Preparations have begun for the annual religious fair at Gosaikunda, a renowned pilgrimage and tourism destination in Rasuwa, ahead of Janai Purnima. Authorities have formed 11 subcommittees to ensure the festival is safe, well-managed, and convenient for the thousands of pilgrims expected to visit the high-altitude destination. The fair will be held on August 28 on the occasion of Janai Purnima.
11 Committees Formed for Festival Management
Under the leadership of Langtang National Park, 11 subcommittees have been established to oversee different aspects of the festival. The committees are responsible for areas including:
- Cleanliness and environmental protection
- Volunteer mobilization
- Health services
- Publicity and information
- Transportation management
- Financial management
- Coordination and internal management
- Security
- Rate determination and other logistical arrangements
According to Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, information officer at Langtang National Park, the committees have already started working to make the journey to Gosaikunda easier, safer and more organized for pilgrims. Local governments and communities are also coordinating with security agencies and health institutions to manage the expected influx of visitors.
Trail Maintenance and Accommodation Upgraded
Preparations are also underway along the main pilgrimage trail. Dawa Sidar Waiba, ward chair of Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-6, said work has started on repairing and cleaning the religious trail and improving hotels and lodges in the area. Arrangements are also being made for adequate food, snacks and drinking water, while health camps and emergency rescue services are being prepared for the festival period. Considering the risk of altitude sickness at Gosaikunda, a medical team equipped with oxygen facilities will be stationed at the destination to provide immediate assistance to visitors.
Health, Security and Rescue Arrangements
The festival management plan involves coordination among the District Health Office, Langtang National Park, District Administration Office, Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Gosaikunda Area Development Committee, media representatives and civil society organizations. According to Govinda Batyal, executive director of the Himalayan Rescue Association, these agencies will work together on medical treatment, emergency rescue, security, information dissemination and other essential services. Gosaikunda Rural Municipality Chair Kaisangnurpu Tamang said arrangements have been made to rescue seriously ill pilgrims free of charge. Depending on weather and accessibility, vehicles will be used for evacuation where possible, while helicopters will be deployed when necessary.
Gosaikunda: A High-Altitude Pilgrimage Destination
Located at an altitude of approximately 4,380 meters above sea level, Gosaikunda is one of Nepal’s most important high-altitude religious destinations. According to Hindu religious belief, bathing and worshipping at the sacred lake on Janai Purnima brings spiritual merit and is considered equivalent to receiving blessings from numerous deities. The annual festival attracts a large number of pilgrims from different parts of Nepal as well as India and other locations. The combination of religious significance, Himalayan landscapes, and mountain culture has also made Gosaikunda an important destination for religious and adventure tourism.
Two-Day Journey from Kathmandu
Gosaikunda can be reached through a popular trekking route beginning from Kathmandu. According to local pilgrim Sonam Gyalbo Ghale, travelers can generally reach Deurali in Rasuwa on the first day and Gosaikunda on the second day, making the destination a popular choice among pilgrims. The route also provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the region’s Himalayan landscape, local settlements, and mountain environment.
Local Businesses Prepare for Increased Visitor Flow
With the festival approaching, local hotels and businesses have started transporting food, daily necessities, and other essential supplies to meet the expected demand. Hotel operator Pasang Ghyurmi Tamang said preparations are underway to ensure sufficient food and other supplies are available during the festival. Additional temporary shelters, locally known as Tharku, are also being constructed along the trail. Around 200 temporary shelters are planned to accommodate pilgrims and provide resting places during the journey.
Thousands of Pilgrims Expected
Sanjiv D.M., chair of the Gosaikunda Area Development Committee, said thousands of devotees are expected to visit the destination this year. The combination of religious faith, natural beauty and Himalayan culture makes Gosaikunda a unique destination that attracts both pilgrims and visitors interested in mountain tourism.
Authorities Urge Visitors to Travel Safely
Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar said the necessary security and emergency rescue arrangements have been put in place for visitors traveling to Gosaikunda. He urged pilgrims to travel with confidence while remaining mindful of the challenging high-altitude environment and changing mountain weather. With preparations underway across the trekking route, accommodation facilities, health services, security agencies and local communities, authorities are aiming to make this year’s Gosaikunda Janai Purnima pilgrimage safer, more organized and more visitor-friendly.
