Rajan Jung Adhikari
Why do Indian Tourists want to do Gosainkunda Trek?
Why do Indian Tourists want to do Gosainkunda Trek? Gosainkunda Trek is popular for pilgrimage trek in Nepal. Gosainkunda Lake is a holy site for both the Hindus and Buddhists from all around the world. Although a republican country, majority of Indians are the Hindus, who are dedicated to protecting and promoting their religion. From deep religious significance, Indian tourists want to do Gosainkunda Trek once in their lifetime.
The religious significance of the Gosainkunda Lake is celebrated in the Hindu scriptures and holy epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana relate the formation of the Gosainkunda with the Samudra Manthan. The Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk) was an event to produce the Amrita (elixir).
During the churning, less amount of poison was also produced apart from the elixir. Lord Shiva as the Savior of the universe drank the poison that burnt his throat. Lord Shiva started wandering here and there to cool His burnt throat. In search of the cool place, He headed towards the Himalayas. When He reached the Gosainkunda Lake area, He struck the land with His punch. The struck area was filled with the holy water that quenched the thirst of Lord Shiva and healed the poison as well.
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Since then, Gosainkunda Lake has been regarded as the Holy site in the Hindu religion. You can still see the image of Lord Shiva deep down the Lake water. If you are lucky enough, you can see the Lord Shiva Image during Gosainkunda Lake Trek. The Indians are devotees of Lord Shiva whom they regard as their Savior. They believe that once they see the Lord Shiva Image, their lives are fulfill. Thus, Indian tourists want to do Gosainkunda Trek so that they can get moksha (cleansing) from the sins they have made (un)knowingly. The Gosainkunda waters are regard as pabitra jal (Holy Water) during the Hindu festivals Ganga Dussehra and Janai Purnima.
Table of Contents
Where is Gosainkunda located?
Gosainkunda, an alpine freshwater lake is located inside the Langtang National Park, Rasuwa District. The altitude of Gosainkunda Lake is 4,380m/14,370ft from the sea level. The surface area of Gosainkunda Lake is 34 acres while with other supporting lakes 2,500 acres. Famous as 108 lakes, Gosainkunda depth is 25.5 m and Bhairabkunda is 58.1 meters deep.
Gosainkunda Lake is the origin of the Trishuli River, one of the popular rivers for whitewater rafting in Nepal. However, remains frozen between December and June, so the water level of the lake decreases. In the monsoon season, the water level increases, so the Gosainkunda depth increases from the given 25.5 meters.
Gosainkunda Trek Best Season
Gosainkunda Lake Trek can be done throughout the year. However, as a pilgrimage trek in Nepal, Gosainkunda Trek best season is August, Nepali Calendar equivalent to Bhadra (5th month).
Janai Purnima (the full moon day for Rakshabandhan and sacred thread tying) falls in the month of August according to the Nepali Calendar. During this festival, holy rivers and lakes are visit by thousands of the Hindu followers.
Gosainkunda Trek takes you to such holy lake located in the Langtang National Park, Rasuwa district. Rasuwa district is also the gateway to Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Nepal.
Gosainkunda Lake is crowd with the pilgrims from Nepal and India during the Ganga Dussehra festival. This festival falls between May and June. This festival also calls thousands of Hindu devotees for Gosainkunda Trek.
Both the festive occasions are best time for Gosainkunda Pass Trek. Different Hindu rituals are perform by the pilgrims at the lake premises. It is believe that taking a dip into the holy lake gives a way to Heaven. The water cleanses sins committed throughout the life and gives moksha (purity and spiritual liberty).
Even if you cannot make Gosainkunda Trek because of various circumstances, you can connect to the Holy waters of the lake. As stated by the Hindu legend, Gosainkunda Lake waters are connect to ponds of Budhanilkantha Temple and Kumbheshwar Temple, Patan. It means if you are short of time or with any other problems, you can make Budhanilkantha Tour or visit Kumbheshwar Temple.
More than a Pilgrimage Trekking in Nepal
Trekking to Gosainkunda Lake is not only popular for pilgrimage but it also has a lot more to offer to the trekkers. The turquoise water lakes, dense forests inhabited by various species of fauna, and breath-taking vistas of the Himalayas are the natural beauties.
The classic villages reflecting true Tibetan culture and tradition are cultural attraction of Langtang Gosainkunda Trek. You can learn about the Tibetan lifestyle and cuisines without going to Tibet Tour. Don’t forget to taste Tibetan tea and local cheese of yaks during the trip.
Gosaikunda Lake Trek is full of adventure as well. The route to the lake goes past along Lauri vinayak Pass (4,610m) across several Tamang and Hyulmo villages. The trekking trail is well define and comfortable as well. However, altitude gain can be Gosaikunda Trek difficulty for the beginner trekkers.
If you are trekking in Nepal for the first time, altitude sickness can be of some challenge. But, don’t worry if you move slowly by taking pauses while trekking, you can beat Gosainkunda Trek difficulty.
This trip can be combine with Langtang Valley Trek, Helambu Valley Trek, and Sundarijal Gosainkunda Trek as well.
Gosainkunda Trekking Route Map
Gosainkunda Trek begins from Dhunche, the administrative center of Rasuwa District. Before that you can explore the Kathmandu Valley. Go around some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal.
Generally, Gosainkunda Trek Route Map includes Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchowk districts. The outline map of Gosainkunda Trek foes like this:
Kathmandu – Dhunche – Sing Gompa – Lauribinayak Pass – Gosainkunda Lake – Sing Gompa – Dhunche – Kathmandu
If you have previous experience of trekking in Nepal, you can do it in less days than the given above. Combining this trip with Langtang Valley and Helambu Valley requires even more days. For the tailor-made Gosainkunda Trek, you can consult with the local tour operator in Kathmandu.
Gosainkunda Lake Trek Permits
Since Gosainkunda Trek is free individual trekking in Nepal, you can also do it on your own. You don’t require any restricted area trekking permit. Nevertheless, you need local area permit and Langtang National Park entry permit to do this trek.
Gosainkunda Trek permit fees for foreign tourists and the SAARC Nationals are different. As India is one of the SAARC countries, you can buy the local area permit and Langtang NP entry permits at much lower cost than for foreign nationals.
Conclusion: Gosainkunda Trek
Indian tourists want to do Gosainkunda Trek for its deep religious significance. Besides, pilgrimage trek in Nepal, it could be doing for exploring nature and culture as well as for adventure.
This trek can be combined with Langtang Valley Trek and Helambu Trek if you have longer vacation in Nepal. For Hindu devotees, we recommend to do Gosainkunda Trek either in May-June or in August. It’s so because Hindu festivals Ganga Dussehra and Janai Purnima fall in the given months.
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