Langtang Ganja La Trek

Langtang Ganja La Trek

Activity
Trekking
Trip Grade
Challenging

Overview

The Langtang Ganja-la Trek is one of Nepal’s most difficult trekking routes. To cross Ganja la pass with ropes, we’ll need basic mountaineering skills. While ascending to Ganja-la pass (5,122 m-16,800 ft), the pass is technically difficult. The Langtang Helambu area hike is culturally and hospitably rich.  We begin our journey north of Kathmandu, following the beautiful valleys and mountain ranges of Nepal.

From Syabrubesi, the Langtang Ganja-la Trek begins. The trail leads via the river valley to Tamang villages in the upper mid-green hills. The trek through a magnificent forest of rhododendron, oaks, pines, and fir provides plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. This is where you may see the famed Red Panda. Once we arrive in the high-altitude settlement of Langtang, we are treated to spectacular views of snow-capped peaks on both sides of the valley. Kanjin Gompa is a fascinating location, with breathtaking scenery all around.

The Langtang Ganja-la Trek would be incomplete without a visit to Chori Khuri Ri, the highest peak on the trek. This is an incredible location to witness the stark difference between the high Himalayas and the lower valley. To the south, Ganesh Himal (7,405 m-24,295 ft), Langtang Lirung (7,234 m-23,734 ft), Ghengu Liru (Langtang II 6571 m-21,558 ft), Kimshun (6,745 m-22,130 ft), and Shalbachum (6,918 m-22,697 ft) are visible. Naya-Kanga (5,846m-19,180 ft) and Gangchempo, Tilman’s magnificent Fluted Peak, are among the summits that make up the Chimsedang Lekh. A large mountain wall forms the border with the world’s 14th tallest mountain, Shishapangma, to the east of the Langtang’s upper meadows (8,013 m-26,289 ft).

We will go on to another valley after a wonderful day in Langtang valley. After kaingin Gumpa, the real challenge of the Langtang Ganja-la Trek begins. We hike to Ganja la Phedi and then climb to Ganja la pass, a technically difficult and challenging pass to cross. Trexmount Ventures’ expert teams will repair the rope and assist you through. Following the pass, we will enter the beautiful villages and lush forests of the Helambu region. Helambu village, with its amazing culture, heritage, and magnificent view of the hilly terrain, stands on a lovely spot to welcome you. We’ll stay the night before returning to Kathmandu.

Langtang Ganja la Trek Route

Before the trek, a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu is planned upon arrival. The trek begins in Sybrubensi and continues through numerous Tamang villages before arriving in the Langtang valley’s famous Tamang settlement. After a cultural exploration in Langtang hamlet, the trek continues through alpine greenery to reach Kyanjin Gompa, an old monastery. The Tamang’s’ most sacred monastery in the Langtang region is Kyanjin Gompa.

The trail next ascends to the captivating Ganja La Pass (5130m), the trek’s highest point and a year-round frozen pass. The trail then passes through Helambu’s Sherpa settlements before ending at Melamchi Pul in the Helambu region. The attractions of this trek include the Tamang settlement of Langtang, stunning vistas of the Langtang mountain, dense forest of rhododendron and pine, numerous Buddhist monasteries, local cheese factories, and diversified flora and fauna. This journey is equally appealing because of the possibility of seeing the red panda.

Itinerary

01Day

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Our representative will come to the airport for transfer to the Hotel. After some refreshment in the hotel, Our Tour leader will make pre departure meeting in the Hotel or at our office. The meeting will cover trip-related information & the collecting of your Documents (passport copy, 2 passport size photos, Travel insurance).

02Day

Kathmandu Free day or City Sightseeing (pay Locally for sightseeing).

After morning breakfast, free day for trek preparation. OR, you can do sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley with visiting into fascinating heritage and cultural sites. There are few places that are worth to visit such as holy Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square ( One is in Kathmandu, in patan and also in Bhaktapur), Museum,  monasteries, old historical Palaces and Gardens. Note: this tour is optional so you can visit with place of your interest & pay locally.

03Day

Drive to Syabrubesi (1,460 m-4,790 ft) - 07 hours.

Start this magnificent Langtang valley trek in the morning with an interesting and scenic drive to Syabrubesi village. Head north through rural towns and farm villages on the winding hilly road with ups and downs to Trisuli Bazaar, a warm tropical climate area. From here drive towards a cooler region at entrance of Langtang National Park in Dhunche (1,965 m), the headquarter town of Langtang and of Rasuwa district and where this trek ends after a week time. Drive downhill on a winding road to reach the first overnight stop in Syabrubesi village, quite a large place with many lodges and shops. At present many of the houses have been destroyed by the earthquake of April 25th 2015.

04Day

Trek to Lama Hotel (2,430m-7,972 ft) - 06 hours.

Morning begins with first day walk of this wonderful journey. Leave Syabrubesi to cross over upper Trisuli River. Make an uphill climb for few hours through farm fields and terraces. The walk gets better once the climb reaches a river side where the trail from Thulo Syabru meets ( our on wards route after few days).  This small settlement has with 2-3 lodges. After nice break continue the walk with the last uphill through cool shade of forest with rhododendron, oaks and pines trees and enter a river gorge to reach Lama Hotel in a clearing in the middle of forest with 6-7 lodges for overnight stop after a good first day walk.

05Day

Trek to Langtang village (3,430 m-11,253 ft) - 06 hours.

Temperature is cooler in the shade of forest surrounding, Perhaps spot the rare and elusive Red Panda and other wildlife. The walk follows the river in a gorge with thick forest, passes a few small settlements and farms and then reaches a nice place at Ghoretabla meaning “Horse-Stable”. In early days this place was a horse breeding area.  Horses are of Tibetan pony breed, smaller but strong and sure footed to survive on high terrain and altitude, after a nice break and lunch, afternoon walk to our overnight destination at Langtang village after a pleasant walk of three hours from here.

Langtang village is a nice moderate size village with Bhotias and Tamang people, native of Langtang area settled here for hundreds years.(Langtang and Kyanjin villages was badly destroyed by the avalanche and landslide effect from the earthquake).

06Day

Trek to Kyanjin (3, 749 m-12,300 ft) - 04 hours.

From Langtang village, make a short day walk to reach first destination of this adventure at Kyanjin The morning walk follows a short steep hill where the tree lines disappears and short bushes of rhododendron, juniper and prickly Burberry bushes appear. Walk enters a wide path and the valley opens up with awesome views of surrounding landscapes with high hills and snow capped mountains looking over Dorji Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, Tsego ri, Langshisa and Naya Kanga / Ganja la peak.

07Day

At Kyanjin Gompa rest day for short hike.

With a rest day at Kyanjin, interested people have the option to hike up to a hill top Tsergo Ri at 5,533 m-18,153 ft, which offers a marvelous panorama looking over Chimsedang Lekh, and Kangjal Himal, a ridge full of peaks that borders the valley towards south with Naya Kanga (5,844 m-19,173 ft), and stunning views of mountains flanking the Langtang valley, includes Ganchenpo (6,387 m-20955 ft), Dorje Lakpa (6,990 m-22,933 ft), Pemthang Karpo Ri (6,830 m-22,408 ft), Langtang Lirung (7,245 m-23,770 ft) and across the northern boundary in Tibet rises the huge massive Shishapangma (8,046 m-26,398 ft) the last 14th world’s highest mountain.

08Day

Trek to Ganja La Phedi (4,300m-14,108 ft) - 05 hrs.

The morning walk heads towards Langtang Khola (upper stream) with awesome views of surrounding peaks. After crossing the icy streams climb up a steep uphill through the cool shade of rhododendron, birch and pine tree forest to reach a flat even meadow at Phedi, base of Ganja La and Nayakanga peak for overnight with 1st camping facilities of this adventure. In the afternoon explore this unique wilderness area of summer pasture and grazing fields for Yaks and other animals Our guides will scout and check the pass for next day’s crossing and make the route accessible fixing ropes where necessary for a safe climb and descent.

09Day

Cross Ganja La pass (5,122 m-16,804 ft) descend to Keldang (4,250 m-13,944 ft) - 06 hrs.

Starting early morning before dawn, climb towards Ganja La ridge pass which is quite a challenge to traverse over this pass in snow condition, the sun hardly reach around this hidden area blocked by Nayakanga / Ganjala peak. As this area is quite hard and challenging only some adventurous trekkers use this route with the guidance of strong expert local guides.

Upon reaching the top festooned with prayer stones and flags, catch the awesome scenery and sunrise and then make a long descent on the steep icy slope with the help of ropes to reach our overnight camp at a small place of Keldang Kharka in the middle of complete wilderness with few small frozen ponds around.

10Day

Trek to Dukpu (4,080 m-13,386 ft) - 05 hrs.

After a tiring and great adventure crossing Ganja-la, this morning’s walk is much easier, heading towards the Helambu area which is another and eastern extension of Langtang region. From this place onwards regarded as Helambu area, walk across several summer pasture and grazing land of Helambu villagers. Continue with a descent following a ridge line, and then have a good walk with few ups and downs reaching a small settlement for overnight camp at Dukpu a temporary Sheppard’s settlement and a summer grazing land.

11Day

Trek to Tarke Gyang (2,590 m-8,497 ft) - 05 hrs.

After being in complete wilderness, the morning walk leads to a nice and charming village at Helambu in Tarke Gyang. Walk first leads to a gentle downhill and then up to a small pass at an altitude of 4,100 m-13,451 ft, a vantage point for stunning views looking at Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal mountain range including Mt. Everest which can be seen on a clear fine day in the far east horizon.

From this scenic spot walk heads downhill through forest of pines and rhododendron trees to reach at Helambu’s main village for overnight stop in Tarke Gyang with ample time in the afternoon to explore an old Buddhist monastery of this area.

12Day

Trek to Sermathang (2,610 m-8,562 ft) - 04 hours.

A slow and steady walk brings an end of this amazing adventure as walk leads downhill and towards beautiful forests, walk continues, passing many chortens and summer meadows to reach Gangyul, a small village. The path continues with wonderful views of green rolling hills and natural vegetation to reach Shermathang for overnight stop.  Shermathang is another pretty Hyalmo village around Helambu area. Visit another old monastery.

13Day

Trek to Malemchipul Bazaar and drive to Kathmandu - 06 hrs.

After a wonderful time in the high mountains and valley and crossing high pass, today this wonderful adventure concludes with a drive to Kathmandu. The first walk begins with an easy descent through warmer area as the trail leads to lower country to the village of Kakani.

Walk continues on the downhill path to Melamchipul where this trek comes to an end. From here  have an interesting drive of five hours back to the hustle bustle of city life in Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, check into respective hotels after a wonderful time in the high hills of Himalaya.

14Day

Kathmandu

Free day in kathmandu for own activities.

15Day

Departure

Today your last day in Nepal with great memories, amazing experience, transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for final departure towards homeward bound or to next port of call.

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