.
Wildlife and Nature
Langtang National Park is one of Nepal’s best wildlife areas. Red pandas are sometimes seen in the rhododendron forest between 2,500 and 4,000m, especially around Shin Gompa. Himalayan tahr, musk deer and langur monkeys are more common. It’s also good for birdwatching, with Himalayan monal, Tibetan snowcock and blood pheasant all found here.
The Religious Significance of Gosaikunda
Gosaikunda is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu tradition says Lord Shiva created the lake when he struck the mountain with his trident to find water after swallowing poison. The main lake is surrounded by smaller lakes, and a small shrine sits at the water’s edge.
During the Janai Purnima festival in August, pilgrims from across Nepal come to bathe in the lake.
Trek Gosaikunda with MountainKick
Gosaikunda is part of our Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek, a 17-day guided trek from Kathmandu. It covers the Langtang Valley, the lake and the Helambu region in one route.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 4 to 9 trekkers | $556 |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $680 |
| Solo | $1,075 |
The package includes both permits, a licensed guide, porters, teahouse accommodation and transport. Meals on the trail are paid as you go.
If you have less time, there’s a shorter version that skips Helambu and ends at Dhunche after the lake, in 13 to 14 days. You can also ask us about a shorter custom Gosaikunda trip. If you only want the Langtang Valley, the Langtang Valley Trek takes 10 days and starts at $510. For other short options, see our guide to short treks in Nepal.
View the Langtang, Gosainkunda & Helambu Trek →
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Gosaikunda Lake?
Gosaikunda is at 4,380m (14,370 ft). The Laurebina La pass above it reaches 4,610m.
What is the best time to visit Gosaikunda?
March to May and September to November. Autumn has the clearest views, especially October and November. Winter is very cold, with snow and ice possible around the lake.
How many days does the Gosaikunda trek take?
About 3 to 4 days of walking to reach the lake from Dhunche, or 4 to 5 days from Sundarijal. MountainKick’s full Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek is 17 days, or 13 to 14 days if you skip Helambu.
How much does the Gosaikunda trek cost?
Permits come to NPR 5,000, or NPR 6,000 from Sundarijal. On top of that, budget about USD 30 to 40 a day for a licensed guide, shared by the group, and USD 15 to 30 a day for food. MountainKick can quote a private trek for your dates and group size.
Is the Gosaikunda trek difficult?
It’s moderate to challenging. The trail is steep, and you reach 4,380m quickly, so altitude is the main challenge. No technical climbing is needed.
What permits do I need for Gosaikunda?
A Langtang National Park permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS (NPR 2,000 for most foreign trekkers). If you start from Sundarijal, add the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park fee (NPR 1,000). All are included in MountainKick packages.
Do I need a guide for Gosaikunda?
Yes. The Nepal Tourism Board lists Gosaikunda among the routes that need a licensed guide.
Is Gosaikunda open after the 2026 floods?
Yes, the lake and trails are open, but the road to Dhunche is still in poor shape. The August 2026 floods badly damaged roads and bridges in the Rasuwa corridor, particularly around Syabrubesi. Right now the easier way in is from Sundarijal through Helambu. Check the latest situation with your trekking agency before booking.
Can I visit Gosaikunda during Janai Purnima?
Yes, but expect crowds. Thousands of pilgrims come for the August full moon, and teahouses fill up months ahead.
