Ganja La Pass Trek of the Langtang Region is one of the adventurous and prevalent treks. The pass stays at an altitude of 5132 meters. Adventure lovers would love to hike to the pass as the trek offers magnificent Himalayan views, sherpa culture exploration, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning views of landscapes.
The trek of Ganja La Pass Trek starts from the beautiful village of Syabru Besi. You will follow the same trail toward the well-known Langtang Valley and the Kyanging Gumpa. You will be enjoying some stunning vistas along the trail. You will also get to explore the Kyanging Ri on this Trip which offers magnificent mountain views. The mountains we will be exploring from Kyanging Ri are Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak, Ganjala Peak, Langtang Ri, and some others. The trek to Ganja La Pass is challenging in the moraines but the experience and attraction of the trek will make it worth taking the challenge.
After crossing the Ganja La Pass, we will be hiking to the Helambu Region. Helambu Region is a major place for people who follow Buddhist practices. The region is also famous for its monasteries with pleasing decorations. If you plan your trip in the spring, then the Rhododendron forest around Helambu is beautiful. After crossing the Helambu region, we will drive back to Kathmandu.
While planning for the Ganja La Pass Trek in the Langtang region. Which lies in the northern hemisphere of the Kathamndu-capital city. All the trekkers need to issue the Langtang National Park entrance fee. The Langtang National Park entrance is available in the office of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. Also, you may get the national park entrance fee from the national park office in Dhunche, Rasuwa.
The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS CARD) is for the welfare and to keep the record of the trekkers. As to issue the TIMS card you need to have all your details with the photo and the original copy of the government-issued documents such as your Citizen and Passport. You may get the TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board and also from the TAAN office( Trekking Agent Association of Nepal).
Nepal Visa Fee: Nepal Visa Fee, is known as a minor cost to all the travelers and visitors willing to explore Nepal. The Nepal visa cost USD 15 for 30 days, USD 30 for 50 days, and USD 50 for nearly 90 days.
Permits: While going for the trek in the high elevation of the Himalayas. You need to issue the Permit. While for the Ganja La Pass Trek, you need to obtain the Langtang National Park entrance fee which is approximately NPR 3,000 and the Trekkers Information Management System(TIMS CARD) is NPR 2,000 per person.
Transportation: During the Ganja La Trek, you need to get a 4WD vehicle to drive you on the lap of the high mountain in the Langtang region. The transportation cost varies on the model of the vehicle you choose. Along with the length of days, you will be using the vehicle.
Guide and Porter Charge: The Guide and Porter are most needed during the high-altitude trek in the Himalayas. The cost of a Guide approximately cost NPR 3,500 on day to day basis. While Porter charges approximately NPR 3,000 Per day.
Accommodation: Accommodation in the high mountain will be at the Tea House and the Lodge. With the twin-sharing basis along with the common bathroom.
The Ganja La Trek is a difficult trek with challenging terrains and high elevation. The terrains include steep ascending and descending on varied terrains and narrow paths. Similarly, trekkers have to walk on rocky and icy terrains. As a result, it might require some skills to overcome the challenges. Trekkers have to be prepared to walk 6 to 7 hours a day while carrying their backpacks.
The trek also takes through high-elevation points. The highest point is at Ganja La Pass which is situated at an elevation of 5,122 meters. Trekkers can experience acute mountain sickness. Hence, to minimize the risk of sickness, proper acclimatization is crucial. Trekkers need to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take proper precautions.
During the Ganja La Pass Trek, trekkers will have to travel through remote areas. There are very few tea houses and lodges. So, the facilities are very basic and there may not be proper connectivity. The route is physically strenuous and also mentally challenging. Therefore, trekkers need physical endurance, stamina, and mental resilience to tackle the Ganja La Pass Trek difficulties. Proper preparation, training, exercises, and information are important before embarking on the trek journey.
Namaste and welcome to Nepal. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our pick-up representative. You will then be transferred to your hotel at Thamel. It will be a 30 to 45 minutes drive from the airport. Upon arrival at the hotel, our representative will help you with all the check-in procedures. After all the procedures you have your time to get refreshed and have the rest.
In the evening, you can tour Thamel on your own. You can also buy some items around the market of Thamel if you want some. Overnight at the hotel.
Today!! We will be touring around Kathmandu. After breakfast, we will start our day of exploration. We will be visiting the Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal. The temple is a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Thousands of people visit the temple on various occasions. The temple is located at the canon of Bagmati River ver and it is devoted to Lord Shiva. There is a place for the cremation procedure for the Hindu Dead people at the bank of the Bagmati River. You will also get to explore the procedure during your visit to the temple area.
Boudhanath stupa, another World Heritage Site of UNESCO lies at the ancient border of Tibet, Nepal, and India. The stupa is built based on the Mahayana Philosophy. Along with that, Bouddhanath Stupa is also Nepal’s biggest stupa in terms of height and size. The stupa has focuses pointed towards all four directions which are inspired by the Mahayana Philosophy.
After the exploration today, we will return to our hotel. You will get ready for the trip to Ganja La Pass Trek tomorrow. Overnight at the hotel.
We will start our trip to Ganja La Pass Trek today. We will have a long driving day after breakfast today. The drive to Syabru Besi is adventurous and scenic. We will drive through some roadside settlements, terraced farming, river valleys, and forests. Some of the views during the drive are beautiful.
During the drive, we will be crossing Betrawati. A treaty was signed at Betrawati to settle the war between Nepal and Tibet under the Qing Dynasty in 1972. The road also connects the border between Nepal and China.
On our arrival at Syabru Besi, we will check into the hotel. You can also explore the village in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
We will start our hike after breakfast at Syabru Besi. We will cross the Bhote Koshi River and then Langtang Khola following the trial. The trekking trail follows the Langtang Khola gorge until Kyanging Gumpa.
When we arrive at Bamboo, we will start an uphill climb. After two hours of a steep uphill climb, we will be there at Lama Hotel. The day would be quite interesting in the forest and beautiful nature. We will spend the overnight at the Lodge/Tea House at Lama Hotel.
After breakfast, we will start our walk toward beautiful Langtang Valley. A beautiful trail through the forest and gaining some elevation is quite enjoyable. The views from the trial are also beautiful. After 5 to 6 hours of hiking, we will be there at the reestablished village of Langtang Valley. They were severely affected by the earthquake in 2015.
You can stroll around the Village in the evening and explore the newly reestablished village. Overnight at the lodge/Tea House.
Today we will be hiking toward Kyanging Gumpa. We will be walking some uphill today. We will also cross one of the longest Mani Walls in the world. We will be hiking some of the spectacular mountain views. Along with that, the cultural and spiritual richness throughout the trial will enhance the experience. We will be reaching the alpine barren land today.
After a half day of hiking, we will reach a Buddhist Monastery in a huge pasture land which is famous as Kyanging Gumpa. The monastery is now developed with tourist facilities. We will explore the area for the remaining part of the day. Overnight at lodge/Tea House.
We will be exploring around the Kyanging Gumpa and get acclimatized for today. We will explore the village. We will also explore the cheese factory. We can hike up to the moraines to get an awesome view of the tumbling glacier of Langtang Lirung. We can also hike to Kyanging Ri and enjoy the stunning Himalayan views from there. After the exploration, we will return to our accommodation point in the evening. Overnight at the Lodge/Tea House.
Today!! We will be reaching the main destination of the trek, Ganja La Pass. We will be walking towards Ganja La Pass gaining altitude. The day will be quite strenuous compared to before. We will be hiking through the rocky trail, moraines, and some icy slippery paths. The view from the Ganja La Pass is impressive.
We will spend some time at the pass exploring around. Now we will descend to Keldang. We will have the proper required rest at our camp upon our arrival at Keldang. Overnight at the camp.
Now we will be returning towards Kathmandu from today. We will be walking through the dense forest enjoying the magnificent views around. We will set up our camp when we reach Dhukpu. Overnight at a tented camp at Dhukpu.
The day starts with breakfast at the tent site. After breakfast, we will start our walk descending for some time. After descending for some time, we will need to climb steep uphill to the Fagunga Pass. The pass lies at an altitude of 4100 meters. The view from the pass is stunning. You will get to enjoy the view from Annapurna to Everest.
Now we will start our walk downward. We will be walking through the Pine and Rhododendron forest till Tarkegyang. Tarkegyang is a tiny herder’s settlement. You can also explore a Buddhist monastery and the settlement in the evening. Overnight at Lodge/Tea House at Tarkegyang.
After breakfast, we will start our hike. Most of the parts of the trial are easy today. If you are hiking during the spring season, you will get an awesome view of the Rhododendron forest from Helambu. The view of the blooming rhododendron forest is beautiful.
During the walk today, we will encounter mani walls, Chortens, stunning mountain views, and some sherpa settlements along with their culture. Overnight at the lodge/Tea House in Kakani.
We will start our day with a delicious breakfast at our lodge at Kakani. After breakfast, we will start our walk. Today is the last day of walking during the Ganja La Pass Trek.
During the hike today, we will walk through the cultivated lands. Most of the remaining part will be through the ancient village living on their tradition and culture. Upon arrival at Melamchi Pul Bazaar, we will be driving back to city life, driving to Kathmandu by enjoying the beautiful landscapes, villages, rivers, and others. Upon arrival at Kathmandu in the afternoon, we will check into our hotel. You can go to the market Thamel to get some gifts or memorial things for you. Overnight at the hotel.
Today is your last day in Nepal. Farewell will be provided for you. After the farewell, you will be assisted with your drive to the international airport for your flight to your homeland. You will be transferred to the airport three hours before your scheduled flight. The trip to Nepal and Ganja La Pass Trek ends here.
We offer fixed departure dates. If these dates are not suitable for you or if you prefer to schedule your own departure, please contact us.
Trekkers might wonder which is the best time for the Ganja La Pass Trek. Trekkers can get the best experience during spring and autumn. Similarly, the trails are also well-defined so ensures the trekkers’ safety. Here are the reasons why these seasons are the best time for Ganja La Pass Trek:
From March to May months, it is the best time for Ganja La Pass Trek. These months fall in the spring season which is pre-monsoon in Nepal. The temperature is mild and the weather is pleasant. In early March, the temperature remains cold in higher altitudes. The nights and mornings are also cold. The trail at higher elevations may still have snow. But as the season proceeds, it starts to get warmer.
Likewise, the trail is in good condition with minimum risk of landslides or avalanches. The views of the mountains and surroundings are also best.
September to November, i.e., autumn, is another suitable time for the Ganja La Pass Trek. It falls in the post-monsoon season in Nepal. The temperature is most favorable for trekking. Similarly, the temperature is cooler in higher elevations. Since it is post-monsoon, rain washes away most of the dust and the weather is crisp. It also provides the best visibility. So trekkers can enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains and surroundings under a clear sky. The trail condition is also safe and well-defined.
However, in late November, the temperature begins to get colder as it enters into the winter season.
The summer season (June to August) falls in a monsoon season in Nepal. It rains heavily and the trail becomes unsafe during these months. There are also risks for landslides. Hence, it is advised not to trek during these months. During the winter season (December to February), it begins to snow in higher elevations. It makes the trek difficult. The temperature also begins to drop significantly.
To overcome the difficulties of the Ganja La Pass Trek, proper equipment preparation plays a crucial role. Trekkers will go from low lands to high altitudes of 5,122 meters. It is necessary to carry proper clothing and gear. Similarly, the facilities and amenities are also limited. Hence, carrying personal items also helps to make the whole journey comfortable. The equipment list for the Ganja La Pass Trek includes:
Comfortable Trekking Backpack: Firstly, you need to get a comfortable trekking bag. Which is flexible and comfortable to carry during the trek. All the trekking gear and equipment should be easily packed on it.
Comfortable Shoes: The trekking shoes should be more flexible to tackle every rough and rocky trail during the Ganja La Pass Trek. Also, the trekking shoe should fully cover your ankle, it means you should better have a full trekking boot rather than a short one which doesn’t cover your ankle.
Trekking Poles: The trekking pole plays an important role to make your walk easier. The poles work as the third leg and you feel it so much more comfortable to walk with a trekking pole than without the pole.
Shocks: You need to have woolen trekking shocks along with you. You may keep as many pairs as you own preference. While the shocks need to be woolen and much warmer to keep your leg warm on the high elevation.
Down jacket: All the trekkers need to pack the Down Jacket during the trek. The down Jakct helps to keep you warm and get rid of the fast-moving wind. The Down jacket should cover a temperature of more than -10 degrees in the mountains.
Trousers: Trousers are required while having quality time in a tea house. After the trek, you need to wear the trouser and you may explore the mountains. Also, you may enjoy reading the books as well.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses are one of the important to protect the eye from direct sunlight and UV rays. Sunglasses also helps to protect your eyes from the snow blindness.
Tent: During the Gunja La Pass trek, you need to explore the nights in the tent as well. So you need to pack the tent for yourself as well.
Sleeping Bags: The sleeping bags are needed during sleep either in the Tea House/ Lodge. Along with you require a sleeping bag when staying in Tent.
Personal items: The personal items include the items that will help to make your trek comfortable. It can include sun protection, sunglasses, snacks, books, and diaries. For female trekkers, make sure you carry menstrual hygiene products. Since the trek routes are in remote areas, the availability of these products is limited.
The Ganja La Pass Trek route is a difficult one. Adventure Walkway guarantees the safety and security of their trekkers. All the guides are experts and have years of experience. They are also trained to handle emergencies and provide first aid. Similarly, the crew carries all the necessary equipment, supplies, and first aid kits.
Ganja La Pass Trek is known as a moderate to difficult trekking destination in Nepal. Where you need to pass the Ganja La pass and get to the next destination. Having previous experience with the Ganja La Pass trek will be more advantageous.
Yes, there is a risk of altitude-related sickness during the Ganja La Pass Trek. The highest elevation during the trek is 5,120 meters (16,796 feet). The symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and insomnia. It is very important to acclimatize to minimize the risk of altitude-related sickness.
Ganja La Pass Trek is a challenging trek route. It is physically and mentally challenging. The trail has steep uphill and downhill climbs. Hence, it is highly recommended that you hire a porter for Ganja La Pass Trek. They help to reduce physical strain. Similarly, it also reduces the risk of getting injured.
The best time to trek Ganja La Pass is during the Autumn and Spring season.
The Ganja La Pass trek typically requires 12-17 days to complete the whole trek.
During the Ganja La Pass Trek, you need to obtain the following permits:
You can get all the permits from the office of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and also from the National Park office in Dance, Rasuwa.
The maximum altitude to gain during the Ganja La pass will be 5100 M.
It is highly advised for trekkers to purify their drinking water to avoid any risk of waterborne illnesses. In some regions along the trek route, you can buy bottled water. However, most trek regions do not allow plastic bottles. So carry a water bottle and fill it with moiled or filtered water. Similarly, you can buy water purification tablets in Kathmandu.
Yes, you can easily rent equipment in Kathmandu. Thamel is a great shopping area in Kathmandu where you can rent any equipment and gear. You can rent any equipment like jackets, sleeping bags, etc for a specific amount of time. There are also many branded stores available if you want to buy equipment in Kathmandu.