Gosainkunda Pass Traverse and Ridge Trail
- 9 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We traverse the high ridges of Langtang National Park to cross the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda at 4381 m.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our nine-day Gosainkunda Pass Trek follows a rigorous high-altitude route through the Langtang region, connecting mountain roads with isolated ridge paths. We begin by driving from Kathmandu to Dhunche, setting off on foot through dense pine and rhododendron forests toward the ridge of Sing Gompa. The trail steadily gains elevation as we approach the glacial basin of Gosainkunda, home to a series of high-altitude lakes held sacred by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims alike.
Beyond the lake basin, we push higher across the rugged terrain of the pass at 4381 m, descending through remote wilderness areas toward Ghopte and Kutumsang. This itinerary suits hikers who have previous mountain walking experience and a solid baseline of physical fitness, as consecutive days involve up to seven hours of trekking over uneven, rocky terrain and steep step sections.
Throughout the journey, we stay in local teahouses run by Tamang and Sherpa families, sharing communal dining spaces and simple twin-share rooms. Our lead guide manages the daily pacing and monitors our team for signs of altitude sickness, ensuring safe progression from the lower valleys up to the high alpine passes before dropping down toward Sundarijal and returning to Kathmandu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Gosainkunda Lakes
We camp and walk along the shores of the sacred glacial lakes situated at 4381 m.
High Ridge Crossing
We navigate the remote pass connecting the Langtang and Helambu watersheds.
Forest Trails
We ascend through protected pine and rhododendron forests inside Langtang National Park.
Tamang Heritage
We stay in mountain settlements inhabited predominantly by Tamang communities.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Meals: B
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff meets you for the transfer to your hotel in the city. We gather in the evening for a comprehensive trek briefing and a traditional welcome dinner.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche
Meals: B / L / D
We board a shared jeep for the overland drive northwest out of the Kathmandu Valley, following winding mountain highways to reach the trailhead town of Dhunche at 1950 m after approximately six hours.
Day 3
Trek from Dhunche to Sing Gompa / Chandanbari
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Trek from Dhunche to Sing Gompa / Chandanbari
Meals: B / L / D
Our walking begins with a sustained uphill climb out of Dhunche, winding through pine woods and uphill paths to arrive at Sing Gompa at 3254 m after roughly seven hours on the trail.
Day 4
Trek from Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda
Meals: B / L / D
We ascend above the tree line onto exposed ridge paths with expansive mountain views, climbing steadily for five hours until we reach the alpine lake basin of Gosainkunda at 4381 m.
Day 5
Trek from Gosainkunda to Ghopte Odar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek from Gosainkunda to Ghopte Odar
Meals: B / L / D
We cross the high pass and descend through rugged, rocky terrain and scrub forest, walking for about seven hours to reach the remote overnight stop at Ghopte Odar at 3566 m.
Day 6
Trek from Ghopte to Kutumsang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek from Ghopte to Kutumsang
Meals: B / L / D
The trail continues descending through dense forest and small clearings, undulating across hillside paths for six to seven hours until we arrive at the village of Kutumsang at 2445 m.
Day 7
Trek from Kutumsang to Chisapani via Gul Bhanjyang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek from Kutumsang to Chisapani via Gul Bhanjyang
Meals: B / L / D
We pass through local farming settlements and cross Gul Bhanjyang at 2125 m, continuing our hike for six hours to reach the ridge-top village of Chisapani at 2195 m.
Day 8
Trek from Chisapani to Sundarijal and drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek from Chisapani to Sundarijal and drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Our final morning walk descends through the watershed of Shivapuri National Park to Sundarijal at 1380 m, where a vehicle waits to drive us back to Kathmandu.
Day 9
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 9
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our team transfers you from your hotel to the international airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- TIMS Card and Langtang National Park permits
- Kathmandu to Dhunche and Sundarijal to Kathmandu ground transport
- Government-licensed, English-speaking mountain guide
- Teahouse accommodation on twin-share basis
- First aid medical kit and pulse oximeter
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency rescue
- Meals in Kathmandu beyond the welcome dinner
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, battery charging, and bottled water
- Tips for guide and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We reach our maximum elevation at Gosainkunda Pass (4381 m). Our itinerary includes gradual altitude gains, and our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your daily acclimatisation progress.
Fitness expectations
This is a moderate to strenuous trek with daily walking durations between five and seven hours. Previous multi-day hiking experience in mountainous terrain is necessary.
Teahouse accommodation
Lodging on the trail consists of basic twin-share rooms with shared washing facilities. Dining rooms are heated by central stoves, but bedrooms remain unheated.
Responsible trekking
We adhere to strict low-impact guidelines within Langtang National Park, managing waste responsibly and respecting local Tamang customs and religious sites.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle support and waterproof membrane recommended.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Suitable for cold evening temperatures at high camps.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -15°C for high-altitude teahouses.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Useful for knee protection during steep descents.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Essential for treating drinking water on the trail.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency helicopter rescue up to 5000 m.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for early morning departures.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card required for tracking and safety.
Langtang National Park Permit
PermitMandatory entry permit for conservation area access.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Gosainkunda Pass Trek?
The trek is rated moderate, involving daily walks of 5 to 7 hours over steep and rocky terrain with a maximum altitude of 4381 m.
What permits are required for this trek?
We require a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card and a Langtang National Park entry permit, both of which are arranged by us.
Do I need prior high-altitude experience?
While previous high-altitude experience is not strictly mandatory, you should be comfortable walking consecutive days on steep mountain trails.
What kind of accommodation is available on the route?
We stay in local teahouses offering twin-share rooms with basic foam mattresses, blankets, and shared dining areas.
Can I charge my electronic devices along the trail?
Most teahouses offer device charging in the dining hall, though a small local fee is usually charged per device.
How safe is the drinking water?
We recommend treating tap or teahouse water using purification tablets or drops, or purchasing boiled water from lodge owners.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 9 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
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