The Janai Purnima Gosaikunda Trek with Shamans is a combination of cultural and adventure experiences. This unique trip is organized once a year. The festival of Janai Purnima, also known as Rakshya Bandhan, is widely celebrated by Hindus worldwide. “Janai” refers to a sacred cotton string worn across the chest by males, while “Purnima” signifies the full moon. However, in Nepal, Janai Purnima holds special significance for Shamans, who predominantly belong to the Tamang community. On the night of Purnima (Full Moon), Shamans conduct puja ceremonies in their homes throughout the night. These rituals aim to banish negative energies and remove obstacles from families, as well as purify homes and families. The following day, they journey to specific temples or lakes such as Goshaikunda, sometimes traveling for a week to reach significant holy sites and perform sacred rituals.
Goshaikunda Lake, a beautiful site located north of Kathmandu at an altitude of 4380m, holds religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. During Janai Purnima, thousands of pilgrims and hundreds of Shamans travel to this holy lake from different parts of the country.
Blossom Expeditions organizes the Janai Purnima Goshaikunda Trek with Shamans to observe these sacred rituals and to learn more about the mountain’s culture and practices. This week-long trek starts from Dhunche and ends at Dhunche.
Day-01 Drive from Kathmandu to Dunche (1960m.) by reserved 4W Jeep or Bus 6-7 hours
Day-02 Trek to Sing Gompa (3330m.) 4-5 hours
Day-03 Short Trek to Lauribinaya (3910m.) 2-3 hours and rest
Day-04 Trek to Gosainkunda (4380m.) with Shamans 3-4 hours and return to Lauribinaya
Day-05 Trek to Dhunche 4-5 hours
Day-06 Drive to Kathmandu by reserved 4W Jeep or Bus
Note: Tea houses are overcrowded during the festival. Therefore, we sleep in our own tents if the guest house full and eat at the Tea house. But if the Tea houses are too busy and unable to cook, then we will cook for you easy foods like Instant Noodle, Musely, and Porridge.
Comments