Ganja La Pass Trek

Trip code
Package name Ganja La Pass Trek
Duration 14
Max. elevation 5130 m
Level DIFFICULT
Transportation Kathmandu - Syabru Besi , Melanchi Pul Bazar - Kathmandu by private vehicals.
Accomodation Hotel and Lodge & Tent twin sharing bed basis during the Trek
Starts at Kathmandu
Ends at Kathmandu
Trip route Kathmandu - Syabru besi - Lama Hotel - Langtang - Kyanjin - Ganja Phedi - High Camp - Ganja pass - Kelding - Dukpa - Tarke Gyang - Sermatang - Melamchi Pul Bazar - Kathmandu .
Cost USD 2,250 per person

Highlights

Overview

Ganja la Pass Trekking is an adventurous trek which offers tremendous views of the Langtang Himalaya range along with the wilderness in the less visited part of Nepal. This is a challenging trek and can require a previous experience for crossing the Ganja La Pass.

Ganja La Pass Trek is an amazing trekking experience in the Lang tang Region. Langtang is a narrow valley that lies just below the main Himalayan range to the north Tibet Border and a slightly lower range of snowy peaks to the south. Situated 16,800 feet above sea level, Ganja La Pass is renowned as one of the most difficult pass. During this trek, we also make an interesting excursion to Tserko Ri (5,000m/16,404ft) which offers tremendous views of the Langtang Himalaya range. Being only few miles away from Kathmandu, Lang tang region has been successful to be known as wild as any Tibetan highlands. This region is also famous for its Gosainkunda Lakes. The people living the highlands of the Langtang region are certainly the Nepalese, being the descendant of the Tibetan origin, they still look like Tibetans. This trek also offers an opportunity to explore Tibetan villages, Tamang Villages, to climb small peaks and to visit glaciers at a comfortably low elevation. Here you get to know their culture, tradition, unique dressing style, ancient trading style and the hardship of rural life.

Embarking our journey with an about eight hours drive north from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, we commence our trek only on the next day to Lama Hotel. Green rhododendron, bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls, and snow-capped Himalayas make the trek one of most diverse treks near Kathmandu. The trek begins from Syabrubesi, via the Kyanjin Gompa crosses the mighty Ganja La pass, and ends at the Melamchi Pool Bazaar in the Helambu region. Kyanjin Gompa is a last Tibetan Village in the valley, from where a trek starts to Helambu over Ganja La Pass (5,200m). The pass itself is not easy, during autumn and spring the pass opens for trekkers. Crossing of the pass requires the use of technical climbing equipment and trekkers must be skilled in the use of this and be prepared to assist less well-equipped porter staff. The trail follows a small valley before reaching the glaciated pass where the use of ropes, crampons and ice axes may be necessary. If you are trekking during spring the forest on the trail is colorful and blooming full of Rhododendrons. Toward the end of the trip, you will also trek through some beautiful rice terraces and a number of splendid Buddhist monasteries around the delightful villages of Tarke Gyang and Sermathang before heading back to Kathmandu.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive Kathmandu / Syabrubesi (1450 m) – 8 hours drive.

A scenic drive for 8 hours reaches Syabrubesi. We pass through the town of Kakani where there are great views of the Himalayas. For part of the way the road clings to the edge of a steep mountain. After reaching Dhunche, there is a police check post where we must show our entry permit for the Langtang National Park, which you’ll be trekking through. There are excellent views of Gheng (6581m) and Langtang Lirung (7246m) to the north and Ganesh (7460m) to the west from Dhunche. Traversing up and down after crossing a suspension bridge over the Langtang River, we reach Syabrubesi. Overnight stay at camp.

Day 2 : Trek Syabrubesi / Lama Hotel (2480 m.) – approx. 6 to 7 hrs walk.

Today our trail continues down the ridge until we come to the east that drops sharply off the ridge and through a dense forest. Trail starts meandering through the cool deciduous forests of oak and maple that cover the lower sections of the valley and climbs through massive stands of spruce, fir and blue pine. Towering walls close in and our paths will skirt precipitous drops, which fall into a silt-laden river below. Cross a bridge (1960m) over a tributary of the Langtang Khola and then climbs up from the river and in an hour, shortly after the trail levels off, we join the old Langtang trail from Sherpa Gaon and Syabrubesi. Another hour from this trail junction brings us to the Lama Hotel in the tiny village of Chon gong. Overnight stay at camp.

Day 3 : Lama Hotel / Langtang village (3541 m.) – approx. 5 to 6 hrs walk.

Today we start getting the first tantalizing glimpses of snow-capped peaks. From the Lama Hotel the trail climbs steadily to Ghora Tabela with glimpses of Langtang Lirung (7246m) through the trees. At Ghora Tabela the trail leaves the forest and a spectacular view of Langtang Lirung appears. Continuing up the valley, leaving the forests behind, the trail ascends steadily up to Langtang village, passing below a monastery about 30 min beforehand. Langtang is an interesting Tibetan-style village with stone- walls enclosing houses and fields where we just might see first yaks. Overnight stay at camp.


Day 4 : Langtang / Kyanjin Gompa (3900 m.) – approx. 3 hrs walk.

Our trail ascends gradually to a chorten behind which is a very long Mani wall. The trail passes two small villages and the village widens. We cross some streams and a moraine before arriving at Kyanjin Gompa. Between Langtang and Kyanjin Gompa, the views just get better and better where we’ll see Yansa Tsenji (6580m) and Kimshun (6750m) to the north and the Langtang Himal to the northwest. Take a good rest at camp and allow the body to acclimatize with the high altitude as much as possible to be fully prepared for more ascending during the next day.

Day 5 : Day hiking and back to Kyanjin Gompa.

The trail further up the valley past the airstrip will provide more spectacular views that include Langtang Lirung (7246m), Ganchenpo (6400m), Langshisa Ri (6320m), Dorje Lakpa (6700m), Lenpo Gang (7100m), and Urkinmang (6170m). Four hours walk to the east of Kyanjin Gompa from the village is 5000m Tserko Ri. If we start early in the morning and are well-acclimatized, we should be able to climb this peak and return to Kyanjin Gompa in 1 long day. The reward for climbing to the prayer flags on its summit is a magnificent view of the 7246m Langtang Lirung, the mountain that dominates the valley. Several of the more moderate local peaks are quite climbable and provide breathtaking panoramic views of mountains in Tibet, including the 8027m Chisa Pangma. Overnight stay at camp.

Day 6 : Kyanjin Gompa / Nyengang Kharka (4430 m) – approx 6 to 7 hrs walk.

On this day, you will trek about six to seven hours in order to reach Nyengang Kharka. You will pass by many beautiful villages. You will have to walk through a steep ascend and will be cherished by the natural vegetation of the surrounding area. As there are no houses or lodges found in this area, you need to stay overnight at camp. The trail goes on ascending and the area is covered with little natural vegetation. No villages can be seen in this area, hence no lodges are available. We will stay overnight at camp.

Day 7 : Nyengang Kharka / High Camp (4960 m) – approx 3 to 4 hrs walk.

Today is the shortest day among the whole trek. On this day, we will be ascending towards the High camp. The walk is about three to four hours and is a bit steeper. Upon arrival at High camp, explore around the area . Recharging energy for tomorrow .


Day 8 : High camp to Keldang (4270 m) via Ganja La pass (5130 m) – approx 6 to 7 hrs walk.

Today’s trek is comparatively more strenuous one as you have to cross the Ganja La Pass (over 5,200m) covered with snowy ice in most months. Enroute, you will find the paths covered with snowy ice mostly when you are trekking during winter season. Ganja La Pass is known as one of the most difficult passes since it is covered with snow throughout the year. Continuing our walk, we make the long ascent through the boulders, pass the small lakes, and summit the Ganja La which is situated on a rocky moraine. Enjoy the spectacular views from the pass. Climbing up and down the pass can sometimes be tricky due to snowfall and ice. From the pass, we descend down to Keldang where we will camp tonight.


Day 9 : Keldang / Dukpu (4040 m) – approx 6 to 7 hrs walk.

On this day, you will walk along the ridges and grassland. You will have an amazing view of Mountains today. You will walk through a forest, which will be an adventurous experience to you. Though the walk is long but it is worth trekking as you will be amazed by the natural beauty of this village. You will camp overnight at Dukpu.


Day 10 : Dukpu / Tarke Gyang (2740 m) – approx 5 to 6 hrs walk.

From Dukpu, the first part of the trail ascends and then descends slightly. Today, we lose altitude considerably, about 1500 meters. On the way, you can see spectacular views of Annapurna and Everest region. From the pass the trail descends through the pine forest, rhododendron forest past a tiny herder settlement called Tarkeghyang. You can visit one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and Sherpa villages in this region. We cross the river and climb to the atmospheric stone village of Tarke Gyang. You will be welcomed by cheerful and friendly people of this village. These villages are well settled where friendly and cheerful natured people inhabit. Overnight stay at camp.


Day 11 : Excursion day at Tarke Gyang.

On this day, we will visit monastery of Tarke Gyang. The village is very beautiful and interesting as well. We can see many beautiful monasteries and stupas here. Most of the people living here are Buddhists. Tarke Gyang is situated at the height of 2740 meter. It is another Sherpa town along the way, which bears its own story. The town name means temple of “100 horses” and was taken from the name of a temple established in 1727 by a Lama (Buddhist monk) who was called on by the king of Kathmandu (Kantipur) to stop an epidemic. As his reward the Lama asked for 100 horses, which he brought here. The local temple, rebuilt in 1969, follows the Bhutanese style. Overnight stay at camp.

Day 12 : Tarke Gyang / Sermatang (2590 m) – approx 6 to 7 hrs walk.

Leaving behind the beautiful village of Tarke Gyang, we walk through lush forest valley to Sermathang. Passing through flat lands and walking through jungles, beautiful villages and Mani walls, the trail is moderate level of trekking today. We trek on crossing some small streams on the way. There is situated a beautiful village on the half way to Sermathang. To add your joy, Sermathang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries. There you can see Jugal Himal range at the north face of Sermathang village. Overnight stay at camp.

Day 13 : Sermatang / Melamchi Pul Bazaar (870 m) – approx 6 to 7 hrs walk.

Leaving the pretty Sherpa village, we gradually descend towards Melamchi bazaar. The walk is quite pleasant today with the panoramic views of Mountains. Exploring the countryside, we pass through various diversity of culture and village life style. The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pool Bazaar through meadows ad cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages with their own particular tradition. We will camp overnight at Melamchi Bazaar today.


Day 14 : Drive back to Kathmandu.

On our final day of the trek, we walk down to Melamchi Pool Bazaar with many Sherpa village. There you will meet a vehicle waiting for your arrival. Then you will be escorted to Kathmandu through the bumpy graveled roads. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to hotel for your overnight stay.

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