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Gosainkund Lakes Trek

Helambu ridges - Panoramic views from the Lauribina La - Sacred mountain lakes of Gosainkund

All meals on trek included

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Duration

11 Days
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Grade

Moderate / Challenging
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Max Altitude

4600m
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Walking Days

8 Days
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Accommodation

3 Nts Hotels - 7 Nts Trekking Lodges
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Trip Overview

Less travelled trails through Helambu to the sacred Gosainkund lakes.

This spectacular short Nepal trek begins on the very outskirts of Kathmandu and heads into the authentic Helambu region, where some fine ridge trekking can be enjoyed before heading up to the holy and spectacularly located Gosainkund lakes, preceded by the challenging crossing of the Lauribina La. Considering the proximity to Kathmandu, this on-foot journey could be considered a lesser-travelled route for tourists, although a dedicated hike to Gosainkund Lakes makes this very much a pilgrimage trail too. There are expansive mountain views, traditional villages, and a final descent into the lower reaches of the beautiful Langtang Valley to enjoy along the way. This trekking route can also be extended by adding a trek up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa; see our Helambu & Langtang Trek for more. Don’t forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

Less travelled trails through Helambu to the sacred Gosainkund lakes.

  • This spectacular short Nepal trek begins on the very outskirts of Kathmandu and heads into the authentic Helambu region, where some fine ridge trekking can be enjoyed before heading up to the holy and spectacularly located Gosainkund lakes, preceded by the challenging crossing of the Lauribina La. Considering the proximity to Kathmandu, this on-foot journey could be considered a lesser-travelled route for tourists, although a dedicated hike to Gosainkund Lakes makes this very much a pilgrimage trail too. There are expansive mountain views, traditional villages, and a final descent into the lower reaches of the beautiful Langtang Valley to enjoy along the way. This trekking route can also be extended by adding a trek up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa; see our Helambu & Langtang Trek for more. Don’t forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Transfer & trek to Chisapani
    • Day 3
      Trek to Gol Bhanjiyang
    • Day 4
      Hike to Mangenoth
    • Day 5
      Trek to Tharepati
    • Day 6
      A short walk to Surche Phedi
    • Day 7
      Over the Lauribina La to Gosainkund lakes
    • Day 8
      Descend to Thulu Syabru
    • Day 9
      Trek and transfer to Nuwakot
    • Day 10
      Private transfer to Kathmandu
    • Day 11
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Transfer & trek to Chisapani

    A private vehicle will whisk you away from the chaos of Kathmandu to the trailhead at Sundarijal. It's around an hour's drive. From here, you follow trails that ascend to the Kathmandu Valley rim and the hilltop location of Chisapani (2095m). Walking time is around 5 hours, and there's about 700m of ascent. One option is to omit this day and take a 4WD vehicle all the way up to Chisapani (around 2 hours) and commence trekking from here.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Chisapani

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY 2

    Transfer & trek to Chisapani

    A private vehicle will whisk you away from the chaos of Kathmandu to the trailhead at Sundarijal. It's around an hour's drive. From here, you follow trails that ascend to the Kathmandu Valley rim and the hilltop location of Chisapani (2095m). Walking time is around 5 hours, and there's about 700m of ascent. One option is to omit this day and take a 4WD vehicle all the way up to Chisapani (around 2 hours) and commence trekking from here.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Chisapani

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY
    3

    Trek to Gol Bhanjiyang

    The views (particularly at sunrise) of the Ganesh and Langtang Himals can be pretty spectacular from Chisapani. The trekking now begins in earnest, and you initially descend the ridge line before heading up to Thotung Fanda, then further up to cross a forested ridge and downhill to Gol Bhanjiyang (2145m). Walking time: 5–6 hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Gol Bhanjiyang
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek to Gol Bhanjiyang

    The views (particularly at sunrise) of the Ganesh and Langtang Himals can be pretty spectacular from Chisapani. The trekking now begins in earnest, and you initially descend the ridge line before heading up to Thotung Fanda, then further up to cross a forested ridge and downhill to Gol Bhanjiyang (2145m). Walking time: 5–6 hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Gol Bhanjiyang
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Hike to Mangenoth

    A tougher day begins with a steep and long climb to Kutumsang. It's then more uphill to the ridge that forms the Panghu Danda, and at around 3300 m, not only is the altitude noticeable, but the villages in the valleys below seem a long way down. Following the ridge line, the trail undulates mostly as you walk to Mangenoth (3255m). Walking time is around 6 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Mangenoth
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 4

    Hike to Mangenoth

    A tougher day begins with a steep and long climb to Kutumsang. It's then more uphill to the ridge that forms the Panghu Danda, and at around 3300 m, not only is the altitude noticeable, but the villages in the valleys below seem a long way down. Following the ridge line, the trail undulates mostly as you walk to Mangenoth (3255m). Walking time is around 6 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Mangenoth
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Trek to Tharepati

    A little shorter today, but a great bit of ridgeline walking that typifies the Helambu region. There are ups and downs all along the way, but the overall day is slightly more up than down as you walk for around 4 hours to Tharepati (3490m).

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Tharepati

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Trek to Tharepati

    A little shorter today, but a great bit of ridgeline walking that typifies the Helambu region. There are ups and downs all along the way, but the overall day is slightly more up than down as you walk for around 4 hours to Tharepati (3490m).

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Tharepati

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    A short walk to Surche Phedi

    As tomorrow is a tough day, today's straightforward walk to Surche is a handy way of acclimatising to the altitude. It's a beautiful walk of around 4 hours through pine and rhododendron forests that both rises and drops, but like yesterday, you gain height overall. The lodge tonight is right at the foot of the big climb to Lauribina La.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Surche Phedi
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 6

    A short walk to Surche Phedi

    As tomorrow is a tough day, today's straightforward walk to Surche is a handy way of acclimatising to the altitude. It's a beautiful walk of around 4 hours through pine and rhododendron forests that both rises and drops, but like yesterday, you gain height overall. The lodge tonight is right at the foot of the big climb to Lauribina La.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Surche Phedi
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Over the Lauribina La to Gosainkund lakes

    From the word go, you're heading up, up, up, and to the Lauribina La (4600m). It takes a good 4 hours to reach the pass and involves around 900m of ascent too. Quite the challenge! There are good views of the sacred Gosainkund lakes and of the surrounding Himalayan peaks too. It's a straightforward and quick descent down the trail that leads to the Pilgrim Centre by the sacred lake waters and a further easy descent to Lauribina itself (3900m). Walking time is around 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Laurebina

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7

    Over the Lauribina La to Gosainkund lakes

    From the word go, you're heading up, up, up, and to the Lauribina La (4600m). It takes a good 4 hours to reach the pass and involves around 900m of ascent too. Quite the challenge! There are good views of the sacred Gosainkund lakes and of the surrounding Himalayan peaks too. It's a straightforward and quick descent down the trail that leads to the Pilgrim Centre by the sacred lake waters and a further easy descent to Lauribina itself (3900m). Walking time is around 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Laurebina

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Descend to Thulu Syabru

    A lot of downhill walking today. Your knees will equally advise you of this. Descending steeply through dense forests, reputed to contain the rare red panda, you reach Sing Gompa. But, you continue to drop down further to the very small settlement of Thulu Syabru and to the 2000m mark or thereabouts. Walking time is 5–6 hours, and there's over 1500m descent today

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Thulu Syabru
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 8

    Descend to Thulu Syabru

    A lot of downhill walking today. Your knees will equally advise you of this. Descending steeply through dense forests, reputed to contain the rare red panda, you reach Sing Gompa. But, you continue to drop down further to the very small settlement of Thulu Syabru and to the 2000m mark or thereabouts. Walking time is 5–6 hours, and there's over 1500m descent today

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Thulu Syabru
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Trek and transfer to Nuwakot

    You head further down into the lower reaches of the Langtang Valley and to the road head at Thulo Barkhu, which is reached after around 3 hours of walking. From here, a private vehicle will transfer you to the delightful village of Nuwakot (approximately 3 hours), which is partway on the return to Kathmandu. Although it would make for a very long day and an exhaustive, lengthy overland journey, it is in theory possible to go all the way to Kathmandu this day if it is absolutely essential that you cut a day. However, we don’t recommend this, and with the charm and delights of Nuwakot to enjoy (as well as breaking up the overland travel), it’s desirable and pleasing to have a little time to relax here before facing the Kathmandu chaos once again.

    Accommodation: The Famous Farm Country Inn - Nuwakot
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 9

    Trek and transfer to Nuwakot

    You head further down into the lower reaches of the Langtang Valley and to the road head at Thulo Barkhu, which is reached after around 3 hours of walking. From here, a private vehicle will transfer you to the delightful village of Nuwakot (approximately 3 hours), which is partway on the return to Kathmandu. Although it would make for a very long day and an exhaustive, lengthy overland journey, it is in theory possible to go all the way to Kathmandu this day if it is absolutely essential that you cut a day. However, we don’t recommend this, and with the charm and delights of Nuwakot to enjoy (as well as breaking up the overland travel), it’s desirable and pleasing to have a little time to relax here before facing the Kathmandu chaos once again.

    Accommodation: The Famous Farm Country Inn - Nuwakot
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    10

    Private transfer to Kathmandu

    After a relaxing time and breakfast at The Famous Farm a private vehicle will take you back to Kathmandu. The journey usually takes around 4 hours, so you should have plenty of time to spend the late afternoon and evening exploring Kathmandu.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 10

    Private transfer to Kathmandu

    After a relaxing time and breakfast at The Famous Farm a private vehicle will take you back to Kathmandu. The journey usually takes around 4 hours, so you should have plenty of time to spend the late afternoon and evening exploring Kathmandu.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    11

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    DAY 11

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1025

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits and fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking, professionals and fully licenced.

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