Ganja La pass Trekking

Ganja la pass Trek allows you to travel in the less crowded trail of Langtang region where you cross the famous Ganja La pass at an elevation of 5,122 meters above sea level. Not so far from Kathmandu valley, Ganja La Trekking route is not yet affected by the modern world and offers the best trekking experience for those looking to escape hustle of their daily life and enjoy the real beauty of nature. Dense and colorful Rhododendron forests, snow- capped mountains, exalted waterfalls and unique civilizations, this trek has it all !

The Tibetan influence on people living in this area is very unique from those in other parts of the Himalayas in Nepal. The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, near Tibet Boarder. From Syabrubesi we set our footsteps on a trail filled with splendid views while we pass few human settlements. We then follow a river until Kyanjing Gompa (3,700m) from where we witness beautiful peaks such as Naya Kanga (5,844m), Langtang Lirung (7,225m), Yala Top (5,500m) and Ponggen Dopku (5,930m). We spend extra day at Kyangjin Ghompa to visit Tserko Ri (5,000m) which offers tremendous views of the Langtang Himalaya range. The trek ends at Melamchi Pul Bazzar from where we retrace back to Kathmandu.

Trip Details

Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
Cost details
FAQs
Equipment
Useful Info

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu Transfer to the Hotel [1,338m]. (Car).
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. “B”. (06-07 Hours).
Day 03: Kathmandu Drive to Syabubensi [1,461m]. "B,L,D". (07-08 Hrs drive).
Day 04: Trek to Lama Hotel [2,380 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 05: Trek to Langtang Village [3,307 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 06: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa [3,798 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 07: In Kyanjin Gompa exploration around and acclimatization day [3,798 m]. "B,L,D".
Day 08: Trek to Ganja La Phedi [4,338 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 09: Trek to Keldang [4,250 m] via Ganja La pass [5,122 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka [4,000 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 11: Trek to Tarke Gyang [2,590 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 12: Trek to Sermathang [2,610 m] "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 13: Trek to Malemchi Pool Bazaar and Drive to Kathmandu [1,338m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs and 02-03 Hrs drive).
Day 14: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B. (Car).

Detail itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Nepal [1330 m]: A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport according to your flight time that will transfer you to the hotel. Briefing will be done once you have settled down. Please do let us know if you have any queries. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu [1330 m] - (B): After breakfast we will drive to various UNESCO listed world heritage sites of Nepal which are situated inside the Kathmandu Valley. Swyambhunath is the initial heritage site that we will be visiting; a famous and important stupa for Buddhists which is situated at the top of a hill in Kathmandu Valley. The temple is also known as Monkey Temple due to hundreads of monkeys living around the temple area. We then head to the ancient palace of Kathmandu, Kathmandu Durbar Square which consists many historical temples such as temple of the living Goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, and the Kasthamandap, a famous three storey building which was built from a wood of a single tree. Later today we will visit the most scared Hindu shrine of the world, Pashupatinath followed by the visit to Bouddhastupa one of the oldest and biggest stupa in Nepal. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu Drive to Syabrubensi [1,461 m] - (B/L,D): Today we drive towards Syabrubensi from where we will be starting our trek. We will be heading north from the Kathmandu Valley on a bumpy trail with fantastic views. We drive pass dhunche. The drive also offers a glimpse of Ganesh Himal while driving along the bank of Trishuli river. Overnight in Tea House. Driving time 8-10 hours.

Day 04: Trek to Lama Hotel [2,380 m] - (B/L,D): We will be starting our trek today after a good sleep. We begin our trek after breakfast at the Tea house. The first stage of the trek today crosses the BhoteKoshi River entering Nepal from Tibet. The trail then ascends through sub-tropical forests to reach ThuloSyabru. We then follow the river trekking through Rhododendron and Oak forests into the area which is believed to be home of Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear. If you are lucky enough, you might see one. The trail then becomes steeper before reaching today’s final stop. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time 05-07 hours.

Day 05: Trek to Langtang Village [3,307 m] - (B/L,D): On today’s trail LangtangLirung shows up between the trees as we climb further ahead. We then reach a Nepalese army post at GhoreTabela followed by gradual climb passing few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their cattle to graze in the highlands during summer. A Tibetan monastery falls before we reach the village of Langtang which we can visit. Overnight in Tea House.Average trekking time 05-07 hours.

Day 06: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa [3,798 m] - (B/L,D): The uphill climbs continues on this day as well. The trail today offers close up views of the mountains with wide valleys. Passing many streams we finally reach the settlement of Kyangjin. Normally we reach Kyangjin by lunch allowing you to acclimatize and have enough time to witness the beauty of this region. When in Kyangjin we will see TsergoRi (5,010m), Yala Peak (5,500m), DorjeLakpa (6,430m), KyangjinRi (4,750m) surrounding in all direction. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time 04-05 hours.

Day 07: Kyanjin Gompa (3,798 m) exploration and acclimatization day [3,798 m] - (B/L,D): This is a free day as well as a day for acclimatization. We can visit the local cheese factory or hike around the area to admire the beauty of Langtang region. Today’s stay will offer you panoramic mountain views. We can hike to TsergoRi to admire the beauty of snowcapped mountains. Overnight in Tea House.

Day 08: Trek to Ganja La Phedi [4,338 m]. - (B/L,D): After breakfast we continue our journey towards Ganja La Phedi crossing the Langtang River and walk through the Rhododendron forests. We are already in higher altitude so the time for trekking will vary according to the season as in winter it might take longer because of snow. Overnight in Tea House. Average Trekking time 05-06 hours.

Day 09: Trek to Keldang [4,250 m] via Ganja La pass [5,122 m] - (B/L,D): This is the highlight of the trek. We head to cross the menacing Ganja La Pass which is covered with snow most of the time of the year. Ascending through boulders and lakes we finally reach at the Ganja La pass where we stop for a while to admire the mountainas and scenery. After crossing the pass we descend down to Keldang for overnight stay. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time 06-07 hours.

Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka [4,000 m] - (B/L,D): After breakfast at the Tea House we continue to retrace towards Kathmandu. The trail today is musty downhill following a projecting ridge line. We trek through grasslands and forests to reach Yak Kharka. Overnight in Tea House.Average trekking time 03-04 hours.

Day 11: Trek to Tarke Gyang [2,590 m] - (B/L,D): The descending continues today as well after breakfast. As we decrese in altitude we will see more villages and vegetation in today’s trek.Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time 05-06 hours.

Day 12: Trek to Sermathang [2,610 m] - (B/L,D): The first part of today’s trail enters the forest followed by a village of Helambu region from where the trail goes round the valley to end in the middle of Parachin and Gangyul. Drikpa Kagyu Buddhism is practiced by the people living in this region. This Buddhism practice is also the national religion of Bhutan. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time 03-04 hours.

Day 13: Trek to Melamchi pool bazaar and Drive back to Kathmandu. [1,330 m] - (B/L): This is the last day of the trek. We begin after breakfast as usual. The trail then passes many villages and reaches Melamchi pool bazzar from where we drive towards Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel. Average trekking time 03-04 hours. Average driving time 02-03 hours.

Day 14: Fly back home [1,330m] - (B): After spending couple of weeks in Nepal a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport according to your flight time . Returning back with memories that last lifetime.“NAMASTE!!”

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

Arrival & Departure Transfers by private Car on both domestic and international flights.
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
Trekking Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
Accommodation in simple Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
Kathmandu Syabru bensi by (Jeep/Bus) and Melamchi Kathmandu by Car / Bus.
Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
Trekking Guide with insurance.
Langtang trekking Region map.
First Aid Kit.
TIMS / National park /Conservation entry fees.
All Government taxes.
Office service charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

International Airfare.
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 30 for 15 days you should get visa open your arrival)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
Thermal underwear.
A tracksuit.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
A pair of gloves.
A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
Walking poles. (If you like to have).
Camera with spare batteries and films
Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
passport photograph
First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM: This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

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Ganja La pass Trekking