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Nepal

Gosaikunda Lake

Sacred alpine lake at about 4380 m, the Shiva pilgrimage of Janai Purnima

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Best time to visit Gosaikunda Lake

peak shoulder off-season avoid

  • Go: April to May and October to November
  • Shoulder: March and August to September, quieter, and the weather is less of a sure thing
  • Skip: June to July and December to February

Planning a specific month? AprilMayOctoberNovember

Gosaikunda Lake season by season

Winter December to February Do not go

Avoid: the lake freezes, snow buries the trail above Laurebina and most lodges shut; only experienced groups go.

Summer March to May Prime time

Apr and May are clear with snow patches around the lake; Mar can still bring heavy snow on the upper trail.

Monsoon June to September Shoulder

Thousands of pilgrims climb for Janai Purnima in Aug despite rain, cloud and leeches; Jun and Jul are best skipped.

Autumn October to November Prime time

Best views: blue lakes under clear skies and the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges from the Laurebina ridge.

What Gosaikunda Lake is actually like

Simple stone lodges by the lake, dal bhat and noodle soup, Tamang porters and Hindu pilgrims in the festival month.

Things to do in Gosaikunda Lake

The local places worth your time in and around Gosaikunda Lake, with how far each sits from the centre. Tap a name to open it in Google Maps.

  • Saraswati Kunda

    Lake · 1 km out

    One of the chain of smaller sacred lakes passed on the trail just before you reach Gosaikunda itself.

  • Laurebina

    Viewpoint · 4 km out

    Lodge hamlet on the ridge with the widest Himalayan view on the route; most trekkers stop here to acclimatise.

  • Sing Gompa (Chandanbari)

    Monastery · 8 km out

    Small monastery and a yak cheese factory in the forest, the usual first night out of Dhunche.

  • Dhunche

    Village · 12 km out

    Rasuwa district bazaar and park entry point where buses from Kathmandu end; stock up on supplies here.

  • Laurebina La

    Trek · 2 km out

    Pass of about 4600 m beyond the lakes that leads down into Helambu, a long day for acclimatised trekkers.

Getting to Gosaikunda Lake

Bus or jeep 6 to 7 h from Kathmandu to Dhunche, then 2 days up via Sing Gompa. Langtang park permit needed.

Practical ways in: road

Trip facts

How long to stay
4 days
Budget
Shoestring
How busy
Steady at its peak
Solo travel
Fine solo
Altitude
4395 m
Country
Nepal
Coordinates
28.0825, 85.4138

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Gosaikunda Lake?

April to May and October to November is peak season in Gosaikunda Lake. March and August to September is shoulder season: thinner crowds, a bit more risk in the weather. Avoid June to July and December to February. Apr and May are clear with snow patches around the lake; Mar can still bring heavy snow on the upper trail.

How many days do you need in Gosaikunda Lake?

4 days is the usual stay. Simple stone lodges by the lake, dal bhat and noodle soup, Tamang porters and Hindu pilgrims in the festival month.

How do you get to Gosaikunda Lake?

Bus or jeep 6 to 7 h from Kathmandu to Dhunche, then 2 days up via Sing Gompa. Langtang park permit needed. Practical ways in: road.

Is Gosaikunda Lake expensive, and does it get crowded?

Shoestring by Indian travel standards, and it runs steady at the busiest time of year. Fine solo.

Is there a festival in Gosaikunda Lake?

Janai Purnima (Aug). Time a trip around it and you see the place at its loudest, but book beds early.

What are the best things to do in Gosaikunda Lake?

Saraswati Kunda, Laurebina, Sing Gompa (Chandanbari), Dhunche and Laurebina La. One of the chain of smaller sacred lakes passed on the trail just before you reach Gosaikunda itself.

Nearby, and where to go next

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