Gosaikunda Janai Purnima
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Gosaikunda Janai Purnima Mela & Short Trek Guide for Nepali Travellers
As the monsoon clouds roam around the Langtang Himalayan range, the festival of Janai Purnima unfolds in Nepal, and the devotees gather in the Shiva temple, so that thousands of devotees embark on their journey to the holy Gosaikunda lake, where lord shiva’s temples and holy ponds are waiting to welcome devotees.
Gosaikunda lake, elevated at 4,380 meters, is a one of the most sacred mountain lake in Nepal, and lots of people love to go there for adventures, religious purposes. Every year, when Janai Purnima comes in around August , thousands of people – some who are really into their faith, some who are just looking for a cool experience, and some who love the outdoors – all head to Gosaikunda to take a dip in the icy cold water. This dip, called Gosaikunda Snan, is a big deal for many of them.
Gosaikunda Trek all informations
- 1. Gosaikunda Janai Purnima Trek Facts
- 2. Why is Gosaikunda Janai Purnima Mela & Religious Significance
- 3. Express 2-Day Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary
- 4. Classic 3-Day Budget Package Itinerary (Recommended)
- 5. Gosaikunda Trek Total Cost & Budget for Nepali Travellers
- 6. Essential Altitude Sickness & Safety Tips
Gosaikunda Janai Purnima Trek Facts
Trek Name: | Gosaikunda lake Janai Purnima Trek |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 2 Days (Fast/Express) to 4 Days (Relaxed) |
| Max. elevation: | 4,380 meters / 14,370 feet |
| Start: | Dhunche, Rasuwa (Drive from Kathmandu / Machhapokhari) |
| Ends: | Dhunche or Sundarijal |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to Strenuous (Requires steep climbing from Dhunche) |
| Gosaikunda Trek Best Time: | Janai Purnima Festival (Shrawan / Bhadra Full Moon) |
| Estimated Budget: | NPR 6,000 – NPR 12,000 per person (depending on mode of transport) |
| Accommodation: | Tea House/Local Shelters during the festivals |
Gosaikunda Janai Purnima Mela & Religious Significance?
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva created Gosaikunda by thrusting his holy trident (Trishul) into a mountain to release the cold glacier water, which he needed to soothe his throat after consuming poison (Kalkut Vish). On Janai Purnima, it is believed that Lord Shiva resides at this sacred lake. Taking a holy dip in Gosaikunda during the Janai Purnima fair is said to wash away sins and bring spiritual cleansing.
Why is Gosaikunda so significant during Janai Purnima?
Janai Purnima, also known as the Sacred Thread Festival, is a momentous occasion when Hindus change their Janai (sacred thread) in a river or a lake, especially near a Shiva temple. That is why, for the devotees, Gosaikunda Lake is the ultimate destination to change the thread and take a bath in the Holy lake. Heaving the bath into this holy lake makes people cut their sins and get blessings from Lord Shiva because Lord Shiva himself created this lake with his trident to quench his thirst after consuming the poison churned from the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning). The lake is believed to be directly connected to the Shiva temple in Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath.
What is Gosaikunda Famous for?
Gosaikunda is one of the religious sites of Nepal, located in the High Himalayas, and a lot of pilgrims visit this area. With the Name of the Gosaikunda lake, the place has been so popular, and the whole place is called Gosaikunda these days. The lake is a freshwater source of the Trisuli River, and mythologically, there is a belief that lord Shiva, one of the greatest gods, has drunk the water of the Trisul Dhara and slept in this lake to make his throat cool, which was burned after heaving the Kalkut poisons, which were produced during the time of Samundra Manthan. The lake was formed when Lord Shiva thrust his trident into a glacier (which is now known as a Trisul Dhara) to release some water.
Option 1: Express 2-Day Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary
Best For: Mountain bikers, motorbikers, and physically fit trekkers with limited weekend time.
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Dhunche Drive & Trek to Chandambari / Lauribina
Take an early-morning shared local jeep or bike ride from Kathmandu via Tokha-Chhahare Road (Machhapokhari) to Dhunche (5–6 hours). Begin trekking immediately uphill through Deurali to Chandambari (Sing Gompa, 3,330m) or push further to Lauribina (3,910m). - Day 2: Early Sunrise Hike to Gosaikunda, Holy Snan & Drive Back to Kathmandu
Start at 4:00 AM from Lauribina to reach Gosaikunda (4,380m) for sunrise, perform the sacred Gosaikunda Snan (holy bath), worship at the temple, and circle the holy lake. Descend to Dhunche by early afternoon and take a local jeep back to Kathmandu.
Option 2: Classic 3-Day Budget Package Itinerary (Recommended)
Best For: Standard, safe trek allowing proper acclimatization to prevent severe altitude sickness.
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Dhunche Drive & Trek to Sing Gompa (2,600m to 3,330m)
Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche by local bus or private jeep. Trek 4 to 5 hours through pristine pine and rhododendron forests to reach Sing Gompa. Overnight stay at a local teahouse. - Day 2: Sing Gompa to Lauribina & Gosaikunda Lake (4,380m)
Trek past Lauribina Yak pasture featuring breathtaking panoramic views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Mt. Manaslu. Arrive at Gosaikunda Lake by afternoon to perform puja, explore Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda. Overnight stay at a Gosaikunda teahouse. - Day 3: Sunrise at Gosaikunda, Descent to Dhunche & Drive to Kathmandu
Enjoy a majestic sunrise over the glacial lake, descend via Lauribina and Sing Gompa back to Dhunche, and take a return drive to Kathmandu arriving by evening.
Gosaikunda Trek Total Cost & Budget for Nepali Travellers
The cost for domestic tourists to complete the Gosaikunda trek varies based on mode of transport and personal expenditure:
- Kathmandu to Dhunche Bus Fare: NPR 800 – NPR 1,200 per side (Local Bus from Machhapokhari).
- Shared Local Jeep Fare: NPR 1,500 – NPR 2,000 per person per side.
- Teahouse Accommodations & Meals: NPR 3,000 – NPR 3,500 per day (includes Dal Bhat, tea, and hot water). Prices increase slightly at higher elevations like Lauribina and Gosaikunda.
- Total Estimated Budget: NPR 8,000 – NPR 12,000 per trekker for a complete 3-day trip.
Gosaikunda Festival Trek
The Gosaikunda Festival, also known as the Gosaikunda Jatra or Gosaikunda Mela, is one of the famous pilgrimage treks for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. The Gosainkunda Lake is equally important for Hindus, Buddhists, and Shamans. This festival is celebrated during the full moon day in the second week of August.Beeing one of Shiva’s holy areas, attending the Gosaikunda Mela/Jatra is a way to get rid of their problems and the sins they have committed in their life. That is why many locals go to Gosaikunda during the festivals.
Devotees believe that they are cleansed of sin by participating in the annual festival and bathing in the waters of the sacred lake. Many pilgrims take weeks to part of the trek from other parts of Nepal to reach the purest holy lake. During their journey, they pray, perform different ceremonies, sing and dance, and celebrate their religion.
गोसाइकुन्ड मेला
गोसाइकुन्ड मेला जुन जनै पुर्णिमा मा लाग्दछ। जनै पुर्णिमा को लागि लाग्ने मेला मा अति भिड भाड हुने गर्दछ। येदि तपाई हरु पनि जाने सोच मा हुनुहुन्छ भने तपाईहरुले विविन्न कुराहरुमा ध्यान दिनुपर्छ।
यो बेला अरु बेला भन्दा अति बडी भक्तजनको भिड लाग्ने गर्दछ तसर्थ आफ्नो लागि चाहिने वस्तुहरु जसै सुत्ने बिछ्यौना (प्लास्टिकको म्याट), स्लीपिंग ब्याग अथवा सानो ओढ्ने राडी सकेसम्म आफै लिएर जानुहोला।
यो बेला होटेल मा सुत्ने ठाउँ पाउन सारै गारो हुन्छ तसर्थ अग्रिम बूकिंग गराउदा राम्रो हुन्छ। खन्ती, देउराली, धिम्सा, चन्दनबारी, चोलांगपाटि, लौरीबिना लगायत ठाउमा कोठा को समस्या हुन्छ। येदि होटेल पाउनु भएन भने खाना खुवाउन को लागि बनाएको अस्थाई टेन्ट मा सुत्नुपर्ने हुन्छ त्यो बेला आफुहरुले लागेको समान काम आउछ।
पहिलो दिन येदि १२ देखि १ बजे तपाइहरु धुन्चे मा पुग्नुभयो भने तेही दिन यात्रा सुरु गर्दा धिम्सा अथवा चन्दनबारी पुग्न सकिन्छ तर बाटो भने पुरै उकालो छ। खुड्किला हरु प्रसस्त छन्।
तपाइहरु सुस्तरी यात्रा गर्नुहोला अनि प्रसस्स्त पानि पिउनुहोला जसले लेक लाग्न बाट जोगाऊछ। धेरै झोलिलो खाने कुराहरु खानु पर्छ।
येदि टाउको दुखेमा, चक्कर लागेमा, साबिक भन्दा बढी थकाई लागेमा, बान्ता भएमा, बेचैनी भएमा, पखाला लागेमा, खाना खाना मन नलागेमा लेक लागेको हुन सक्छ जुन कुरा स्वयंसेबक अथवा प्रहरी लाई जानकारी गराउनु होला। चोलांगपाटि मा स्ववास्थ्य जाच गर्ने एउटा अस्थाई छेक पोस्ट पनि छ
येदि कसैलाई हिड्न सारै अप्ठेरो हुन्छ भने ठुलो स्याब्रु को बाटो भएर पनि जान सकिन्छ। येदि त्यो बेला ठुलो स्याब्रु सम्म गाडी चल्छ भने ठुलो स्याब्रु बसी अर्को दिन छोटो बाटो हुदै चोलाग पुगेर चन्दनबारी पुग्न सकिन्छ तर जानु अघि ठुलो स्याब्रु को होटेल संग सम्पर्ग गरेर जादा राम्रो हुन्छ
Essential Altitude Sickness & Safety Tips
Altitude sickness is a form of illness which generally occurs when there is a low level of oxygen in the atmosphere and the body is unable to adjust to that. This sickness is known as an Altitude mountain sickness (AMS). The oxygen level drops significantly from an altitude of 3000 meters so there will be a risk of (AMS). the higher you go the higher the risk and the common symptoms are Headaches, Fatigue, Nausea, Shortness of breath, Dizziness, Lack of sleep or unable to sleep, Loss of appetite, etc. But there is less chance of AMS in Annapurna base camp and our itinerary is designed to cope with the altitude problem here are the suggestions that you can take to avoid the AMS.
Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and eat well
Hydrate thoroughly throughout your hike, as dehydration can worsen altitude sickness or can cause altitude sickness. Stay away from alcohol, as it dehydrates you further. Maintain a nutritious diet to fuel your body and boost your energy levels.Stay mentally strong:
Trekkers need to determine that they are good enough to cope with it mentally.Pack Diamox:
Diamox, a medication for altitude sickness, can be a lifesaver. Bring it along and consult a doctor before you come to Nepal.Recognise Symptoms:
If you experience persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness near Lauribina, stop and rest. Do not push higher if symptoms worsen.Carry Medical Essentials:
Pack Diamox (acclimatisation support), garlic soup, warm layered clothing, rain poncho, trekking poles, and a torch light.Weather Preparedness:
Monsoon rains during the Janai Purnima Mela period make trails slick and muddy. Ensure sturdy trekking boots with good grip.Accent gradually:
Avoid rapid ascents; climb slowly and allow your body to acclimate gradually, especially above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) it is not good to go 400 meters each day which sometimes is not possible.Listen to your body and rest if needed:
Pay close attention to your body. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath, slow down or descend immediately. Rest and rehydrate until your symptoms improve.Maintain good hygiene:
Keeping yourself clean can help prevent infections and boost your overall health, which is crucial for fighting altitude sickness.
How do I reach or go to Gosaikunda?
There are various ways to reach the starting point of the trek, Dhunche. From Dhunche, you can start your trek so reaching there are 3 options for you.
Kathmandu to Dhunche by Bike, then trek to Gosaikunda
Biking to Dhunche is thrilling for those who love riding bikes, as the road is off-road from Ramche to Dhunche. From Kathmandu, you can drive to the Tokha Chahare road, then to Trisuli and drive via Kalikasthan to reach Dhunche. The bike ride takes about 5-6 hours to reach Dhunche.Kathmandu to Dhunche by Jeep, then Trek to Gosaikunda:
Another option is to have a private jeep to Dhunche. If you are 6-7 people and want a comfortable ride, then you can take the private Jeep, which will take you to Dhunche and take about 4-5 hours. The private Jeep also follows the same routes as those to Tokha, Chahare, Trisuli, and Dhunche. Upon arriving here, you can start your trek to Gosaikunda.Kathmandu to Thulo Syabru by Jeep, then trek to Gosaikunda (Shortest one):
This is very least-known route for the devotees, but it is the shortest one. If you ask the trails, then they will also tell, or you may find other people who are going to Gosaikunda from Thulo Syabru as well. The Trail goes via Thulo Syabru to Mulkharakha, then Cholang Pati and Gosaikunda. This might take a whole day, or you can also stay in Lauribina and the next day go to Gosaikunda as well. If you have a private jeep, then you can go to Thulo Syabru. It is better to ask the local people about the road before you go to Thulo Syabru Village.Kathmandu to Gosaikunda By Local Bus:
If you are 2-3 people or even more and want to travel economically, then you can take the local bus. The local bus leaves from the Machhapokhari every morning from 5.30 to 10 am and the bus goes via the Prithivi highways to Galchi, then to Trisuli and reaches Dhunche. You should remember that the bus may carry more passengers during the festivals and often compete with each other. The buses normally reach Dhunche by 11 am or later.
Food and accommodation during the Janai Purnima festival
During the Gosaikunda Janai Purnima festival, which usually takes place in August (Janai Purnima), devotees may get very basic accommodations, such as shelters, as well as normal tea houses too. Normal tea houses are available to serve the guests, where you can stay overnight. Due to overcrowded situations during the festival time, you may not be able to get the rooms, but you can share with others in the dormitory area as well. You may also get some shelters which is made for temporary periods, just for festivals.
What facilities are available if somebody can not walk during the festival journey
Some people can not walk properly because of the accent and poor walking habits. For those people, they organise the carrying service, which can be either by local porters or even with horses as well, but the cost would be higher, if you are senior citizens or think that you may get’s suffer during the walk, please carry some extra cash for this contingency.
