Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek

This trek is a great combination of easy and scenic valley trekking with a much more challenging high-pass mountain range traverses. The trek is essentially a circuit that departs from the northern edge of Kathmandu and returns a little farther north east of the city.

The outward section takes you up through the southern foothills of the Langtang National Park to reach the religiously important Gosaikunda Lakes, 4,380m. In Hindu beliefs, the formation of the three sacred lakes is attributed to the Hindu deities Shiva and Gauri. From here the trek descends to the western end of the Langtang Valley near the town of Syabrubesi. The next few days are easy and scenic walking eastwards up the Langtang River valley to reach the Buddhist enclave of Kyangjin Gompa (3,800m.) The train then turn southward again towards Kathmandu. However, a challenging ascent to the Ganja La Pass (5,122m) and an overnight camp on the lower slopes of Mount Naya Kanga (5,846m) is required before you can descend to the first of the villages that progressively lead south towards Kathmandu.

This trek has a bit of everything, plus an abundance of spectacular high Himalaya Mountain scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

A Lantang Ri Trekking & Expedition representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. When you are ready you will be collected from your hotel lobby and driven to our Thamel office where you will be formally introduced to your Trekking Guide. We will go through all your trek itinerary and arrangements with you an ensure every detail is in place. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details so that we can organize any permits required for your trek and the region you will be exploring.

Day 2. Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,300m)

After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide (can be provide any language speaking guide on request) be, try to give them a full taste of our vivid culture image and an enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square.

Bouddhanath: Bouddhanath is a Buddhist religious complex with a history dating back over 500 years. Located on the eastern edge of Kathmandu it is now a site of great pilgrimage for Buddhist followers who circle its massive stupa, spin its many prayer wheels and visit its beautiful monastery. The main feature of Boudhanath is its huge hemispherical white stupa with central golden tower and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Visitors should circle the stupa in a clockwise direction and spin prayer wheels for good fortune and a good life. Visitors may also enjoy visiting the Thangka painting school within the complex to see highly skilled artists at work on religious mandala paintings.

Pashupatinath: Hindu Temple is a very large and complex and focal point for the Hindu religion. This old and very revered complex of buildings and shrines is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. While Lord Shiva has multiple forms he is often seen as the destroyer. This has great significance for the Pashupatinath temple as it is the site of many Hindi ritual cremations each day. Pashupatinath is considered by Hindus to be an auspicious site for passing from one stage of life to the next through the purifying and destroying flames of cremation. However, on a happier note, visitors may also get to see the temple in a buoyant festival mode with one of the many Hindu festivals celebrated here through the year.

Swayambhunath: You will first visit the Swayambhunath temple complex that sits atop a high hill overlooking Kathmandu and the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is perhaps the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. It consists of a very large white stupa with the all-seeing-eye of Lord Buddha plus many small stupa and beautifully carved stone shrines. This is a wonderful place to catch your breath and start to understand and appreciate the deep importance of Buddhist belief to the people of Nepal and the Himalaya region. Make sure you ring the many bells to awaken the gods and let them know you are in Nepal. Take the time to enjoy the view over Kathmandu and have your guide point the many other highlights of the city. In the far distance to the east you may also be able to see the hills of Nagarkot where your hotel for tonight is located. If you feel energetic you might also like to try some or all of the 350 steps that lead all the way from Kathmandu city up to your Swayambhunath temple vantage point.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: The next stop today is the beautiful Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the royal palace square of the ancient Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. This square and all its architectural treasures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some damage to buildings occurred in the 2015 earthquake the site still contains many stunning architectural gems. The original royal palace courtyards are open to visitors and you will marvel at the intricate timber carving and beautifully crafted brickwork of the palace. The open square outside the palace has many beautiful multi-storey pagodas and temples with ornate carving and carpentry artwork that tells some of the story of the ancient kings and their mystical time and beliefs. The square also contains many important Hindu temples and statues such as to Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Durbar Square also contains the unique and intriguing Kumari Chok. This is an ancient and ornate house where resides the Raj Kumari – the Living Goddess. She is a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. If you are in the courtyard of the home at the right time in the afternoon you may see a brief glimpse of the Goddess at her window.

Day 3. Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1,350m)

Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.) which takes about one hour. The unpaved road from Kathmandu turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant. The trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement we will come across is Mulkharka with Tamang habitants. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2300m.). Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 4. Chisopani - Kutumsang

Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m.) and it takes about eight hours. The trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good, sometimes level, trail that crosses meadow and fields. You will then descend through Pathi Bhanjyang till Gul Bhanjyang. The trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. The meadow makes a good camping spot, its downhill to Kutumsang at 2470m, in a saddle atop the ridge. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 5. Kutumsand to Magen Goth (3,514m)

Trek from Kutumsang to Magen Goth (3514m.) which takes about three hours. The trek continues due north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views of the peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements. The trail then descends to Magen Goth. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 6. Magen Goth to Ghopte (3,430m)

Trek from Magen Goth to Ghopte (3430m.) Via Tharepati Pass (3650m.) Continuing to climb, steeply at first then more gradually, the trail makes some ups and downs passing through the forest, across flower strewn meadows and crossing streams. You will reach Tharepati which consists of a few Goths and lodges. From the top of this famous ridge the trail ascends through the forest, climbing in and out of ravines across the head of the valley, Giant cliff towers far above. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 7. Ghopte to Gosaikunda (4,361m)

Trek from Ghopte to Gosaikunda (4361m.) The trail ascends through the meadow of bushes and some rhododendron trees. The trail gradually ascends to Phedi (3500m.) The trail ascends along side a stream through alpine trees. The trail then is bit rough and crosses moraines but it is well marked with rock cairns. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 8. Rest Day (4,361m)

Rest at Gosaikunda for Pilgrimage. The large lake Gosaikunda at an elevation of 4361m. There are several small stone shelters for pilgrimage on the north-western side of the lake. Hundreds of people come here to worship and bath in the lake during the full moon festival each August. You will witness some black and white stones in the lake with an individual story about Lord Shiva and his creation. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 9. Gosainkunda to Chandanbari (2,350m)

Trek from Gosaikunda to Chandanbari (2350m.) The trail gently ascends for a short while through different chortens and small Shiva temples. The trail then descends to Laure Binayak to Singh Gompa. The Gompa, which houses a statue of the Green Tara. You can witness small cheese factories of its kind and several lodges here. The trail now will go through the forest and reach Chandanbari. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 10. Chandanbari to Syabrubesi (2,210m)

Trek from Chandanbari to Syabrubesi . The trail descends through the forest, you will come across the Chortens on the route specially built for offering prayers by Buddhist. You will then reach Syabru Gaon which is densely populated by Buddhist people. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 11. Syabrubesi to Lamahotel (2,380m)

Trek Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2380m.) and it takes about 3 and half hours. The trail initially crosses the Bhote Kosi, flowing down from Tibet, normally a few kilometers away, and then gradually limbs up through the sub-tropical forests, teeming with bird-life, to join the trail from Syabru. You then follow the river, climbing through uninhabited forest of oak and rhododendron and maybe catching a glimpse of langur monkeys roaming through the trees. You climb along a steep trail to the forest. There are some basic lodges for you to stay surrounding the forest. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 12. Lamahotel to Langtang (3,500m)

Trek Lama Hotel to Langtang (3500m.), it takes about 5 hours. As you continue ascending there are occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung between the trees. At Ghora Tabela [3000m], the trail emerges from the forest. Once there was a Tibetan resettlement project here, but now it is a Nepalese army post though it has nonpermanent inhabitants. The trail continues to climb gently and the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock to graze in the high pastures during the summer months. There is a monastery which we can visit shortly before arriving at the village of Langtang, the headquarters of the Langtang National Park. The houses of Langtang and its neighboring villages are of the flat- roofed Tibetan style, surrounded by stone walls enclosing fields of buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips and barley. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 13. Langtang to Kyangjin Gompa (3,800m)

Trek Langtang to Kyangjin Gompa (3800m.), it takes about 3 hours. The trail ascends gradually through small villages and yak pastures as the valley opens out further and the views become more extensive. After crossing several small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Here there is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory. You arrive at Kyangjin by lunch time allowing time to acclimatize and explore the area. It is a dramatic setting, with snow covered peaks surrounding you in all directions. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14. Rest day at Kyanjin Gompa (3,800m)

Rest at Kyangjin Gompa for excursion, hike upto Langtang glaciers and back to Kyangjin Gompa A day to rest and explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin Ri [4350m], directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 15. Kuanjing Gompa to Tserko Ri – Kyanjing (5,033m)

Trek and climb upto Tserko Ri which takes about 5 hours to see the outstanding views of surrounding peaks and back to Kyangin Gompa. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 16. Kyanjing Gompa to Negang (4,000m)

Trek Kyanjing Gompa to Ngegang(4000m.) which takes about 5 hours. There you can not see any villages. The trail goes on ascending and area is covered with few natural vegetation. Since there are not available any lodge, you need to camp. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 17. Ngegang to keldang (5,106m)

 Trek Ngegang to Keldang (5106m.) via Ganja La (5100m.) which takes about 5 hours. This day is comparatively strenuous as you need to cross the Ganja la pass. On the Ganja la pass, you can find it covered with snowy ice most of the times through out the year. You need to camp. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 18. Keldang To Dukpu (4,080m)

Trek Keldang to Dukpu(4080m.) which takes about 5 and half hours. Your camping site will be inside the forest. This day will be long day walking along ridge, grassland, very silent, amazing views of Mountains. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 19. Dukpu to Tarkegyang (2,740m)

Trek Dukpu to Tarkeghyang( 2740m.) Trail descends about 200mtrs, climb the 4100m pass. Views from Pass are spectacular to the Annapurna Region and Mt. Everest region too. From pass trail descends through pine forest, rhododendron forest past tiny herder's settlement to Tarkeghyang. You can visit one of the oldest Buddhist monastery and Sherpa villages. These villages are well settled where friendly and cheerful natured people inhabit. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

Day 20. Tarkeghyang to Shermanthang (2,621m)

Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2621m.) which takes about four hours. This day the trail is quite easier through flat land with beautiful forests on the way. You trek on crossing some small streams on the way. There is situated a beautiful village on the half way to Shermathang. To add your joy, Shermathang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries. There you can see Jugal Himal range at the north face of Shermathang village. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 21. Shermanthang to Melamchi Pul (846m)

Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m.) and it takes approximately two hours. The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows ad cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages with their own particular tradition. Walking this day is quite pleasant with mountain views and interaction with local and friendly people. Stay overnight at tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Day 22. Melamchi Pul to Kathmandu (1,300m)

Drive from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu which takes about six hours. You travel through gravel and bumpy path up to Lamidanda and then you follow the pitched road up to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 23. Free day in Kathmandu for a little shopping

This is the free day to explore a little more of Kathmandu and complete your gift shopping. In the evening you will be collected from your hotel for a fun farewell dinner and Nepali cultural dance – so don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Day 24. International Departure

We will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport in plenty of time to meet your flight home.

What's Included

    • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle.
    • Twin/Double sharing accommodation at Kathmandu in 3 star hotel with breakfast & all taxes
    • Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Escorted with English speaking guide. Private transportation. Entrance fees
    • Kathmandu / Sundarijal by private vehicle/ Melamchi/Kathmandu by local bus
    • Accommodation in tea house and tent during the trek
    • Meals – Breakfast with 2cups of tea/ coffee, lunch, dinner – during the trek
    • Sleeping bag
    • Trekking map for group
    • TIMS
    • National Park entrance fee
    • A First Aid and Eco trained and government licensed English speaking guide
    • One porter between each two members
    • Accommodation, meals, salary, equipment, transportation and insurance for the trekking staff
    • All government taxes
    • Farewell dinner

What's Not Included

    • International airfare
    • Extra meals in Kathmandu
    • Drinking water during trek, extra charges levied for any hot shower or electricity for device charging
    • Tips for guide and porter and driver
    • Medical evacuation in case of emergency
    • Personal gear & clothing – these may be available for hire
    • Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client’s insurance
    • Soft/hard drinks
    • Any uninsured medical emergency evacuation costs
    • Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual cost.
    • Anything not specified in the Cost Include section

Equipment Check List

Recommended equipment list: Trekkers need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us as like Down Jacket

Footwear

Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes.

Clothing

Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit.

Other equipment

Sleeping bag (5 seasons),  lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters.

Other Items

Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit.

Important Note

Itinerary and Dates: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions and the health of trekkers can all contribute to changes. Your guide, and their Sherpa assistants, will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. Our aim is to return you safely to Kathmandu in time for your departure flight booking.

Experience Required: This Trek is suitable for keen walkers who are able to walk for 6 – 7 hours each day, with a light rucksack. Some of the days are quite long, and walking feels more strenuous at altitude. Generally, the trail is a good quality, but occasionally it will be uneven and rocky.

Food & Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a teahouse each night, unless the itinerary stipulates tent camping is necessary on some nights. Teahouses are simple, locally-run guesthouses with twin-share or single rooms. Toilets and showers are of varying standards. Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice & lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee and hot chocolate are always available. You will probably be pleasantly surprised by the variety of food at the lodges.

What about our luggage: One porter will be shared between two trekking clients. Porters will carry a maximum of 12kgs per client. If you wish to, you may keep excess clothing and items in a storage room at your Kathmandu hotel.

What will the temperature be like: The weather obviously varies considerably by season and may also change drastically within a single day, particularly at high altitude. If your itinerary takes you above 3,000m need to be prepared for conditions that may range from -10 to 25 degrees on any day. Some useful weather data is available here: https://bit.ly/3vi7rHX You will also need good protections from sun and wind exposure. Contact us for a suggested trek packing list to suit your itinerary.

How much money should we bring: You will need to carry Nepali Rupee to pay for things not covered by your itinerary package. This may include bottled water; evening hot showers; additional food treats; additional hot drinks; equipment replacement or repairs; battery charging and gifts and tips. Shopping can also be done on your last day in Thamel. Talk with us in our office before departing on your trek and we can provide more advice and currency exchange.

What about Acute Mountaineering Sickness (AMS): AMS is essentially impossible to predict. Some people are affected, and other not. Only a very small percentage of people suffer serious effects. Effects may become apparent at any altitude, not just at the extremes of your itinerary.

Signs of AMS includes:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Drowsiness
  • Flatulence
  • Peripheral Edema (Swelling of extremities)
  • Fluctuation in body temperature

Prevention of AMS:

  • Adequate rest prior to the trek.
  • Adequate hydration maintained throughout the trek.
  • Adequate salt and sugar in your bloodstream. So, eat plenty and don’t skip meals.
  • Adequate warmth. Use clothing layers to maintain warmth without sweating excessively. Controlled and regular breathing. Breathe deeply from the diaphragm to use all your lung capacity. Try and walk to a pace that maintains controlled and steady breathing. Breathe through your nose to protect you throat from drying. Consider wearing a muff over your mouth and nose at high altitudes.
  • Managed exertion. Trekking is not a race to the next pass or teahouse. Go at a constant, manageable pace, do not chase after the person in front. Keep a slow steady pace rather than pushing too hard and needing to stop frequently. Take time to enjoy the scenery.

Trip facts

  • Price
    USD 1699
  • Region
  • Activity
    Trekking
  • Duration
    24 Days
  • Grade
    Challenging
  • Best Time
    March- August- October-
  • Max. Altitude
    4,361m
  • Group Size
    Min 2 pax
  • Transportation
    Flight and Private Vehicle

Your Host

Mrs Pamfa Dhamala

 My company has been helping people plan and experience the Himalayan treks and tours of their dreams for over 25 years. Please Let me assist you with your inquiry.

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Tour Extensions

  • Sue S
    Having experience of 5 earlier treks in Nepal we were looking for a challenging trek in a different area and chose Langtang Ri as our trek organizers. We were pleased to get fast replies to any enquiries and were met at the airport as arranged. Our hotel in Kathmandu was of a good standard and we me...
Design Escapes
Since its establishment in 1991 AD, Langtang Ri Trekking and Expedition has stood as a beacon of adventure and exploration in the realm of tourism. With three decades of unparalleled experience, the company has been at the forefront of creating unforgettable journeys for clients hailing from every corner of the globe. Rooted in Nepal's breathtaking landscapes, Langtang Ri has continuously raised the bar for trekking, tours, expeditions, and extreme sports, offering a comprehensive range of services that cater to the intrepid spirit of travelers.
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Contact Us

  • 97714523360 9779823010252

  • langtangritrekking@gmail.com
  • Tridevi Marg, Nurshing Chowk Thamel, Kathmandu