Langtang Valley and Ganja La Pass Trek

Langtang Valley and Ganja La Pass Trek

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Region
    Langtang
  • Duration
    16
  • Transportation
    Drive
  • Max Height
    5172 m
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Trip Grade
    Moderate
  • Accomodation
    Lodge/Camping
  • Group Size
    Mini. 2 Pax
  • Best Season
    September - December & February to June
  • Meals
    B.L.D.
  • Start / End Point
    Syabrubensi

Trip Overview

Langtang Valley and Ganja La Pass Trek is an adventure that leads you to both the beautiful and cultural areas of the Langtang Region.  The trip highly offers the stunning Himalayas, hidden diverse cultures, landscapes and thrilling walking around the mountains. This trek is completely tranquility and relish the hidden nature and culture too. However, the trekkers get various experiences like challenging Ganja La Pass with sparkling snow-capped peaks scenarios and vegetation.

Furthermore, the Langtang Valley via Ganja La Pass Trek is unable to be preferred for beginner travelers because it’s one of the toughest journeys in the Langtang region. A wonderful journey, starting from a moderate walk to beautiful Langtang Valley, with an interesting hike up to the Kyanjin and Tserku ri viewpoints. As well as a day hike to its scenic view-points hills as a good exercise before heading towards high Ganja-La Pass.

Allowing much time to gain experience around high terrain climbing up to Kyanjin-Ri or Tserko-Ri above 4,900 m high. Facing breathtaking views of the surrounding giant peaks of Langtang Lirung, Langtang-Ri with an array of snow mountain ranges. Then getting ready for the real adventure to cross over Ganja-La Pass at 5,122 m high. The climb and descent of a few technical sections to negotiate before reaching to scenic areas of Helambu.

A Challenging Pass and Thrilling Langtang Valley

Starting the adventure to ‘Langtang Valley and Ganja-La Pass Trek taking a long exciting drive from Kathmandu. As the drive reaches the cooler high hill town of Dhunche town and Syabrubesi village, the walk begins towards higher terrain. The route follows through a river gorge covered in dense forest, then reaches a wide picturesque Langtang valley at Kyanjin.

A beautiful spot with towering peaks of the Langtang Himal range that covers both sides of Langtang Valley. From Kyanjin overlooking the southern rocky ridges and snow peaks of Naya-Kanga where Ganja-La Pass is located.

Spectacular Langtang Valley & Kyanjin Gomba

An enjoyable time at Kyanjin and scenic Langtang Valley with ample time for an exciting day hike to its high ridges. After a pleasant stop at Kyanjin, the real adventure journey begins towards the southern end of Langtang Valley. The climb follows high areas of rock and ice at the Ganja-La base close to Naya Kanga peak in the east. As well as near Baden Powell Scout Peak towards the west, from the base of Ganja-La.

Even though, the trail Starts early morning for adventurous crossing over Ganja-La Pass, where our guide will fix ropes for safety measures. After a strenuous climb leaving the Langtang Valley region for the Helambu areas, a long descent leads to sheer mountain wilderness. On the other side of the Ganja-La walk follows a wide terrain through several Yak herder’s temporary settlements. Then heading on a long descent with a short climb to the lovely village of Tarke Gyang.

Tarke Gyang the main village of Helambu, is an impressive settlement of the Hyalmo people. The main ethnic tribes of Helambu follow the Buddhist religion with colorful cultures.  At Tarke Gyang with time to explore its nice village and old monastery of great religious interest. Slowly our journey comes to an end walking to another nice village of Sermathang.

Lastly, Langtang Valley and Ganja La Pass Trail combine the other popular Helambu Circuit Trek and it’s one of the most beautiful treks in the Langtang region of Nepal. From here an interesting drive brings you back to Kathmandu, where our adventurous Langtang Valley and Ganja-La Pass Trek completes.

Highlights of the Langtang Ganjala Pass Trek

  • An exciting adventure traverse from scenic Langtang Valley to beautiful Helambu.
  • Around high ridges of Langtang facing dramatic scenery of the Himalayan range.
  • Explore the hidden country beyond Langtang Himal crossing the high Ganja-La Pass.
  • Traditional villages of Langtang and Helambu areas are enriched with ancient cultures.
  • Walking around sheer mountain wilderness in the harmony of pristine nature.
  • Discover the local chees factory and herds of Himalayan yaks.

Short Trip Outline:

Trekking Mode:      On local lodges with camping beyond Langtang valley till  Helambu.
Trekking Grade:      Moderate to Adventurous & Challenging in snow conditions.
Highest Spot:           Crossing Ganja-la at 5,122 m / 16,800 feet high.
Trekking Region:    Langtang Himal range of Rasuwa & Sindupalanchok districts.
Trekking duration: 11 Nights & 12 Days (with drives both ways).
Total Trip:                 15 Nights & 16 Days from arrival to departure.
Best Seasons:           Spring from March to May & autumn from September to November.

10 Days Outline Itinerary of the Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu Nepal

Day 02:  At Kathmandu preparation for the trek, and individual activities.

Day 03:  Drive to Syabrubesi 1,470 m via Dhunche town 1,950 – 06 hrs.

Day 04:  Trek from Syafrubensi to Lama Hotel 2,350 m – 06 hrs.

Day 05:  Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang village 3,310 m – 05 hrs.

Day 06:  Trek from Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa 3,860 m – 04 hrs.

Day 07:  Acclimatization Day Hike

Day 08:  Trek to Ngen-Gang Kharka 4,000 m -05 hours.

Day 09:  Cross Ganja-La 5, 122 m descend to Keldang Kharka 4,270 m- 07 hrs.

Day 10:  Trek From Keldang Kharka to Tarke-Gyang 2,600 m- 06 hrs.

Day 12:  Rest day at Tarke-Gyang and explore.

Day 13:  Trek to Melamchi Bazaar and drive to Kathmandu – 05 hrs.

Day 15:  Free day in Kathmandu at leisure.

Day 16:  Depart for international departure.

Details Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal international airport, received by Nepal High Trek & Expedition staff and guide. A short transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city around Thamel, the most exciting and happening place.

Check into your lovely rooms, getting refreshed join in with other members of the group in a briefing room. Our guide or leaders will provide a briefing of the trek and camping, as well as of local lodge facilities. Includes all important information making your stay in Nepal enjoyable and meaningful. Evening enjoys group dinner in a nice authentic Nepali Restaurant with folk cultural programs as entertainment.

Day 02: At Kathmandu preparation for the trek, and individual activities.
A free day in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping is required for the trek. Interested people can join in for a short sightseeing tour, around places of great historical, religious and cultural interest.

In the morning after an early breakfast, and then depart for Langtang Valley trekking towards Nepal Central Himalayas around the district of Rasuwa. An interesting overland journey of 5-6 hours. Drive follows on winding uphill through many farm villages and towns, reaching Dhunche town headquarters of the district. As well as the entry point of Langtang National Park, from here drive downhill to Syabrubesi for an overnight stop.

The morning starts from Syabrubesi a nice village of the Tamang community one of the ancient hill tribes of Nepal. On leaving the lodge, a short easy walk to a bridge, and then climb towards farm areas past Riverside. A small place with few tea shops, as the walk continues entering a dense woodland with an uphill walk. Then reaching a small clearing at Lama Hotel, located amidst the forest surrounding close to Langtang River. Lama Hotel is an isolated settlement with few simple lodges for trekkers with homely comfort.

From Lama Hotel, located on a deep river gorge within the dense forest. The morning starts following an uphill path above the river through the forest of pine, rhododendron, firs, and hemlocks. As the walk reaches Ghoretabela, a small place within a forest surrounding stopping here for lunch. Afternoon walk on the forested path, the trail leads to cross a few streams, after a few hours of pleasant trek reaching Langtang village. An open area on leaving the dense woods, a large settlement with several good lodges for an overnight stop.

Langtang village was destroyed during the 2015 huge earthquake, with many villagers life was lost as well as some trekkers. As you can notice a memorable built with stones, with names of people who lost their life. The village is slowly returning back to normal life as it was before the earthquake.

A short day walks to Kyanjin Gompa, our final destination and highlight of the adventure. The morning walk leads to a small climb reaching a high ridge, as the gorge opens up into a wide scenic valley. The trail follows further east-facing views of distant snow peaks, then ends the morning walk at Kyanjin. A lovely scenic settlement with many nice lodges and guest houses, situated in the heart of Langtang valley. Afternoon having lunch, enjoy the day exploring the areas and marveling at the beautiful views of towering peaks.

At Kyanjin for another day, a perfect and ideal location for rest and acclimatization before heading towards high Ganja-La Pass. Morning having good breakfast take a hike to Kyanjin-Ri at 4, 773 m / 15, 655 feet, or much higher. A steep climb to Tserko-Ri ridge at 4, 983 m and 16,348 feet, both high ridges offer a breathtaking panorama. Includes views of Ghengu Liru (Langtang II, at 6,571 m), Langtang Lirung (7,425 m) with Kim Shun (6,745 m). Extends towards Shalbachum (6,918 m) with Naya-Kanga 5,846 / Ganjala Himal with Gangchenpo and Tillman’s beautiful Fluted Peak.

Towards east views of Jugal Himal range with Dorje Lakpa 6,966 m, and some peaks of Tibetan side. Rest of the day enjoy relaxing while facing grand views of surrounding peaks.

From Kyanjin and around beautiful Langtang valley, leaving the main route for sheer wilderness towards the mountainous zone. Walk lead south to cross Langtang River, and the steep climb through smaller trees of rhododendron and birch. As the walk continues reaching a level open ground to set our first overnight with tented camping at Ngen-Gang Kharka. Close to the base of Ganja-La around the Yak grazing pasture area.

Our Big Day! For the adventure, start early morning after having a good breakfast to cross over Ganja La pass. Where our guide will maintain the route fixing ropes where necessary on technical sections, especially on the long descent. The pass could be challenging sometimes in snow conditions making the narrow path slippery. After a steep climb to the top of the Ganja-La pass marked with rock cairns and old Buddhist prayer flags.

From the top enjoy stunning views of Naya Kanga or Ganjala Peak, with the whole of Langtang and Jugal Himal range. Then slowly head for a long descent having rope support as you land on the bottom. Reaching a small glacial pond at Keldang Kharka for overnight camping.

After a long and hard climb and descent of the previous day crossing Ganja-la pass, the highest point of the adventure. From here walk leads on a gradual faint path and back into tree lines as the trail follows a ridge. Continue trek with a few ups and more downhill reaching a small cattle herder temporary settlement at Dukpu for overnight camp

Morning a wonderful walk after spending last overnight in a tented camp, from here to Tarke-Gyang village. Walk follows down with a short climb to a hill at 4,100 m, facing views of Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal. After a refreshing stop, downhill continues reaching a dense forest of pine, and rhododendron trees to Tarke-Gyang village for an overnight stop. In the comfort of a nice lodge with a homely environment.

A great place for a rest day after a long tough climb and descent crossing high Ganja-La pass, enjoy the morning. The rest of the day explores the lovely village of Tarke Gyang, the hub of Hyalmo people. The Hyalmo are quite similar to Tamang and Sherpa tribes with the same culture of Buddhism religion. The people of Helambu are known for their excellent craftsmanship. You can notice around houses where doors and windows with intricate carvings of Tibetan design. As well visit the old monastery Ama Yangri situated on top of the village.

From Tarke-Gyang, after an enjoyable pleasant rest day, morning walk on the gradual trail within a nice cool forest surrounds. Facing views of beautiful landscapes of hills and snow peaks reaching a ‘Buddhist monuments’. Walk follows the downhill path to the village of Sermathang village for the last overnight stop around the high hills of the Himalayas.

After an enjoyable last overnight at Helambu and Sermathang village, morning a short walk to a vehicle stand. From here an interesting drive heading downhill to Melamchi Bazaar, around a low warm town. Stopping here for some refreshment continue the drive to Kathmandu past Dhulikhel town. Then finally ending the drive reaching the heart of Kathmandu city and back to your hotel, rest of the afternoon at leisure for individual activities or shopping souvenirs.

At Kathmandu, a free and spare day is reserved in case of flight delay and cancellation due to bad weather conditions. On this free day enjoy individual activities and shopping or join in for an exciting tour around Patan / Lalitpur and Bhaktapur cities.

Last day in Nepal, as flight time for international departure our staff transfers you to the airport for a homeward-bound flight. After an amazing adventure and wonderful experience on Langtang Valley & Ganja-La Pass Trekking.

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