Gosainkunda Circuit Trek (Clockwise) - 12 Days

Langtang · 12 Days

Gosainkunda Circuit Trek (Clockwise) - 12 Days

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

Duration

12 Days

Max Altitude

4,610m (15,125 ft)

at Lauribina Pass

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge + Hotel

Overview

The Gosainkunda Circuit Trek (Clockwise) is a 12-day pilgrimage and trekking journey to one of Nepal's most sacred alpine lake systems, crossing the dramatic Lauribina Pass (4,610m) and descending through the Helambu villages back to Kathmandu. Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, Gosainkunda Lake (4,380m) is surrounded by multiple smaller alpine lakes - Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda and others - all believed to have been created by Lord Shiva.

The clockwise route starts from Dhunche and ends in Chisopani, providing a varied loop through Tamang culture, sacred lake landscapes, alpine pass crossings and Sherpa villages.

Highlights

  • Sacred Gosainkunda Lake (4,380m) - holy to Hindus and Buddhists
  • Cross Lauribina Pass (4,610m) with sweeping Himalayan views
  • Visit multiple smaller alpine lakes - Saraswati and Bhairav Kunda
  • Yak cheese factory at Singh Gompa
  • Spring rhododendron forests in full bloom
  • Walk through Tamang villages with rich Buddhist culture
  • Possible red panda and Himalayan tahr sightings
  • 12-day comprehensive circuit avoiding repeated routes
  • Close to Kathmandu - no flights required
  • 2 nights in Kathmandu included

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

🍽 Welcome dinner

Hotel transfer.

Day 2

Kathmandu Sightseeing

🍽 Breakfast

UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Day 3

Kathmandu Rest / Explore

🍽 Breakfast

Optional Thamel exploration or temples.

Day 4

Kathmandu to Dhunche (1,950m)

⏱ 5-6 hours drive by jeep 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Scenic ride along the Trishuli River.

Day 5

Dhunche to Singh Gompa (3,330m)

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

Climb through rhododendron forests with Langtang and Ganesh Himal views. Visit yak cheese factory.

Day 6

Singh Gompa to Gosainkunda (4,380m)

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

Challenging climb through rhododendron and oak forests. Wildlife sightings possible. Approach the sacred lake system.

Day 7

Gosainkunda Acclimatization Day

⏱ Flexible 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore smaller lakes - Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda. Short viewpoint hikes.

Day 8

Gosainkunda to Ghopte (3,440m) via Lauribina Pass (4,610m)

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

Cross the dramatic pass. Lunch at Phedi (High Camp).

Day 9

Ghopte to Kutumsang (2,470m)

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

Charming village stay.

Day 10

Kutumsang to Chisopani (2,165m)

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

Beautiful trail through villages and forests.

Day 11

Chisopani to Sundarijal, Drive to Kathmandu

⏱ 4-5 hr hike + 45 min drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Final forest walk and short taxi to Kathmandu.

Day 12

Departure

🍽 Breakfast

Return home.

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What's included

Included

  • Accommodation in clean hotels, teahouses and homestays
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in clean and hygienic hotels
  • 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

Sacred Lakes and a High Himalayan Pass

Gosainkunda Lake is one of the most sacred sites in Nepal - venerated by Hindus as the body of Lord Shiva and by Buddhists as a meditation site. At 4,380m the lake is one of the highest pilgrimage destinations in the country, drawing thousands of pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival (August).

The Lake System

The Gosainkunda area contains four major sacred lakes:
- Gosainkunda Lake
- Saraswati Kunda
- Bhairav Kunda
- Surya Kunda

The lakes lie in a glacial cirque with mountain peaks reflecting in the water on calm days.

Lauribina Pass

At 4,610m, Lauribina Pass is the high point of the trek. The crossing offers views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and even Manaslu on clear days. The pass can be snow-covered November-March.

Route

The clockwise circuit starts from Dhunche, climbs to Singh Gompa, then to Gosainkunda Lake with an acclimatization day. After the lake, you cross Lauribina Pass and descend through Ghopte and Kutumsang into the Helambu region, ending at Chisopani before driving back to Kathmandu via Sundarijal.

Permits

  • Langtang National Park permit
  • TIMS card

Altitude

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

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May) for rhododendrons
  • Autumn (September-November) for clearest pass crossings

Fitness

Moderate to challenging. 5-7 hours daily with a demanding pass day.

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 (autumn/spring)

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, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

How sacred is Gosainkunda?
One of the holiest sites in Nepali Hinduism - Janai Purnima (August) attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims.

When is the Janai Purnima Festival?
Full moon in August. The lake area becomes very crowded - some trekkers prefer to avoid this window.

How hard is the Lauribina Pass?
Non-technical but high. The day involves 6-7 hours with steep snow/ice sections in shoulder seasons.

Are there teahouses at Gosainkunda Lake?
Yes - basic lodges with shared dorm and simple meals.

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

Will I see wildlife?
Possible: red pandas (rare), Himalayan tahr, monkeys, various birds.

Can the trek be done anticlockwise?
Yes - see our 11-day Gosainkunda Anticlockwise Trek starting from Sundarijal.

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

How crowded?
Moderate. Less crowded than Annapurna or Everest. Quieter in November and March.

What is the food like?
Standard teahouse menu - dal bhat, momos, noodles. Yak cheese from Singh Gompa is a local specialty.

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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