Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass Trek – 14 Days

Early in the morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi which takes about eight hours on a Private Tourist Vehicle. Driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Syabru Besi passing Dhunche, we’ll get a glimpse of Ganesh Himal after driving along the mighty Trishuli River. Terraced green hills and lush forests make the drive very pleasurable. Parts of the road though may be bumpy and under construction.

The first part of the trail crosses through the Bhote Koshi River and follows the Langtang Khola. This trail gradually ascends up to Bamboo (1,970 m) passing rugged paths. Afterward, our trek climbs gently to Rimche (2,400 m).

We can have lunch at this place and at the end of our trail is the Lama Hotel. En route we could see red pandas, monkeys and bears if we are lucky.

The trek route follows Gumanechok at Ghoda Tabela which literally means the Horse Stable. After this the trail climbs gradually to the beautiful valley with yaks about.

Langtang is a typical village and one of the oldest along this trekking route. The views of the mountains are spectacular and become more imposing as we trek closer.

It is shorter walk today, but adequate for acclimatizing. There are some interesting things to explore, especially the famous cheese factory – don’t forget to try some locally produced cheese as fresh as it could get.

This beautiful valley is on the lap of the Langtang Lirung. This is the spot where we can explore the valley and climbs several small peaks (hillocks).

Today is a day to rest as we explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung, or ascend Kyanging Ri (4,773 m) which is the highest point of this trek, directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.

The trail goes on ascending and the area is covered with natural vegetation. No villages can be seen in this area, hence no lodges are available.

Today is comparatively more strenuous as we have to cross the Ganja La Pass (5,130 m) covered with snowy ice in most months.

A long day walking along the ridge and grassland, with amazing views of Himalayas. The camping site will be in the forest.

The trail descends slightly before climbing over a 4,100 m pass, from where the spectacular view of the Annapurna and the Everest regions can be clearly seen.

From the pass the trail descends through the pine forest, rhododendron forest past a tiny herder settlement called Tarkeghyang. We can visit one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and Sherpa villages in this region. We will be welcomed by cheerful and friendly people of this village.

This day the trail is quite easy through the flat land with beautiful forests and small streams along the way. We’ll visit a beautiful village half way to Shermathang, another pretty Sherpa village where we can see many ancient monasteries and also the Jugal Himal range on the north face of the village.

The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. Along the way, we come across several old villages with their own unique traditions. The walk today is quite pleasant with great mountain views.