Ganja La Pass Trek

Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info
Trip Info
Gallery

Ganja La Pass Trek is one of the challenging high pass trek in Langtang Region of Nepal. It is great extension to Langtang valley trek: which takes you to experience true wilderness adventure with unavoidable camping for three nights.

Reaching at 5,130 m altitude, this trek offers superb views of Tserko Ri (5,000m) and entire Langtang Himalayan range. On clear day, the summit of Ganja La Pass (5,130 m) offers unrivaled views of 150km Himalayan panorama stretching from 8,000m Annapurna range to the far west to Langtang Lirung (7,227m in the foreground to Shisha Pangama (8,013m) to the north in Tibetan plateau. Langpogang or Jugal Himal (6,733m) and Naya Kanga (5,846m) are the other notable peaks seen from the pass.

Ganja La Pass Trek start with a scenic drive (7 – 8 hours) through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, small villages and dramatic mountain and valley views to Dhunche. The trail climb gradually through the Langtang Khola and passes the dense cluster of bamboo, maple, oak and pine. The forest is common home to different species of Langurs, Musk Deer, Himalayab black Bears and the rare red panda. The cheeping of wild birds make trek more magical.

15 days Ganja La Pass trekking itinerary offers the in-depth knowledge of mountain life and true sense of “challenge and adventure” as we rise over countless ridges to the village of Kyanjin Gompa(last human sattlement). It is the designated spot to take rest and acclimatize our body at higher altitude. We then hike gradually to Ngegang and fully acclimatize our body before making “1,000m” climb to Ganja La Pass and descending down 800m low again. The Ganga La Pass trekking route follows the Sherpa Village of Tarkeghyang (a village with fascinating monastery). Then we continue dropping down until Melamchi where we take a bus drive back to Kathmandu.

Trekking to Ganja La Pass is suitable for global trotters who wants to take “less-trodden” trail while taking ultimate “challenge and adventure” and entering into the true world of wilderness. Good fitness is recommended for the trek but no previous hiking experience and technical skills are required. Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are considered as the ideal seasons to trek Ganja La Pass. The temperature is mild and views are outstanding during these months.

It is also possible to trek Ganja La Pass in winter but do check the availability of teahouses. The pass sometimes become impassable due to loads snows; so there is high chances of retracing your step back to the village. Extremely cold temperature might also suitable for every trekkers.

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu – Dhunche (1,950m/6,435ft) – 7 – 8 hour drive/ 117km

Day 03: Dhunche – Thulo Syabru (1,900m/6,270ft) – 5 – 6 hours

Day 04: Thulo – Syabru – Lama Hotel (2,470m/8,104ft) – 5 – 6 hours

Day 05: Lama Hotel – Langtang (3,430m/11,253ft) – 5 – 6 hours

Day 06: Langtang – Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m/12,69ft) – 4 – 5 hours

Day 07: Rest day and hiking to Kyanjing Ri and back to Kyanjing Gompa.

Day 08:Kyanjin Gompa -Ganja La Base camp 3,910 m

Day 09: Ganja La B.C.– High camp 4,960 m

Day 10: High camp --Ganja La pass --Keldang 4,270 m (it needs 250 m rope)

Day 11: Keldang ---Dukpa 4,040 m (There is no source of water)

Day 12: Dukpa ---Tarkeghyang 2,600 m

Day 13: Tarkeghyang ---Kathmandu.

Day 14: Kathmandu sightseeing /Shoping

Day 15: Final Departure.

Cost Includes

Accommodation at Kathmandu on B & B basis
City tour by private transportation
All ground transportation as per itinerary
An experienced and government registered guides and local porters
Guide and porter: salary, insurance, transportation, accommodation and food
All meals during the trek
Supplementary snacks (cookies, energy bars and fresh fruits)
Medical kits
All local and government taxes

Cost Excludes

City entrance fee at Kathmandu
Tour guide
Hot shower during trek
Boiled water
Personal nature expenses: alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone bills and more
Tipping for guides and porters (not compulsory but expected)
Travel insurance and emergency evacuation
Nepal entry visa fee
International flights

Accommodations

We will be staying at star Hotel in Kathmandu and teahouse during the trek. All accommodations are based on twin-shared basis ad supplement will be served on request. Although single room is available in Kathmandu and lower trekking region, it is not available at higher elevation.
It is obligatory to camp for three night. All the tents and kitchen stuffs are carried by the porter from the beginning point of the trek.

Meals

During Ganja La Pass Trek, we get to enjoy the authentic Nepalese dishes as well as common international food (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian etc.). We will take the breakfast and dinner from the teahouse or lodge where we spend the night and lunch on the way to the next destination.
Four Season Treks provide all the meals during the trek and offers “Bed & Breakfast” basis in Kathmandu. We also organize welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
During the camp, foods are prepared by the expert cook we hire from the Kathmandu. Our cooks are one of the best high altitude cook in the world.

Physical Requirements

This trek is rated as “strenuous trek” as we will be travelling in challenging high altitude for a long duration and cross Ganja La pass over 5,000+m.
Previous trekking experience, physical fitness and high determination are essential factor to complete the trek continently, safely and successfully.
We suggest you to start jogging and training your body regularly at least few weeks prior the trip. Swimming, cardio-vascular exercise, hike, running etc. can be ideal training.
Trekkers with pre-existing medical condition – heart, lung and blood diseases are suggest to consult the doctor before heading for the journey. You can consult Four Season Mountain Team for medical council before booking the trip.

Best Time to Travel

Autumn (September – November) and spring (March – May) are the best time of the year to trek Ganja La Pass. The climate is moderate with excellent views. Heavy snowfall makes the pass impassable in winter. Trekking in Monsoon will be affected by rain but the summer trek might be ideal for keen botanist.

Travel Insurance

Ganja La Pass is at 5,130m and majority of travel insurance companies will not cover the trekking at that altitude. We suggest you to compulsory get insured before starting the trek.
Purchase the Insurance that covers any sort of emergency rescue – Helicopter/Air Ambulance rescue charges and ground medical treatments.
Contact us, we will help you get the best Insurance.

Trekking Group

From Ganja La Pass Trekking, we offer one trek leader, assistant leader (4 trekker: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for carrying luggage (2 trekkers: 1 Porters).
We can operate the trek of any size but the maximus 10 people in a group in the ideal size to get personalized care. However, if you would like to book the trip of large size, we can arrange it.

Personal Checklist

To complete Ganja La trekking comfortably, you need to collect all the essential checklist. Please remember to minimize your clothing weight. Your packed trek bag should weigh no more than 15 kilograms (33 pounds). Use your own judgement to make your packing list. Clothes should be warm enough and comfortable for walking. A good pair of hiking boots are also required. Personal hygiene equipment are very essential. Also hold some personal snacks and chocolates. Camera with extra memory, charges, hats, trekking poles are add-ons for your journey.
Contact us for complete checklist of ganja La pass trek.

Ready to Go?

If you are interested to undertake ultimate adventure and challenge, just fill out the form by clicking the inquiry, we will access you to detail information and necessary steps to make your trip confirm. We are always available to answer your questions you may have by email, phone or skypes.