Shiva the Hindu deity is the ultimate yogi or shaman. Every year on the full moon day in August shamans from around the country gather at the holy lake of Gosaikunda to pay homage to Shiva, their master their guru, and the ultimate shaman. Young shamans also gather to parade their skills in the hope to graduate to full shamans. The whole area has a festive mood for two days and the lake is turned into a riot of colors with the beating of the drums and chanting of tantric mantras. This is once in a lifetime experience of a culture or rather a practice that is deep-rooted in tantric Hinduism and Buddhism.
Day 1 — Kathmandu → Dhunche
• Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche
• Approx. 7–9 hours by local bus or jeep
• Overnight in lodge/tea house
This day is mainly acclimatization and entry into the Langtang region.
Day 2 — Dhunche → Sing Gompa (Chandanbari)
• Trek through pine and rhododendron forests
• Pass through Deurali and small Tamang settlements
• Overnight at Sing Gompa
Approx:
• 5–6 hours trekking
• Moderate ascent
Day 3 — Sing Gompa → Laurebina
• Continue climbing above tree line
• Expansive Himalayan views begin
• Overnight at Laurebina
You’ll likely see:
• Langtang National Park scenery
• Langtang Himal range
• Pilgrims moving upward toward the lakes
Day 4 — Laurebina → Gosainkunda
• Trek to the sacred lakes at ~4,300m
• Arrival during festival period is the highlight
At Gosainkunda Lake:
• Shamans perform drum rituals
• Pilgrims chant and dance overnight
• Bon, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions blend together
This is the core “Dancing With The Shaman” experience.
Day 5 — Festival & Ritual Day at Gosainkunda
Usually includes:
• Sacred bathing at sunrise
• Full moon ceremonies
• Shamanic drumming (dhyangro)
• Ritual processions to Trishul Dhara
• Overnight lake stay
Some accounts mention:
• Apprentice shamans “graduating”
• Healing and trance rituals
• Egg-balancing drum competitions
Day 6 — Gosainkunda → Thulo Syabru / Syabru
• Descend through alpine ridges and forest
• Much easier physically than ascent
• Overnight in village tea house
Day 7 — Syabru → Syabrubesi
• Easier trekking day
• Explore Tamang villages and local culture
• Final mountain overnight
Day 8 — Return to Kathmandu
• Jeep or local bus back to Kathmandu
• Trek ends