
Gosainkund Helambu
by Rick McC.
This Helambu Gosainkund Trek is a combination of two treks. Together, this amazing route leads you through rhododendron and bamboo forests with an abundance of wildlife. As a result, you will see majestic waterfalls and have a chance to bathe in soothing hot springs. And, of course … visit the holy lakes of Gosainkund.
Helambu and Gosainkund together form a unique trek with the best of two worlds. Next to having the views of both treks, you will have the advantage of allowing yourself to acclimatise before you reach the higher elevations of Gosainkund (4380m).
The Helambu area is surprisingly peaceful and calm. The landscape is classic Himalayan foothills, with plenty of dramatic rises and plummeting descents.
Gosainkund is the area with the holy lakes of Lord Shiva. This is a pilgrimage place that attracts up to 20,000 Hindus during the August full-moon festival of Janai Purnima. It is believed that Lord Shiva created this holy lake with his trident.The lake is also sacred to Buddhists, who have lined the shore with hundreds of cairns.
If this 16-days trek is a bit too long, you can do a part of this trek instead. For instance the 6-days Helambu Trek or the 8-days Gosainkund Trek.
In Kathmandu, before and after your Helambu & Gosainkund trek, you will be staying at a 3-star hotel with a private bathroom and wifi. These hotels have a prime location. In Kathmandu you will be staying in the travellers neighbourhood Thamel. The hotel is nearby many restaurants, trekking gear shops and supermarkets.
During your Helambu & Gosainkund trek, you will be staying at mountain lodges. Here are double rooms and shared bathrooms.
Hot shower and wifi are also available for an additional fee.