Gosainkunda Circuit Trek (Anticlockwise from Sundarijal) - 11 Days

Langtang · 11 Days

Gosainkunda Circuit Trek (Anticlockwise from Sundarijal) - 11 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 4,610m (15,125 ft) at Lauribina Pass · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

11 Days

Max Altitude

4,610m (15,125 ft)

at Lauribina Pass

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge + Hotel

Overview

The Gosainkunda Anticlockwise Trek is an 11-day journey that walks the sacred Gosainkunda Circuit in reverse - starting just outside Kathmandu at Sundarijal, climbing through Helambu's Shivapuri National Park forests, traversing Tharepati ridge, and crossing the dramatic Lauribina Pass (4,610m) to reach the sacred lake from the south. The trek then descends through Singh Gompa to Dhunche and back to Kathmandu.

This anticlockwise routing is preferred by trekkers who want a gentler approach gradient and the option to view Kyirong village in Tibet from the Lauribina ridge.

Highlights

  • Sacred Gosainkunda Lake (4,380m) approached from the south
  • Cross Lauribina Pass (4,610m) with Tibetan border views
  • See Kyirong Village in Tibet from the Lauribina ridge
  • Tamang Heritage village views
  • Anticlockwise approach for varied scenery vs clockwise route
  • Spring rhododendron forests
  • Wildlife: red pandas (rare), Himalayan tahr
  • Yak cheese factory at Singh Gompa
  • Easy access from Kathmandu via Sundarijal
  • 2 nights in Kathmandu included

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

🍽 Welcome dinner

Hotel transfer.

Day 2

Kathmandu Sightseeing

🍽 Breakfast

Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath tour with guide.

Day 3

Kathmandu to Sundarijal, Trek to Chisapani (2,165m)

⏱ 1 hr drive + 4-5 hrs hike 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter Shivapuri National Park, walk past Mulkharka village to Chisapani.

Day 4

Chisapani to Kutumsang (2,470m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk through Pati Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang with panoramic Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Everest views.

Day 5

Kutumsang to Tharepati (3,690m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dense rhododendron and fir forests. Reach high ridge with sweeping views.

Day 6

Tharepati to Ghopte (3,530m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Remote forested trails.

Day 7

Ghopte to Phedi (3,740m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Challenging trails with steep sections.

Day 8

Phedi to Gosainkunda Lake (4,380m) via Lauribina Pass (4,610m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross the pass with views into Tibet. Reach the sacred lake system.

Day 9

Gosainkunda to Singh Gompa (3,330m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend past the Rasuwa side. Tamang Heritage trail views.

Day 10

Singh Gompa to Dhunche, Drive to Kathmandu

⏱ 4 hr hike + 5 hr drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Female yak cheese factory visit, then jeep back.

Day 11

Departure

🍽 Breakfast

Return home.

Ready to walk this?

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What's included

Included

  • Accommodation in clean hotels, teahouses and homestays
  • All meals in clean and hygienic hotels (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Local mountain guide (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insurance, meals, accommodation included)
  • Trekking maps
  • All land transportation
  • Helicopter evacuation arrangement (paid by your insurance)
  • Langtang National Park permit
  • 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu before trek, 1 night after

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Hot showers
  • Personal shopping
  • Donations
  • Hard and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide and porters

Trek guide

The Sacred Circuit in Reverse

By approaching Gosainkunda from the south via Sundarijal and Tharepati, the anticlockwise circuit offers a different rhythm and scenery than the standard clockwise route from Dhunche. The early days walk through Shivapuri National Park's lush forests, climbing gradually into the high country - a more natural acclimatization profile.

Route Highlights

  • Days 3-4: Easy entry through Sundarijal, Chisopani and Helambu villages
  • Days 5-7: Ridge walking through Tharepati and Ghopte with broadening Himalayan views
  • Day 8: Cross the Lauribina Pass (4,610m) - direct views into Tibet possible
  • Days 9-10: Descent through Singh Gompa, Dhunche back to Kathmandu

Views from Lauribina

On clear days, the Lauribina ridge offers:
- Kyirong Village in Tibet
- Rasuwa Gadhi border post
- Langtang region peaks
- Tamang Heritage Trail villages
- Distant Manaslu and Annapurna ranges

Permits

  • Langtang National Park permit
  • TIMS card

Altitude

Highest point: 4,610m at Lauribina Pass. Acclimatization day at Gosainkunda.

Best Season

Spring and autumn shoulder months. Avoid winter snow and monsoon.

Fitness

Moderate. 5-7 hours daily with a demanding pass day. Some hiking experience helpful.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal layer, 5 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, buff, gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes, microspikes for shoulder seasons

Accessories: 40L daypack, 60L duffel, -10°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 4 photos, cash

Medical: Diamox, first-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers

Frequently asked questions

Why anticlockwise?
Saves a day vs the clockwise route and provides a more natural acclimatization gradient. Some trekkers also prefer to "earn" the lake by crossing the pass first.

How hard is the Lauribina Pass from the south?
Slightly easier in this direction because the long approach via Tharepati allows good acclimatization.

Can I see Tibet from the pass?
Yes on clear days - Kyirong village and the Tibetan border are visible.

How are the teahouses?
Mix of basic and comfortable. Singh Gompa and Gosainkunda have established lodges. Higher remote areas more basic.

How cold does it get?
-10 to -15°C at Gosainkunda overnight in shoulder seasons.

Is the trek good for first-time trekkers?
Better for trekkers with some hill-walking background. The pass day is demanding.

What is the wildlife?
Red pandas (rare), Himalayan tahr, monkeys, various birds in forest sections.

Can I do this trek without a guide?
Since April 2023 licensed guides are mandatory for foreign trekkers in Langtang National Park.

How is the food?
Standard teahouse menu with yak cheese specialty at Singh Gompa.

Will I have phone signal?
Patchy throughout, better near Dhunche.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $1000

per person

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