Gosaikunda Trek

While we proceed in applying for the trek permit, you can have a sightseeing tour to Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath stupa and Patan city. Kathmandu city: The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. Kumari, the living Goddess, the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, erotic carvings glorifying the art works in the temples, the giant temple of the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions in the area. One can't help but admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings that is cluster in the area. Swoyambhunath stupa: A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Katmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Patan city: Nowhere else can be seen such a compression of marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, which dominates all others in grace and grandeur, here is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir. Entirely made of stone, this shikhara-style structure with 21 pinnacles is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a saviour deity in Hindu pantheon, and is equally noted for rare stone carvings on its walls, which depict various episodes of the epic wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Other landmarks within the Square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple), Rudravarna Mahavihar and the terra-cotta temple of Mahabouddha are other highlights in the vicinity. Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

From Kathmandu, we drive for approx 9 hours to Syabru Besi. After driving 30 kms, we approach pristine villages on the banks of the river Trishuli. We also get to view the enchanting panorama of the Himalaya, including the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region. Overnight at the Lodge.

The trail to Sing Gompa climbs through forests of oak, firs and rhododendrons to gain a ridge, then cuts across the ridge top, staying fairly level in forests as it crosses the head of a valley. We take the uphill trail at each junction and cross another forested ridge. The trail continues across the head of a second valley, and then reaches a final ridge at 3650m. Sing Gompa is about 100 m along the trail to the left. Sing Gompa is the main attraction at Chandan Bari, which also has several hotels and a small cheese factory. Overnight at the Lodge.

From Sing Gompa we climb a ridge to gain the main Gosainkunda trail. The trail climbs steeply up the ridge and at several points on top of the ridge itself. There is rich, moist mountain forests on the northern slopes and dry scrub vegetation on the south. As the trail ascends, there are outstanding views across Langtang valley to Langtang Lirung. To the west there are dramatic views of Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. Eventually the trail descends from the ridge to the first of three lakes, Saraswati Kund. The second lake in the chain is named Bhairab Kund, and the third, Gosainkunda. This lake is particularly sacred and a place of pilgrimage in the summer. The Gosainkunda (Holy Shiva's lake) is a high altitude lake. According to the Hindu legend Lord Shiva himself created this high altitude lake. Overnight at the Lodge.

The trail passes the northern side of Gosainkunda Lake and climbs further through rugged country towards Laurebina La Pass at 4610m. The trail is rough but it is well marked with rock cairns. Across the valley, there is a ridge with a step trail across its face. From the ridge the trail descends through forests, climbing in and out of ravines across the head of the valley. Giant cliffs tower far above, forming the top of the Thare danda. Just beyond is the settlement of Gopte at 3359m. Overnight at the Lodge.

We continue descending along the ridge, through rhododendron and juniper forests and past herders' huts to a stream before climbing to Tharepati, a group of herders' huts at 3490m. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through pine and rhododendron forest with good views down into the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu. Overnight at the Lodge.

A short climb to cross a ridge before following a very easy trail, through forest with superb views across to Numbur, Jugal Himal and many other snow capped peaks. From Kutumsang we climb to a pass at 2620m. Before descending to the Tamang village of Gulphu Bhanjyang. From here, we can get splendid views, stretching from the Annapurnas and Manaslu in the west to Numbur in the east. Gulphu Bhanjyang is a village with a mixed population of Gurungs and Tamangs. There are shops and small restaurants and a couple of government offices. Overnight at the Lodge.

From Gulphu Bhanjyang, it is an easy climb to cross a pass at 2470m before descending to Pati Bhanjyang, a large Tamang village. From here it is a 2 hour climb to Chisopani. A short distance above Chisopani is a high knoll which is known as Chisopani Danda, where there is a temple. You will have the splendid mountain views from here. The panorama spreads from the mountains south of Everest to the Manaslu range. Overnight at the Lodge.

From Chisopani the trail passes through meadows and cultivated fields then climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to Burlang Bhanjyang. From here there are magnificent views, from Annapurna in the west to Ganesh Himal and Numbur in the east. This ridge marks the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Just after Chisopani there is an entrance to Shivapuri watershed and wildlife reserve. The trail goes through the reserve, moving up to the hill and down to Mulkharka, from which you can already see Kathmandu. From Mulkharka, we descend on endless stairs to the exit from the reserve and to Sundarijal. From Sundarijal we take a 45 minutes drive to Kathmandu. Remaining time will be at leisure in Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Free until departure. Later, pick up from the hotel and transfer to the International Airport to connect the homebound flight.