As with every other trek in Nepal, Spring and Autumn are the best times for the Langtang Gosaikunda trek. However, the trails might be challenging during the off-season, but this trek is doable throughout the year. Gosainkunda is a freshwater lake in Nepal at an altitude of 4,380 meters. It lies within the Langtang National Park.
It is also called the frozen lake because it remains frozen for six months in the winter. The Langtang Gosaikunda trek is the perfect alternative to the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp Treks. Besides its natural wonder, it is also famous for its holy purposes. Thousands of tourists visit this place every year. It is a popular trekking spot for locals because they enjoy both the natural beauty and the religious importance.
The best times for this trek are autumn and spring. But even in winter, you’ll see trekkers enjoying the snowfall and skating on the lake. Each season has its different offerings for the trekkers. It is a mild-level trek suited best for beginners. A wonderful Langtang Gosaikunda Trek offers an incredible experience of the culture of the ethnic tribe, breathtaking scenery, snow-capped mountains, and a beautiful valley. It is a relatively high-altitude trek that passes through a mixture of both beautiful Hilly and Himalayan landscapes.
Table of Contents
Highlights of Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
- Explore Langtang National Park, which is rich in Biodiversity.
- Visit the ancient Buddhist monastery of Kyanjin Gompa.
- Experience the culture and traditions of the local Tamang people.
- Witness the Scenic beauty of Gosainkunda Lakes.
- Climb to the top of Tserko Ri (4984 m)
- Enjoy the local cheese at Kyanjin Gompa.
- Enjoy the Scenic beauty of Langtang Valley.
- Encounter different birds and animals during the trek.
Read more: Gosaikunda Trek 5 days
Best Time to Trek Gosaikunda
Spring Season
Spring attracts the second-highest number of tourists to Langtang. The trekking days are comparatively more extended than in other seasons, and the day temperature varies between 10°C and 20°C. The nighttime temperature ranges between 5°C and 10°C. With rhododendron flowers blooming all over the forest, the trekking trails will look colorful, adding extra beauty to the Langtang region. The warm sun rays and soft breezes will make the trek less exhausting during this season. The Langtang region offers some of the clearest views of the mountains during spring.
Summer Season
Summer is the best time to trek in Langtang and enjoy the rain-washed environment with greenery. The Langtang region receives enough rainfall during the monsoon. This rainfall can cause issues with trekking, as you will catch leeches, bugs, and earthworms on the trails. Unprecedented rainfall might trouble you during the trek. The daytime temperature might even rise to 30°C in the lower regions. However, the temperature decreases when you climb to higher elevations.
Autumn Season
Autumn is perfect for a Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. The weather is ideal for trekking in the autumn. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C during the day, whereas it might reach the freezing point at night. During autumn, you can see the best view of the Himalayan mountains under a clear blue sky. Numerous trekkers will be on the trails this season, so you won’t feel alone, even if you are a solo trekker.
Winter Season
It is one of the most challenging times to trek to this region—the Langtang Valley Trek experiences snowfall during the winter. The temperature at night goes below freezing, and it lies just around the freezing point during the day. There won’t be enough sun during the winter in this region. You might find it challenging to trek as the trails will get covered with snow. Despite all the challenges, you will find a few trekkers hiking up the valley to enjoy the snowfall.
Weather Pattern in the Langtang Region
Treks in autumn and spring offer the best weather in this region, but the trails are often crowded during these seasons. During this period, you can see the best view of the mountains of Langtang’s Himalayan range. You can find numerous solo travelers during this peak season. Anyone can perform this trek all year long. Every season offers different weather conditions and variations in climate. The trek during winter might be challenging, but people trek here to experience the snowfall, see the snowcapped mountains, and even ice skate in the Gosaikunda Lake.
Significance of Gosaikunda Lake and its cultural importance
Gosainkunda Lake holds religious significance for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. People believe that Lord Shiva created the lake by poking the mountain with his holy Trishul (Trident) to drink water and ease his throat after swallowing poison. Every year, on a full moon day in August, thousands of Hindu and Buddhist devotees come here to worship Lord Shiva. In Nepali, people call this day “Janai Purnima”. Many people bathe in the lake because it helps wash away their sins and sorrows.
Buddhist people known as Sharmans (‘Dhami or Jhaakri’), also called Bon-Po in the Tamang language, visit here on the full moon day from all over Nepal. Sharmans perform cultural and spiritual dances during the trek, which serves as a graduation for junior Sharmans.
Key attractions and points of interest along the trekking route
Several places and spots draw your attention during the trek. Below are some of the key attractions during the trek.
Shivapuri National Park:
The trek to Gosaikunda begins at Shivapuri National Park, which lies north of Kathmandu Valley. This national park is home to various wildlife, such as Indian leopard, wild boar, and Himalayan Black Bear. The trail through this park offers scenic beauty in the hilly region, where the forest is covered by wildflowers during spring. Besides that, the snowy landscape during winter adds extra beauty of this region.
Gosaikunda Lakes:
During your trek, you will encounter several lakes. There are 108 small lakes in this region. Gosaikunda is the most sacred lake, which several devotees visit annually. Devotees of Lord Shiva take a holy bath in the lake, believing it was created by Lord Shiva by poking through his Trishul. Since this lake freezes during winter, tourists can play skating in it.
Langtang National Park: spring
Langtang National Park is Nepal’s first Himalayan National Park. It is home to several endangered Himalayan animals, such as Red Pandas and snow Leopards, and it offers the scenic beauty of the Langtang region’s Himalayan ranges.
Kyanjin Gompa:
Kyanjin Gompa, a well-known monastery, is about 300 years old. It is believed to have been built from a rock resembling camel ribs. Kyanjin comes from the local language, where “Kyan” means Camel and “Jin” means Ribs. Several Buddhist pilgrims visit this Gompa every year. Besides, a small cheese factory offers the finest cheese in the Langtang region.
Trekking Preparations for Different Seasons
Gear and equipment
Proper gear and equipment packing is crucial for this trek. The packing depends on the season you’re about to hike. Below are some essential gear and equipment you need on a trek.
- Down Jackets
- Waterproof Jackets
- Trekking Pants
- Gloves and Mufflers
- Hiking boots
- Sunscream and Moisturizers
- Water bottles
- Sleeping bags
- Trekking stick
- Maps and guidebooks
- Camera, speakers
- Torchlight
- Sports shoes and sandals
Training and Fitness
The trek to the Langtang region is a moderate-level trek. Anyone with solid mental health and a good fitness level can go on this trek, which is perfect for anyone who wants to begin their trekking journey. A few hikes before this trek will make it easier for you. Besides that, regular cardiovascular exercise such as running or walking helps to boost your stamina and maintain fitness.
Safety Precautions and preparedness
Trekking in the Himalayas is always a challenging task to perform. It would help if you never hesitated to follow the necessary safety precautions. Altitude sickness is a common concern for trekkers. So, first-time trekkers need an acclimatization day in their itinerary. It helps you acclimatize to the condition. Besides that, you should always carry a first aid kit for emergencies. It is better to put in some extra Medicines for colds, painkillers, medical tapes, etc.
Flora and Fauna in Different Seasons
The Trek to Gosaikunda and Langtang passes through two national parks: Shivapuri National Park and Langtang National Park. Both parks are extremely rich in Biodiversity. During your hike to Shivapuri National Park, you may encounter various wild animals, such as leopards, bears, monkeys, etc. If you trek in spring, you will hike through a forest full of wildflowers. Rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower, blooms during spring, which adds extra beauty to the forest. Numerous species of birds reside in this forest, whose pleasant chirping sound pleases your ears during the trek.
Nepal’s first Himalayan National Park is home to several endangered species. Animals like Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, and Himalayan Black bears are well protected in this area. The breathtaking scenery of the Langtang Himal, Jugal Himal, and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges highlights the natural beauty of this region. This region is the perfect blend of ecosystems, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Rhododendron forests blooming in spring make the trails even more beautiful.
Cultural Festivals and Events
Gosaikunda holds tremendous religious significance for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. On the occasion of Janai Purnima, a full moon day in August, thousands of devotees take a holy bath at Gosaikunda. Kyanjin Gompa Monastery is a famous monastery for the Buddhist community. Many Buddhist monks visit there for meditation. Langtang Valley is home to the Tamang people, most of whom follow Tibetan Buddhism. The stone houses and beautifully carved wooden entrances reflect their rich heritage.
Accommodation Availability and Food
Tea houses, tiny guest houses run by the locals, are available during the trek. You can also find some good hotels and restaurants in Kyanjin Gompa. These days, tea houses are comfortable for spending a night during the trek. Besides that, they also provide basic amenities like Internet, TV, etc.
Before leaving for the trek, try authentic Nepali dishes like Thakali khana and Momo. There won’t be multiple food options during the trek, but you can find Nepali foods rich in calories. Daal Bhaat, Tibetan-style Thukpa, Dhindo, noodles, etc., are your go-to foods during the trek. Also, do not miss out on trying the local cheese at Kyanjin Gompa.
FAQs
How long is the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek?
The Gosainkunda trek typically takes 6-7 days, while the Langtang Gosainkunda trek spans around ten days. It starts from Sundarijal and passes through Pairo before heading to Langtang Valley.
What is the best time to go to Gosaikunda?
The best times to trek to Gosainkunda are spring and autumn. But the most memorable time is on the full moon day of August. That’s when Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims come to worship Lord Shiva.
How much does the Gosaikunda Trek cost?
The cost of the trek depends on your package. You can find options from around $800 to $1000 for basic packages, while more inclusive ones might go up to $1200 to $1400.
How many Kundas are in Gosaikunda?
During this trek, you’ll find 108 lakes, each with religious importance. Some notable lakes are Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, Surya Kunda, and Naga Kunda. Gosikunda is the most famous among pilgrims.
Is Gosaikunda Trek difficult?
The Gosainkunda Trek is a moderate-level trek, meaning it’s suitable for anyone with decent fitness levels. It’s perfect for beginners who want to begin their trekking journey.
Conclusion
You can do this trek at any time, but spring and autumn are the best. Since it is a moderate-level trek and is the nearest trekking destination from Kathmandu, thousands of internal and international tourists go trekking in this region. Langtang is Nepal’s third most popular trekking destination, known for its stunning scenery and rich culture. Anyone with decent fitness and solid mental health can quickly complete this trek.
If you are a beginner looking for a favorable trekking destination, Langtang Gosaikunda should be on your bucket list. Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is no less than the EBC or ABC trek, as all these treks take you to the base of gigantic peaks and offer you numerous scenic beauty along the trails.
