Join our 10 days life changing daring Ganja La Pass Trek in world famous Langtang region. The journey starts with a day drive to Sybrubesi from Kathmandu which is 122 kilometers / 57.8 mile it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach by jeep drive. After crossing Ganjala Pass; we get to Tarke Gyang at beautiful Helambu and concludes the trip at there. Main attractions of this trek is dramatic Ganjala Pass, jaw-dropping mountains vista, 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, stupas as in Langtang Valley in the villages. Tarke Ghyang is another Sherpa town along the way, which bears its own story. The town 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.
Itinerary and route
Our Langtang Ganjala Pass Trek route is little different from others, most of the other company’s 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 Kyanching Gompa are the peaks of Naya Kanga (5,846m) and to the south east, Ponggen Dopku (5,930m). The itienarry will be minimum 16 days and maximum of 16 days depending on your interest and level of your fitness.
Kyanching Gompa is one of the feature 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 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 semi camping and semi teahouse trek, we will be staying at lodge and 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 is 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 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 superb mountain view of Langtang Himalaya range before we head to Ganja Pass.
Difficulty of Ganjala Pass Trek
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 small and becomes a rather narrow as we walk further, 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 all present significant risks. Several people have got badly lost out there, and at least one solo trekker has died in the area so very experienced guide and support team is highly recommend and participants attending Wilderness Excursion’s Ganjala pass trek should have previous trekking experience in Himalaya or alps in the Europe or elsewhere with adequate physical fitness.
Trip Cost
Our proposed Ganja La Pass Trekking package cost is USD 1089 per person based on minimum 2 people. The price covers your guide, porters, necessary trekking permits, insurance of all trekking crew, lodge accommodation on twin sharing basis, meals in teahouse and tented accommodation with meals while camping. Wilderness Excursion provides private 4WD jeep to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu and local bus transfer from end of trek to Kathmandu. Private jeep can be arrange 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.