Gosainkunda Pass Trek

Useful Information

1. Itinerary Disclaimer
   The Gosainkunda Pass trek journey organized by the Mountain Ram Adventures team will move according to the itinerary presented to the clients and all the accommodations and other facilities included in the trip are pre booked to ensure the smooth operation of the trip. During the rise of any unseen events like landslides, ill intended person, political reasons etc which are outside the control of the Mountain Ram Adventures Team we request for the coordination and understanding from the clients. The representatives will make decisions with the best interest of the clients. The team will make sure to inform the clients about the decisions as soon as possible.
   
   
2. Airport Pickup and Drop   
   The clients of the Mountain Ram Adventures team will be transferred from/to the Tribhuvan International Airport to/from their designated Hotel. The representatives will be assisting the clients with their suitcases and transferring the clients via a private vehicle. The Airport pickup and drop service provided by the team is a complementary service and any request from the clients for detour and changing the routes during the transfer will incur in additional charges which are not covered by the Mountain Ram Adventures team. 
   
   
3. Safety and security
   The Langtang Region is considered to be one of the safest regions for trekking in Nepal as there are settlements of the local’s scattered throughout the route and there are few to none prior incidents which have occurred during the Gosainkunda Pass trek. The safety of the team is the first priority of the team and will ensure the clients have a safe and comfortable journey. The guides will assist the trekkers throughout the trek sharing their experience and tips to have a comfortable journey. During any emergencies the guides will try to mitigate the problem as best as they possibly can and will call for emergency backup/evacuation if needed. The Mountain Ram Adventures request for the awareness from the client's side as well as in the high Himalayas any unseen events can arise at any time.
   
   
4. Minimum Age
   The Gosainkunda Pass trek can be enjoyed by the trekkers of all ages as there are no age restrictions to participate. To participate in the trek the trekkers must be physically and mentally fit as the trek takes us to an altitude of 4610M. The trekking route is mostly filled with offbeat paths which the trekkers should be prepared to tackle. If the trekker is below the age of 16 (Minor) then they must be accompanied by their guardian inorder to participate in the Gosainkunda Trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures team. We suggest the trekkers have a medical checkup before participating in the Gosainkunda Pass trek to ensure that any health emergencies won't arise during the trek.  
   
   
5. Solo Trekking
   As per the amendment of policies by the Government of Nepal solo trekking is prohibited within the protected areas of Nepal due to the increase in the mortality rate of the solo trekkers. The trekkers must be accompanied by a government licensed guide and porters (if required). The trekkers will be assigned with experienced guides and porters by the Mountain Ram Adventures team who will be assisting the clients for the entirety of the trip. If the trekkers like to meet new people having similar interest in adventure then they can also join a fixed departure group, if the trekkers plan to participate in a fixed departure group then make sure to relay the information to the team. 
   
   
6. Total Cost
   The Gosainkunda Pass trek itinerary designed by the Mountain Ram Adventures offers the clients value for money service and ensures they have a comfortable journey. The price of the package depends upon the size of the group of clients. The price of the trip goes as low as 790 USD per person for a group of 7 clients, 830 USD per person for a group of 2-6 clients and for solo trekkers the rate goes up to 970 USD. The price range of the Gosainkunda Pass trek usually ranges from 850 USD and above in the market. You can check out the cost include and exclude section above to find out what services are included and excluded in the package.
   
   
7. Accommodation and meals available during the trek
   During the Gosainkunda Pass trek the clients will be staying in Tea houses operated by the local people of the Tamanag community during the entirety of the trip. The tea house gives the trekkers an authentic experience of the living ways of the locals. The rooms provided during the trip will be on a twin sharing basis with basic amenities consisting of comfortable beds and warm quilts. While in Kathmandu the clients will be staying in 3 star level accommodations usually around the Thamel area.
   
   The meals available during the Gosainkunda Pass Trek are highly nutritious and replenish the energy of the trekkers. The meals available during the trek ranges from Indian Cuisine, Nepalese cuisine, Tibetan Cuisine and some dishes from the western cuisines as well. Meals of the local Tamang community are also available during the trek including Sel Roti, Sinki (fermented radish), Churpi (Nepalese Yak cheese chew). If the trekkers have any allergies or are vegetarian make sure to inform the team beforehand so that any problems might not arise during the trip.
   
   
8. Gosainkunda Pass Trek Difficulty
   Gosainkunda Pass trek falls under the moderate trekking difficulty grade and is considered to be adventurous. The trek takes us to the maximum elevation of 4610 M at the Laurbinayak Pass where the oxygen level is around 60% of the sea level. The trails take us through the lush green forest of the lower Langtang region to the alpine tundra vegetation at the higher elevations, the routes of the trek are mostly offbeat with challenging inclines and descents which can be enjoyed by beginners as well as seasonal trekkers. Even though considered to be a moderate trekking destination the trekkers should be physically and mentally prepared to tackle the harsh conditions of the Himalayan region.      
   
   
9. Best time to participate in the Gosainkunda Pass Trek
   The best season to participate in the Gosainkunda Pass Trek is during the months of September to November( Autumn Season) and March to May (Spring Season). The Gosainkunda Pass trek can be done all around the year and is also visited by the domestic tourist during the festival of Janai Purnima which usually falls in the months of June-July. During the Winter season (December to February) and Summer/Monsoon season(June to August) the weather is not so favorable and is unpredictable making it not a good time to trek in the Himalayan Region.    
   
   Gosainkunda Trek during the Spring Season
   During the Spring season the weather is pleasant for trekking as the weather does not fluctuate much and the weather is considerably predictable. During the spring season the lower region of the trekking trail of the Gosainkunda Pass trek is covered by the vibrant shades of red as the forest covered with Rhododendron trees starts to bear flowers. During this time the air is also filled with aromatic smells of the wild flowers making the trek even more appealing. The views of the Himalayas are also not disturbed much as there are relatively few clouds to obstruct the views of the glorious peaks.   
   Average Temperature during Spring season: 3 Degrees Celsius to 27 Degrees Celsius.
   
   Gosainkunda Trek during the Autumn season
   The Autumn Season is considered to be the best time to trek in the Gosainkunda Pass trekking trail  or any himalayan destinations as the weather condition can be considered idle for trekking as the temperature is pleasant during the day time and drops to bearable temperature during the night time. The views of the Mountain Peaks are just mesmerizing during the Autumn season as the skies are usually crystal clear. During the month of late October the trekkers can experience snowfall as during the month of November the temperature begins to slowly drop as winter season will begin in the High Himalayas from late November to Early December.
   
   Average Temperature during Autumn Season: 5 degrees celsius to 25 Degrees celsius
   
   Gosainkunda Trek during the Summer/Monsoon Season
   During the Summer/Monsoon Season the Gosainkunda Pass trek is quite risky as the offbeat path is muddy and slippery. During the monsoon season bugs, especially leeches and mosquitoes cause a lot of problems while trekking. The views of the Himalayas are also hidden behind the thick blanket of clouds hiding the true beauty of the Gosainkunda Pass trek. During the monsoon season the weather fluctuates highly and the risks of landslides and thunderstorms is also quite high during the monsoon season. If the trekkers are planning to trek during the monsoon season then they are requested to carry proper waterproof gears and raincoats compulsorily as without it during the monsoon season it is impossible. During the trek we have to cross rivers as well which during the monsoon season the flow increases making it much more challenging and risky. Overall, the Monsoon season is not considered to be a good time to trek due to the fluctuation and gloomy condition.
   Average Temperature during Monsoon Season: 29 Degrees celsius to 8 degrees celsius
   
   Gosainkunda Trek during the Winter Season
   During the winter season the Gosainkunda region is quite astonishing as the thick blanket of fresh snow turns the region into a winter wonderland. The views of the Himalayan region when visible is just mesmerizing as the snow covers the Himalayan Vista making it much more appealing to the trekkers but during the winter season the trek itself will be quite difficult as trekking trails will be covered in a thick layer of snow making it difficult to navigate through. The temperatures can reach well below the freezing point making it unbearable at times. The Gosainkunda lake and the surrounding lakes will also be frozen during the winter season. The trekkers are suggested to compulsorily carry warm gears and essentials for the trip as the temperature can be punishing at times.
   Average temperature during Winter Season: 20 degrees celsius to -4 degrees celsius
   
   Gosainkunda Pass trek during the Shiva Ratri and Janai Purnima
   The Gosainkunda Lake is considered to be an holy water body and is believed to be created by the actions of the God of destruction, Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva swallowed the Halahal poison during the Samudra Manthan to quench the thirst and dry throat he used his Trishul (Trident) and thrusted it to the mountain forming the Gosainkunda Lake. The consumption of the poison also turned Lord Shiva blue. The word Gosainkunda is formed using two Sanskrit words “Gosain” which means the lord of senses and “Kunda” means holy water body. During the festival of Janaipurnima which falls in the month of July or August and ShivaRatri which falls during the month of February or March many devotees who follow Hinduism visit the lake for pilgrimage purposes. It is also believed that the Kumbeshwar/ Baglamukhi Temple complex in the Patan area, Lalitpur is connected to the Gosainkunda Lake and devotees who cannot make the long journey to Gosainkunda can visit the Kumbeshwor Pokhari instead.
   
   
10. Cultural experience during the trek
    The Gosainkunda Pass Trek takes place within the Langtang region which is mostly inhabited by the ethical community of Nepal, the Tamang community. The Tamang ethnic tribe are considered to be the descendants of the ancient Tibetan tribes who migrated to the Langtang region. The Tamang community were considered to be the fearsome warriors who went to war while riding on their horses and that’s also how they got their name as the word Tamang comes from two ancient Tibetan words “Ta” and “Mak” which means Horse and warriors respectively. The Tea Houses of the routes are operated by the locals of the Tamang community. The trekkers can also see different traditional houses built intricately in the old authentic and traditional way. 
    
    To experience the true Tamang culture the trekkers can also participate in the Tamang Heritage Trek or the Tamang Heritage Langtang Valley Trek which offers the trekkers an experience to fully emerge themself with the authentic Tamang culture and their daily life.
    
    
11. Gosainkunda  Pass Trek Tips
    Laundy: During the Gosainkunda Pass trek the Laundry facility will be available in Kathmandu and Dhunche but the trekkers are suggested to use the laundry facility in Kathmandu as it is much more time efficient. The trekkers are suggested to carry proper clothes to last them for the entirety of the trek and after the trek they can give their clothes for laundry service in Kathmandu.  
    
    Hot Shower: During the trek the Hot showers will be available in the tea houses but in order to enjoy the hot shower the locals charge a certain fee for the facility which is usually around 5 USD which is counted towards the personal expenses of the clients and not covered by the itinerary. We suggest the trekkers only take a hot shower if deemed absolutely as the trekkers might not completely dry their body properly which may lead to health complications.   
    
    Internet: During the Gosainkunda trek the trekkers can enjoy the Wi-Fi facility of the Tea Houses for a certain fee which ranges from 2-5 USD per device. The connection is comparatively slow and fluctuates highly. The trekkers can also use the data packages by getting sim from either NTC or NCell. The trekkers can get a nepali sim from the airport and using a data plan is much more effective as they can use the data at different points even though the signal will be relatively low and slow.  
    
    ATMs: ATMs are not available in the trekking routes of the Gosainkunda Pass so the trekkers are suggested to withdraw the required amount in Kathmandu and be prepared. The ATM charges the clients around 3-5% per transaction so if they have USD or any other currency then they are suggested to exchange it into local currency as in the Langtang region the local vendors only accept NPR (Nepalese currency) as payment.
    
    Avoid Consumption: During the Gosainkunda Pass Trek the trekkers are highly suggested to not consume any Alcohol, Cigarette and Caffeine products during the trip as its consumption leads to dry throat and dehydration which might cause altitude sickness and other health complications during the trek.  
    
    
12. Guides and Porters during the Trek
    The Guides and Porters assigned by the Mountain Ram Adventures during the Gosainkunda Pass trek will be experienced and skilled. The guides assigned during the trek will be able to communicate in English with the trekkers and will be assisting during the trek. The guides and porters are part of the Mountain Ram Adventures family where we treat them for their dedication and hardwork and without them trekking, expedition and other adventure activities in the Himalayas is difficult or impossible in some cases. We request the clients to treat the guides and porters  with respect for their assistance and dedication. During the trek the clients will be accompanied by the porters who will be carrying the gears of the trekkers. One porter will be assigned for two trekkers 10KG each, make sure to carry the trekking essentials in your own carry-on bags and keep other essentials in the duffle bags which the porters will carry during the trek.      
    
    
13. Tipping the Guides and Porters
    Generally any trek in the Himalayas will be much more strenuous and difficult without the assistance of the guides and porters so, the trekkers show their appreciation to their guides and porters who have accompanied and assisted them throughout the entire trip by providing handsome tips and gratuities. The rate of the tip heavily depends upon the service satisfaction of the clients towards their guides and porters.
    
    
14. Risks during the Gosainkunda Pass trek
    AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
    During the Gosainkunda Pass Trek the clients will be trekking to an altitude of 4610M at which the oxygen level and atmospheric pressure is quite low which can cause the trekkers to feel light headed, nauseous and headache. The trekkers are requested to inform their guides and group leaders about it so they can regulate the situation and not let it get more complicated. The guides will have a first aid kit with them throughout the trip containing medications for health complications which might arise during the trip. The guides will mitigate the problem and if the heath further deteriorates then they will request for evacuation and transfer you to a hospital in Kathmandu via a helicopter.       
    
    Indigestion
    During the Gosainkunda Pass trek the trekkers can enjoy the meals prepared by the locals operating the accommodations in the trekking routes. The trekkers can enjoy meals variating fro multiple cuisines and the trekkers are suggested to have a proper balanced nutritious meal as having improper meals can lead to complications like indigestion and nausea which can be a big problem in the high Himalayas. The trekkers are to inform their guides and team about any food allergies and any health complications before the starting of the trek to ensure that no health complications will arise during the trek.      
    
    
15. Contact details
    The Mountain Ram Adventures team will be in contact with the clients well before the starting of the trip and will be relaying them information and plans with them to ensure there are no misunderstandings. The clients can contact us at +977 9851074270 directly or through Viber or Whatsapp. The clients can also contact us via mail at info@mountainramadventures.com where we will get back to our clients as soon as possible. You can also contact us on +977 14701168, which is the landline number of the head office of the Mountain Ram Adventures at Z-street, Thamel and calls to the number will be received during the office hour of 10 AM- 6 PM NPT (+5:45).
    
    
16. Visa and Entry Requirement
    Inorder to participate in the Gosainkunda Pass Trek the trekkers need to have a valid Nepalese visa, in order to obtain the visa they can visit the Embassy of Nepal or Consultant office of Nepal in their own respective country. The visa formalities to obtain a visa for Nepal is a hassle and stress free process. The Department of Immigration Nepal also offers visa on arrival for citizens of some selected countries where the travelers can get a valid visa upon their arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You can check the official website at the Department of Immigration to check whether you are eligible for a visa on arrival.
    
    
17. Money Exchange
    For the Gosainkunda Pass trek the trekkers must carry Nepalese currency for personal expenses and emergency fund as the local operators only accept NPR as the form of payment. The trekkers are suggested to exchange the required money from the money exchange vendors of the Thamel area and make sure to be updated on the rate of exchange to get the best possible deal. The trekkers can also withdraw the required sum from the ATMs available in the Thamel area. The banks tend to charge a certain fee as International transaction fee ranging from around 2-5% per transaction.      
    
    
18. Personal Expenses and Emergency Fund
    During the Gosainkunda Pass Trek the trekkers are suggested to carry a certain amount as personal expenses ranging around 1500 NPR(15 USD) per day and around 15,000 NPR (150 USD) for the entire trip. The personal expenses can be used for Internet, Hot Shower, Charging, Meals and many more  whereas the emergency fund will be used if any unseen events arise which might cause us to extend the trip.
    
    
    1. Travelers Courtesy towards the Nepalese Culture
    2. Start any conversation by using the word “Namaste” which is a common greeting in Nepal.
    3. Don't point at anyone or anything with your feet as it is considered to be disrespectful in the Nepalese Culture.
    4. Always remember to take off your shoes while entering a Shrine, Temple, Monastery, any religious sites and hosts/friends house.
    5. Address the locals using “Dai” which means brother and “Didi” which means sister and make sure to respect the aged population.
    6. Use your right hand or both hands while receiving and giving someone anything.
    7. Always dress modestly and don’t show any form of affection in public and religious sites as it is frowned upon in the Nepalese community. 
       
       
19. Packing Tips
    The Mountain Ram Adventures Team will provide the clients with a short checklist for the trip which will cover all the essential gears and equipment which will be crucial for the Gosainkunda Pass Trek.
    Clothing: Lightweight Fleece Jacket, 3-4 trekking shirts, inner wears, Hats and Scarfs, trekking tracks, waterproof jackets, sturdy trekking boots, inner garments and socks. 
    Backpack and personal kit: A trekking bag of around 45 liter capacity will be sufficient for the trek, Sanitizers, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, Sunscreen, cold cream, lip balm, sun glasses.
    Medicine: Prescribed medication, Antifungal cream, Vomistop, Bug repellent, paracetamol, antiseptic cream.
    Electronic gadget: Spare batteries, head lamps, charger, camera, powerbank, Cables.
    Documents: Passport, Visa, Insurance, Permits, Photo, Vaccine Card.
    
    
20. Extension of the trip
    The Gosainkunda Pass Trek is a 13 day journey which takes us through the core of the Langtang National park and is considered to be a thrilling journey. The trekkers can extend their journey if they want as there are other beautiful destinations within the Langtang region including the famous Langtang Valley Trek and Langtang Circuit Trek.
    
    
    If the trekkers want to experience the beauty of other destinations within Nepal the Mountain Ram Adventures team will be ecstatic to arrange any travel itinerary for you. The trekkers can participate in the Chitwan Jungle Safari tour as well. The team offers flexible packages to the clients according to their travel preferences and can design custom packages according to the customer travel plans, the clients can mail us at info@mountainramadventures.com if they have any inquiry about any destinations within Nepal.  
    
    
21. Alternative Trek within Langtang Region
    The Langtang Region offers some of the most beautiful and scenic trekking destinations in Nepal or even on an international level. The scenes of the High Himalayas and the Himalayan vista seen during any of the trekking routes within Langtang region can be considered unparalleled. The trekkers can participate in various Trekking Destinations within Langtang Region packages offered by the Mountain Ram Adventures team.