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Gosaikunda yatra
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Gosaikunda is a glacier lake in Langtang. This lake is
believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he
thrust his Trishula (trident) into a mountain to extract
water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he
had swallowed poison. There is a large rock in the
center of the lake, which is said to be the remains of a
Shiva shrine. People often claim that they see Shiva
lying in the water. Devotees gather here in hordes on
the full moon night of August to take holy dips in the
lake. Gosaikunda is situated at the altitude of 4380 mt.
to the north of Kathmdnu on the Langtang trekking trail.
The holy lake is a two day long trek from Dhunche, which
can be reached through an adventurous 118 km mountain
road from Kathmandu via Trishuli Bazaar.
You follow a rugged trail with dramatic views; to the
west Himal chuli (7893m) Manaslu (8156mm) and Ganesh
Himal (7406m). On a clear day, even the Annapurna range
can be seen rising up behind and to the north across the
valley is Langtang Lirung. You pass a few huts in the
high picture of Laurebina, cross a small ridge and have
our first views of the holy lakes. There are about a
dozen lakes in the Gosainkunda Basin, the main three
being Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda, and Gosainkunda. The
most auspicious day for the Pilgrimage is Full moon day
(Shrawan Purnima) in July. Many pilgrims from Nepal and
India take a bath in the Lake. |
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Itinerary in Detail
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Day 01 : |
Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.)
which takes about one hour and trek from
Sundarijal 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. 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 Chisopani (2300m.)
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Day 02 : |
Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m.) and it
takes about eight hours. 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 till Gul
Bhanjyang. 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.
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Day 03 : |
Trek from Kutumsang to Magen Goth (3514m.) which
takes about three hours. The trek continues
north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views
of the peaks. 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.
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Day 04 : |
Trek from Magen Goth to Ghopte (3430m.) via
Tharepati Pass (3650m.) and it takes about five
hours. You continue 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 which consists of a few
Goths and lodges. From the top of this famous
ridge the trail ascends through the forest,
climbing in and out of ravines across the head
of the valley, Giant cliff towers far above.
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Ghopte to Gosaikunda (4361m.) that
takes approximately seven hours. The trail
ascends through the meadow of bushes and some
rhododendron trees. The trail gradually ascends
to Phedi (3500m.) The trail ascends along side a
stream through alpine trees. The trail then is
bit rough and crosses moraines but it is well
marked with rock cairns.
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Day 06 : |
Rest at Gosaikunda.
The large lake Gosaikunda is at an elevation of
4361m. There are several small stone shelters
for pilgrimage on the north-western side of the
lake. Hundreds of people come here to worship
and bath in the lake during the full moon
festival each August. You will witness some
black and white stones in the lake with an
individual story about Lord Shiva and his
creation.
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Day 07 : |
Trek from Gosaikunda to Chandanbari (2350m.)
which takes about five hours. The trail gently
ascends for a short through different chortens
and small Shiva temples. The trail then descends
to Laure Binayak to Singh Gompa. The Gompa,
which houses a statue of the Green Tara, is one
of the famous destinations for the trekkers. You
can witness small cheese factories and several
lodges here. The trail now will go through the
forest and reach Chandanbari.
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Day 08 : |
Trek from Chandanbari to Dhunche and it takes
about four and half hours.
You trek along gradual descent path. On the way
you walk through several forests and villages as
well.
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Day 09 : |
Drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu by bus and it
takes about seven hours. It is a pleasant drive
back to Kathmandu.
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Services
Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit,
Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in
lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day,
A guide & required number of porter(s),
Essential equipment.
Services
Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency
evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative
transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide,
strike, road blockade etc. |
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