Gosaikunda Helambu trek goes north of Kathmandu & explores the beautiful Langtang region, and later joins the Helambu region. This is an adventurous trek in the not-so-crowded part of the Himalayas and offers heavenly mountain landscapes. You will be trekking inside two national parks- Langtang National Park and Shivapuri National Park on Gosaikunda Lake and Helambu trek.
Gosaikunda Helambu trekking is a short 9 days trek that lets you escape in nature and allows you to unwind. As much as the journey is adventurous, you will be at the heart of the ancient religious roots of Nepal. The trek is very immersive. You get to learn a lot about Hindu beliefs connected to Gosaikunda Lake and Surya Kunda Lake. Spend nights in the homes of the locals and have intimate interactions.
Not to mention, the Gosaikunda Helambu trek route is packed with diverse vegetation, flora, and fauna. You may come across animals, herders, and many species of birds on the way. The Helambu Gosaikunda trek is guided by a native guide, so expect a lot of insight into the region and the residents.
Likewise, numerous stupas, mani walls, and prayer wheels are scattered around the trail. And any major area is marked with colorful prayer flags. Even though you will be traversing the great Himalayas with a difficult environment, you will be tied with the Nepalese cultural sentiments. This is what makes the Gosaikunda Helambu trek of 9 days very special.
Gosaikunda Helambu trek itinerary summary
From Dhunche, it takes only two days of walking to reach Gosaikunda. You will then, ascend to the sacred Surya Kunda, an isolated area, and gradually hike to the Surya Kunda pass (Lauribina Pass) that connects the trail to Helambu.
Gosaikunda lake is a holy lake surrounded by hills and mountains. The stunning view of the lake and the tranquility around it are surreal. Likewise, Surya Kunda lake is also a holy lake but is not visited by most travelers. From the top of the pass, you get to witness a dramatic view of the lake and a stretching view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains.
Once you cross the pass, the trail descends to Ghopte. Now we trek through mud and stone houses, meadows, and lush alpine forests. This part of the Gosaikunda Helambu trail has a guest house stay. Hyolmos are the indigenous group of Helambu.
You will be mesmerized by their simple lifestyle, traditions, and beliefs. The trail goes through remote villages like Melamchi Gaon, Tarkeghyang, and Sermathang. You will end the trek at Sermathang and drive back to Kathmandu.
Views during the Gosaikunda Helambu trek
Talking about the mountains, we will catch the breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal (7422m), Langtang Lirung (7234m), Naya Kang (5844m), Gaurishankar Himal (7134m), Mt. Kang Guru (6981m) Mt. Shishapangma (8027m), Dorje Lhakpa (6966m), Gangchenpo (6387m), Yala Peak (5500m), and several other mountain peaks, during the Gosaikunda Helambu Trek. Similarly, the sceneries from the lakes and pass are phenomenal too.
Every village will present you with a different view and a heartwarming welcome. You will find yourself in complete solitary on the Gosaikunda Helambu trek, not disturbed by a crowd of fellow trekkers or the noisy sounds of the cities.
Why trek with Nepal Nirvana Trails?
Joining us on our Gosaikunda Helambu trek 2024 departure lets you trek with friendly native guides. The trip is organized by experts who have been working in the Himalayas for more than a decade. There will be no delays or cancellations problems of flights as this trek is reachable by road transport.
Likewise, you will not have to pay any hidden fees. Our Gosaikunda Helambu trek cost covers all the necessities. You can check in detail about package cost service in our cost include and exclude section.
At Nepal Nirvana Trails, we make your journey hassle-free and memorable.
Optional Trekking Packages
These are some of our other trekking packages in the Langtang region: Langtang Valley Trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek, and Tamang Heritage Trek.
Below are some of our other famous trekking packages in Nepal- Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. All of these packages are beginner friendly.
If you are an experienced trekker, then check out these packages- Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, and Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Major Attractions of Gosaikunda Helambu Trek
Gosaikunda Lake
Gosaikunda Lake is a high-altitude freshwater lake located in the Langtang National Park in Nepal. It is situated at an elevation of 4,380 meters (14,370 feet) above sea level and is considered a sacred site in Hinduism.
According to legend, the lake was formed when the Hindu god Shiva thrust his trident into the ground to create a place to quench his thirst after swallowing poison. The lake is named after the Hindu god, Gosaikunda, who is believed to reside in the lake.
Janai Purnima Festival
Janai Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal and other parts of South Asia. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shrawan (usually in August) and is a day to honor the sacred thread (Janai) worn by Hindu men.
Gosaikunda Lake is also an important site for Hindu pilgrims, who visit the lake during the full moon in August to participate in the annual Gosaikunda Mela festival. During the festival, thousands of devotees come to the lake to take a dip in the holy waters, which is believed to cleanse their sins and bring good luck.
Helambu Sherpa Culture
The Helambu region, located in the Himalayan foothills in Nepal, is home to the Sherpa people, who are known for their cultural traditions and their skills in mountain climbing and trekking. Sherpa culture is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, and the Sherpa people have a strong spiritual connection to the mountains.
Sherpa culture is centered around the family and community, and there is a strong emphasis on helping others and being hospitable. Helambu Sherpa communities are traditionally agricultural, with many families relying on farming and livestock raising for their livelihoods. In recent years, however, tourism has become an increasingly important industry in the region, with many Sherpa people working as guides and porters for trekking and climbing expeditions.
Hyolmo Culture
The Hyolmo people are an ethnic group native to the Helambu region of Nepal, located in the Himalayan foothills. They are closely related to the Sherpa people and share many cultural traditions and practices.
Like the Sherpa people, the Hyolmo are predominantly Buddhist, and their culture is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The Hyolmo have a strong spiritual connection to the mountains and believe that the mountains are sacred and protected by powerful deities.
Hyolmo culture is known for its traditional clothing, which includes the chuba, a long, ankle-length garment worn by both men and women, and the doppa, a traditional cap worn by men. The Hyolmo also has a rich tradition of music and dance, with several traditional instruments and styles unique to the region.
Tarkeghyang Gompa
Tarkeghyang Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in the Tarkeghyang village in Nepal. The monastery was founded in the 15th century and is home to many Buddhist antiques and relics. The temple is an important cultural and spiritual center for the local community.
Tarkeghyang Gompa is known for its beautiful murals and thangka paintings, which depict various scenes from the life of the Buddha and other important figures in Buddhist history. The temple also has a large collection of Tibetan manuscripts and religious texts.
Melamchi Gompa
Melamchi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in the Melamchi Valley in Nepal. It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims who come to see the beautiful temple and its surrounding gardens.
The monastery was founded in the 17th century by the Tibetan lama, Ngawang Lobsang, who was a famous meditation master and teacher. The temple is home to several Buddhist relics, including a sacred stone that is believed to have the power to grant wishes.
The Melamchi Gompa is an important cultural and spiritual center for the local community and is visited by many people who come to pray, meditate, and seek blessings. The temple is also a popular destination for tourists who are interested in learning more about Buddhist culture and traditions.