Langtang Valley Ganjala Pass Trek

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]

A representative of Bharal Adventure will receive and escort the travelers to their hotel for rest. A visit to the office could also be arranged where you will meet your trekking guide and other participants. In the evening, a dinner of authentic Nepali cuisines will be arranged in the honor of the travelers and also to introduce them to the Nepali delicacies.

Day 2 : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation in Kathmandu

This day shall be spent on sightseeing around the cultural, spiritual and historical sites in Kathmandu including four of the UNESCO World Heritage sites that are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhu – The Monkey Temple, and Boudhnath. Also, finalizing of the official procedure and other necessary arrangements shall be done on this day along with providing you a briefing on the nature of expedition, equipments and team composition. Moreover, last minute shopping of the personal items needed in the Himalayas could be done during this period.

Day 3 : Kathmandu – Syabrubesi [1,550m/5,100 ft]: 145 km, 7 – 8 hrs

After breakfast, bus drive along the north western hills of Kathmandu will begin passing through many small villages on the way. Lunch will be served at Trishuli Bazaar before continuing further drive to Dhunche from where we descend down to Syabrubesi.

Day 4 : Syabrubesi – Lama Hotel [2,470m/8,104 ft]: 5 – 6 hours

Following the Langtang River across the suspension bridge heading precipitously along the oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests, we reach Lama Hotel. We might be able to spot some among the variety of wildlife in these forests such as yellow-throated martens, wild boars, langur monkeys, red pandas and Himalayan black bears.

Day 5 : Lama Hotel – Langtang Village [3,430m/11,253 ft]: 5 – 6 hours

The trek proceeds after breakfast where we will begin by descending towards a steep forest slope to the Langtang River crossing a bridge and heading up with a winding path. The trail then descends into a valley to cross a stream and climbs past several water-driven mills and prayer wheels to the large settlement of Langtang.

Day 6 : Langtang – Kyanjin Gompa [3,870m/ 12,687 ft]: 4 – 5 hours

Passing through small village, stone-built houses and climbing up to a Chorten, we pass a huge Mani wall along a gentle path of a hill. The valley relocates to a U-shaped structure as you enter into a level of riverbed. This short walk carried out on this day is designed to help in acclimatization as well as for allowing the exploration of the surrounding, a place that is famous for cheese and curd.

Day 7 : Excursion to Tsergo Ri [5,033m/16,508 ft] and back to Kyanjin: 7 – 8 hrs

We go on an excursion to Tsergo Ri as an attempt to acclimatize on this day. We climb to the Tsergo Ri for an excellent views of the Himalayas. This challenging climb depends upon the physical fitness and previous experience of the climbers. We return back to the Gompa on the very day.

Day 8 : Trek to Ganja-La Phedi [4,300m/14,104 ft]: 5 – 6 hrs

After having an early breakfast, we make our way to Ganja-La Phedi crossing through the Langtang River and ascending through rhododendron forests. As we are getting into the high altitude, the time for reaching our destination depends upon the season of the trek and usually during the winter snow, it takes longer time to cross the snow strewn path.

Day 9 : Cross the Ganja-La Pass (5,122m/16,800 ft] to Keldang [4,250m/13,940 ft]: 6 – 7 hrs

We will cross the Ganja-La Pass on this day which is going to be a strenuous trek since Ganja-La Pass is one of the most difficult passes covered with snow almost throughout the year. Ascending the long way through the boulders and passing the small lakes, we summit the Ganja-La situated on a rocky moraine where we are rewarded with the charismatic views of the Himalayas in 360 degree panorama. Climbing up and down the pass is tricky as we begin the descent down to Kelgang.

Day 10 : Keldang – Yak Kharka [4,000m/13,120 ft]: 5 – 6 hrs

Descending down from a prominent ridge line, we trek for about five to six hours passing through forests, ridges and grasslands, we arrive at Yak Kharka.

Day 11 : Yak Kharka – Tarke Gyang [2,590m/8,497 ft]: 5 – 6 hrs

We descend down about 1,500 meters today passing through the vegetation land and forests, the same route that we used to ascend up previously.

Day 12 : Tarke Gyang – Sermathang [2,610m/8,563 ft]: 3 – 4 hrs

Crossing small forest with views of beautiful village of Helambu region, the trail goes around the wide valley ending between Parachin and the gorgeous Sherpa village of Gangyul. The people in this village practice Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, same as the national religion of Bhutan.

Day 13 : Sermathang – Melamchi Pul Bazaar – Kathmandu: 3 – 4 hrs; 2 hrs bus

A short walk down to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through many Sherpa village will be made before catching a bus to Kathmandu. In the evening, Bharal Adventure will host a farewell dinner to congratulate you on successful completion of your expedition.

Day 14 : Final Departure

As we say goodbye to the mountain journey in Nepal, we exchange emails and photos with our travel companions before heading to the airport accompanied by a representative of Bharal Adventure approximately three hours before you flight time.