Full Moon Trek to Nepal’s Sacred Lake: Dancing with Shamans
Trip Highlights of Full Moon Trek to Nepal’s Sacred Lake: Dancing with Shamans
- Trek with native pilgrims to a sacred lake in Nepal.
- Take part in a shamanic event at a high altitude.
- Observe a night of dancing while the moon is full.
- Spend the night camping around Lake Gosainkunda.
- Follow the historic route of trade between Tibet and Nepal.
Itinerary of Full Moon Trek to Nepal’s Sacred Lake: Dancing with Shamans
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Bus to Dhunche
Greetings from Nepal! You will embark on an 8 to 9-hour trip from the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, to Dhunche, the starting site of your trekking experience. By taking the local bus, you’ll be able to observe daily life rhythms and interact with people before arriving at your lodge accommodations for the night.
Day 2: Trek to Sing Gompa
Greetings from Nepal! You will embark on an 8 to 9-hour trip from the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, to Dunche, the starting site of your trekking experience. By taking the local bus, you’ll be able to observe daily life rhythms and interact with people before arriving at your lodge accommodations for the night.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: (3,200 m)
Day 3: Trek to Laurebinayak
As you ascend in altitude today, you’ll hike more slowly to give your body time to adjust as you make your way to Laurebinayak, your next stop. As is typical in Nepal, the trail is gradually but steadily ascending. Depending on the weather, you’ll get breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains along the way, particularly the (6,900 m) summit of Langtang.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 11,811 feet (3,600 m)
Day 4: Trek to Gosaikunda
The terrain becomes more difficult as you approach the holy lakes this morning as you set off from Laurebinayak. The several hundred pilgrims who are following the path will begin to join you along the way; they move quickly and will have begun at the base this morning. You’ll eventually reach the revered lake of Gosaikunda, which is already teeming with people.
This voyage to the lake, thought to be the home of Lord Shiva, the supreme shaman, is made by pilgrims and apprentice shamans every August full moon. According to legend, the destructor of evil would visit these high-altitude lakes to quench his thirst and heal amidst the pristine beauty when he became poisoned while he was victorious against evil. Several hundred pilgrims will join in as the apprentices dance the night away to demonstrate that they are fully shamans.
The music and dance will intensify as night falls when pilgrims and locals alike dance the night away in adoration and devotion.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 14,107 feet (4,300 m)
Day 5: Rest Day in Gosaikunda
While the shamans dance their way to a shrine in the lake’s eastern corner, the majority of pilgrims will bathe in the lake this morning to atone for their transgressions. Then, after another hour or so of walking to the 15,091-foot (4,600 m) pass, you’ll have the opportunity to return to the hamlet, which is now deserted as most of the pilgrims have begun their ascent. Enjoy the breathtaking peace this afternoon as you gaze out over the holy lake and take in a mountain sunset encounter a mountain sunset and a holy lake.
Day 6: Trek to ThuloSyabru
Rested and strong, you’ll start your long descent today, passing Sing Gomba and continuing towards your base for the night in ThuloSyabru, on the edge of the famous Langtang Valley. After a full day of downhill trekking, you’ll be happy to reach your lodge in time for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Elevation: 8,530 feet (2,600 m)
Day 7: Trek to Syabrubesi
The final portion of the trip will be completed after breakfast as you descend to the river and cross it into Syabrubesi, the starting and finishing points of hikes into the Langtang Valley and along the Tamang Heritage Trail. In contrast to the villages you’ve seen thus far, this little town serves as a hub for the region and is therefore more developed.
You’ll have plenty of time in the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. With your trekking group, have a modest celebration dinner as night falls.
Trekking time: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 7,874 feet (2,400 m)
Day 8: Bus to Kathmandu & Departure
Today marks the end of your adventure as you board an early local bus for the whole day’s trip back to Kathmandu and your next destination. Travel safely!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is considered moderate to challenging due to steep climbs and high altitude (4,380 m).
Yes. Since the trek reaches above 4,000 meters at Gosainkunda, proper acclimatization and hydration are important.
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory if you are physically fit.
Basic teahouse lodges with simple rooms and shared facilities.
Yes, porter services are available at additional cost and can carry up to 20–25 kg.
Boiled water is available at teahouses for an extra charge. Water purification tablets are recommended.
Spring and autumn offer the best weather and mountain views.