Gosaikunda

Gosaikunda (gosaikund, गोसाईकुण्ड) is the most revered alpine lake in Nepal, set at 4,380 metres on the southern flank of the Langtang Himal in Rasuwa district. It is the principal lake of a high glacial basin holding more than 108 lakes — kunda — scattered like blue jewels across stark, rocky terrain above the treeline.

In Hindu tradition the lake was created by Shiva himself: after drinking the poison churned from the cosmic ocean, he struck the mountain with his trident to release cool water and quench his burning throat. A rock formation visible beneath the surface is believed to be the reclining god. Each year at Janai Purnima (August full moon) tens of thousands of pilgrims — Hindu and Buddhist, including jhankri shamans in full regalia — climb here to bathe in the icy water and renew their sacred threads.

Gosaikunda is reached on a 3–5 day trek, usually from Dhunche or as a high crossing of the Laurebina La (4,610m) linking the Langtang and Helambu valleys. The lake stays frozen from late autumn to spring; the surrounding ridges give views of Langtang Lirung, Manaslu, and the Ganesh Himal. The wider basin includes several named kunda with their own legends — Saraswati Kunda, Surya Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, Naga Kunda, and Ama Kunda among them.

The lakes and their wetlands are a Ramsar-listed site of international importance. There are simple lodges at Gosaikunda and Lauribina; nights are very cold and altitude is a real concern, so a gradual ascent is essential.