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Ganja La Pass Trek – A Thrilling Escape

  • Duration 14 Days
  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Region LANGTANG REGION
  • Activity Nepal Trekking
  • Max. Altitude 5130m
  • Best Season Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov
  • Start/End Point Kathmandu
  • Group Size 3

Ganja La Pass Trek up to the Langtang valley region witnessing the Himalayan ranges by crossing the beautiful Ganja La Pass which stands at 5,200 m high.

Highlights

• Scenic road drive from and to Kathmandu.
• Visiting Langtang village & Kyangjin Gompa.
• Panoramic view of the Himalayas from Kyangjin Ri.
• Crossing the Ganja La Pass at 5,200 m.

Overview

The Ganja La Pass trek is one of the most adventurous and remote trekking routes in the Langtang region of Nepal.

This high mountain pass sits at an elevation of 5,130 meters and is known for its difficulty, beauty, and wilderness experience. It is a perfect choice for trekkers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path journey combined with thrilling high-altitude adventure.

The Ganja La Pass trek is usually open during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is more stable, and the pass is safer to cross. In spring, the trail comes alive with blooming rhododendron forests, making the trek even more scenic and colorful.

Trekking across Ganja La Pass from Langtang Valley into the Helambu region is a serious undertaking that demands physical fitness, high-altitude experience, and proper trekking gear. For three to four days, there are no lodges, teahouses, or shops along the trail.

This means trekkers must be fully self sufficient, carrying all necessary supplies, camping gear, and food.
It is important to be well-prepared and to travel with a reliable crew, including experienced local guides and porters.

The trail to Ganja La Pass follows a remote valley and gradually climbs up to the glaciated section of the pass. Here, the use of technical equipment such as ropes, crampons, and ice axes may be necessary, especially if there is snow or ice. Having the right equipment and support team is crucial for a safe and successful crossing.

While the Ganja La Pass trek is not easy, the rewards are immense. You’ll experience untouched natural beauty, stunning mountain views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa, and a peaceful journey away from the crowds. For those who are well prepared and up for the challenge, trekking over Ganja La Pass is a truly unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary

After you land at TIA airport our representative member will be waiting for you at the airport with your name plate. Now you will be transferred to a hotel and on a long flight you could be tired so you can rest at the hotel.

After having a warm breakfast at Kathmandu now we’ll head towards the syabru bensi. We’ll now head towards the north with the beautiful scenic view along the trishuli river. On the way you can have a glimpse of mt manaslu, mt ganesh and langtang ranges. Then after a long drive we’ll now reach the destination syabru bensi.

Following breakfast in Syabrubesi, your excursion to Ganja La Pass Trekking will begin. You will begin your journey to the source of the Bhote Koshi River, which flows from Tibet. The destination of Guru Rinpoche Gomba, where you can make journey-related prayers, is reached by continuing on the path. Next, go on the stone paved road leading out of town, which will take you down the Langtang Khola. After a short stretch of walking, you will pass a suspension bridge before gradually ascending to Bamboo.There are several guest houses nearby the river in this beautiful canyon like setting. A subtropical forest with oak, maple, fir, rhododendron, blue pine, and tall spruce is traversed on the route from this point on. A variety of animals, such as langurs, red pandas, yellow throated martens, and Himalayan black bears, will also be visible to you. Continue your moderate ascents uphill until you arrive at the Lama Hotel. In this small town by the river, there are a number of excellent hotels. Hikers frequently stop here to relax as it is surrounded by greenery.

Today's journey from Lama Hotel to Langtang village will be wonderful. You will wake up early in the morning, get ready for your walk, eat breakfast, and then start the Langtang Valley Ganja-La Pass Trek with a moderate ascent that gets steeper as you climb. As you continue to wander alongside the Langtang Khola, you will pass through woods made up of oak, maple, colorful rhododendrons, and hemlock. As you continue your trip, the snow-covered mountains, notably Mt. Langtang, will become increasingly evident.By continuing on the route, you will pass Ghodatabela Meadow and reach a wooden bridge.The journey to the Tamang hamlet will next take you past yak fields, across a helipad, and upward through rhododendron trees. The residences in this charming village have flat roofs in the Tibetan style and nicely carved wooden windows. The town's stone walls completely encompass the fields where turnips, potatoes, barley, etc. are grown.

Following your morning meal in Langtang village, you will continue your Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass trekking excursion.From the Langtang hamlet to Kyanjin Gompa, the journey will take you a few hours. The route will first revolve around the Mani Walls before climbing a peak that is topped by a large chorten. After a slight climb, you will reach Mundu, where you will see wonderful prayer flags and cross a stream. From here, you will proceed across a series of moraines and cross numerous minor streams using wooden bridges.As you proceed ahead, you will see Kyanjin Gompa, and the magnificent glaciers flowing from Kimshug and Langtang Lirung peaks. You will eventually get to Kyanjin Gompa if you continue on the paths. While visiting Kyanjin Gompa, you are welcome to see the gorgeous and well-known monastery. While exploring the hamlet, you may also get a panoramic view of the mountains such as Dorje Lhakpa, Langshisha Ri, Ganja La, Tsergo Ri, and others.

The sixth day of the Ganja La Pass Trek Itinerary can be used to explore the magnificent panoramas located all around Kyanjin Gompa. Before beginning a hike, you might make the trip to the well-known Kyanjin Gompa to participate in Morning Prayer. After breakfast, you can go to the Langtang Ganja-La Pass Trek's second-highest point, Tserko RI (4984 m). The short yet exciting climb to this place offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. From here, you can see Kinshung, Yansa Tsenji, and the entire Langtang range, among other mountain summits.As a gentle alternative for Tsergo RI, take into consideration trekking to Kyanjin RI. Since Kyanjin RI is closer and has a shorter rise than Tsergo RI, it's still a difficult climb. Kyanjin RI is situated at around 4773 meters. Whichever route you choose, you will be treated to a panoramic view of snow-covered mountains, open valleys, and frozen lakes. In comparison to the view from Tsergo RI, the view from Kyanjin RI is equally stunning. This evening, you will spend another night returning to your guesthouse in Kyanjin Gompa.

No villages or means of subsistence are visible from here as you move forward in the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trekking route. For the first 30 minutes or so, the route declines until it reaches a suspension bridge. After crossing the Langtang Khola, you will climb up a route with juniper trees on either side into the sparsely forested Himalayas. You will reach Nyengang Kharka after around five hours of climbing, where there are breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung and its glacier. You are on your own to manage to find a place to stay and meals here.You could occasionally experience a water shortage. But compared to the next day, it is loaded with beautiful mountain views and genuine beauty. Because of the height, the walk gets difficult. Due to the snow, it could take longer to journey during the winter.

You will climb over 5000 meters in the Ganja La Pass on today's challenging Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek. The majority of the time throughout the whole year, the Ganja La Pass is covered in white snow.The mountains are spectacularly visible from Ganja La Pass, which is perched on a rocky ridge. Even if the hike is difficult, the scenery along the way will astound you with its magnificence. You need to have everything you need, including a supply of energizing food and water.Early in the morning, before the sun rises too high in the sky, you will begin your journey via Ganja-La Pass. Remember to breathe and regulate yourself today since it will undoubtedly be one of the more difficult trekking days.A small stream is reached after the pass by a route that lowers. You will eventually get to Keldang by following the stream; there, you will set up a tent for the night.

Following a towering ridge line, the Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass trekking trail today is primarily downhill. From Keldang to Dhukpa, you must travel a long way down. In spite of this, the ridge walk is lovely and engaging and has a stunning outlook. As you proceed through the forests, mountains, and grasslands, you will drop in height. Reaching Dukpu, a summer town for the Helambu residents, requires another descent over a ridge and more walking through forests and meadows. In the forest, where it is solitary, peaceful, and incredible to experience the Himalayan majesty, you will set up a tent camp for the duration of your overnight stay.

Today Tarkeghyang will be your destination on your Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek. You will reach Melamchi Khola on the path before arriving at a Sherpa village. On your journey, you will get a chance to take in the sight of the Himalayan peaks sparkling in the sunlight. The Annapurna region, Mt. Everest region, as well as other mountain ranges, may be seen in the stunning views from this pass. One of the oldest Buddhist temples and charming Sherpa settlements are accessible from the route as it descends through a forest of pine and rhododendron past the little herder's community of Tarkeghyang.These towns have a good population of amiable, upbeat residents. Since the majority of the villagers are of the Helmu caste, the village is most often known by its abbreviation Helambu. At Tarkeghyang, you will spend the night at a small guesthouse.

The track is flat and quite easy today, passing through lovely forests, streams, and waterfalls. Along the way to Sermathang, Ganja La Pass Trek Route will pass through rhododendron trees, lovely towns, farmland, and monasteries. Between Parachin and the charming Sherpa settlement of Gangyul, the trail sweeps across a large valley.This village's inhabitants follow Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, which is also Bhutan's official religion. Another charming Sherpa settlement, Shermathang, offers visitors the opportunity to see several historic monasteries and take in views of the Jugal Himal mountain range.

You will start your Langtang Ganja La Pass Trekking by descending via rice fields and large, green meadows after taking your time for a leisurely breakfast in Shermathang.You will pass through charming communities like Kakani and Thimbu as you head out of the village of Sermanthang. As you hike through a subtropical area, the vegetation likewise changes. As you get closer to Melamchi Pul Bazaar, a Sherpa settlement, you'll cross a few bridges and travel through a few little communities with chortens and mani walls. 5 to 6 hours of the journey will take you from Sermanthang to Melamchi Pul.From this point on, you will connect with your mode of transportation because Melamchi Pul Bazaar is also connected to the road.

You will travel for five hours to get to Kathmandu from Melamchi Pul Bazaar. Your final view of Nepal's beautiful hills and terraced farmland will be on the way back to Kathmandu. Prior to reaching the Tibet-Nepal Arniko Highway, the first portion of the trip will be on a dirt road. Dhulikhel, a Newar settlement on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, is reached after one hour of the journey along the highway. On your approach to Kathmandu from Dhulikhel, you will pass through other towns including Banepa and Bhaktapur.When you return to Kathmandu, spend some time checking into your accommodation and getting a bit fresher. You will then venture outside to shop and explore Kathmandu. After completing your Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek Itinerary, you might spend the evening enjoying Thamel's lovely nightlife.

Your Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass Trekking concludes today. When it's time for your flight to leave, one of our staff members will help you travel to the airport. However, Adventure Himalaya Nepal can make the necessary preparations if you wish to prolong your vacation. You might even go shopping to get some things for your loved ones if your flight is planned for a late evening. We hope you enjoyed your time with us and wish you success on your next trip to Nepal.

Price Includes

  • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle.
  • Twin sharing/double accommodation in a 3 star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
  • Twin sharing and occasionally dormitory style rooms accommodation during the trek for 8 nights in the Langtang Region
  • Tented camp accommodation and all meals at Ngegang, Keldang and Dukpu for 3 nights (We will provide fully water/wind proof twin share tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, etc.)
  • All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
  • Experienced, first aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 9 people)
  • Langtang National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking
  • Private Tourist Vehicle transfer from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi and from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu
  • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
  • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
  • A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
  • All administrative expenses and government taxes

Price Excludes

  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • International flight fare and airport departure tax
  • Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
  • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
  • Tips to trekking staff and driver
  • Nepal Visa Fees
  • Personal Trekking gear and equipment
  • Any expenses other than the Price Include section

Essential Information

Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter.

• Four season (zero degree) sleeping bag
• Puffy down jacket
• Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
• Sleeping bag liner
• Sun hat or cap
• Knitted hat/Beanie
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
• Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
• Waterproof, windproof shell
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
• Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
• Wool or technical fabric warm socks
• Hiking socks
• Liner socks (optional such as silk)
• Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
• Casual shoes
• Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
• Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear
• Sports bras (women)
• Pajamas or sleeping clothes
(Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.)

First Aid Kits and Medications
(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• ointment
Other Essentials
• Passport
• Extra copies of passport-sized photos
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletry kits
• Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
• Hydration bladder
• Towel
• Pillowcase
• Toilet paper (2 rolls)
• High protein snacks (such as protein bars or nuts)
• Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
• Airline tickets

Optional
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.
• Power bank or extra batteries
• Cameras and mobile phone
• Cards/book
• Binoculars
• Trekking poles
• Whistle
• Thermos for hot water

Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.

For Your Kind Information
Our standard itinerary may be subject to slight changes due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Factors such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, newly imposed government regulations, political unrest, or trekkers’ health issues can impact the schedule. In such situations, we assess the best possible alternatives to continue the trek safely and smoothly. We kindly ask for your understanding, flexibility, and cooperation during these times.

We recommend that you arrive in Nepal at least one day prior to the trek’s start date. This allows time for rest and for purchasing any last minute trekking gear or clothing. Additionally, it’s wise to book your international flights with a few buffer days before and after the trek, in case of flight delays or cancellations.

This trip can also be customized to suit your interests. You can choose to add sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, adventure activities, or day trips elsewhere in Nepal either before or after your trek.

FAQs

The Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass Trek is a thrilling high-altitude journey that combines the beauty of Langtang Valley with the challenge of crossing Ganja La Pass (5,130 meters). It offers a mix of stunning mountain views, Tamang culture, and wilderness adventure.

This trek is considered strenuous and challenging. Crossing the Ganja La Pass involves glacier travel, steep terrain, and unpredictable weather. It’s suitable for experienced trekkers who are physically fit and well acclimatized.

Typically, the trek takes 12 to 15 days, depending on the route, acclimatization days, and weather conditions.

The best seasons are:
• Spring (March to May)
• Autumn (September to November)
These months offer stable weather, clearer skies, and safer conditions for the high pass crossing.

Yes. Due to the technical and remote nature of Ganja La Pass, a licensed guide is highly recommended. Hiring a porter can also ease the journey, especially on the steep ascents and camping sections.

Yes, teahouses are available in the Langtang Valley up to Kyanjin Gompa. However, once you begin the Ganja La crossing, you’ll need to camp for 1–2 nights, as there are no lodges beyond that point.

You’ll need the following permits:
• Langtang National Park Entry Permit
• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
These are essential and can be arranged by us or at the tourism offices in Kathmandu.

• Crossing the spectacular Ganja La Pass (5,130 m)
• Visiting Kyanjin Gompa, a sacred Buddhist monastery
• Majestic views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa
• Experiencing authentic Tamang and Tibetan cultures
• Walking through alpine meadows, yak pastures, and high glaciers

Yes, altitude sickness is a serious concern on this trek. We include proper acclimatization days in our itinerary to minimize the risk. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and let your guide know if symptoms appear.

Essentials include:
• Down jacket and warm sleeping bag (for cold nights)
• Layers of thermal and windproof clothing
• Trekking poles and waterproof hiking boots
• Crampons or microspikes (seasonal)
• First aid kit, headlamp, sunscreen, and water purification tablets