Langtang Ganga la Trek

5.0

For those adventurous trekkers looking to challenge themselves, the Langtang and Ganja La Pass trek in the Langtang Region is an ideal choice. It is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that offers tranquility and excitement.

At a Glance
Location

Langtang Ganga la

Duration

13 Days

Activities

Trekking

Accommodation

Tent

Meals

All included

Group size

Min 4 Pax.

Best time

Spring and Autumn

Max. Altitude

5122m.

If you are a trekker seeking high altitudes without crowds, the Langtang and Ganja La trek is an ideal choice. Located between the towering peaks of Langtang Himal and the Tibetan border, this trek offers an unforgettable blend of cultural heritage, untouched nature, and panoramic mountain views.

As you hike, you’ll see beautiful Himalayan oaks, rhododendrons, pine trees, and yaks. This high-altitude trek is one of the most challenging in the Langtang region, promising a thrilling adventure. You’ll camp in tents, enjoying total freedom with the support of our experienced cooks and guides.

The Langtang and Ganja La trek is perfect for both seasoned trekkers and adventurous beginners. The trek allows plenty of time to explore, with climbs up to Kyanjin-Ri or Tserko-Ri at 4,900 meters. The views of Langtang Lirung, Langtang-Ri, and a spectacular array of snow-capped peaks are breathtaking. You will experience true adventure as you cross the Ganja La Pass at 5,122 meters, navigating some technical sections before reaching the scenic areas of Helambu.

Major Highlight of Langtang Ganga La Trek

  • Challenge yourself with the ascent of Ganja La Pass at 5,122 meters.
  • Get an off-the-beaten-path experience for trekking.
  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of rhododendron forests in full bloom during the spring months.
  • Enjoy life in camp supported by a skilled Nepalese GST team, including experienced guides and cooks.
  • Spend nights in traditional Tamang villages, offering insights into local culture and hospitality.
  • Panoramic views of the mountain from the viewpoints of Ganja La, Tserko Ri, and Kyanjin Ri.
  • Pay a visit to Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang Hamlet.
  • Visit Buddhist temples, monasteries, stupas, and structures.

Your journey to Langtang and the Ganga La Trek

We begin our unforgettable journey to Langtang and Ganja la trek from Kathmandu. From here, we travel to Dhunche, traveling through terraced fields and catching glimpses of the majestic Himalayan range.

Our trek follows the scenic Langtang Valley, passing Kyanjin and entering the remote Ganja La region. Surrounded by the high peaks of Langtang Lirung, Yala, Dorje Lakpa, Urkeinmang, Loenpo Gang, and Kangchenpo, the serene Kyanjin is our base for acclimatizing before the ascent to Tserko Ri. The journey’s highlight is crossing the Ganja La Pass at over 5,000 meters, the highest point of the trek. There are Buddhist stupas and monasteries throughout the region, giving a glimpse at the spiritual life of this area.

Descending along the ridge to the Helambu region, we traverse rhododendron forests and Himalayan pine, encountering yak pastures and high-altitude challenges. The trek continues through the charming Sherpa villages of Keldang, Tarkegyang, and Shermathang, amidst diverse terrains and blooming forests, before returning to Kathmandu via Melamchi Pul Bazaar.

Glacier Safari Treks proudly offers a meticulously planned Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek, promising the experience of a lifetime. Contact us for any questions about the trek package and costs.

Itinerary

After arriving in Kathmandu, take some rest. You can explore popular places such as the Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams, and other beautiful places in Kathmandu.

On our first day of the trek, we take a local bus from Kathmandu to reach Dhunche. We cross the Trisuli River and along the way, we will see green hills, mountains, villages, and snowcapped peaks. Upon reaching Dhunche, spend the night in a comfortable lodge.

After breakfast, we will drive down to Barkhu and continue on a trail to reach the camping site. Along the way, you will cross the Langtang Khola, and feel the cool mountain water beneath your feet. Finally, you arrive at Thulo Syabru, a lively mountain village. This trek will take around 5 hours and involve a 290-meter ascent.

Today’s trek involves a gentle descent, crossing the Bhote Koshi following the Langtang Khola, and an uphill journey along the river. Throughout the trail, we will pass through a dense bamboo forest before reaching the Lama Hotel.

If we’re lucky, we might see red pandas, yellow-throated martens, langur monkeys, wild boars, and Himalayan black bears. We’ll spend the night camping under the starry sky after a 6-hour trek, with a 500-meter ascent and 280-meter descent.

Starting from Lama Hotel, we will trek for two hours through the dense forest, reaching Ghora Tabela at 3000m. Ghora Tabela is the former camp of the Tibetan resistance. As the valley widens, we will gradually ascend to Thyangsyap at 3140m. Our journey involves five hours of trekking, gaining 670m in elevation, before reaching our campsite.

On our way from Langtang, we will slowly ascend to reach the Langtang National Park, the last permanent settlement in the valley. The inhabitants of the national park are thought to have arrived from Tibet around three centuries ago. During the journey, we will also visit a Buddhist monastery where you can explore the ancient grounds, spin prayer wheels, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

After three hours of walking, we will arrive at the summer hamlet of Kyanjin at 3840m. There you can find a small gompa, an inn, and a dairy. You can enjoy the stunning view of the mountains. We will reach our camping spot after a 5-hour trek with an ascent of 730m.

Upon reaching Kyanjin, we will take a short excursion to a small summit that offers a beautiful view of Langtang Lirung. Langtang Lirung is the highest peak of the Langtang Himal range.

You will pass through yak pastures and small Sherpa villages. Get the opportunity to explore the valley and climb several small peaks (hillocks). Additionally, you can visit the monastery and the cheese factory. Once you have finished exploring, return to Kyanjin camp.

Today will be more challenging as we need to cross the Ganja La Pass. This high-altitude pass requires climbing, and it’s essential to have proper technical equipment including ropes. Progression may be slow and could be difficult for beginners.

The trail follows a small valley before reaching the glaciated pass, where the use of ropes, crampons, and ice axes may be necessary. Upon reaching the summit, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Langtang mountain range and the peak of the Tibetan border. We will be staying overnight at the camp.

We’ll trek along the ridges, moving away from villages and through pastures from Ngegang to Keldang. It is the most challenging leg with its icy and slippery paths. After conquering Ganja La Pass, we’ll descend steeply to Keldang for an overnight stay.
Early the next morning, we’ll trek towards Tarkegyang via Dhukpa, encountering various terrains including valleys, ridge descents, and leisurely walks through grasslands. Upon arriving at Tarkegyang, a bustling Sherpa town, we’ll set up camp for an overnight stay.

Today, the trail is relatively easy as we walk along a balcony through the woods. We will pass through Sherpa villages surrounded by orchids and see flat land with beautiful forests and small streams along the way.

We reach the beautiful Shermathang village where many ancient monasteries are located. Stay overnight at the camp. The walk will take approximately 4 hours, with a descent of 60 meters.

We will descend gradually from Shermathang, passing through Brahmin and Tamang villages, and continue to Melamchi Pul. The trail descends through meadows and cultivated fields until we reach Melamchi Pul Bazaar. You can take a break there for food and rest before taking a local bus back to Kathmandu. It will take about 4 to 5 hours to reach Kathmandu by bus.

Essential Packing List for Langtang Valley Ganja La Pass Trek

When preparing for the Langtang Valley and Ganja La Pass trek, it’s essential to pack strategically for varying altitudes and terrain conditions. Start by selecting hiking boots with good ankle support. It must be suitable for rugged trails and possible snow crossings. It’s important to wear layered clothing, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof and windproof outer shell.

Make sure to bring a warm sleeping bag for cold temperatures and a durable tent for camping along the route. Other essentials to pack include a backpack, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and personal toiletries. Bring snacks and water purification tablets or a filter for safe drinking water. You should also carry cash for incidental expenses, as well as necessary travel documents and permits, for tipping guides and porters.

Cost Includes
  • English-speaking guide
  • Porters
  • Meals and accommodation in tents (including cooks and assistants, personal tent, mess tent, and toilet tent)
  • Mattresses and kitchen utensils
  • Entry fees to National Parks and registration with TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  • Private vehicle transportation from Kathmandu to the starting point and back
  • Insurance for Nepalese staff
  • Airport transfer (international airport/hotel/international airport)
Cost Excludes
  • Personal insurance covering mountain rescue expenses
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (available upon request)
Book your spot

Starting from

€1,382

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Trip Difficulty

Extreme

5.0

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Excellent trek

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FAQs

In the Himalayan region of Nepal, the Langtang Valley is mostly inhabited by the Tamang people. Their culture, language, attire, and religious practices closely resemble those of Tibetans.

The best time to do the Langtang and Ganja La Pass trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, you can enjoy the favorable weather, and clear mountain views.

The Ganja La Pass, at an altitude of 5130 meters (16,800 feet), is the highest point. The pass offers stunning views of various mountain ranges such as Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and others.

It's not necessary to have prior trekking experience for the Langtang and Ganja La trek, but know that this trek is challenging due to the high altitude. You must be in good physical health and enthusiasm for the trek.

While trekking, guesthouses provide various food options including daal bhat, eggs, bread, potatoes, noodles, soup, and pastries. Each meal is served with a hot drink such as coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or hot lemon. Additionally, you can buy extra hot drinks, soda, candies, or cookies. Our skilled cook can prepare requested meals during camping, similar to what's available at teahouses.