Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November
Our Ganja La Pass to Helambu Trek is a 14-day long package which takes you through the glorious Langtang region. Ganja La Pass to Helambu Trek initiates from the beautiful hill town of Syabrubesi and heads to Langtang Valley before winding through exotic rhododendron and conifer forest in Langtang National Park. We climb higher, passing through alpine pasture land, high passes, glaciers and moraines. Next, the track descends through Ganja La (5121m) to Ghopte and Tarke Gyang to reach Melamchi Bazaar. The trek concludes at Melamchi Bazaar from where we will drive back to Kathmandu.
Ganja La Pass to Helambu Trek is popular for being easily accessible as it is near from Kathmandu. Embarking on this trek provides the splendid scenic views of the Langtang range mountains (and beyond) and also provides you with the opportunity to witness the local Tamang and Sherpa culture prevalent in the Langtang region. Hence, besides acquainting you with natural wonders of Nepal, Ganja La Pass to Helambu Trek provides insight into the culture and livelihood of the highlanders. Thus this trek is the perfect combination of natural and cultural tour.
Ganja La Pass to Helambu Trek is a moderately strenuous trekking which can be joined by anybody with moderate fitness and/or previous trekking experience. Spring and autumn are the best times to take on the Ganja La Pass to Helambu Trek, as the weather is better, the skies are clearer, and the rhododendrons are blooming, adding much much beauty to the trail.
Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed in short about your tour by our guide or tour leader. If you have any questions or doubts about your trip then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at hotel.
Kathmandu Valley includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (famous Hindu temple and cremation ground) Boudhanath (massive Buddhist stupa). We can also visit Swyambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, which was built roughly 2000 years ago. Finally, we can visit Patan, city of fine arts. In the afternoon, you will be meeting with your trekking guide and will check all the necessary things. Overnight stay at the hotel.
The road winds through a series of twists and turns persistently for about 8 to 9 hours to cover 117km, ending in Syabrubesi. We'll pass terraced rice fields and beautiful towns along the way. Overnight in a lodge in Syabrubesi.
The trail departs from main road and descends to meet the suspension bridge, which needs to be crossed to make it to the wooded area of Doman (1680m). Here, the soothing songs of various birds including Lophophorus and Cookoo can be heard. We hike further up through moraines at Paira Lodge (1810m) continuing upward to Bamboo Lodge (1960m) which eventually leads to Lama Hotel (2470m). Overnight in Lama Hotel.
The trail leaves Lama Hotel and proceeds further up the hill through verdant forests of maples and oaks which open up at Langtang Village (3430m) offering 180 degree view of Lirung Mountain. The path goes through lush rhododendron and pine forests before passing through Gumanchok(2800m) and Ghora Tabela(2970m). We eventually reach to Langtang Village after a short climb up the hill. Overnight in Langtang Village.
The trek follows the steep path uphill to pass through Sindum and Yamphu (3640m). Later, we cross Laja Khola and reach to a viewpoint from where Kyanjin Gompa and the icefall from Lirung and Kinshung can be viewed. Ultimately we will descend down Kyanjin Gompa (3870m). Overnight in Kyanjin Gompa.
Kyanjin Gompa is the last permanent settlement with a small gompa and a cheese factory. Use it as a base for day hikes, exploring the upper valley or climbing the hill north of Kyanjin called Tsergori (5033m). Tsergori lies up the valley from Kyanjin. The upper valley is surrounded by spectacular snow peaks, including fluted peak Langtang Lirung and the Tibetan Droje Lakpa. There is plenty to explore in the area! Overnight in Kyanjin Gompa.
After crossing the Langtang Khola below Kyanjin Gompa, the trail makes a steep climb through a forest of rhododendron and juniper trees. After several hours of trekking, the trail reaches the yak pasture of Ngegang. While on your way, you can see Yaks peacefully grazing on the pasturelands. Overnight stay in Ngegang.
The trail continues south, following streams and moraines before climbing steeply towards the pass. The trail makes a final steep ascent to the pass and then from the pass the trail descends steeply and enters the Yangri Khola Valley. Following the stream through grassy meadows, the trail reaches Keldang, our destination for the day. Overnight stay at a tented camp.
The next day, we start the trek after having breakfast. The trail leads down a long ridge, making many minor ups and downs and before heading down to the valley. Following the ridge line through small settlements, you will reach Dukpu after about four hours of trekking. Overnight stay at a tented camp.
The trail for this day descends steeply to the valley floor before hitting Melamchi Khola, where you can take a well deserved swim in the crystal clear river. We continue on to the short and smooth ascent to Tarke Gyang, located on the other side of the valley. An 18th century Gompa with a huge brass prayer wheel exists in Tarke Gyang. Overnight stay at a tented camp.
Today we will walk on a mostly flat trail to reach Sermathang- a Sherpa village. On a clear day, Sermathang offers splendid views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling, Gosainkunda and Everest. Overnight stay in a tented camp.
We will follow the trail back to Melamchi from where we will drive back to Kathmandu. Melamchi is a wonderful little town in the Langtang region. You will enjoy spending an hour or two in Melamchi Bazaar, observing the local market and its beauty. Overnight stay in hotel in Kathmandu. We'll have a celebratory dinner in Kathmandu after getting cleaned up from the trek.
We will transport you to the airport. Thanks for trekking with Adventure Himalayan Travels. We look forward to seeing you again!
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