Gosaikunda Lake

 

Gosaikunda Lake

Gosaikunda, also spelled Gosainkunda, is a lake in Nepal's Langtang National Park, located at an elevation of 4,380 m (14,370 ft) in the Rasuwa District with a surface area of 13.8 ha (34 acres).Together with associated lakes, the Gosaikunda Lake complex is 1,030 ha (2,500 acres) in size and was designated a Ramsar site on 29 September 2007.

The lake melts to form the Trishuli River; it remains frozen for six months in the winter October to June. There are 108 lakes in the vicinity. The Lauribina La pass at an elevation of 4,610 m (15,120 ft) is on its outskirts.

.The Gosaikunda Trek is considered moderately difficult) making it manageable for beginners with good physical fitness, though the high altitude and steep climbs present real challenges. 

Religious significance

According to legend, the spring that feeds the pond in the Kumbheshwar temple complex in Patan is connected to Gosaikunda. Therefore, those who cannot make the long journey to the lake, visit Kumbeshwar Pokhari instead.

The “Samudra Manthana” or churning of the ocean is said to be the origin of the Gosaikunda lake. When Lord Shiva swallowed poison, he is said to have pierced his “trishul” to the ground to tap water to soothe his stinging throat. The Gosaikunda lake is said to have been created in this manner, and is revered by Hindus.

Key Challenges

High Altitude: The main lake sits at 4,380 meters (14,370 feet), and the trail climbs over the Lauribina / Laura Binyak Pass at over 4,600 meters. Thin air increases the risk of altitude sickness.
Steep Ascents: Expect continuous uphill walking on rugged dirt paths, stone staircases, and rocky ridges for 5 to 7 hours each day.
Weather Shifts: Mountain weather can change fast, bringing cold temperatures and strong winds, particularly near the lake

Major Festivals and Pilgrimage

Janai Purnima: Thousands of pilgrims travel to the lake every August for the Janai Purnima festival.
Holy Bath: Devotees take a dip in the freezing waters to wash away their sins and change their sacred threads (janai)

Trekking and Scenery

High Altitude: The main lake sits at an elevation of 4,380 meters (14,370 feet) above sea level.
Stunning Views: It is part of a famous Himalayan360 trekking route that offers clear alpine water surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and a network of 108 smaller lakes. 

The trek from Dhunche to Gosaikunda covers a distance of about 15 to 18 kilometers (9 to 11 miles) one way and typically takes 2 to 3days of walking to reach the lake, or 4 to 5 days for complete round-trip including the return descent.

भोटेकोशी बाढी : सम्पर्कविहीनको खोज तथा उद्धार जारी

 भोटेकोशी बाढी : सम्पर्कविहीनको खोज तथा उद्धार जारी

नेपाली सेनाको कमाण्डमा सशस्त्र प्रहरी र नेपाल प्रहरी तथा विशेषज्ञ टोलीले जलविद्युत् आयोजनाको सुरुङमा फसेकाको उद्धारको प्रयासलाई निरन्तरता दिएको छ ।

काठमाडौँ — रसुवास्थित भोटेकोशी बाढीका कारण सुरक्षाकर्मी, कर्मचारी, जलविद्युत् आयोजनाको मजदुर र विदेशी पर्यटक गरी अझै ३ हजार ९२५ व्यक्ति सम्पर्कविहीन छन् ।

यही भदौ १० गतेको उक्त बाढीमा नेपाल प्रहरीका २५, नेपाली सेनाका ४५, सशस्त्र प्रहरीका १३, भन्सारका कर्मचारी १५, अध्यागमनका कर्मचारी तीन, जलविद्युत् आयोजनाका कर्मचारी ६३९, विदेशी नागरिक ५९२, पर्यटकसँग घुम्न गएका १६४ नेपाली, रसुवाका ८६५, नुवाकोटका एक हजार ५५८, लाङटाङ राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज र क्वारेन्टाइन कार्यालयका तीन/तीन जना कर्मचारी अझै सम्पर्कविहीन छन् । 

सरकारले सम्पर्कविहीन नागरिकको खोज तथा उद्धार तीव्र पारेको छ । प्रधानमन्त्री वालेन्द्र शाहले नागरिकको जीवन रक्षा गर्न हरसम्भव प्रयास जारी राखिएको स्पष्ट पारेका छन् । नेपाली सेनाको कमाण्डमा सशस्त्र प्रहरी र नेपाल प्रहरी तथा विशेषज्ञ टोलीले जलविद्युत् आयोजनाको सुरुङमा फसेकाको उद्धारको प्रयासलाई निरन्तरता दिएको छ । 

त्रिशूली-३ ‘ए’ मा ‘टनेल हेड’ फेला परेको र ‘कम्प्रेसर’बाट हावा भित्र पठाउने काम भइरहेको नेपाली सेनाले जनाएको छ । टनेलभित्रको पानी निकाल्नाका साथै तीन वटा एक्साभेटर प्रयोग गरी पछाडि रहेको वैकल्पिक मार्ग १५ मिटर खोलिएको सेनाले जनाएको छ । 

• रसुवास्थित भोटेकोशी बाढीपछि सुरक्षाकर्मी, कर्मचारी, जलविद्युत् आयोजनाका मजदुर तथा विदेशी पर्यटकसहित ३ हजार ९२५ जना अझै सम्पर्कविहीन छन्। सरकारको नेतृत्वमा सुरुङमा फसेकाको खोज तथा उद्धारका लागि नेपाली सेना, सशस्त्र प्रहरी, नेपाल प्रहरी र विशेषज्ञ टोली परिचालित छन्।
• बाढीमा परी मृत्यु भएका ९३९ जनाको शव फेला परेको छ भने ११ हजार ३७९ जनाको उद्धार गरिएको छ। प्रभावित क्षेत्रमा २१ हजार ८०० सुरक्षाकर्मी परिचालन गरी खोज, उद्धार र पहिचान नखुलेका शव व्यवस्थापनको काम जारी छ।

NEPAL FLOOD VICTIMS 2026

 Nepal Flood Victims – 2026

On 26 August 2026, severe flash floods struck areas of Nepal, particularly along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors. Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and other districts were seriously affected. The disaster destroyed homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure, leaving many families displaced and many people missing.

The victims urgently need food, clean drinking water, temporary shelter, medical treatment, clothing and psychological support. Search-and-rescue teams are continuing their efforts, while the government and humanitarian organizations are providing emergency assistance. WHO has also supplied emergency medical materials and released US$150,000 for the flood response.

The Government of Nepal has appealed to citizens, organizations and institutions to support the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund and help affected families with immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.

Key needs of flood victims:

• Food and safe drinking water
• Temporary shelter and blankets
• Medical treatment and medicines
• Rescue and evacuation
• Support for children and elderly people
• Psychological and emotional support
• Reconstruction of homes and infrastructure
  
• Long-term livelihood assistance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  
  
  

Nepal experienced a devastating flash-flood disaster on 26 August 2026, particularly around the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. The floods caused widespread destruction in areas including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and Nawalparasi. Homes, roads, bridges, hydropower projects and other infrastructure were severely damaged.

Thousands of people were affected by the disaster. Many families lost their homes and livelihoods, while others were separated from relatives who remained missing. Rescue teams from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been working to evacuate survivors, recover victims and deliver emergency supplies.

Major needs of flood victims

• 🏠 Temporary shelter
• 🍚 Food and clean drinking water
• 💊 Medicines and medical care
• 👕 Clothes and blankets
• 🚁 Search-and-rescue assistance
• ❤️ Psychological and emotional support
• 🏗️ Reconstruction of homes, roads and bridges

The disaster highlights the importance of early-warning systems, disaster preparedness, safe settlements and rapid emergency response in Nepal's mountainous and flood-prone areas.

Nuwakot Flood Disaster – 2026

On 26 August 2026, a devastating flash flood struck Nuwakot District, especially communities along the Trishuli River. The flood swept through homes, roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure, leaving many families displaced and searching for missing relatives.

The Devighat and Bidur areas were among the affected locations. Floodwaters and debris caused severe damage to homes and local infrastructure, while rescue teams worked to evacuate residents and provide emergency assistance.

Main impacts

• 🏠 Houses and buildings destroyed or damaged
• 🌉 Roads and bridges swept away
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families displaced and separated
• 🚑 Injuries, deaths and missing people
• 🌾 Agricultural land and livelihoods affected
• 💧 Urgent need for food, drinking water and shelter

The disaster has created a major need for search and rescue, emergency shelter, food, medical care, clean water and psychological support for survivors. Rescue and relief operations continue in the affected areas.

 Trishuli Flood Disaster – Nepal

The Trishuli flood disaster was a devastating flash-flood event that affected communities along the Trishuli River in Nuwakot and surrounding areas in late August 2026. A sudden surge of water and large amounts of mud, rocks and debris swept through settlements, damaging homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. 

The disaster caused deaths, injuries, displacement and widespread destruction. Many families were forced to leave their homes, while rescue teams searched for missing people and provided emergency assistance. Thick mud and damaged roads made rescue and recovery particularly difficult.

Major impacts

• 🏠 Houses and buildings damaged or destroyed
• 🌊 Large areas covered by floodwater and mud
• 🌉 Roads and bridges damaged
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families displaced and separated
• 🚑 Rescue and emergency operations required
• 🍚 Urgent need for food, clean water, shelter and medical support

The disaster demonstrates the importance of early-warning systems, disaster preparedness, safe settlements and rapid evacuation in flood-prone areas of Nepal. An early warning helped evacuate more than 900 students from a school in Bidur shortly before the flood reached the area.