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Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek
US$300

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek

188 reviews
68 reviews
Recommended by 99% of travelers

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek is your quick dose of mythical mountain vistas, cultural history, and a healthy dose of fresh Himalayan air. This 5-day Gosaikunda adventure Holiday is full of high-altitude treks, ridgeline panoramas, cozy tea houses, and that instant of sheer awe when you first glimpse the blue waters of Gosaikunda Lake.

As you trek along the foothills of Langtang, you will pass stone villages, ancient monasteries, and hilltop farms where people still live off the land. Your local guide from Outfitter Himalaya will help you connect with these communities and understand their traditions. The 5-day short Gosaikunda trek feels like an immersive nature escape just a few hours from Kathmandu city, but it feels like a whole other world.

Trip Facts
Duration
5 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
4360 M
Group Size
1-12
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Walking and Hiking
Best Time
Autumn and Spring
Overview

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek Overview

The 5-day Gosaikunda Lake Short Trek is your shortcut to the mountains of Nepal. Just a day's drive from Kathmandu, the trail takes you through crisp pine forests, quaint mountain villages, and wide-open skies. You will trek for 3 days, stay in wonderful mountain lodges, and pass through traditional Tamang villages, learning about the local culture.

In 3 short trekking days, it would reach the Gosaikunda, the glacial lake wrapped in clouds and legends. It is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity, and standing beside it at 4,380 meters feels like you've stepped into a myth.

The short Gosaikunda trekking gives you a taste of raw wilderness, cultural depth, and spiritual serenity- all without going too far out of Kathmandu. While many pair it with the Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda is a powerful, scenic, and spiritual experience. It is an excellent, scenic, and spiritual experience that is within everyone's reach, affordable and has a little bit of everything that Nepal has to offer.

Highlights of the Short Gosaikunda Trek

  • A short yet thrilling Himalayan adventure with a local Nepali guide.
  • Hike through magical rhododendron forests, meadows, and ridges.
  • Explore Tamang villages and experience their rich mountain culture.
  • Discover the spiritual magic of sacred Gosaikunda Lake.
  • Spot epic views of Langtang Range, Ganesh Himal, and Shishapangma.
  • Enjoy adventure trekking without needing weeks off.
  • The Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek is perfect for beginners and families.
  • Visit a local yak cheese factory - yes, there will taste!
  • It is one of the best short treks in under a week from Kathmandu.
  • Mix of nature, culture, and spirituality in one compact trek.
  • The Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek offers big views with a small time commitment.

What to expect on Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek

Get ready for the short 5-day Gosaikunda trek bursting with beauty! This trail lies within Langtang National Park, where each step brings new surprises, from verdant forests to playful monkeys in the trees.

While spotting a red panda is rare, the chance always adds a little thrill to the journey. Unlike the busier ABC, EBC, or Ghorepani routes, the short Gosaikunda Odyssey offers a much more relaxed experience. You will enjoy fresh mountain air and the quiet charm of a less-trafficked Himalayan trail. The sweeping alpine vistas and sacred lakes will make for a refreshing, delightfully offbeat excursion.

Enjoy the Himalayan wonders and warm hospitality of locals

Walking the Short Gosaikunda trail is like stepping into a Himalayan postcard. In the spring, rhododendrons light up the forest with a riot of color. Winter, too, is magical: serene trails, snowy-shrouded trees, and an iced-over, glassy lake.

The Gosaikunda trek also leads you through the hospitable Tamang and Sherpa villages. The kindness of those people will stay with you as long as the scenery. The locals welcome you warmly into their homes and way of life. It is not just a trek; it is a serene walk into the life of the mountains.

Meet Tamangs and visit Yak cheese factories

In this short Gosaikunda trekking, you will meet the Tamangs, an Indigenous group deeply connected to the Langtang region. Their lifestyle, language, and clothing all bear Tibetan influences, which fits well, given the area's proximity to the border. Locals here are particularly known to be welcoming, so don't be surprised if you are invited in for a cup of tea.

Also, Yak cheese-making is one of the fun highlights of the region! A few artisan factories dot the trail, where you can watch the cheese-making process while tasting some fresh, creamy goodness.

Explore Gosaikunda Lake

Gosaikunda Lake isn't just stunning - it is soaked in stories and spiritual meaning. Legend has it that Lord Shiva created the lake by piercing a mountain with his trident to quench his burning throat after drinking poison and save the world during the cosmic SamudraManthan. Afterward, he and goddess Parvati made it their sacred home.

During the Janai Purnima festival, hundreds of Hindu pilgrims hike up to this sacred lake and pay homage every August. The lake also holds deep significance for Buddhists, making it a truly spiritual stop in the Himalayas.

The network of 108 lakes

The Gosaikunda Lake trek might steal the spotlight, but it is part of a fascinating network of 108 lakes in the Langtang region. If you have the time and energy, you can hike further to discover Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, and Surya Kunda.

These peaceful lakes surround Gosaikunda, offering serene views and spiritual significance. They're lesser-known but equally beautiful, making them perfect for a quiet moment in nature away from the main crowd. Truly, this mini lake-hopping adventure adds a special touch to your journey in the Langtang region.

Is the short Gosaikunda Lake trek suitable for you?

The Short Gosaikunda Lake trekking is perfect for adventurers on a tight schedule. In just 5 days, you will travel from bustling Kathmandu to the peaceful shores of a sacred Himalayan lake and return to Kathmandu. This version of the trek doesn't include acclimatization days, so it moves at a faster pace.

If you have more time and are looking to spend more time in the mountains, our longer Langtang Gosaikunda itinerary allows you to slow down and soak in the Himalayan energy. But this one ticks all the right boxes for a short, spiritual, and rewarding trek.

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek Elevation

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek offers a rewarding elevation journey in just a few days. You begin at 1,960 meters and gradually ascend through rhododendron forests and hillside villages to reach Chandan Bari at 3,350 meters. Then, you climb to the trek's summit, Gosaikunda Lake, at 4,380 meters.

The change in altitude is difficult but possible with slow spacing. The journey to the lake feels surreal, surrounded by sacred waters and white summits. Check out our day-by-day itinerary for daily elevation gain.

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek Distance

The overall trekking distance on the Short Hike to Gosaikunda Lake is approximately 33 kilometers, divided over 3 lovely trekking days. From the starting point at Dhunche to the final destination at Gosaikunda and back again, each day clocks in at roughly 11 km.

The trek to Gosailudna Lake is well-paced, with enough distance to feel adventurous but not overwhelming. The trail winds through forests, small villages, and open hillsides - offering diversity and beauty with every step. It is a short-distance trek with big rewards.

Gosaikudna Trek Guide and Porter

A local guide will accompany you on our Short Gosaikunda Lake trek. These aren't just guides - they're local and bring the trail to life with cultural insights, local legends, and nature tips.

They'll look after your safety and help you connect more meaningfully with the people and places you encounter. While porters aren't included in the Gosaikunda Lake Trek package price, they're available upon request. We always recommend having a guide (and a porter) for a smoother, safer, and more immersive trekking experience in Nepal.

Gosaikunda Lake Trek Company: Outfitter Himalaya

At Outfitter Himalaya, we have over a decade of trekking experience and deep local roots. As a local company, we care more than just getting you guided, we care about your overall experience! For the Short Gosaikunda Lake trek, we provide fair pricing, flexibility in itinerary, and warm hospitality. From our expert planning to how we treat you at the end of each day, our local team brings professionalism and friendliness to your Gosaikunda adventure Journey.

If you are dreaming up something a little different, we are happy to customize your trip! Whether you are trekking solo or with a group, we ensure that we take care of everything so you can simply enjoy the adventure. So, whether it is your first or tenth trek, we will walk with you every step of the way, like a trusted friend in the mountains.

Make your trek a lifetime adventure with us!

Short Gosaikunda Trek Cost

We at Outfitter Himalaya offers fair cost for Short Gosaikunda lake Trek as per the number of people booking the trek, find the cost per person based on your number.

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek Cost
Number of Pax Cost Per person in USD
1 Pax 450.00
2-5 Pax 400.00
6 - 8 Pax 350.00
9-12 Pax 300.00
13 and above pax Inquire
Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek Itinerary Outline
  • Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche
  • Day 02: Trek from Dhunche to Chandan Bari
  • Day 03: Trek from Chandan Bari to Gosaikunda Lake
  • Day 04: Descend back to Dhunche following the same trail
  • Day 05: Drive to Kathmandu
Short Gosaikunda Lake trekking route map
Roadmap
Itinerary

The short Gosaikunda Lake adventure begins with a scenic 6-7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, where you will spend the night and gear up for the trek ahead. The trail from Dhunche to Chandan Bari takes you through lush forests, a few downhill stretches and scenic uphill paths dotted with small villages. You will continue to attain elevation from Chandan Bari through Cholangpati and Laurebina.

From this point onward, the views from the trails started to open. The last stretch that ultimately takes you to Gosaikunda is steep, rigorous, and challenging, but the experience is worth it. You will spend a magical night near the sacred lake before retracing your steps back down to Dhunche. You wrap up your journey from there with a return drive to Kathmandu.

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek Plan

Goodbye city, hello hills! Following breakfast, the drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche begins. It takes 6-7 hours, winding through green hills and river valleys. Along the way, you will experience villages, waterfalls, terraced fields, and even the first glimpse of Himalayan giants.

When you move higher, the air is fresher, and the excitement grows. Now, after you arrive in Dhunche, you need to register at the Langtang National Park gate and have some downtime before your trek. The adventure begins tomorrow!

Max Altitude: 1,960m / 6,430 ftMeals: Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 100km / 62 milesTravel Mode: Local Bus

Wake up to mountain views and a hearty breakfast in Dhunche before heading toward Chandan Bari. The trail climbs steadily, and in about two hours, you will arrive at Deurali, an excellent spot for a quick breather.

The path becomes more scenic from there, with pine and rhododendron forests, mountain streams, and a few hidden waterfalls. The final part of the climb is a little steep, but it is worth it. At Chandan Bari, you can visit the famous yak cheese factory in the area.

Max Altitude: 3,350m / 10,990 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 11km / 6 milesTravel Mode: Walking

Get ready for a big day! After breakfast in Chandan Bari, you hit the trail and steadily climb toward Gosaikunda Lake. You will hike through a forested trail that slowly opens to grand mountain views. After a few hours, you will reach the lovely village of Laurebina. Keep your eyes open for Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal shimmering in the distance.

From Laurebina, the trail gets steep for a couple of hours to reach the mystical Gosaikunda Lake. Once at the lake, rest and take in the holy, high-altitude scenery. Later, you may even explore the smaller lakes in the central Gosaikunda basin.

Max Altitude: 4,380m / 14,370 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 11km / 6 milesTravel Mode: Walking

It is your last day of the trek. You will descend to Dhunche today. The trail descends following the same route. Even though you will retrace your steps, the landscapes will seem different, keeping you motivated to walk.

Enjoy your final walk through lush forests and beautiful settlements. Unwind and rejuvenate. At the Yak cheese factory, you can buy some as a souvenir.

Max Altitude: 1,960m / 6,430 ftMeals: Breakfast and LunchAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 8-9 hoursDistance: 11km / 6 milesTravel Mode: Walking

Your Himalayan journey wraps up today with a beautiful drive back to Kathmandu. We will arrange a comfortable ride so you can relax and enjoy the scenic countryside again. Upon arrival in the capital, your guide will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free - wander the city, grab a coffee or chill.

If you are considering another trek or tour in Nepal, we would be happy to help arrange it for you at the best price. Just let us know!

Max Altitude: 1,345m / 4,412 ftMeals: Breakfast and LunchDuration: 6-7 HoursDistance: 100km / 62 milesTravel Mode: Local Bus
Cost Details
Service Details
What's Included
  • Transportation by local bus from Kathmandu- Dhunche- Kathmandu
  • 14 Meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners) during the trek
  • National Park entry permits and TIMS permit
  • Four nights' accommodations in lodges/tea houses on the trek
  • Trained local trekking guide
  • Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and insurance for guide
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service, which your travel insurance company will pay
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, if necessary (to be returned after the trek)
  • Office expenses, Tax and VAT
  • Serve fresh fruits after dinner as dessert
  • T-shirt & trekking map
  • A farewell dinner
  • First Aid with an oximeter
What's not Included
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Trekking Porter US $100.00
  • Your personnel expenses/shopping
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Sweet things like chocolate bars and bar bills
  • Hot shower, internet, telephone, and laundry
  • International airfare
  • Tips for the guide and staff
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions section
Add-ons & Options

Hire a Trekking porter

We suggest you to hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on trek, trekking with a light day pack is much easier and you enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg (about 10-11 Kg from each of you), and we suggest to hire a porter in between of two trekkers.

Upgrade transport from Kathmandu to Dhunche

On Day 01, you can upgrade the transportation to a more comfortable drive in a Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Dhunche. The Private jeep costs US $150.00 and can accommodate up to 6 people.

Upgrade transport from Dhunche to Kathmandu

On Day 05, you can upgrade the transportation to a more comfortable drive in a Private Jeep from Dhunche to Kathmandu. The Private jeep costs US $150.00 and can accommodate up to 6 people.

Must-Know
Essential Information

Short Gosaikuna Lake Trek Difficulty

The Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek in Nepal is a moderate-level adventure. The trail climbs steadily and becomes steeper and more rugged the higher you go. The first part of the journey leads you through forested areas, where walking is easy.

But as you pass Chandan Bari, the air thins, and hiking becomes more demanding.

You will walk for 6 to 7 hours daily and need a decent fitness level, stamina, and a positive mindset. No technical skills or past trekking experiences are necessary, but being in good shape surely helps while hiking the Himalayas in Nepal. Be mindful of altitude sickness, as you will reach over 4,000 meters quickly. Though our itinerary doesn't include acclimatization days, a gradual ascent and proper hydration are required.

Accommodations and food are basic in this short Gosaikunda trek, as this is not a luxury trail. You will stay in simple teahouses and eat traditional meals. But that simplicity is part of the beauty. It is just you, the trail, and the incredible landscape of the Langtang region.

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek Preparation

Preparing for the Nepal Gosaikunda Lake Trek does not need to be complicated. A little physical and mental preparation is all that is needed. You can start with light cardio, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Also, simple day hikes with a backpack are great if you can manage them.

Focus on a routine. You want to increase your endurance, leg strength, and stamina. You will walk uphill for several hours a day at altitude, so even basic fitness makes a huge difference.

On the mental side, understand that this trek is about embracing nature and simplicity. The lodges are basic, the food is simple, and Wi-Fi might be non-existent. Be ready to disconnect from city comforts and reconnect with the wild.

You may even read a few trek stories, watch trail videos, and get excited about meeting locals and walking through some of Nepal's most sacred landscapes. Come prepared to be amazed, a little tired, and completely transformed. That's what the short Gosaikunda mountain magic is all about.

Best time for Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek

The best time to enjoy the Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek in Nepal is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is all about trees laden with beautiful sights of rhododendrons and lively forests, whereas autumn will treat you with pleasant weather and spectacular visibility. You will enjoy every step without worrying about rain, snow, or muddy trails. These are the months when the sacred lake sparkles under blue skies, and the trek feels like pure bliss.

Summer is wet and accompanied by monsoons in Nepal, so be cautious while trekking this season. Winter can be freezing and snowy up high. So, for the best mix of beauty and ease, spring and autumn, steal the show for this short Gosaikunda trek in Nepal.

Short Gosaikunda Lake Trek Guides

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