Frozen Lakes and Mountain Legends
Gosaikunda is a high-altitude freshwater lake system (4,380m). According to Hindu mythology, the lake was created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his trident into the mountain to extract water to cool his burning throat after swallowing poison.
The trek usually starts from Dhunche in the Langtang region. It is a steep climb through rhododendron and pine forests. As you break the treeline, you are greeted by views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.
There are 108 lakes in the vicinity, with Gosaikunda being the main one. In winter, the lake is frozen solid. In August, during the Janai Purnima festival, shamans and pilgrims flock here for a holy dip.
For a more extended trek, you can cross the Laurebina Pass (4,610m) to descend into the Helambu region. The views from the pass are spectacular, stretching all the way to the Annapurnas on a clear day.
If you are interested in Hindu mythology and want to witness a landscape of sacred alpine lakes, Gosaikunda is a powerful and scenic destination.
