Goshainkunda Trek

The Gosainkunda trek takes hikers to one of the most beautiful lakes of the same name in Nepal, which is located at an altitude of 14,374 feet.

According to legend, it was formed when the Hindu god Shiva pierced the glacier with his trident, so he could get water after swallowing the venom, which made his throat blue and sting.

People often claim that they can see Shiva asleep in the water. If so, he is one of the few life forms in the lake. This lake is oligotrophic-low in nutrients. Therefore, there are few fish and algae, the latter makes the water very clear and very suitable for drinking. Lake Gosainkunda covers an area of ​​40 square miles, and there are approximately 108 other lakes nearby.

The lake is now a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. The peak season is the Janai Purnima Full Moon Festival in August, when more than 25,000 people will visit the lake! It is believed that Sins can be washed away by bathing in the lake. There are many dances during the festival. Shamans demonstrate their skills to teachers in order to obtain qualifications for rural shaman positions. Sadly, many pilgrims suffer from altitude sickness because they climb too fast. If they fast, dehydration can also make the situation worse.

The inhabitants of the Gosainkunda area are mostly Tamangs. The Tamans account for 5.6% of Nepal’s population and have their own language.

The highlight of this hike in Gosainkunda is the sunrise at Laurebina, where you can see the panoramic view of the Langtang ridge. This is the sunrise of a lifetime. At 15,120 feet, this is the highest point you will reach.

Gosainkunda trekking can take 8 to 16 days, depending on your time urgency.