Gosaikunda-Chisapani Trek
A sacred alpine lake crossing above the Langtang valley
Gosaikunda-Chisapani Trek overview
A high alpine lake pilgrimage combined with a classic ridge-top trek back toward the Kathmandu Valley rim. The route climbs from Dhunche through dense rhododendron and oak forest to the sacred lake of Gosaikunda (4,380 m), one of the holiest Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, where legend holds that Shiva created the lake by plunging his trident into the mountainside. Thousands of pilgrims visit during the annual Janai Purnima festival. From Gosaikunda the trail crosses the wind-scoured Laurebina La (4,610 m), the trek's high point, before descending along the forested Kathmandu Valley rim through Ghopte, Kutumsang, and Chisapani — a route offering some of the closest big-mountain views to the capital, including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and on clear days, Everest itself. It's a physically demanding but logistically simple loop, entirely accessible by road at both ends.
Country
Nepal
Duration
8 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
4,610 m (Laurebina La Pass)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Challenging
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel. Evening trek briefing and gear check.
Price includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Dhunche and Sundarijal–Kathmandu ground transport
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, 15 kg limit per trekker)
- Tea house / lodge accommodation for the duration of the trek
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Langtang National Park entry permit and TIMS card
- First aid kit carried by guide
- Emergency rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear including sleeping bag and down jacket (rentals available)
- Hot showers and battery charging at tea houses
- Micro-spikes or gaiters if crossing Laurebina La in snow (rentals available)
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Tips for guide and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from