Goshaikunda Pilgrimage Tour

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m) and Transfer to the hotelUpon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative from Himkala Adventure greets you cordially and transfers to Hotel in Thamel. Thamel is 5 km far from airport to the west and is the touristy with the blending of duo modern and ancient architectural buildings, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants etc. After check in hotel, you could stroll around the market. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 02Sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley After breakfast, we get ready for the day tour in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We begin our tour from Swoyambhunath Stupa, lovingly called it ‘Monkey Temple’, perched in conical shaped hill, 77 m high from the ground floor. The site of Swoyambhu Mahachaitya is the cradle of Bajrayana Buddhism, a traditional unique to Kathmandu Valley. Bajrayana is a tantric variation of the Mahayana (the larger vehicle) Tradition. This place is the spiritual house of all the Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas symbolized by the five Dhyani Buddhas: Aksobya in the East, Ratnasambhava in the South, Amitabha in the West, AmoghaSiddhi in the North and Vairochana in the Center.Shatikat Acharya, the great tantric has built a temple for each of the five elements wind, earth, fire, water and sky. The hemispherical garba is made of brick and stone. Tibetan believers pour lime down the chaitya as a ritual to cure illnesses of family members. The magnificent temple on the western side of the dome is Harati temple, dedicated to mother protrectress known as Shitala for Hindus and Ajima for Newari and Harati for Buddhists, attracts worshippers for the protection of children against diseases. After this we drive 2 and half kilometers to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Durbar Square is actually made up of two sub areas. The outer complex is renowned for numerous interesting temples as Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap, Shiva-Parvati Temple, Jagannath Temple, and Big Bell etc. while the inner complex comprises the old palace area, Hanuman Dhoka and its courtyards as Nasal Chowk, Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Lohan Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Basantapur Durbar and others. Besides the magnificent temples and shrines, other interesting aspects are various festivals, cultural activities and traditions people are following from centuries. The mystical charm of the Durbar Square allures the visitors to spend hours wondering around the area.The sites is being renovated after the massive earthquake – 2015. Another place, after 6 km drive is Boudhanath stupa, one of the greatest stupas in the world. This has been partially damaged by the earthquake and now under restoration. The splendid dome of Boudha Stupa is approximately 120 ft in diameter, 1 hector in width and 43.25 m in height. It is known as Jyarung Khashyor. This stupa is religiously, culturally and archeologically very important. It has become the center of a thriving town of monasteries, craftsmanship, and businesses. It is believed that those who reside around this great stupa will never have to suffer from the hunger, famine and unfavorable conditions. The other important sites around Boudha Stupa are Ajima Temple, Guru Lhakhang Monastery, Samteling Monastery, Jhamchen Lhakhang and Palri Tahsi Migyur Dorje Gyaltsen Ling etc. There are more than 28 monasteries around this area. The fourth place we visit is Pashupatinath Temple, Shiva temple, described Him as Lord of the entire living beings and the source of eternal bliss and peace. Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest temples of the world revered and worshipped both by Hindus and Buddhists. We can see the cremation ghat, ritual bathers, priests performing ritual activities, and the sadhus lying smearing ashes in their bodies half naked. Since time immemorial, the Pashupati Area has been a place of prayer and worship for freedom from worldly bondage as well as a place of meditation to realize oneself as part of the Supreme Self. We can see the main Shiva Temple with its golden roof and silver doors, the Basuki Naga Temple, Shivalayas with phallic idols, other temples dedicated to Rama and Vishnu, the temple dedicated to mother goddess Parvati etc. After the sightseeing, we return back to hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 03Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (1,950 m), 7 hrs. Overnight at hotel It is about 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche via Trishuli Bazaar. Dhunche is 119 km far from Kathmandu at an altitude of 1,950 m. Dhunche is the gateway for the Langtang, Goshaikunda and Helambu trekking. There is an army check post where we should pay the entrance fee for Langtang National Park. Overnight at Dhunche

Day 04Trek from Dhunche to Chandanbari (3,200 m), 5-6 hrs. Overnight at lodge After breakfast, we begin our trek with great excitement and devotion. The trail slowly goes up then we come to cross the Trishuli River which has been originated from Goshaikunda Lake, the trail further steeply goes up. It is long and exhausting ascent to Chandanbari. We stay tonight here at Chandanbari. Overnight at Chandanbari

Day 05Trek from Chandanbari to Goshaikunda Lake (4,360 m) via Lauribinayak (3,700 m). Overnight at Lodge After breakfast, we gradually hike up through the pine forest and reach to Cholang Pati. From here, the trail leads uphill to Lauribinayak. We finally hit the ridge and begin to walk straight over the cliff to Goshaikunda. It is an indelible moment that we will be able to see many Kundas (Ponds). It offers the panoramic Himalayan view from Annapurna to Langtang. Overnight at Goshaikunda

Day 06Trek back from Goshainkunda to Chandanbari (3,200 m). Overnight at Lodge Today, we go to worship nearby temple on the bank of Goshaikunda Lake. We take ritual bath, do worshipping and walk around the Goshaikunda Lake. Then after breakfast, we descend the same way we walked before and arrive at Candanbari. Overnight at Chandanbari

Day 07Trek back from Chandanbari to Dhunche (1,950 m). Overnight at hotel After breakfast, we gently retrace back to Dhunche. Overnight at Dhunche

Day 08Drive back to Kathmandu from Dhunche, 7 hrs. Overnight at hotel Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu from Dhunche. It is the same highway with green valley, terraced farmland, and picturesque mountains. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 09Transfer to the Airport Your trip ends with pile of memories and pictures captured in your mind, heart and camera. Still we would like to lengthen your stay but you have other destination as well. We escort you to the Tribhuvan International airport 3 hours before your flight. If you could manage time for shopping before you fly, we could help you show the bustling local market. Then we proceed to the airport and leave you on the departure gate. We wish you safe and happy journey to your next destination. Namaste with palms together!!!