The Gosainkunda lakes are located inside the Langtang National Park in Rasuwa District, but which Gosaikunda you see during your visit will depend on the season you make your journey.
The lakes, located at an altitude of 4380m above sea level change their appearance depending on the weather.
A total of 108 lakes of all sizes complete the Gosaikunda complex. For six months every year, the main lake stays frozen and the surrounding landscape also wears this solemn mood. When spring arrives, the takes a blue hue, and its surroundings a coat of lush green, at least for a few months.
That the lakes are never the same is appreciated by travelers from all over the world. The challenge of walking to the lakes, and the beauty of the trail attracts visitors to the area.
1.
At Dhunche, a discreet sign tells you that the trek to Gosainkunda has begun.
To reach Gosainkunda from Dhunche the district headquarters of Rasuwa located near the southwest entrance of the national park) you will have to trek to Chandanbari via Dhimsa and Deurali first. Dhunche is located at an altitude of 1,850m. After a night’s rest at Chandanbari, you can reach the lake complex the following day if you take the Lauribinayak route.
2.
In Dhunche, during most mornings, the rising sun slowly envelops the hills with a warm glow. This gives trekkers much-needed motivation to hit the trail.
3.
There are several suspension bridges along the trail. These contraption of metal cables and platform are not as stable as they look. But they often serve as a vantage point to savour the panoramic view of the landscape. The clear river, and the dense vegetation composed of oak, maple or even rhododendrons in all directions make you want to stay there forever.
4.
You will be greeted by many monkeys along the trail. But stealthily observe these from afar. The slightest noise will scare them away.
5.
At Dhimsa (3100m), the sky opens for a spectacular view of the Himalayan alpine region, which you cannot find on any postcards.
6.
Lauribinayak is part of the last leg of the journey. You will be greeted by children along the trail, most of whom are candid with their curiosity and are charmingly playful.
At 3900m, the temperature drops quickly and the weather is more capricious. Don’t be surprised if you wake up in the morning to a thick snowfall.
7.
The ruins of stupas from the recent earthquakes are a common sight along the trail.
8.
When you finally reach Gosaikunda, any altitude sickness is replaced by the feeling of awe. During winters, snowstorms radically transform the landscapes and covers the are with a thick shroud of snow.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva dug these lakes with his trident, after swallowing poison while desperately looking for a source of cold water to stem the oppressive heat generated by his intoxication.
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