Langtang Ganjala Pass Trek Overview
Ganjala Pass Trek in Langtang is a wonderous adventure trek that crosses over 5100 meters high Ganjala Pass which is probably the high mountain pass close to Kathmandu that provides thrilling trekking. Join our 10-day life-changing Ganja La Pass Trek in the world-famous Langtang region to experience and rejoice in your adventure trek in Nepal. The journey starts with a day drive to Sybrubesi from Kathmandu which is 122 kilometers / 57.8 miles it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach by jeep drive. After crossing Ganjala Pass; we get to Tarke Gyang at beautiful Helambu and conclude the trip there. The main attractions of this trek are the dramatic Ganjala Pass, and the mind-blowing Mountain View, most welcoming people from Langtang introduce themselves as Tamang though they are of Tibetan origin. After trekking in Langtang Valley and the Ganjala Pass, our journey takes us to Malemchigaon and Tarke Gyang. People here call themselves Yolmo and are Buddhist so you will find many old Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and stupas as in Langtang Valley in the villages. Tarke Ghyang is another Sherpa town along the way, which bears its own story. The town's name means temple of "100 horses" and was taken from the name of a temple established in 1727 by a Lama (Buddhist monk) who was called on by the king of Kathmandu (Kantipur) to stop an epidemic. As his reward the Lama asked for 100 horses, which he brought here. The local temple, rebuilt in 1969, follows the Bhutanese style.
Langtang Valley Ganjala Pass Trek Route and Variation?
Our Langtang Ganjala Pass Trek route is a little different from other companies, most of the other companies’ itinerary follows the traditional Langtang Valley route up to the east until we get to Kyanjin Gompa (3830m.) but we begin our journey via Khanjin and Sherpa Gaun rather than going through Langtang Khola then we detour the main route at Rimche and trek to Langtang some 5 km to the south of Kyanjin Gompa are the peaks of Naya Kanga (5,846m) and to the southeast, Ponggen Dopku (5,930m).
Langtang Valley Trek with Ganjala Pass Trek Itinerary
We have crafted a short itinerary of 9 Nights and 10 Days including two days drive and eight days of trekking. However, we trek a couple of hours already on the first day from Syabrubesi. The itinerary here we have provided is for experienced trekkers who enjoy adventure trekking through high mountain passes. It is always wise to permit a few contingency days just in case of some reasons that may cause you to extend the itinerary and being an open-minded and flexible attitude is necessary in case of risk-associated conditions.
The main highlights of Langtang Ganjala Pass Trek
Kyanching Gompa is one of the features surrounded by Mt Langtang Lirung (7245m ) on the west, Yala Peak on the north, Dorje Lakpa(6966m), Urkeinmang (6387m), Loenpo Gang (6979) and Kangchenpo on the north-east. In Kyanjing Gompa there is a small Buddhist monastery and a cheese factory started in 1955 by the Swiss Association for Technical Assistance. When you are crossing the pass there are outstanding views of Langtang Lirung and the Tibetan peaks beyond. Much of this route is spent above 3,000m (10,000ft). The highest point of this trek is Ganjala Pass (5,122m). On the very pass of Ganja la, the last few 100m trail is precarious so we have to be well equipped. The descent from the pass is on a steep slope for over 1 km which requires good care again. But the rest of the trail is easy and comfortable. There are no lodges and no settlements for three days along the way, the group should be well-equipped with enough food.
Trek Style
Our trekking will be a semi-camping and semi-teahouse trek, we will be staying at the lodge where there are teahouse available and camp where no lodges; mostly between Langtang Valley and Helambu for 3-4 nights while climbing daring Ganjala Pass (5122m). Our group will be accompanied by experienced and climbing Sherpa as per group size. Camping gear and climbing equipment are included in the package. Only organized camping treks are possible for this region. The use of firewood is also prohibited within the park, so all supplies should be taken with us for 3-4 days during the legendary Ganja Pass trek until we get to Tarke Gang. During our 15 days Ganja la Pass Trek, we also make an exciting excursion to Tserko Ri (4985m/16350ft) which rewards the hikers with a superb mountain view of the Langtang Himalaya range before we head to Ganja Pass.
Is this trek for me or how difficult is Ganjala Pass?
In terms of difficulty bearing in mind, it is tougher compared to Thorong La (5416m) in Annapurna Circuit or Kang la Pass (5320m) between Nar Phu and Manang Valley. The trail is small and becomes rather narrow as we walk further, with uneven ledge. Generally, the trail is narrow where it is ascending steeply. It is probably the most difficult high pass I have walked up. It is much longer than, and almost as steep in many places, as the west face of Cho La pass. Ganja La makes Thorung La and Laurebina La seem like a “piece of cake”, as some of you would say. The greatest difficulties of Ganja La are however apparently on the south side of the pass, there are chances of landslides and avalanches and significant risks. Several people have got badly lost out there, and at least one solo trekker has died in the area so a very experienced guide and support team is highly recommended participants attending Wilderness Excursion’s Ganjala pass trek should have previous trekking experience in the Himalayas or Alps in the Europe or elsewhere with adequate physical fitness.
How much doest Ganjala La Pass Trek in Langtang cost?
Our proposed Ganja La Pass Trekking package cost is USD 1189 per person based on a minimum of 2 people. The price covers your guide, porters, necessary trekking permits, insurance of all trekking crew, lodge accommodation on a twin shared basis, meals in the teahouse, and tented accommodation with meals while camping. Wilderness Excursion provides a private 4WD jeep to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu and a local bus transfer from the end of the trek to Kathmandu. Private jeep can be arranged on request and it costs extra. Accommodation, meals, and airport shuttles are extra as we leave to the clients if they want to reserve themselves.
