Sightseeing · Gosaikunda
Surya Kunda and Bhairav Kunda
Two named sacred pools in the Gosaikunda basin, set among more than a hundred alpine lakes.
Surya Kunda and Bhairav Kunda are two of the named sacred pools scattered across the high Gosaikunda basin in Langtang National Park. Among the more than a hundred alpine lakes that ring the main holy lake, these two carry their own meaning — Surya Kunda linked to the sun, and Bhairav Kunda to Bhairav, the fierce form of Shiva. Visiting them turns a quick stop at the lakes into a fuller exploration of the sacred basin.
What they are
Each pool sits at roughly 4,300 to 4,400m, a short walk from the main Gosaikunda lake. They are smaller and quieter than the principal lake but no less revered, and they give a sense of how the whole basin is woven into the pilgrimage landscape. Pilgrims who climb up for Janai Purnima often pay their respects at several of the named kunds.
How to visit
Build in a rest-and-explore day at the basin, ideally on the morning after you arrive, when you are better acclimatised. From the lakeside teahouses it is a gentle but high walk among the pools — pair it with a visit to the quiet Saraswati Kunda for a circuit of the named lakes. Move slowly in the thin air and turn back if the weather closes in.
Good to know
- The pools are sacred — keep the shores clean and do not swim for recreation.
- The ground is rocky and exposed; carry warm layers even on bright days.
- Acclimatise before exploring; read our altitude sickness in Nepal guide.
These pools are part of what makes Gosaikunda one of Nepal's great sacred sites and pilgrimages. Plan your days around the Gosaikunda travel guide and the top things to do in Gosaikunda.
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Frequently asked questions
What are Surya Kunda and Bhairav Kunda?+
They are two of the named sacred pools in the Gosaikunda basin. Surya Kunda is associated with the sun and Bhairav Kunda with the fierce form of Shiva, Bhairav. Each is one of the more than a hundred alpine lakes that ring the main holy lake.
Where are Surya Kunda and Bhairav Kunda?+
They lie within the high Gosaikunda basin at around 4,300 to 4,400m in Langtang National Park, a short walk from the main Gosaikunda lake. Trekkers usually visit them on a rest-and-explore day at the lakes before crossing the pass or descending.
Can you visit the smaller kunds at Gosaikunda?+
Yes — a spare day at the basin lets you walk among the smaller pools, including Surya Kunda, Bhairav Kunda and Saraswati Kunda. The terrain is rocky and high, so move slowly, watch the weather, and treat each pool as a sacred site.
Are the kunds at Gosaikunda sacred?+
Yes. The named pools around Gosaikunda are all considered holy by Hindus and Buddhists, each linked to a deity or natural force. Visitors should keep the shores clean, avoid swimming for recreation and follow local customs of respect.
