Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Trip Type

Tea House / Lodge

Grade

Moderate

Altitude

4380 m.

Transportation

Bus / Jeep

Group Size

1 or more

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Duration

6 Days

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Gosainkunda Lake (4380m) is an alpine freshwater located in Langtang National Park in Rasuwa district. There are as many as 9 lakes in the vicinity of Gosainkunda including Saraswoti Kunda and Bhairav Kunda.

Gosainkunda Lake is a renowned pilgrimage site and a popular trekking destination for both Nepali and international tourists. You will have to trek for a few days along forests, hills and streams to reach Gosainkunda. Trekkers will be able to capture majestic views of Lantang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges.

During winter period (December till February) the water in the lake freezes into thick ice, so it is also called Gosainkunda Frozen lake. Every year during August full moon, thousands of pilgrims gather around the lake to celebrate. Due to its proximity to Kathmandu and road accessibility, this trek can be done throughout the year.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Day 1 : Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (1960m.) takes about five hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

1960

You head north out of Kathmandu driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Dhunche. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 2 : After breakfast trek from Dhunche to Sing Gompa (3330m.) takes about five hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3330

Enjoy walking along a forested path covered with pine, silver oak and rhododendron. There is a cheese factory and a Buddhist monastery in Sing Gompa. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 3 : Early morning trek from Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda (4380m.) via. Laurebina La (3910m.) takes about five and half hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

4380

The first part involves crossing Laurebina and then heading steeply to Gosainkunda. There are about a dozen lakes in the Gosainkunda Basin, the main three being Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda, and Gosainkunda. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 4 : Trek early morning from Gosainkunda to Sing Gompa (3330m.) or Chandan Bari (3330m.) takes about four and half hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3330

The trail descends all the way to Sing Gompa passing Lauribanayak with magnificent views of Langtang and Manaslu. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 5 : Following breakfast, trek from Sing Gompa to Dhunche (1960m.) takes about six hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

1960

Past Chandanbari, the trail descends through pine forest, crosses Trisuli River to arrive at Dhunche. The view of Ganesh Himal became visible along this trail section. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6 : Drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu takes about five hours.

Food

Breakfast & Lunch

Elevation

1400

After morning breakfast, drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu which takes about five hours. It is a pleasant drive back to Kathmandu and you will be rewarded with scenic vistas of rivers, mountains, forests and terraced hills.

What Is Included ?

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C vehicle
Trekking guide
One porter for every 2 trekking participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation in Lodge (Tea houses) during the trek
Trekking equipment: Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, trekking poles, etc.
Entry Permit for Langtang National Park
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
Land transportation from Kathmandu to Dhunche and Dhunche to Kathmandu by bus/jeep
Insurance and equipment for guides and porters
First aid kit
Tax, VAT and our service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
Souvenir

What Is Excluded?

Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
Travel insurance
Tips for involved staffs
Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Gosainkunda Frozen Lake Trek Altitude Profile

Route Map

FAQs

The trek is moderate to challenging, depending on your experience and the season. While the route isn’t technical, the steep ascents, high altitude, and cold conditions—especially in winter when the lake is frozen—can be physically demanding. The trail from Dhunche to Gosainkunda involves rapid elevation gain, so acclimatization is crucial. Those with prior trekking experience and good fitness levels will find it manageable, but beginners should be well-prepared or consider taking it slow.

The lake remains frozen from late December to early March, with January and February being the peak months to witness it completely iced over. During this time, the surrounding landscape is blanketed in snow, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly scene. However, be prepared for sub-zero temperatures, possible snow-covered trails, and limited accommodation availability. If you're looking for clear skies and a safer hike, consider trekking in early December or late February.

Most itineraries take 5 to 7 days, depending on your pace and starting point. A common route is Kathmandu → Dhunche → Chandanbari → Gosainkunda → and back the same way. Some trekkers extend it by continuing to Ghopte and returning via the Helambu route, making it around 8–9 days. The trek is short in distance but gains altitude quickly, so taking extra time to acclimatize is recommended.

You’ll need the following:

Langtang National Park Entry Permit
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

Both can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board or through trekking agencies. Be sure to carry your passport and some passport-sized photos when applying. If you’re exiting through Sundarijal (via Helambu), a Shivapuri National Park permit may also be required.

Yes, the trek is safe if you’re well-prepared and go with proper gear. The trail is commonly used even in winter, but it’s more physically demanding due to snow, ice, and colder temperatures. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended during the frozen season because snow can cover the trail markings, making navigation difficult. Avalanches are rare but not impossible after heavy snow.

Absolutely. During January and February, the entire Gosainkunda Lake is typically frozen solid, often covered with a thick layer of snow. On clear days, the frozen lake reflects the surrounding peaks, creating breathtaking scenery. Some pilgrims walk carefully on the ice during festivals or rituals, though this is not advisable without local knowledge, as ice conditions vary.

Yes, since you reach 4380 meters in just a couple of days, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is real. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite. To reduce the risk:

Ascend slowly
Stay hydrated
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Rest if you feel unwell

Always take acclimatization seriously. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately.

The trek usually starts at Dhunche, which is about 6–8 hours by road from Kathmandu. You can take a local bus, jeep, or private vehicle. Roads can be rough and slippery during winter, so check conditions in advance and allow extra travel time. Syabrubesi is another common starting point if you plan to combine with the Langtang Valley trek.

A guide is strongly recommended during winter for the Frozen Lake trek. Snow-covered trails can be confusing, and in case of weather changes or health issues, a guide’s support is invaluable. A porter can help carry your load, especially useful if you’re bringing warm gear and supplies. Guides also provide cultural context, assist with logistics, and offer local knowledge that enriches your journey.

It’s suitable for fit and adventurous beginners, but it’s important to understand the altitude and cold involved. The trail itself isn’t technical, but rapid elevation gain and freezing temperatures can be tough. Beginners should:

Go with a guide
Allow an extra day for acclimatization
Start training beforehand with hikes or cardio workouts

If you’re looking for a unique, off-season Himalayan adventure that’s short yet awe-inspiring, this trek can be an unforgettable experience.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Gosainkunda Frozen Lake trek. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.

Additional Information

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

General Items:

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items:

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff

Sun-worn Items:

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets:

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),

Liquid/Snacks:

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials:

First Aid Kit

Optional:

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

Additional items for camping trek:

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.

Client Reviews

Louis Jonathan Reinhardt, Brynna Simone MC Millan

United States

Amazing trek to Gosainkunda and much more

Almost one month Nepal Trip including various adventurous activities in Nepal.

Looking back on the last month, an amazing trek to Gosainkunda, a Buddhist wedding, Chitwan trip, Paragliding in Pokhara, Bungee jumping, Mountain biking, and also much more.

Address: USA

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