Month: May 2025
2025
Gosaikunda Trek: An emotional and spiritual trekking place in Nepal
Around 2pm, our bus left us behind at Dhunche. The clouds looked heavy, and the cold breeze hinted at rain. I unwillingly purchased a raincoat from a local shop, a decision I would soon be thankful for. As we started trekking, tea breaks became our energy drinks. Each cup of tea from the small and local tea houses along the trail warmed not only our hands but also our spirits. We needed it because, not long after we started walking up hill, the rain decided to join our trek. The visibility was poor, and the little drizzle of rain made the paths slippery. So, we took short breaks and even adjusted our itinerary, deciding to stay overnight at Deurali.
The journey up to Deurali was pleasant despite the rain. On the way, we passed a small river and some houses where two little kids peeked shyly at us from behind the door. Their innocence made me pause and smile. These little moments are what makes Nepal trekking so special – the people, their simplicity, and the raw beauty of their livelihood.
We reached Deurali feeling exhausted and cold. Altitude sickness was a concern, so we decided to take the trek slow and not hurry. The next morning, after brushing my teeth and stepping outside for fresh air, my eyes were pleased by a view I will never forget. The snow-covered mountains stood tall and I felt those mountains were looking directly into my eyes. It felt unreal – like the mountains were close enough to touch. This was my first time being so close to the Himalayas, and my excitement knew no bounds. I ran back inside, shouting at my still-asleep friends to wake up and witness the view. Sleepy and slightly annoyed at me for waking them up, they came outside, but their angry faces quickly turned into wide smiles. Suddenly, everyone was cheering and laughing. The mountains had a magical effect on all of us.
The cold was biting that morning, and the water in the taps was barely touchable – it felt like ice! We were trekking in early November, and the chill was as real as the adventure. After a light breakfast and clicking countless photos of the stunning mountains, we group of seven hit the trail again after drinking hot cup of tea for warming ourselves.
The landscape seemed to change as we come closer to the lake. We saw breathtaking views of the Himalayas, horses grazing peacefully in the fields, and local villagers gathering wood for their evening fires. The cold air kissed our faces as we walked, and the friendship of our group made it even more enjoyable. We sang songs, cracked jokes, and shared snacks along the way until we reached Cholang Pati for our long-waited Dal Bhat.
“Dal-bhat power 24 hour” is common and famous phrase among tourist and Nepalese people.
At Cholang Pati, we stopped for lunch, simple yet delicious dal bhat. This spot was like a heaven, surrounded by towering mountains on all sides. After eating, we spent some time playing local instruments that the tea house owner had. Some of us even tried horse riding, a fun activity available for trekkers who might find walking challenging. Gosaikunda lake trekking offers options for everyone, whether you’re trekking on foot or on horse.
With time running short, we decided to head straight to Gosaikunda lake with elevation of 4,380 meters. The higher we went, the colder it got. The fog surrounded us limiting our visibility, and by the time we reached on top, it was almost night. It was hard to see anything because of the fog, and we were shivering from the cold. However, we received a warm welcome at one of the lodges. Many hotels were closed for the season, but the ones that remained open worked together to serve trekkers like us. The owner’s dedication to run these lodges in such harsh conditions amazed me. If they were not there to serve us, this trek would be one of the hardest treks in Nepal.
We spent the evening sitting around a fireplace in the lodge’s main hall, sharing stories and laughter with strangers. It didn’t matter that we didn’t know each other’s names or backgrounds; the cold had united us together. That evening, surrounded by warmth and laughter, felt like one of the best moments of my life.
The next morning, I was woken by some noise outside the lodge. Curious, I grabbed my jacket and stepped out. What I saw left me speechless. The fog was no were to be found, and right before me was Gosaikunda Lake, its shiny blue surface surrounded by rugged and snow-capped mountains. It felt like a dream. Me and my friends, we all ran down to the lake, our excitement left the ground after seeing what we were talking about the other day.
The lake is considered holy in Hindu tradition and is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva. People often say, if we look closely inside the water, we can find lord Shiva resting down. We tried seeing but could not see properly. There’s a small temple near the lake, and many pilgrims visit to offer prayers and sprinkle the lake’s holy water in their homes for blessings. We spent some time at the temple praying for our family members and our loved once. Then someone from our group had a crazy idea: why not take a dip in the lake?
The water was freezing, so cold that just touching it sent shivers down our spines. But the belief that a holy dip would erase our sins gave us purpose to take a dive. Laughing and shivering, we brought our extra clothes and started taking our cloths off. We all seven of us jumped into the icy water. Just to let you know, we were there only for few seconds. The cold was unbearable, and my feet felt numb for a while, but the experience was unforgettable.
Afterward, we rushed back to the lodge for a hot cup of tea, wrapped ourselves in blankets, and just started laughing with no reason. The lake, the mountains, the freezing water, all of it felt something so raw and pure.
Gosaikunda trekking is truly one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal. The combination of rugged trails, untouched landscapes, and cultural richness makes it unique trekking trails than other places. It’s more than just a physical journey; it’s more likely an emotional and spiritual journey. If you’re planning to experience trekking in Nepal, Gosaikunda Lake located at Langtang region is enough for the needed challenges and rewards that last a lifetime. As I sit here writing this, I can still feel the cold air and hear the sound of our laughter. Gosaikunda is a place that will stay forever with me.
