Bagmati Province, Nepal
Things to do in Gosaikunda
A cluster of sacred high-altitude alpine lakes at around 4,380m in Langtang National Park, Rasuwa — a major Janai Purnima pilgrimage site reached on foot from Dhunche or Sundarijal.
Gosaikunda is a cluster of sacred high-altitude alpine lakes set at around 4,380m in Langtang National Park, in the district of Rasuwa north of Kathmandu. Held holy by Hindus and Buddhists alike, the largest lake is the focus of the dramatic Janai Purnima pilgrimage, when thousands climb up in August for a holy dip. Compared with the great lakes of the Everest and Annapurna regions, it is remarkably reachable — a trek of roughly a week from the capital rather than a long expedition.
Most travellers walk up from the roadhead at Dhunche, climbing through oak and rhododendron forest past the cheese-making village and monastery of Sing Gompa (Chandanbari) to the high basin, where the revered Gosaikunda lake lies among more than a hundred smaller tarns. Among them are the named holy pools of Surya Kunda and Bhairav Kunda and the quiet Saraswati Kunda. Strong, acclimatised walkers continue west over the Lauribina La pass at about 4,610m, the high gateway toward Helambu.
Start with our roundup of the top things to do in Gosaikunda, then read about the Janai Purnima pilgrimage that draws the crowds. Plan the practicalities with our guides to how to get to Gosaikunda, where to stay along the trail and the best time to visit. Keen trekkers can extend the route over the pass on the Gosaikunda to Helambu trek or link it north with the Langtang Valley combination trek. For the wider context, see our national guides to the best lakes in Nepal, sacred sites and pilgrimages of Nepal and the essential Nepal trekking guide.
Sights & attractions in Gosaikunda
Trekking & treks in Gosaikunda
What to do in Gosaikunda
Festivals & events in Gosaikunda
Getting around in Gosaikunda
Plan your trip in Gosaikunda
Frequently asked questions
Is Gosaikunda worth visiting?+
Yes — it is one of the most accessible high-altitude sacred lakes in Nepal, reached on a roughly week-long trek from Kathmandu rather than a long expedition. The austere alpine basin, the holy main lake and the dramatic Janai Purnima pilgrimage make it special, even before you cross the Lauribina La pass.
How high is Gosaikunda?+
The main Gosaikunda lake sits at about 4,380m, and the Lauribina La pass above it reaches roughly 4,610m. That is high enough that altitude sickness is a genuine risk, so a measured ascent and at least one acclimatisation night matter.
How do you get to Gosaikunda?+
It is reached on foot. Most trekkers drive 7 to 8 hours from Kathmandu to Dhunche in Rasuwa and walk up over a few days via Sing Gompa; others start lower at Sundarijal and approach over the Lauribina La pass from the Helambu side.