• Hindu pilgrims trek to reach Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Hindu pilgrims trek to reach Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • An elderly pilgrim ritually applies corn flour in his face while trekking. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    An elderly pilgrim ritually applies corn flour in his face while trekking. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • Early morning fog lurks around trekking path. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Early morning fog lurks around trekking path. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • Harka Bahadur Silwal carries a trident on his way to Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Harka Bahadur Silwal carries a trident on his way to Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • Devotees cross a suspended bridge. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Devotees cross a suspended bridge. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • A group of elderly female devotees ride on horses as they travel to Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    A group of elderly female devotees ride on horses as they travel to Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • Devotees trek through the fog. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Devotees trek through the fog. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • Devotees climb towards Gosaikunda Lake, the Lake sits 4,380 metres above sea level. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Devotees climb towards Gosaikunda Lake, the Lake sits 4,380 metres above sea level. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • A devotee wears a plastic cape during a summer rain shower while trekking to reach Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    A devotee wears a plastic cape during a summer rain shower while trekking to reach Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • Pilgrims walk around to Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Pilgrims walk around to Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • Pilgrims pitch tents around the Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Pilgrims pitch tents around the Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • A devotee takes a holy dip in the cold Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    A devotee takes a holy dip in the cold Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • It is believed that taking a holy dip in the cold water of Gosaikunda Lake releases people from all the sins they have committed. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    It is believed that taking a holy dip in the cold water of Gosaikunda Lake releases people from all the sins they have committed. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
  • Devotees pray in the early morning at Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA
    Devotees pray in the early morning at Gosaikunda Lake. Narendra Shrestha/EPA

Asia

A long trek and holy dip in Nepal's Gosaikunda Lake - in pictures

The lagoon sits 4,380 metres above sea level in Langtang National Park and is one of the highest yet most visited pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Nepal

The National

September 11, 2018

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Gosaikunda Lake is one of the highest and most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in Nepal and India.

Sitting some 4,380 metres above sea level in Langtang National Park, it is believed that taking a holy dip in the cold water releases one people from all the sins they have committed.

According to Hindu mythology, in the Samudra Manthan legend, poison was released into the world and to save it the God Shiva swallowed it and kept it in his throat. He then thrust his trishul (holy trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could soothe his throat.

Since then, Hindus believe that Lord Shiva has been sleeping under Gosaikunda.

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