Gosaikunda Lakes Trek

Who the Gosaikunda trek suits

Gosaikunda is a sacred lake at 4,380 m in Langtang National Park, holy to both Hindus and Buddhists. The trail climbs steeply from Dhunche through forest past Sing Gompa and Laurebina, with views back to Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal and on clear days the Annapurnas. Many trekkers continue over the Laurebina La (about 4,610 m) into Helambu, or combine it with the Langtang Valley.

It's moderate, but the climb is steep and you gain height quickly, so altitude matters more than the short distance suggests. It suits trekkers with about a week who want a high alpine lake and a living pilgrimage trail close to Kathmandu.

Do you need a guide or permit?

No guide is legally required and no TIMS card. You need the Langtang National Park permit, which you can get yourself in Kathmandu or at Dhunche. See the 2026 rules.

The trail to the lake is clear, but the crossing of the Laurebina La towards Helambu can be confusing in cloud or snow. A local guide also adds a lot on a pilgrimage trail like this one.

Best months, and when it's easiest to find a partner

October–November and March–May are best. The lake freezes in winter and the pass can be snowbound. At the full moon of Janai Purnima, usually in August, thousands of pilgrims walk to the lake, which is an amazing sight but very crowded and wet.

Gosaikunda is popular with Nepali trekkers but quieter among foreigners. Look for partners on the Langtang region page too, since many people combine both.

Doing Gosaikunda with a partner

• Where to meet: Kathmandu, then share a jeep to Dhunche.
• What to share: the jeep, rooms and a guide for the pass.
• Where you can split up: at the lake, one of you can head back to Dhunche while the other crosses the Laurebina La into Helambu. Only split if the person crossing has a guide or another partner.
• Take the climb slowly: the jump from Dhunche to the lake is big. Build in a night at Laurebina or Sing Gompa.