Overview

Ganja La Pass Trek is one of the favourite and challenging treks of the Langtang Region. In your quest to get past Ganja La Pass, you in fact pass through some tantalizing mesmerizing sights of the Himalayas, beautiful remote valleys and rural living lifestyles of Nepal and the crowning glory of it all, a pass and getting over it at 5,122m above sea level. The eco-friendly nature of villages that are less populated by minimum human touch. It is taken as the third most popular hiking destination in the country. This trek attracts hikers from all parts of the globe to enjoy this sublime region while trekking. The route all consists of the remote valley, old villages, alpine lakes and scenic woods.

Ganja La Trek starts from Syabru and goes up to a height of 3870m above sea level at the Buddhist Monastery of Kyanjin Gompa. Also in the trek, one passes through Langtang Village, a valley afloat with natural wonders. Your anticipation comes to a climax when crossing Ganja La Pass at 5122m above the level of the sea. In it too, you get to pass the ethnic villages of Keldang, Yak Kharka, Tarke Gyang, Sermathang which finally ends at Malemchi Bazaar. This trekking route is well suited for enthusiastic hikers who want a better acquaintance of the magical towering mountains of the Himalayas and other amazing feathers of the Langtang region.

There is much that this trek has to offer. Each of the day’s hikes happens in an eco-friendly environment in which you encounter something different in a terrain different from the previous days. The foremost adventures, that you are like to come across, passing over the Pass at Ganja La, which besides being higher than most mountain peaks elsewhere in the world, it brings out the true ability of trekking enthusiasts. Then there is the Kyankin Gompa, the monastery from where you not only learn of the unique Buddhist faith which evolved over time, but of tantalizing views of glaciers formed from the Langtang mountains and others as well. The third most takeaway, is that you pass through some awesome greenery and with villages in breaks of them, this gives you an insight into the present living of rural Nepal along with their cultures, traditions and dressing ways. In also might get a peep in the religious practices of ethnic diversity. When it is all over, the effort put into this hike, will pay the reward, in your health and mental ability to see things differently as the environment in which these hikes are done, in an unpolluted and mentally stimulating, pristine environment and where you gain much and not to lose.

Will I be able to do this wonderful trek?
Yes, you would be able to do this trek. Yes, it is a bit on the difficult side, but if you have been doing some walking lately, it only shows, that you would be able. Our capable guides, know the region by the back of their hands, and you will be given about two to three rests on the way to get acclimatized to the altitudes. Plus the speed at which you hike daily is controlled, in order not to overdo it. Then you ought to be the outdoor type, and then the landscape you will be in daily will erode any tiredness and physical fatigue. So much so, when it is all over, you will come out a much better person, physically, mentally and spiritually. You will have conquered your inner self.

Outline Trekking Itinerary for Ganja La Pass Trek
Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Syabru Besi (1550m) [7-8 Hours’ Drive]
Day 04 : Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel (2380m) [5-6 Hours)
Day 05 : Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3430m) [6-7 Days)
Day 06 : Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3870m) [3-4 hours]
Day 07 : Kyanjin Gompa to Ngegang (4000m) [5 hours]
Day 08 : Ngegang to Keldang (4300m) via Ganja La Pass (5200m)
Day 09 : Keldang to Dukpu (4080m) [6-7 Hours]
Day 10 : Dukpu to Tarke Ghyang (2560m) [5-6 Hours]
Day 11 : Rest Day at Tarke Ghyang
Day 12 : Tarke Gyang to Shermathang (2610m) [5-6 hours]
Day 13 : Shermathang to Melamchipul Bazar (880m) [5 Hours]
Day 14 : Melamchipul Bazar to Kathmandu
Day 15 : Transfer to airport for your onward destination

Trip Highlights

Enjoy sightseeing tour to various historical/natural/cultural heritage sites along with Nepal’s oldest Buddhist Monasteries
Catch panoramic views of majestic mountains, eye-catching views of beautiful remote valleys, splendid beauties of ancient villages
Visit spiritual Buddhist monasteries including Kyanjin Gompa
Walk thought snowy trails, visiting glaciers at Ganja-la Pass (5,122m)
Pass through gushing rivers, green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys, glaciers etc.
Witness variety of floras and faunas
Get along with ethnic people and their culture

Day 1 :

Arrival at Kathmandu

On landing at the International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative of Break Free Adventures there. He will take you to your allotted three star hotel by vehicle. If time is left in the day, you can either use it to freshen up or stroll the road of the city look what's new. You stay at the hotel for the night.

Day 2 :

Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Preparation for the Trek

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Preparation for the Trek
Kathmandu is home to four UNESCO historical sites which has cultural, traditional and historical value. You will be sightseeing these sites today. We first begin with Kathmandu Dubar Square, early. This historical place used to house the old palace of the kings of Kathmandu and has temples of various deities surrounding it. Then we go to Pashupatinath Temple, a temple made especially for Lord Shiva by a King of Kathmandu in the fifth century AD. Having had lunch, we go to the west of Kathmandu to a hillock that houses a temple called Swayambhunath made specially to honour Lord Buddha, built in the early centuries. It also goes by the name of Monkey Temple by the tourist. Later, in the afternoon, we head to the northeast of the city to Boudhanath, a stupa, being one of the largest in Asia and is said to have the single of Lord Buddha buried in it. It is believed by the Buddhist faithful that circumnavigating its perimeter, gives relief from mental pain, torment and anguish.
In the evening, there will be a seminar with a company representatives of your forth coming hike, with all the nitty gritty details of it.

Day 3 :

Kathmandu to Syabru Besi (1550m) - 7 to 8 hrs Drive

We drive to the starting point of the trek in a private vehicle that takes about 7 to 8 hours to get to. This drive is without disappointments, as on the way, it is an incessant view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, terraced fields being work on, lush verdure vegetation, gurgling streams, burlesque villages and periodic spotting of game and birds. We stay overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 4 :

Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel (2380m) - 5 to 6 hrs Walking

Wow! We finally begin what we came for, to Nepal. We begin the hike with a few minutes’ walk and crossing our first suspension bridge and entering a dense wood to get to the first village, Doman. The rail from here is a slow ascending climb to a ridge and over to Paira Lodge. Going further up, we get to Paira Lodge. Yet, going further on upwards, we reach Rimche and onto Lama Hotel. It takes nearly seven hours to reach today's destination. We stay overnight at Lama Hotel.

Day 5 :

Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3430m) - 6 to 7 hrs Walking

We set off today, entering through a thick wood of hemlock, oak and rhododendron trees. It is on the trail that you get captivating sights of Langtang Lirung and other Himalayan mountains. We now move upwards to Ghora Tabela and being descending to Thangshyap, before ascending to Langtang. Along this piece of trail, the sights are of watermills grinding the harvest, the turning of prayer wheels by the faithful, Chorten and sacred carved rocks inscribed and etched with prayers to float to the almighty. We reach Langtang village to stay at a guesthouse for the night.

Day 6 :

Langtang Village to Kyanji Gompa (3870m) - 3 to 4 hrs Walking

Now, having had a full days rest to acclimatize, we hike up the trail to Kyanjin Gompa. It is first Sindhum and then Yamphu hamlets on the way. We have the chance to see the locals from the village grazing their yaks in the pasture and mani walls with etched in prayers. Breathing might become harder, as we begin to ascend higher and it’s to the top of the moraine, where the Gompa comes into sight and dramatic sights of icefalls hanging from Langtang and Kinshung. It is here, the route goes down slightly to Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Gompa has the Himalayas surrounding it and give a three dimensional view of glaciers, icefalls and the Himalayas with other natural beauties. We stay the night at the Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 7 :

Kyanjin Gompa to Ngegang (4000m) - 5 hrs Walking

Today, we continue with the hike, first across the Langtang Khola below the Kyanjin Gompa. From here, is a steep climb along a ridge on the southern side of the valley through a thick forest of Juniper and Rhododendron trees. Going on, we enter the pasturing area of Ngegang. Here, we fix camp for the night. The hiking expert, gives you a short training of the dos and don'ts of going over the pass the following day. We stay in camps here for the night.

Day 8 :

Ngegang to Keldang (4300m) via Ganja La Pass (5200m)

Today, we hike over the Ganja La Pass at 5200 meters to Keldang. It is tough going, here till we get over and precarious going down to Keldang where one has to be circumspect all the way. From beginning to end. The pass is difficult one as it is covered with snow, the year around. Going up around boulders and small lakes, we reach the Pass. The pass gives us magnificent views of the Himalayas and glacial lakes. Then it’s down to Keldang to camp for the night.

Day 9 :

Keldang to Dukpu (4080m) - 6 to 7 hrs Walking

Today is a difficult and long hike. We go down the ridges and walk on till we reach Dukpu. The trail has many turns and twist over rocky and stony but picturesque terrain. We stay at camp for the night.

Day 10 :

Dukpu to Tarke Gyang (2560m) - 5 to 6 hrs Walking

The route is along a ridge and ascend a pass at 4020 meter. Here, we get a spectacular view of Annapurna, Everest Range, Dorje Lakpa and other Himalayan Mountains. We then descend through a wood of Pine and rhododendron trees to the settlement of Tarke Gyang on a ridge. While on the way, we pass Gekye Gompa via Ama Yangi Dand that gives us a bird’s eye view of the Helambu area. Tarke Gyang is a large Sherpa Village. We make the night's stay at a guesthouse.

Day 11 :

Resting at Tarke Ghyang

Today is rest day, which we use to explore this Sherpa Village and its surroundings. We visit the old Buddhist Monastery, the oldest of the region and get a taste of Buddhist tradition, of back then in the past. We also roam around the village for a taste of the lifestyle and the contemporary culture of the people. We stay the night at a guesthouse.

Day 12 :

Tarke Gyang to Shermathang (2610m) - 5 to 6 hrs Walking

The hike today, takes us along a trail to Gangyul, a sherpa village, from where it goes down through a thick forest and where you get to cross a few streams. We then reach a large Gompa in Chumil. From here, it is a gently climb to the village of Shermathang. We stay at a camp for the night

Day 13 :

Shermathang to Melamchipul Bazaar (880m) - 5 hrs Walking

Today, our trek ends, but before that, we first need to hike to Melamchipul. We begin by first walking down past the settlements of Nigale and Gyalsha and further onto Raithani. It is then through a forest to the village of Dubhachaur. Trekking further on, we finaly reach Melamchipul Bazaar. We stay at a guesthouse for the night.

Day 14 :

Melamchipul Bazaar to Kathmandu

We head back to Kathmandu by road which takes about 5 hours by vehicle. Reaching the city, we have the option of either resting or go shopping for gifts and other things. We organize a farewell dinner with you and the staff of the company at an authentic Nepalese restaurant in the evening. You stay at a hotel for the night.

Day 15 :

Transfer to airport for your onward destination

Having now completed you hike in the country, today a representative of Break Free Adventure, will drive you to the airport three hours ahead of departure for check in formalities.
At Break Free Adventures, we will have hoped that you had had a successful adventure with us, where we take your comfort and security of paramount importance.

FAQs

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What is Ganja la pass trek Nepal?

Ganja la pass trek Nepal is trekking into the Langtang region located northwest of Kathmandu. The trek passes through high mountain passes, old villages, Langtang and Helambu valleys witnessing spectacular Himalayan panorama and natural life. The trail crosses over the busy Langtang region to the quite Helambu Valley crossing over the frozen Ganja la pass at 5200 meters.

When is the best season for Ganja la pass trekking?

The best season for Ganja la pass trekking is from Autumn(Sep-Oct-Nov) & Spring (March-April-May) The trek can be done in winter (Dec-Feb) but be prepared for snowbound trials and cold temperature. During the monsoon (Jun-Aug) the trials will be muddy and slippery.

Where does Langtang ganja la pass trekking starts and ends?

Langtang ganja la pass trekking starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi which is 7-8 hours drive then start the trek. It ends at Melamchipul Bazaar then eventually drive back to Kathmandu.

What is Langtang ganja la pass trekking itinerary?

Langtang ganja la pass trekking itinerary is the drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu then start the trek passing along Lama hotel, Langtang Village, Ngegang then crossing over Ganja La Pass. Afterward, Keldang, Dukpu, TarkeGyang, Shermathang and Melamchipul Bazaar from where you drive back to Kathmandu.

Is trek to Ganja la pass difficult?

Trek to Ganja la pass difficulty level is strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness. Pre-preparation for the trek is suggested where you are suggested to a daily walk or run and climbing stairs up and down will be beneficial since the trek involves many ups and downs high up in the Himalayas.

Will it be affected by altitude sickness on Langtang Ganja-La Pass Trekking?

One can be affected by altitude sickness on Langtang Ganja-La Pass Trekking since it’s the trekking in the high Himalayas where the highest point if 5200 meters above the sea-level. But the itinerary is safely planned with slowly gaining altitude and with enough acclimatization day, so we can avoid altitude sickness.

Is travel insurance for Ganja la pass trekking needed?

Travel insurance for Ganja la pass trekking is required since it’s the high altitude trek and also involves crossing over a high mountain pass. The insurance should cover costs such as helicopter rescue, medical expenses etc. Also make sure your insurance policy should cover rescues up to 6000 meters.

Do I require a guide for Langtang Valley Trek with Ganja la Pass?

Guide for Langtang Valley Trek with Ganja la Pass is suggested since you will be trekking in wilderness and at high elevations where medical facilities will be in reach within days of walking if incase an emergency arises. Besides, taking along an experienced guide who knows the area better will be beneficial who shall lead the way and take care of you.

What I need to pack?

You need to pack as per the season you are undertaking the trek. Since the trek in the higher elevations so it will be much colder so packing along warm clothing is suggested which should include dawn jacket, thermals, long sleeves. It will be warm during the day when you’re walking but mornings and nights will be colder with the temperature dropping down

How is the accommodation on Ganja la pass trek?

Accommodation on Ganja la pass trek is basic mountain lodges that are popularly known as tea-houses. But they will be clean and comfortable and run by families belonging to the same areas. Toilets are often shared and it will be a common dining area with a heating system. Food served will often be from their garden so it will be fresh and organic.

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 Ganja-la Pass 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 Ganja-la Pass Trek, 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 Ganja-la Pass Trekking is moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have ability to walk at least 5-6 hours 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 Ganja-la Pass Trek 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 Ganja-la Pass Trekking, there will be one Guide, assistant Guide (8 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porter for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should any body in the group is sick; the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Ganja-la Pass trek for group of any size, but generally have a maximum of sixteen people, as weve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if youd 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 Ganja-la Pass 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.

Ganja La Pass Trek

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