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

Powered by automated translation

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.

More galleries from The National:

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed meets Moroccan King

England Test great Alastair Cook signs off in style

The Middle East Framed - regional photography for September 10

World in focus - best photos for September 10, 2018