Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Camping Trek
  • Transport: Public Vehicle
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge & Camping
  • Group Size: 16
  • Max Elevation: Ganja La Pass (5200m)

Highlights

  • Sunrise on the backdrop of Langtang mountain range, Annapurna- Manaslu mountain range.
  • The spectacular view of Langtang Lirung and other snow-capped mountains in the region.
  • The cultural exploration of the Sherpa, Gurung, and Tamang people.
  • The dense alpine forest of rhododendron trees.
  • The highest point of the trek, Ganja la Pass which is covered by snow all year.
     

Description

If you are seeking some adventure in your life amongst the natural playgrounds of the Himalayas, then you must consider trekking in Nepal. There are dozens of trekking routes ranging from easy to difficult. The Ganja la Pass trek is one of the most popular and adventurous trekking routes in Nepal.

The Ganja la Pass trek offers a panoramic view of the majestic mountains on the Langtang region. The trail of the Ganja La Pass trek passes through the pristine rhododendron forests, water streams, and snow-capped mountains. You can also explore the culture, architecture, and religious heritage of the Sherpa and Tamang people. The trek follows through the alpine forests with diverse wildlife.

The journey starts from the drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu. The trek begins from Syabrubesi from where we head towards the Kyanjin Gompa (3049m). The Kyanjin Gompa houses a Buddhist Monastery and a Swiss-run cheese factory. We make an ascent to the Tserko Ri (5000m) and the Ganja La Pass (5122m) which is the highest point of the trek.

The Ganja la Pass is covered in snow all year and offers a breathtaking view of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, Yala peak and other Mountains in the region. We descend towards the Tarke Gyang and Melamchi where we end our trek. You will stay the night in camps overlooking the beautiful night sky during the trek.

If you are an adventure lover and do not mind a challenging trekking path, then Ganja la Pass trek is the right choice for you. It is quite thrilling and pleasant at the same time. Here are the detailed itineraries.

11 Days Ganja La Pass Trek Itinerary

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After an early breakfast, we travel to Syabrubesi (7-8 hours) along the scenic highway. You will overlook the hills around Kathmandu and the terraced farmed villages. We will stop for lunch at the famous Trishuli bazar. We then resume our journey to Syabrubesi through Dhunche.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 1500m

We start our trek journey on day 2 by following the trail alongside the Langtang Khola river. There are dense forests, suspension bridges and tea houses in the routes. The route is easy as we follow a path moves up and down till we reach Lama hotel. The trek is about 6 -7 hours on day 2.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 2450m

We start the third day of the tour (4-5 hours) with a trek towards a village of Mundu. The trail has dense rhododendron forests and Tamang villages on the way. We make our way to the Langtang valley through Ghodatabela (2970m). We do a steady climb through the valley overlooking the stunning view of Mt Langtang Lirung.

The trek continues through the yak pastures and water streams to reach the Langtang village settlement (3430m). The Langtang village was severely affected by the Earthquake in April 2015. The reconstruction process is going on, and a few tea houses have reopened. We stay overnight at a teahouse.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3430m

We start our trek to Kyangin Gompa (2-3hours), a spiritual hub of the region. The trail has a ridge over a large Chorten. You will pass through a giant mani wall with prayers written all over them. After crossing a stream, you will reach the village of Mundu (3442m).

From Mundu, we pass through various smaller water streams with wooden bridges and moraines to reach the beautiful Kyanjin Gomba Monastery. Along with the icefalls from the snow-capped mountains. There is also a famous cheese factory run by the government.

We will take a break to have lunch on the monastery premises and then explore the breathtaking views of the mountain range. You can view the Langtang Himal (7246m), Ganja La (5160m), Langshisha -Ri (6427m), Dorje Lhakpa (6430m), Gen Jempol Kyanjin Ri (4750m) and many others.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3870m

On day five, we acclimatize to adapt our bodies to a high altitude region. This process helps us in protecting us from altitude sickness. You can pay pilgrimage in the monastery and other Buddhist shrines in the area. You can taste the yak cheese on the famous cheese factory.

You can also climb up the moraine to view the stunning ice falls and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Himal. The ascend of the Tserko Ri (5000m) is also on the cards. From the peak, you can see the birds-eye view of the entire Langtang range. Other side trips are also available, but you will have to return to Kyanjin to stay the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3870m

Today, we cross the Langtang Khola below the monastery. The trail (5-6 hours) then moves along the rhododendron forests. You will have to climb hard on the steep trail. You must hydrate yourself and have a regular diet on the journey. After a tough climb, we reach the pastures of Ngegang. The yak pastures have stunning panoramic scenery, and you can see the yaks grazing calmly on the ground. We will stay overnight in a tent overlooking the night sky.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4000m

The trail goes south with streams and moraines along the way. Then there is a gradual climb towards the Pass which turns into a steep ascent to the Pass. The Ganja la Pass offers a surreal view of the Langtang Lirung and other snow-capped mountains in the region. You need to make way through boulders, small lakes and on a rocky moraine there lies the Ganja la Pass.

The trail (6-7 hours) then descends steeply from the Pass and enter the valley of Tangri Khola. The trek is quite demanding on day seven, so you need to prepare accordingly. The Ganja la Pass is quite steep and covered with snow almost all over the year.

You need to be extra careful during snowfall and the icy ground. The trail then follows a stream that leads to the grassy meadows of the Keledang. We spend the second night in a tent. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4270m

There will be a long strenuous day (6-7 hours) ahead of us on day 8. The trail descends steeply passing along the ridge, grasslands and water streams. Following the ridgeline through the settlements of the Helambu village,.we will reach Dukpu. We set our camp in the forest of Dukpu.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4080m

We descent south from Dukpu and then climb to a pass. We can see the pristine view of the Annapurna-Manaslu and the Everest region from the Pass. We descend again through the rhododendron forests followed by a steep drop to Gekye Gompa. The trail (5-6 hours) then reaches the large settlement of Tarke Ghyang. We stay the night at a camp in Tarke Ghyang.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 2590m

The trail to Sermathang is easy and pleasant. We trek through the flatlands and rhododendron forests. We reach the quaint little town of Helambu after the forest crossing. The trail passes through the valley between the Parachin and Sherpa village of Gangyl.

After a trek of around 6 hours, we reach the charming village of Seermathang (2610m). There are many religious monasteries, and you can view the Jugal Himal range, Ganesh Himal Gosainkunda, Langtang, Rolwaling, and even Mt Everest.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 2610m

The trail (4-5 hours) gradually descends to Melamchi Bazar through the fields and grasslands on the last day of our trek. We then take a ride back to Kathmandu (3-4 hours).

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Altitude: 1320m

What to Expect

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop  
  • Teahouse and Camping accommodation during the trek
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • Local Bus Ticket (Kathmandu to Syabrubesi)
  • Local Bus Ticket (Melamchi to Kathmandu)
  • English Speaking Trekking Guide with Insurance, Transportation, Food and Accommodation
  • Porter with Insurance, Transportation, Food, and Accommodation
  • Cooking Staff and Helper 
  • All Camping equipment like Tents and Kitchen equipment
  • All Trekking Permits (Langtang National Park Entry Fee and TIMS card)
  • Use of sleeping bag & Duffel bag (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed)
  • Daily seasonal fresh fruits after dinner 
  • A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude) 
  • All Government and Local Taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers

Useful Information

Best time to trek Ganja La Pass

The best time to take the Ganja La Pass trek is the autumn months of September-November. This time of the year, the weather is cool and the bright sky offers a breathtaking view of the Langtang region. 

You can also take the trek in the spring months of March-May when the hills are green, and the forests are covered with rhododendron. The temperature is warmer at low altitudes and cooler at high altitudes.

Ganja La Pass Trek Difficulty

The Ganja la Pass trek is one of the most challenging trekking routes in Nepal. There are a lot of ups and downs and the highest point of Ganja la Pass (5132m) is an icy glacier. The trekking routes pass through remote villages and dense forests. A local guide is recommended at all times. Prior knowledge of some climbing fixing rope is required. Hence the Ganja La Pass trek is considered a challenging trekking route.