Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass Trek

Nepali kitchen in Langtang Region
Key Information
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Duration:14 Days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude:5,130 m/16,831 ft (Ganja La Pass)
  • Starts/Ends:Syabrubesi / Melamchi Pul
  • Trip Style:Private and Open Trip
  • Group Size:2 Pax to 16
  • Best Time:Spring & Autumn

The Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek takes you to the rarely-visited section of the beautiful Langtang region. Once, the Ganja La pass trek was quite famous for its scenic route and jaw-dropping mountain views. But down the line, the popularity went down, and this trekking route has now become one of the hidden gems in the Himalayas.

Located in the northwest of Kathmandu, the Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trail offers an adventurous and tranquil trekking experience. It is a strenuous trek, so participants have to be physically fit. Previous trekking experience is also needed for this trek. The trail goes inside the Langtang National Park.

On the way, you will come across many flora and fauna. Moreover, most of the trekking route passes by lush forests of rhododendron, pine, bamboo, oak, etc. You may get to see langur monkeys and different species of birds. Cross several suspension bridges over rivers and streams, including the Langtang river.

During the Langtang Ganja La pass trek, you will first explore the beautiful Langtang Valley and gradually ascend towards the Ganja La pass following an offbeat route. If you want to make the journey more adventurous, you can also combine Gosaikunda Lake in the itinerary.

What to expect during the Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek?

On this trek, you will explore a serene and unspoiled part of the Himalayas in Nepal. The journey is fantastic and offers a lifetime experience. With adventure, you will also get to see the lifestyle of the Tamang community. Known to be the descendant of Tibetans, Tamangs are one of the indigenous groups of Nepal.

Along the Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trail, spend nights in guesthouses. It is like living in the homes of the locals. So, you will closely get to see their culture and practices. Likewise, there are many stupas, chortens, prayer wheels, and prayer flags around the trek route. Kyanjin Gompa is the most significant one.

After crossing the Ganja La pass, you will trek in the Helambu region, exploring vast meadows, isolated ridges, and the Hyolmo community. This part of the trail is much more steep and rocky. The Langtang Ganja La pass trek ends in Melamchi Bazar and from here, you will drive to Kathmandu.

The landscapes during the trek are excellent. You will get to witness mountains like Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Gaurisanker (7,134 m/23,405 ft), Langtang Lirung (7,234 m/23,734 ft), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m/22,854 ft), Ganchhenpo (6,387 m/20,955 ft), and many others.

Why do the Langtang Valley with Ganja La pass trek with us?

You pay the best Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek cost for a 14 days itinerary with us. Our team will take care of all the logistics involved during the trek and make sure you are trekking safely. Likewise, you will not come across any hidden charges. We are professionals and offer the best guides for treks in the Himalayas.

Book Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek 2024 with us and embark on an adventurous venture in Nepal. Explore beautiful valleys and villages. Witness jaw-dropping mountain panoramas and experience the simple mountain lifestyle. You will make lifelong memories by doing the Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek with us in Nepal.

Itinerary

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Meet the team of Halesi Treks at the airport terminal gate. They will welcome you on our behalf and escort you to the hotel. Settle in your hotel and freshen up. We later meet in our office for a trek briefing and pack the duffel bags. In the late evening, have a welcome dinner and explore the bustling streets of Thamel.

  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

After a lovely breakfast, leave Kathmandu and drive northwest of the city towards Syabrubesi. The road follows winding hills and offers beautiful views of terraces, small towns, rivers, and snow-covered mountains. From Trishuli Bazaar onwards, the road gets bumpy as it ascends towards Syabrubesi via Dhunche.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,503 m/4,655 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 8-9 hours

Today is your first day of trekking. The trail from Syabrubesi crosses the Bhote Koshi river and continues along the Langtang river. You will trek through lush forests and terraces. Trek past some landslide areas and ascend to Bamboo. Further, you will trek via Rimche and follow a forested route to Lama Hotel.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,470 m/8,103 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 6 hours

From Lama Hotel, trek alongside the Langtang river. The trail ascends via dense forests of rhododendron and birch. You will then follow a narrow river valley that gradually opens up, offering a stunning mountain panorama. At Ghoda Tabela, you will take a short break, and from here, continue the journey, crossing a river. On the way, come across prayer wheels and prayer flags.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,430 m/11,255 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

The trail continues via numerous small settlements and meadows. You will follow a steep, rugged route. The views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Kang Guru, Shishapangma, etc, are fantastic along the way. You will trek past many streams and ascend to Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Gompa is the most important religious center in Langtang valley.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,865 m/12,675 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 3-4 hours

On this day, you will go on a hike from Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri before sunrise. Tserko Ri is a viewpoint that presents a breathtaking sunrise and numerous mountain views, including Langtang Lirung, Langtang II, Yala Peak, Dorje Lhakpa, etc. After enjoying the view, return to Kyanjin Gompa and later visit a local yak cheese factory. You can see the process of making cheese as well as taste and buy.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

From Kyanjin Gompa, you will begin trekking towards the Ganja La pass. It is one of the least explored passes in the Himalayas. The trail ascends via sparse vegetation. Cross a suspension bridge over Langtang Khola and trek to Chhana Khola. From here, you will trek via barren hills and reach Ngegang for the night stay.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,000 m/13,123 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 5/6 hours

On this day, you will cross the Ganja La pass. It will not be easy to cross this pass but the reward will justify all the effort. You will leave Ngegang early in the morning and follow a rocky, icy uphill track that leads to the top of the pass. This pass is covered with snow throughout the year and offers a sensational mountain panorama from its top. After enjoying the view, you will descend to Keldang following a steep trail.

  • Max. Altitude: 5,130 m/16,831 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 7-8 hours

The trail from Keldang descends to Dhukpa. You will trek via rhododendron, pine, fir, and birch forests. Likewise, the trail also goes past terraced fields and gradually descends along rough cliffsides. The trekking route will be peaceful and offer superb landscapes.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,040 m/13,254 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 5/6 hours

You are now trekking in the Helambu region. The trail descends and later climbs steeply to Yangri peak. You will walk via pine and rhododendron forests. On the way, enjoy stunning views of Jugal Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Ganesh Himal. Tarkegyang is a big Sherpa village and houses an old monastery called Gekye Gompa.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,740 m/8,989 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 6 hours

From Tarkegyang, the trail goes via the Ghyangul and Chimighyang settlements. The trail gradually descends, offering you a glimpse of the unique lifestyle of the locals. Likewise, you will witness beautiful mountain views as the trail descends to Sermanthang for the night stay.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,590 m/8,497 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 5/6 hours

Have a delicious breakfast and leave Sermanthang. Follow a ridge and descend, relishing the distant view of Melamchi Bazaar. The trail will take you to Chautara and from here goes through lush forests. On the way, you will come across many small monasteries and arrive at Kakani.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,996 m/6,548 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 3/4 hours

Today is your last day of trekking. From Kakani, descend to Melamchi Bazaar via pine forests and meadows. At Melamchi Bazar, our team will pick you up and drive you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Spend the remaining day in Kathmandu, resting and shopping. Meet us in the late evening for a farewell dinner.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,000 m/13,123 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Duration: 3-4 hours trek & 5 hours drive

Our team will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. They will pick you up from your hotel lobby timely and drop you at the airport in a private vehicle.

  • Meals: Breakfast only

Trip Cost Details

What's Included
  • Airport picks and drops by private vehicle
  • 2-night Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Accommodation teahouse and Tented camp during the trek 
  • Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trekking 
  • trek guide and porter to carry your luggage
  •  Accommodation, food, salary, insurance, transportation of trek guide and porters
  • Langtang National Park entry fee
  • All necessary paperwork.
  • TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System card)
  • All additional government tax
  • Kathmandu to Syabru Besi  private jeep
  • Melamchi Pul to Kathmandu Private jeep
What's not Included
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • International airfare
  • personal Travelers Insurance 
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bar bills, cold and hot drinks, hot shower, laundry
  • Tips to guide and porters
  • All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. personal illness, strike, etc.
  • City tour in Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking equipment
Dates & Availability
Starts:May 03, 2024Ends:May 16, 2024
Price fromUS$1150
AvailabilityAvailable
Starts:May 15, 2024Ends:May 28, 2024
Price fromUS$1150
AvailabilityAvailable
Starts:May 26, 2024Ends:Jun 08, 2024
Price fromUS$1150
AvailabilityAvailable

The Above-given cost is per person and the Above-given Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass Trek fixed departure dates are available for you. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Useful Information

Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek difficulty

The Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek is a tough journey in the Langtang region. This trek is for experienced trekkers who have good fitness. The trekking route is offbeat once you go beyond the Langtang Valley. Likewise, the tourist facilities are also very limited in the later part of the trial.

Similarly, crossing the Ganja La pass is quite tricky. You will follow a steep uphill slope that ascends to the top of the pass and continues towards the Helambu region. You will walk 6 hours a day on a minimum during the Ganja La pass trek.

Altitude difference:

You will ascend to high altitudes during the Ganja La pass trek, so there is a risk of altitude sickness. This trek leads you 5,130 meters (16,831 ft) above sea level throughout the journey. You will spend many days above 3,000 meters, so precautions for altitude sickness are needed.

The elevation change is not right away, so you have a chance to avoid it. Following our 14 days Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek itinerary, you will get ample time to acclimatize. Likewise, we also have acclimatization days in our itinerary.

Be careful of symptoms like headache, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, etc, and follow below preventive measures:

  • Ascend slowly and make sure your itinerary has rest days to adjust to the higher elevations.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. You have to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates. You need enough energy for long walks.
  • Inform your guide if you feel any discomfort or see symptoms of altitude sickness.

Tips for beginner travelers:

If you are a beginner trekker, then we first recommend you start with the Langtang Valley trek or Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda trek. These two treks are not as strenuous as the Langtang Ganja La pass trek. Gain experience by doing some beginner-friendly treks before embarking on a strenuous trek like Ganja La pass.

Is travel insurance necessary for the Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek?

As you cross a high mountain pass during the Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek and also traverse remote areas, travel insurance is required. The travel insurance should cover emergency air evacuation up to 5,000 meters. We use travel insurance in case of emergencies like injuries or elevated altitude sickness conditions.

Even though the chance of using travel insurance is quite low, you will have the freedom of mind and can enjoy the journey to the fullest. Likewise, you can also include trip cancellation, flight cancellation, personal liabilities, and loss/theft of luggage in the travel insurance.

The best time to do the Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek

The best time to do the Langtang Valley Ganja La pass trek is from March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). These are the best trekking months in the Langtang region. To explore the high altitudes of the Himalayas safely, you need stable weather, which these months provide.

Likewise, the mild climate and clear day make the trek phenomenal. You will witness stunning mountain views and travel via lovely trails packed with rhododendrons and many other seasonal vegetation. There is less chance of precipitation, and trail conditions are also great in spring and autumn.

Moreover, in autumn, you may also get to see the biggest Nepali festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. On the other hand, Ganja La pass trek in summer/monsoon, and winter is much more demanding because of added weather nuisances.

Accommodation and Meals

The Langtang Valley with Ganja La pass trek is a guesthouse trek. The trekking route is dotted with small villages, where you will spend nights in the homes of the locals. Both private and shared rooms are available with twin shared beds. Washrooms are generally common.

The amenities in the guesthouse are usually basic. You will get a clean room and fresh bedding. A sleeping bag is recommended for additional comfort and warmth. Squat toilets are much more common than Western-style toilets. The facilities get much simpler on the way to Ganja La pass than Langtang Valley.

Our Langtang Ganja La pass trek package includes three meals a day during the journey. All the meals are provided as per the menu of the guesthouses, which generally include Nepali and Tibetan dishes with a few other options. Vegetarian meals are widely available.

The menu ranges from dal bhat and different types of curries with rice to momos, noodles, thukpa, thenduk, Tibetan bread, porridge, soups, etc. Other common dishes are pasta, pancakes, stew, chilies, mashed potatoes, burgers, etc. For beverages, you will get varieties of tea and coffee, local wines, energy drinks, soft drinks, fruit juices, etc.

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