Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek

11 Days
  • 5,106 m/16,752 ft.
  • Challenging
  • Tea House & Tent Camp
  • 11 Days
  • 1-10
  • Autumn & Spring
  • Public Bus or Shared Jeep
  • TIMS & National Park
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Syabrubesi to Melamchi Bazaar
  • Moderate

Trip Overview

Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek is an adventurous and challenging route that takes you through the Langtang Valley and over the Ganja La Pass. The Valley is well-renowned for its beauty and lush vegetation, as well as the friendly Tamang people. The Lama Hotel, where we will spend the night, is extremely famous amongst trekkers and locals in terms of location and the friendliness of the owner. The Tamangs are closely related to Tibetans, and so there are plenty of prayer flags, chortens, mani stones, and other Buddhist-related artifacts along the trail. Previously a restricted area due to its close proximity to Tibet, this area only opened up to trekkers in more recent years. On this trek, we will visit the Kyanjin Gompa to experience more Buddhist culture.

Langtang gosainkunda

To acclimatize for the Ganja La Pass, we ascend the Tserko Ri, which is also around the 5,000 m mark and offers stunning mountain views. Then on through rhododendron forests, along raging rivers until we reach the highest point of the trek. Ganja La Pass at 5,106 meters is a difficult, snow-covered pass. But as a reward, there is a long list of mountains on view: Dorje Lakpa, Loenpo Gang, Mt. Langtang, Kangchenpo, and the icefall from Langtang Lirung. By the end of this trek, we are in the Helambu Region, with its Drukpa Kagyu form of Buddhism, which comes more from Bhutan than Tibet.

Trip Highlights

  • The trail takes you from lush vegetation, raging rivers, to snow-covered passes and spectacular views.
  • Climbing the Ganja La Pass at 5,106m.
  • Ascending Tserko Ri at an altitude of 4,984m.
  • See icefalls, glaciers, and the view of magnificent Himalaya ranges.
  • Meet the Tamang people and learn about their culture, tradition, lifestyle, and religion.
  • Visit Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m).
  • Langtang Valley Trek.
  • Tibetan-origin people, even though Nepali.

Trek Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,503m) by Bus.

    Early this morning, we will depart from Kathmandu on a long 7-8 hour drive to reach Syabrubesi. We will drive up the uphill trails over the ridge as we head further from Kathmandu. On the way, we will enjoy a fantastic view of the Annapurna ranges to the west, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and some peaks of Langtang. Driving along the Trishuli River, we will get to Syabrubesi. The way to Syabrubesi is through Dhunche.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    2

    Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,470m).

    Walking a gradual, flat, and uphill path with the landslide way, we will head to the Lama Hotel. It takes 5-6 hours to get to the Lama Hotel from Syabrubesi. Likewise, we will pass through the forest viewing green hills. The route also offers a chance to encounter some of the aerial life and bee hives tightly clinging to the cliff. Crossing the Bhote Koshi river, we will pass an oak and rhododendron forest. The trip will amaze you with the beautiful, all-encompassing perspective.

    Similarly, we can see some Langur monkeys on the way. The accommodation and food are comfortable. Stay overnight there.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    3

    Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,430m).

    Today, we will trek to Langtang Valley from Lama Hotel, following the uphill path, which is a 6-hour journey. On this day, we will continue our trip to reach Ghoda Tabela, also known as the horse stable, after walking through the dense forest of rhododendrons and pine. As we continue, we go over the impressive perspective of Langtang Lirung. The trail will give us a chance to experience lifetime enjoyment, taking in the views of watermills, prayer wheels, and Chortens. The way to our destination today is uphill. Following Lantang Khola and observing the donkeys carrying the load, we will head further. In this place, there are many Buddhist monasteries.

    Additionally, a large glacier was formed in 2015 due to the devastating earthquake. We will pass through Mundu village and reach Langtang Valley. Stay overnight at Langtang Valley.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    4

    Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m).

    Leaving the great Langtang Valley Trek behind, we will walk for around 4 hours. We will cross several wooden bridges to reach Kyanjin Gompa, all of which are flat, and then we will finally head uphill. Kyanjin Gompa is the pinnacle of our trip, located at an altitude of 3,870 meters above sea level. The beautiful vistas of mind-blowing Mt. Ganchempo and Mt Langtang itself from the Gompa will be recorded in your memory for your entire life.

    Furthermore, the trek will take you along a path that passes near local houses and a cheese factory. It will enable you to assemble new and one-of-a-kind experiences with the local inhabitants and their way of life. We will have a view of Yala Peak, large hills, and the yak cheese factory on the path.

    4 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    5

    Acclimatization day at Kyanjin Gompa. Day hike to Tserko Ri (4,984m).

    Today is our rest day on the trek; we will take a side trip to Tserko Ri. You can also choose the trek between Tserko Ri and Kyanjin Ri. The way is difficult today. However, the view is panoramic. As we walk upward on the steep path, we reach one of the side trip places. We can have a view of Langtang Peak from there. Stay overnight at the Kyanjin Gompa.

    8 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    6

    Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Nyengang Kharka (4,200m).

    Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will head towards Nyegang from Kyanjin Gompa, which is about 4 to 5 hours of walking. Firstly, we will walk steeply up through the forest of juniper and rhododendron. Ascending high, we then move to the area with small natural vegetation. We may encounter water shortages along the way, so it's a good idea to bring a water bag and food with us. There is a puzzle trail in the middle where we can get lost, so you need to be careful and follow the guide and your group.

    Similarly, after that, we reached the yak pasture of Nyegang, which offered an incredible scenic view of mountains and yaks grazing peacefully. We will spend the night in a tent.

    5 hour
    Dinner + Lunch + Breakfast
    Tent
  • Day
    7

    Trek from Nyengang Kharka to Keldang (4,270m) via Ganja La Pass (5,106m).

    Today, we will head towards Keldang via Ganja La Pass, which is a 7 to 8-hour walk. We will continue the trail to the south through the stream and moraines. Given the steep uphill passes, the day seems particularly challenging today. After reaching Ganja La Pass, we can see it covered with snow all the time. We pass the small Lakes and climb Ganja La Pass on the rocky moraine. From there, the view of Langtang Lirung and the snowy summits of Tibet looks fantastic. Heading upward and downward, the pass with the trick way we reach Keldang. Stay overnight in Keldang.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tent
  • Day
    8

    Trek from Keldang to Dhukpa (4,040m).

    From Keldang, we will walk to Dhukpa for about 6 to 7 hours early in the morning. The trails to Dhukpa ascend through grassland, ridges, and other natural scenarios. Likewise, we then follow the settlement of the people of Helambu. After that, we reach Dhukpa and stay overnight.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tent
  • Day
    9

    Trek from Dhukpa to Tarkeghyang (2,600m).

    From Dhukpa, today we will walk downhill and then uphill to the pass to reach Tarkeghyang. It is 5 to 6 hours of walking from Dhukpa to Tarkeghyang. Similarly, we will go across the forests and then arrive at Gekye Gompa. After the steep hike downhill, we can visit the oldest monasteries and the Sherpa village. Stay overnight there.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    10

    Trek from Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2,590m).

    Today, early in the morning, we will head toward Sermathang from Tarkeghyang. It takes around 5 to 6 hours to walk. We will pass through a small forest with a view of the Helambu region. The trail is flat and easy today, passing streams, waterfalls, and rhododendron forest. This village is the home of the majority of Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism (Bhutan's official religion) and the Sherpa people. The Sermathang village is famous for monasteries and the view of the Jugal Himal.

    5 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    11

    Trek from Sermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (870m) & drive to Kathmandu (1,400m) by Bus.

    Today is the last day of our trek. We will walk from Sermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar in around 3-4 hours, passing through Sherpa village, and then take a bus ride to Kathmandu, which will take another 3 hours. Later, when you arrive in Kathmandu, you can explore Thamel for shopping and purchase tokens to take home.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch
    Hotel

    You can book your own hotel or hostel in Kathmandu, as accommodation is not included in the package.

The Cost Includes

  • International airport pickup and drop-off services.
  • An English-speaking professional trekking guide for 11 days (including his salary, food, accommodation, transportation, and insurance).
  • Langtang National Park Permit.
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
  • Kathmandu-Syabrubesi by local bus or shared jeep.
  • Melamchi Pul Bazaar-Kathmandu by local bus.
  • Hotel-Bus Station-Hotel transport by private car or taxi.
  • Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • 07 nights accommodation in mountain tea house lodge (twin-sharing basis).
  • 03 nights accommodation in tented camp.
  • All necessary camping gear and staff during the camp.
  • Seasonal fruits after the dinner during the trek.
  • NEST branded water bottles with purification tablets.
  • NEST branded duffle bags for the trek.
  • NEST branded sleeping bags (-20/-25 degrees) during the trek (if required).
  • A pulse oximeter to provide a daily report (SpO2 and bpm).
  • NEST branded Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek maps.
  • NEST branded warm hats.
  • Trekking poles (if required).
  • All government tax and service fees.
  • First aid kit box.

The Cost Excludes

  • Nepal Visa Fees (15 Days- USD 30, 30 Days- USD 50, and 90 Days- USD 125).
  • Travel Insurance (must include coverage for medical expenses and emergency evacuation).
  • Food and accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • Any kind of drinks or bar items during the trek.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, bar bills, battery charge, boiled water, laundry, hot shower, snacks, and Wi-Fi in the mountain).
  • Additional costs due to changes in the itinerary.
  • Porter for the trek (A porter for 11 days costs USD 275).
  • Private transportation from Kathmandu-Syabrubesi and Melamchi Pul Bazaar-Kathmandu.
  • Tips for guide and porters (Expected).
  • Any additional services not listed in the included section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek?

The Langtang Ganja La Pass trek can be completed within 11 days, starting from Kathmandu and ending in Kathmandu.

What are the permits required for Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek?

For the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek, you need to obtain the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) and the Langtang National Park Permit.

How difficult is the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek?

The Langtang Ganja La Pass trek is categorised as a challenging trek, but if you have a reasonable level of physical and mental fitness, you can do this trek.

Is there electricity and Wi-Fi available during the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek?

Yes, all the tea houses or lodges will have wifi and electricity during the trek in Langtang Valley. You need to pay extra money for wifi and charging your gadgets.

What is the maximum elevation gain in the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek?

The maximum altitude you gain in the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek is 5,106 metres, which is the highest point of Ganja La Pass.

Is Langtang Ganja La Pass trek safe for solo travelers?

Yes, the Langtang Ganja La Pass trek is very safe for solo travelers. When you take the guide and porters from NEST Adventure, our crew member will be responsible for the entire trip.