This trekking package, as the name suggests, combines the Langtang Valley Trek with the Ganja La Pass (5120 meters) to add a bit of a thrill to a famous Langtang region journey. This extended version of the classic trek allows you to have some mind-boggling views of the Himalayas. From Ganja La Pass, we get a 150-kilometer panorama that stretches from the 8000 meter peaks in the Annapurna range west of us, to Langtang Lirung (7227m) right before our eyes, Shisha Pangma (8013m) to the north, and Jugal Himal (6535) to the east. The mountains encompass us and at that moment, we realize we are truly near to the top of the world.
The Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass Trek kicks off with an eight-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The high-altitude, secluded valley is home to the hospitable Tamang ethnic group, who are similar in culture and lineage to Tibetans. Tibetan Buddhist symbols and monuments add much appeal to the trail. Also, the area is known for its rich biodiversity. If we’re lucky, we’ll see the shy Red Panda, musk deer, or even the Himalayan black bear. When we reach Kyanjin Gompa, we have a rest/acclimatization day and visit Tserko Ri (5030m), the crown of Langtang Valley. Climbing Tserko Ri is slightly difficult, but the view that unfolds before our eyes is astonishing. On top of seeing over 21 Himalayan peaks, we get a glimpse of Ganja La Peak, which gets us excited for the ascent in several days. After the exhilarating climb, we descend through several quaint villages, beautifully nested at the foothill of peaks that tower over them. As we head down, the villages get bigger and bigger until we reach Melamchipul Bazaar, where we take a 2-hour drive back to Kathmandu.
The Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass Trek can be done throughout the year, but the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best weather. During the spring, the flowers are blooming, adding color to the trail. In the fall, the skies are usually clearer. The trek requires moderate fitness. Junket Nepal arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
You will be picked up from Tribhuvan Airport by a member of Junket Nepal and taken to your hotel. We give you all the necessary information about your trek and clear up any questions you might have. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, we’ll brief you on our upcoming adventure and then give you a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, which includes several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can spend the rest of the day freely. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, we drive north from Kathmandu over the hilly terrain, passes the busy markets of Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche. We continue our drive to reach Syabrubesi, where there are many tea houses and good camping sites. Our drive offers good views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himalayan Ranges. Also, you will get brief glimpses of village life along the drive route. Overnight at guest house.
Following the Langtang Khola, we head from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel. During the foot hill journey, we walk on the rugged path through rhododendron forests. This is a pocket zone of the red panda, so keep your eyes out. Soon, we reach Lama Hotel. Overnight at guest house.
We leave Lama Hotel and go further up the hill through oak and maple forests. We feel energized when we see a crisp view of Lirung Mountain during our ascent. The trailcontinues through lush rhododendron and pine forests before passing through Gumanchok(2800m) and Ghora Tabela(2970m). We eventually reach Langtang village after one last short climb. Overnight in guest house.
After breakfast, the trail takes steep uphill turnas we pass through Sindum and Yamphu (3640m) villages. After crossing Laja Khola, we reach a viewpoint from where Kyanjin Gompa is seen. Finally, we make a small descentto Kyanjin Gompa (3870m). Overnight in guest house.
We have a short hike up to Tserko Ri today, which is great for acclimatization. On the way, we pass some of the beautiful tiny settlements. Kyanjin Gompa lies below Langtang Lirung. The Gompa is renowned in Langtang, and reveals the spiritual values of the villagers. Overnight at guest house.
From Kyanjin, we climb up to Ganja La Phedi, an uninhabited land with little vegetation. As the height crosses 4300 meters, it is important to take it slow and not overdo ourselves. Overnight in tented camp.
Today is our most memorable day of the trek. We begin early in the morning and cross over the Ganjala Pass (5120m). It remains snow covered for half of the year. Descending from the pass, we trek further to Keldang. Overnight at tented camp.
From Keldang, we trek down a long way through the grassy land prevailed all the ridgeline of the hill. If you talk about the mountain views, we can enjoy Langtang region peaks and Tibetan peaks. Descending to Yak Kharka, we find the suitable place to sleep and take a rest. Overnight in guest house.
After breakfast, we trek down gradually and again climb up to cross over another pass of 4100 meters. It is a bit of a challenge. The stunning view of the Everest range can be seen from there. Then we trek down through the rhododendron and pine forest. We reach to Tarkeghyang, which is a tiny herder settlemen with a Buddhist monastery. Overnight in guest house.
The trail from Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang is relaxing. The trail is flat and even the route through the forest is gentle. Semathang is a Sherpa village where we can explore a monastery with the beautiful Jugal Himal to the north face of the village. Overnight at lodge.
The last day of the trek, we head down from Sermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar. We walk through meadows, forests and farming land. Then we walk through the bumpy and graveled path up to Lamidanda and through the soft trail to Melamchipul Bazaar. From here, we drive to Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Junket Nepal as your trekking guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.
Usefull Info
Trekking preparation and Physical Condition:
Physical Fitness is an important part to have trekking adventure in Nepalese Himalayas. To be fully prepared to gain lifetime experience of walking in the mountains, explore Himalayan vista with combined cultural experience can accomplished by exploit inspired adventure seekers who can walk 4 to 6 hours ascends and descends per day. We generally prefer short and easy trek for first time trekkers and moderate to adventurous trekking for experienced trekkers as per preferences.
Preparation for trekking has not any hard and fast rules and regulations. We recommend all trekkers to maintain their physical fitness level a couple of months before the trek. The fitness activities might be jugging, walk through steps (Uphill and Downhill), join a fitness club etc. while achieving the adventure experience of trekking, physical fitness as well as mental fitness plays vital role, every trekkers should also have to be mentally prepared.
Accommodation and Meals during the Trek:
Almost popular trekking regions in Nepal are filled with sophisticated tea house lodges which offer standard room accommodation and hygienic foods. Every trekker can choose varieties of foods; Nepali, Continental, Indian etc from the menu. Apart from the popular trekking routes where the tea houses are not available, we will provide camping accommodation and prepare meals by our team members. In cities, you can choose any (non star to 5 star categorized) hotel to stay before/after begin the trip as per your budget and requirement.
Grades of Trekking:
A Himalayan country Nepal amazingly presents several world’s high mountains including world’s top Mt. Everest, other mountains above 8000m from sea level and several snow-capped peaks. Grades of trekking determines as per altitude level, duration of the trek, level of difficulties, wilderness in trails and many more factors. Basically we classify the grades as; Easy, Moderate, Strenuous & Adventurous. Easy trekking is suitable for beginners, and gradually all grades trails offers unique taste of adventure for all adventure seeking trekkers.
High Altitude Sickness:
High altitude Sickness is totally unusual and unexpected sickness which means effect of high altitudes while in a trekking. It attracts more if we ascend so quickly in the mountains. As we know that prevention is better than cure, we don’t have to gain altitudes too quickly, acclimatize with altitude by slow and steady walk with numbers of reserve days would be a good idea.
The symptoms of high altitude sickness are; loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, difficult to pass urine, headache, irregular breathing, Nausea, mild weakness, hands and face swelling etc.
In case of such sickness while you are in mountain with our team, every trekker needs to follow the instructions provided by your guide, guides from Junket Nepal (P) Ltd always are well aware about such sickness and basic treatment procedure. Immediately descend from the altitude is one of the major treatment of high altitude sickness. Drink a lot of water, take some garlic soup, you may also take Diamox 250mg and other modes of cure. If the situation would be out of control situation with serious sickness, we will arrange immediate emergency evacuation by horse or helicopter depending upon the situation.
Best Season for Trekking:
Generally 2 seasons in an annual year are considered as a peak season of trekking and mountaineering in Nepal which are autumn – September, October & November and spring – March, April & May. During the season view of mountain will be clear. Some adventure seekers who want to walk not facing other large groups, peaceful environments can also choose December – February. June-August months are monsoon season which ruins long trekking trips but one can choose short hiking trips.
Types of Trekking:
Types of trekking can be categorized in 2 different parts;
I) Tea house trekking; available in several popular trekking regions of Nepal. This type or trek generally operated by using tea house lodges for meals and accommodations during the entire trekking. Tea house lodges are not well sophisticated as hotels and resorts in cities but they provide simply the best services and facilities.
II) Camping Trekking; required to set up tented camps for the less beaten trekking regions where those tea house lodges are not available. During the camping trek, our crew team will carry all camping equipments, meals and essentials.
Trekking Permits:
Trekking permits are essential before entering into every trekking trails. Your trip detail should have to be registered. Types of trekking permits are as follows:
I) TIMS (Trekkers Information Manual System): It is required for your safety provided by an umbrella organization of trekking agencies - Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). It helps to keep record of every trekkers in mountains and control illegal trekking operators by keeping your details (Name, Nationality, Date of Birth and Passport Number)
II) National Park/Conservation Area Permits: Every trekking trail are joined with at least one national park or conservation area project where we have to issue permit and have to pay certain royalty for Conservation area project. For example; Annapurna Conservation Area Project required for Annapurna region trekking, Sanagmatha National Park permit required for Everest region trekking etc.
III) Special Permits: It is compulsory for restricted area’s trekking in Nepal. Nepal government has listed some important trekking trails in their restricted area lists such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo, Manaslu Circuit, Makalu Circuit etc. such permits are need to be issued from department of immigration of Nepal. This permit’s royalty rates are generally higher than national park/conservation area fees and TIMS differ from season of trek and its duration. Please contact us for full extent of information about royalty lists for special permits.
Trekking Safety and Security:
Safety and security is one of the major factors while in Nepalese mountains for trekking adventure where we might face unusual sickness, problems, injury and so on. First of all be sure you have chosen best company for your trekking holiday that’s why you will get experienced and knowledgeable trekking staffs. Guidelines from trekking leader plays vital role to be safe from such unusual problems. We generally provide experienced guides who are well trained having high level of knowledge about altitude sickness and other possible problems as well as basic treatment procedure to be safe from the problems.
Junket Nepal is not responsible for any problems due to weather, damages of property, etc. However, we will manage and support you to the best of our abilities with any problem that may arise. It is best to book flights to and from Kathmandu with a several day margin to avoid missing a flight back to your home country.