Gosaikunda is a well-known sacred lake at 4,380 m in Langtang National Park, reached in four to six days on a lodge trail from Dhunche. Panch Pokhari, "five lakes", lies at about 4,100 m in Sindhupalchok, further east, and is reached in eight to ten days on a quiet route with few lodges. Choose Gosaikunda for a short, supported trek; choose Panch Pokhari for solitude.
Gosaikunda and Panch Pokhari at a glance
- Height. Gosaikunda: 4,380 m. Panch Pokhari: about 4,100 m.
- Days. Gosaikunda: 4 to 6. Panch Pokhari: 8 to 10.
- Lodging. Gosaikunda: lodges throughout. Panch Pokhari: basic lodges and homestays low down; tents or shelters higher.
- Start point. Gosaikunda: Dhunche, 6 to 7 hours from Kathmandu. Panch Pokhari: Chautara or Bhotang, 5 to 7 hours from Kathmandu.
- Trekkers. Gosaikunda: many, plus pilgrims. Panch Pokhari: very few.
- Views. Gosaikunda: Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, Annapurna. Panch Pokhari: Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Rolwaling, distant Everest range.
What they share
Both are groups of high lakes sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, and both draw pilgrims at the Janai Purnima full moon in August. Both lie north of Kathmandu, within a day's drive. There the likeness ends.
Gosaikunda
The trail from Dhunche climbs steadily through forest to Sing Gompa and up a ridge to the lakes, with lodges at every stage. It is busy in season and at festival time. See the Gosaikunda Lake trek guides.
Panch Pokhari
The route climbs from farming villages through thick forest onto long, open ridges with very few people. Higher up there are only herders' shelters and simple pilgrim rest houses, so most groups carry tents and food. From a hill above the lakes there is a wide sunrise view over the Jugal range. See Panch Pokhari, the five sacred lakes.
Difficulty
Gosaikunda is short and steep, and its main risk is altitude gained too fast. Panch Pokhari is lower but longer, with rough trails, long stages and little support, which makes it the harder trek overall.
Season
October to November and March to May for both. Winter snow closes the higher sections. The monsoon brings leeches and cloud, though it is the pilgrimage season.
Permits and guide
Gosaikunda needs the Langtang National Park permit and a TIMS card. Panch Pokhari lies in the eastern part of the same national park and needs its permit too. On Panch Pokhari a guide and crew are a necessity, since the trail is faint in places and there is nowhere to buy food for several days.
The festival
At Janai Purnima, the August full moon, both lakes fill with pilgrims who bathe, change their sacred threads and watch shamans, called jhankri, drum and dance through the night. It falls in the monsoon, so the trails are wet and cloudy, but for anyone interested in Himalayan religion it is an extraordinary time to go.
Wildlife and forest
The Panch Pokhari route passes through some of the least disturbed forest near Kathmandu, with a chance of seeing Himalayan tahr, pheasants and, with great luck, red panda. Gosaikunda's forest below Sing Gompa is also red panda habitat, and a small area there is protected for it.
Cost
Gosaikunda is one of the cheapest high treks in Nepal. Panch Pokhari costs several times more per person, because of the camping crew and supplies.
Choose Gosaikunda if
- You have under a week.
- You want lodges and a clear trail.
- You may link with Langtang or Helambu.
- You want to see a living pilgrimage site.
Choose Panch Pokhari if
- You want a trail almost to yourself.
- You are happy to camp.
- You have eight days or more.
- You have already done the Langtang area.
Plan it
Ask us about either trek; Panch Pokhari needs a camping crew arranged in advance.
Common questions
Which lake is higher?
Gosaikunda, by about 280 m.
Are there lodges at Panch Pokhari?
Only very basic shelter. Plan to camp.
How many lakes are at Gosaikunda?
Local tradition counts 108 in the area; three large ones are seen from the trail.
Which is closer to Kathmandu?
They are a similar distance by road, in different directions.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
