Helambu Gosaikunda lakes trek, Nepal – 12 Days OCT I APR

Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.) which takes about one hour and then the uphill walk to Chisopani. The unpaved road from Kathmandu turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant. The trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. It is a busy picnic spot of the valley-dwellers on public holidays. Lush greenery, sources of water and serene environment greet us as soon as we reach there. The first settlement you will come across is Mulkharka with Tamang inhabitants. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisapani (2300m.) For small groups, it is also possible to get a 4×4 to Chisapani in 2 hours.

Walking through a few settlements and a lot of forest with variety of birds and chances of sighting animals, we arrive at Chisapani. There is an added fun of having packed lunch on the way. The total duration of the hike is nearly five hours. Chisapani is a Sherpa village, offering grand views of the mountains. Relieve yourself in the evening by watching a picturesque sunset from the village, and retire to a teahouse to spend the night.

The trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good, sometimes level, trail that crosses meadow and fields. You will then descend through Pathi Bhanjyang park post seeing stupa along the way on the way to Chipling (2170m). The trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. The meadow makes a good camping spot, its downhill to Kutumsang at 2470m, in a saddle atop the ridge.

The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements.  The trail then descends to Magen Goth.

Next, you have to climb, steeply at first then more gradually, the trail makes some ups and downs passing through the forest, across flower strewn meadows and crossing streams. You will reach Tharepati pass (3690m) which consists of a few Goths and lodges on a fine open plateau. From the top of this famous ridge the trail descends through the forest, climbing in and out of ravines across and crossing sandy river beds the head of the valley. Cliffs tower above as we ascend to Ghopte.

Today we take it easy and complete this half day trek in anticipation of crossing Lauribinayak pass (4610m) pass the following morning. This is the opportunity to look out for red panda when we meet out local guide at the hut. These pandas typically grow to the size of a house cat, though their big, bushy tails add an additional 18 inches. The pandas use their ringed tails as wraparound blankets in the chilly mountain heights. We have seen their footprints in the snow outside the refuge. Red pandas have a taste for bamboo but, unlike their larger relatives, they eat many other foods as well—fruit, acorns, roots, and eggs. We keep flexibility in mind here in case it is best to continue for weather or group reasons.

We climb from the refuge to the spectacular Lauribina pass (4610m) and then drop down to Gosaikunda lake (4460m) and it takes about seven hours. From the top of Lauribina pass, you get an excellent views of Rolwaling, Jugal Himal, Gang Chhenpo (6388m), Langshisha (6427 m.) and many other snow caped mountains and peaks. We climb down 300 m down passing four lakes with spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna to reach Gosaikunda Lake. According to legend, Gosainkunda was created by Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after having swallowed a poison that threatened to destroy the world. There are few tea houses and lodges at the lakeside. Gosaikunda lake is a holy lake where people gather during the month of August to pay homage to God Mahadev (Shiva). 

We will trek from Gosainkunda to Dhunche and it takes about 6 hours via Sing Gompa Buddhist monastery (3330m). However, its major attraction is the yak-cheese factory, where the owner is happy to show off his store and explain the cheese making procedure. This is a descending trail all the way through and we will follow mainly forest paths in the afternoon. On the way, we can see the view of Langtang Lirung (7227m), Ganesh Himal, Manaslu Range and the good view of Dorje Laktpa (6966m). We trek downhill all the way to Ghatte Khola (stream) passing forest, a small village Dimsa and terraces. Overnight in tea house.

Drive from Dhunche (1960m) to Kathmandu takes about eight hours once we have checked out of the national park. You drive through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas on a rough road/track. The first part of your drive up to Trishuli Bazaar is through gravel and bumpy road and then well paved road up to Kathmandu.

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. One can take cultural tours to the various heritage sites such as the Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan, Bhaktapur and the Buddhist stupas such as the Boudhanath and the Swayambhunath. While in the city, one can visit the many museums like the Natural Art History Museum, the Taragoan Museum, the National Art Gallery, the Kaiser Library, the Nepali Art Council Gallery and many more. Kathmandu also has a Jazz festival known as Jazzmandu during October/November.

Airport transfers. If departing, you will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.