Overview

Ganesh Himal Trek is a popular trekking trail as being close in proximity to the Kathmandu Valley. Ganesh Himal gives a wide range of scenic views and on the way one gets panoramic sights of the mountain ranges of Mount Ganesh from which the tour gets its name, and the mountain peak is dedicated to the elephant god, the auspicious son of Lord Shiva. Along with other all-round the year snow-capped mountains of Manaslu, Langtang, and Annapurna. This mountain is located between the valleys of Budi Gandaki and Bhote Koshi, which can also be spotted from an elevated point in the Kathmandu valley on a clear day.

The trails and paths on this trek are a plethora of nature’s beauty, studded with age-old villages, still following its cultural and traditional past, alpine lakes and glaciers, lush verdure forests. The crowning glory of it all is that you get to cross, Singla Pass at a height of 4,045 meters. The trek begins from Trishuli, a river town on the West of the Kathmandu Valley. From where you pass through places such as Salangkhu Khola, Balche Village, Gonga and then Singla Pass. After having conquered the Pass, you move onto Pansang, Laba, Dumche, and Budi Gandaki and conclude walking the trails at Arughat. From here, it is back to Kathmandu by road.

Ganesh Himal Trek is best suited for those trekking enthusiastic, that love to interact with burlesque villages and natural interaction and get some of the most magnificent views of the high snow-capped Himalayas peaks.

There is much one would gain from the Ganesh Himal Trek. Besides, having done this hike in Nepal is an undulating, non-polluted, pristine environment, you pass through terrain which has lush green forest at the begin and end, and between them through the rugged High altitude terrain, in which, you pass a varied form of flora and fauna to those regions. Then you happen to encounter hamlets, which change according to the terrain and cultures and tradition evolved because of it. Then again, not only having to trample over a high altitude pass, which is an experience on its own, but also, walking across suspension bridges with fast flowing white water rivers and moving along the trail while below lie some of the deepest gorges. And, at the time coming across some alpine freshwater lake. Then besides, the Ganesh Himal that you view, you get to sight other mountain peaks and ranges while on the way, such as the snow-capped mountains of Manaslu, Langtang, and Annapurna. In all, the best take away, that one can get is the satisfaction of having had your thirst quenched for the want of more in such an eco-trek as it can be termed. Looking for more such treks in Nepal, then there others to be had too.

How difficult is this Hike to Ganesh Himal?
Basically, it’s a moderately tough trek, that any able bodied person can accomplish and be the winner from having done it. Since the trek starts from Arughat in the Himalayan Mid-range till the High Range where you go over a 4000 plus meter pass, the trails are much ascended and descend of varying gradients. Walking or hiking is a physical activity which best done in the environment meant for it and it is this eco-friendly in which it is done, helps to ameliorate and gives one the impetus to carry on to come out a winner. You are actually gaining more, which the wonders of medicine cannot achieve. You come out a more psychologically sound person, mentally and physically rejuvenated.

Outline Trekking Itinerary for Ganesh Himal Trek
Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Trisuli (3-4 hours bus ride) to Salangkhu Khola 3-4 hrs
Day 04 : Salangkhu Khola to Balche Village 4-5 hrs
Day 05 : Balche Village to Gonga 4-5 hrs
Day 06 : Gonga to Singla La Pass (4500m) 4-5 hrs
Day 07 : Singla La Pass to Pangsang 4-5 hrs
Day 08 : Pangsang to Serthung Village 4-5 hrs
Day 09 : Serthung Village to Laba 4-5 hrs
Day 10 : Laba to Mongeythanti 4-5 hrs
Day 11 : Mongeythanti to Dumchet Vilage 4-5 hrs
Day 12 : Dumchet Village to Budigandaki 4-5 hrs
Day 13 : Budigandaki to Arughat Bazaar 4-5 hrs
Day 14 : Arughat Bazaar to Kathmandu 7-8 hours bus ride
Day 15 : Transfer to the Airport for your onward destination

Trip Highlights

Enjoy sightseeing at the major UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu city.
Witness high mountain drama of the snow-capped peaks like Ganesh I, Ganesh II, Ganesh III, Ganesh IV, Langtang, Annapurna etc.
Cross over Sing La Pass at an altitude of 4045m.
Camp by the banks of Budhiganga river.
Hike past roaring Himalayan Rivers, lush green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys.
Witness variety of floras and faunas
Get along with ethnic people and get to know age-old their culture.

Day 1 :

Arrival at Kathmandu

After landing at the International Airport, you designed destination in Kathmandu, a representative from Breakfree Adventure, will pick you up and chauffer you off to your allotted three star hotel. If time allows it, you can either freshen up and relax or haunt the nearby vicinity of the hotel. You stay at that hotel for the night.

Day 2 :

Sightseeing Kathmandu and Trek Preparation

Your sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley begins early. On this day, you get to see mainly four places; the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath Stupa, all four UNESCO World heritage sites. The Kathmandu Palace Square, houses the old place and surround temples, from where the administration of the kings about 80 years ago, used to take place. Pashupatinath Temple is an ancient temple, built in the fifth century by the Lichchavi King Prachanda Dev. It was dedicate to the Supreme Hindu God, Lord Shiva. Swayambhunath temple, also known as the Monkey Temple by tourist, is a special temple a top a hillock housing relics of Lord Buddha and holy to both Buddhist and Hindus alike. Boudhanath Stupa, the largest historical stupa in Asia is said to have the single strand of hair of the founding father of Buddhism. One is said to get absolution from going around the perimeters of it.
On conclusion of your sightseeing, a seminar will be held for your upcoming trek. You will stay at the hotel for the night.

Day 3 :

Kathmandu to Trisuli (3 to 4 hrs bus ride) and onto Salangkhu Khola 3 to 4 hrs Walking.

You Ganesh Himal trek begins in earnest today, first by taking a bus ride to the west of Kathmandu to the river town of Trisuli on the banks of the River Trisuli which takes about 3 to 4 hrs to reach. After completing lunch near the Trisuli Electricity Hydro Dam, you hike upwards for almost three hours to Salangkhu Khola for your overnight stay. You are lodged at a camp.

Day 4 :

Salangkhu Khola to Balche Village - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

Today, you trek towards Balche Village after crossing Kalaeale Village. The trek begins with effort climbs, and turns easier after some hours, where the walking surface flattens out. This village is almost habited by the Tamang community. You stay at a camp for the night.

Day 5 :

Balche Village to Gonga - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

Today's trek is on the easier side in comparison to the previous. However you will hike through a forest to get to Balche Village ahead of sunset. You stay for the night at a camp.

Day 6 :

Gonga to Singla Pass (4500m) - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

Today's trek is a bit more difficult in comparison days, as you will have to hike over Singla La Pass at 4500 metres. You first go through aromatic rhododendron forest, then you climb upwards for a few hours to reach the pass. Since the pass and the route cannot be completed in a single day, tent is set up where you stay for the night. The camp site gives you majestic panoramic sights of Langtang, Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Baudha Peak, Himal Chuli, Machchhapuchhre, South Annapurna and Annapurna II. You stay for the night at the Camp.

Day 7 :

Singla La Pass to Pangsang - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

Today, you need to ascend all day long till you get to Singla Hill, then you descend via the trail to Pangsang for overnight camping. You stay for the night at a camp.

Day 8 :

Pangsang to Serthung Village - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

It is a relatively easy day's trek. You descend through aromatic rhododendron and pine woods and end the days trek at the scenic Tamang Village of Serthung. You stay at camp for the night.

Day 9 :

Serthung Village to Laba - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

Leaving beautiful Serthung behind, we head towards Laba. You descend to Barang Village. On the trek, you cross Akhu Khola and reach Laba Village. The village mainly has the Tamang Community. You stay for the night at camp.

Day 10 :

Laba to Mongeythanti - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

Going through a forest and getting to witness various flora and fauna, you reach Mongeythanti. This is a beautiful sparsely populated area in the region. You stay at the camp for the night.

Day 11 :

Mongeythanti to Dumchet Village - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

Again the day's trail falls on the easier side. It is a slight decline through a forest, in which you will cross some streams to reach Dumchet Village. You stay for the night at a camp.

Day 12 :

Dumchet Village to Budigandaki - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

You will first hike towards Baseri Village, situated on the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. You set camp on the banks of the river to the gurgling sound of it. You stay here at camp for the night.

Day 13 :

Budi Gandaki to Arughat Bazaar - 4 to 5 hrs Walking

Hiking via the banks of the Budi Gandaki River, you head towards, the remote village of Arughat Bazaar which stands at an altitude of 600m. You get panoramic view all along while on the trail. In the evening, you can stroll in the village, and mix with the locals. You stay at a lodge for the night.

Day 14 :

Arughat Bazaar to Kathmandu - 7 to 8 hr bus driv

Now, the hiking part of the trip being completed, it’s onto Kathmandu by bus along hairpin bends and scenic views of villages and verdure lush green hills side. By the time you get to Kathmandu, you will have some time left which can be used to do last minute shopping and feel the vibes of the city. You stay at a hotel for the night.

Day 15 :

Transfer to the Airport for your onward destination

Today you head home or to your onward destination. A representative of Break Free Adventure, with drop you off at the International Airport, three hours ahead of departure for in check formalities.
At Breakfree Adventure, we will have wished that your hiking trip had been a success with the itinerary package specially tailored for trekking enthusiasts. We also take you security and comfort of paramount.

FAQs

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What is the best season for Ganesh Himal trekking?

The best season for Ganesh Himal trek is February to May and August to December. In other seasons like winter or monsoon, the trek can still be done but be prepared for snow and cold on the trail in winter and in the monsoon of course rain so need to pack good rain gears.

How hard is Ganesh Himal trekking?

Ganesh Himal trekking is a moderately graded trek. With good physical fitness and preparation, this trek can be done with no difficulties. Previous trek experience is also not required and good preparation trek to Ganesh Himal can be achieved.

What kind of fitness is required for Ganesh Himal trekking?

Ganesh Himal trekking doesn’t require any technical skills. The only thing needed is that you need to be in a good shape and can walk 4-5 hours in mountainous terrains sometimes ups and downs. Preparing yourself before the trek with daily walking, exercise, running, and keeping oneself fit will certainly help during the trek.

Is insurance for Ganesh Himal trek required?

Absolutely, for any trek in the high Himalayas, you are recommended to get travel insurance. Your insurance policy should cover higher altitudes i.e. up to 5000m since policies usually don’t cover over 3,000 meters of altitude. So, make sure these things while purchasing insurance for Ganesh Himal trek and read their policies.

Is altitude sickness on Ganesh Himal trek an issue?

Regardless of your fitness or age-difference, anyone might experience altitude sickness at higher altitudes. It can affect those who haven’t lived in high altitudes. To prevent altitude sickness you should walk slowly and don’t let dehydrate yourself. You might feel some altitude during the trek. The highest point on this trek is Singla La Pass (4500m) but our experienced trek guide shall be with you all the time and shall take care of you.

What is the accommodation on Ganesh Himal trek like?

The accommodation on Ganesh Himal trek will be camping since Ganesh Himal trek is an all organized camping trek since the facilities of lodges aren’t available at the Ganesh Himal area up till now. Such camping trek includes all staff like guide, cook, porter, kitchen helper including sleeping tents, toilet tent, dining tent and kitchen equipment.

What about the food?

You will have nutritious and healthy food prepared by our cook which can come in continental or typical Nepali meal ‘dal bhat’ with seasonal vegetables. Food served will be anything from pizza, momo, noodles, macaroni, sizzler, sandwich, etc. Also, there will be tea and coffee during the morning and afternoon. Usually, the kitchen staff will wake you up in your tent early in the morning with a cup of tea

Is drinking water available?

Bottled water can be bought or you can take along a bottle and fill the bottle with tap water with purifying tablets. These can be bought in Kathmandu before the trek. Most brands of purification tablets take just 30 minutes before you can drink. Drinking a minimum of 3 to 4 liters of water per day is recommended.

Is Ganesh Himal trek permit necessary?

For Ganesh Himal trek permit only TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card is required which cost US$10 per person and this is taken care by your trek company where you have booked the trek.

What is the packing list for Ganesh Himal trekking?

The packing list for Ganesh Himal trekking depends upon the month of travel. In winter (Dec-Feb) very warm clothing is suggested and the trial may be filled up with snow. During Spring (Mar-May) light clothing is suggested and in summer/monsoon (Jun-Aug) you will need rain gear and also warm clothes as up in the mountain, it will be cold when it starts raining. But packing along light warm clothing in spring or summer is still suggested since morning and evening can be cold in the mountains.

If I get sick during the trek, what will happen?

Sickness depends upon its nature. For mild sickness usually descending to a lower altitude with the help and support of the guide or porter is done. For serious illness, emergency helicopter evacuation service is arranged. Our guide will be in constant contact with us and takes immediate action as per the situation. This is where travel insurance comes covering for a medical evacuation service and other medical expenses. Our guides carry first aid kit with basic medication like simple painkillers, altitude sickness tablets, bandages, balm for muscle aches and medication to treat diarrhea and vomiting. They are experienced trek guides and will take care of you if anything happens to you.

Can this trek doing alone okay?

Solo trekking to Ganesh Himal isn’t possible since there are no lodges en-route so a support of trek guide and others is necessary who shall take care of all the camping arrangements including preparing food etc. Trekking alone in the Ganesh Himal area isn’t recommended and can lead to many difficulties if you plan to do so.

Do I need a trekking guide and porter?

Yes, you will definitely need one good and experienced trek guide who shall lead the way and will be a big help in any emergencies. Since, this is a camping trek so there will be porters, cook and kitchen staff to assist and smoothly carry out the day to day trek activities.

How about tipping for Ganesh Himal trek?

Tipping is not mandatory but let’s not forget that it has become a custom to show gratitude towards your guide and porters who made it all possible for you to finish the trek. You can give them a certain amount as tips for Ganesh Himal trek as per your desire at the end of the trek.

Taking children on this trek is possible?

Taking along children for this trek is an unwise decision. But if they are old enough to trek for days at high altitudes in a cold climate, it shouldn’t a problem. Make sure, they have prior experiences of a few days hike and high altitudes.

Sleeping bags, walking poles, duffle bag are required for this trek?

Your lodge where you get a room provides a blanket. But the blanket can’t be sufficient at all times. To be on the safe side bringing along sleeping bag is suggested which we shall provide and already included in the tour cost.

How much money is required each day?

You do not have to carry much cash if you have booked a full tour package from your travel company since it’s a camping trek so all the things are arranged.

What about communication, internet and mobile services?

Internet services aren’t available at Ganesh Himal area and mobile services also work at lower parts of the region only.

What is walking our per day?

Usually, it’s about 4-5 hours most of the days. The walks must be slow and stead

Trip Information

We will provide you with comprehensive information on the every trek and tour we arrange. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information or have any questions, we are more than happy to assist you in anyway.

When to go:
Spring (February, March, April, May) and Autumn (October, November) are the best seasons for the Ganesh Himal Trekking. Trekking in summer/monsoon (June, July) will be affected by rain but summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature.

Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended and is in fact compulsory should you be going trekking, rafting, paragliding etc. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, loss of luggage, etc. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please check with your insurance company that adventure activities and trekking above 3000m are covered in your policy, as some companies do not cover such things. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.

Meals and Accommodation:
In Kathmandu, we normally use 3 stars hotel with breakfast but can upgrade upon request. During the Ganesh Himal Trekking, we provide the best available camping tents (twin sharing), kitchen equipment, toilet & dining tents. If you are travelling in a group, you will share a tent with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single tent, you may indicate your preference on request and pay a supplement. So in this arrangement overnight halts will be as fully organized camping program.

We provide quality food in sufficient quantities (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on a set menu prepared by our experienced cook & kitchen staff. Cup of tea or coffee is also included with meals. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive but it will be wholesome & nutritious with variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup & seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. You can ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

Fitness and Experience Required:
Our 15 days Ganesh Himal Trekking is moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have ability to walk at least 4-6hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish the 15 days Ganesh Himal Trekking successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip are good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek.

The Trekking Group:
For the Ganesh Himal Trekking, there will be one Guide, assistant Guide (6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porter for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick; the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Ganesh Himal Trekking for group of any size, but generally have a maximum of sixteen people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.

Trekking Guides and Staff:
The most significant thing that makes your Ganesh Himal Trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable is the expert, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and Guide and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional Guide. All of our Trekking Guides are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, Guiding skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Breakfree Adventures employs staffs who have plenty of knowledgeable about culture, flora and fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trekking Guide of Breakfree Adventures are also trained with following trainings to make them educated on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Governments Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal
Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
English Language – KEEP (Kathmandu environment education project)
Conservation and Biodiversity TAAN
Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (Climbing leaders) Nepal Mountaineering Association
Our Trekking Guides obviously speak English sufficient enough to communicate but please consider this is not our mother language. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.

Climate and Weather:
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to December, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good and days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.

Himalayan weather can be unpredictable where nights are generally cooler and days warmer. It’s a bit colder during the winter season (Jan to Feb) but days can be quite warm and lovely if the sun is shining. You can expect a bit of snow in the months of January/February and December. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.

Safety and Security:
Security and safety are a high priority of our company however there are risks associated with adventure travel, that you should consider before booking .Our trip operators constantly monitor their areas of operation and will cancel or re-route a trip if they feel a destination is unsafe. The decision to travel to a particular country or region is a personnel one.

Responsible Travel
Breakfree Adventures is a leading trekking and travel agency with dedicated travel Professionals who are well trained to give you the best of what Nepal has to offer. Our professional team follows a social philosophy that accepts responsibility for the local people and the environment in which we work. We respect the natural environment and the culture of our country, and we help travellers from around the world discover the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Nepal. We know that responsible travel tries to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and maximize employment and income-generating opportunities for local communities. The whole of Nepal, including those living in remote rural areas that have very few other opportunities for development, benefits from sustainable tourism.

Breakfree Adventures is passionate about preserving the environment. As responsible tour guides in Nepal, we strive to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the local communities through which we travel. While trekking to different destinations, we choose environmentally- friendly lodges that respect the needs of their staff members. We take care of our staff as well as our valued clients. During our treks and other trips, we follow a zero garbage policy (“pack in, pack out”) and leave nothing behind in the campsites. We always welcome your feedback and comments regarding responsible travel, so please send an e-mail to let us know what you think.

Ganesh Himal Trek

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