GANGJA LA PASS TREK
GANGJA LA PASS TREK
Here is a unique opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and Buddhist tradition on the Gangja La Pass (5130m) trek – and so close to Kathmandu. The Tamang villages will give you a close-up view of their unique style of dress and their warm smiling faces will touch your soul. The trails through the Langtang region, and in particular the Helambu Valley offers superb views of snow-covered peaks, raging rivers, and a forever changing landscape.
You will witness first-hand the hardiness and devotion of villagers in the Langtang region as they rebuild their communities following the devastating 2015 earthquake. The Langtang Valley is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Nepal and will leave you with warm memories to look back on over a lifetime.
The Langtang National Park is 25% forest and extends from subtropical to alpine and includes deciduous oak, maple, pine, and rhododendron forests (in full bloom in spring). You can expect to see a range of native animals, such as the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Tahr, Assam macaque and red pandas. There is a rumor that the mythical Yeti has been seen here too! Have your camera ready just in case!
The trek commences at the small village of Syabru Besi and follows trails through charming pine, rhododendron and juniper forests. You will see Yak grazing in these high alpine pastures – especially near Kyanjin Gompa (Buddhist monastery). Kyanjin Gompa is the most sacred monastery for the Tamang. On the rest day, that helps you acclimatize, you can head up to Kyanjin Ri (peak). The next day we head up to Ganja La Pass. If you are short of time you can take a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Kyanjin.
Sherpa ExpeditionTeams can tailor this trek to suit your needs. With over 40 years (Est.1977) in the trekking business, and an untarnished reputation, we will go out of our way to make this a memorable and safe journey. We will attend to all permits, meals and accommodation on the trek.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu transfer to hotel.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking staff and transported to your hotel, followed by a short briefing concerning your trek.
Day 2 : Kathmandu to Syabru Besi (1,460m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Leaving Kathmandu we set off on a seven hour journey by road heading to the Langtang Valley. As the road climbs out of Kathmandu Valley we will be afforded views of the Annapurna Mountains in the west and directly ahead to Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the numerous peaks in the Langtang region. We first come to Trishuli Village and then continue climbing until we reach Dhunche and enter the Langtang National Park. After leaving Dhunche we drive for another hour downhill until we reach Syabru Besi where we stay the night
Day 3 : Trek from Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel (2,470m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail today takes us across the Bhote Kosi (meaning Tibet River) which flows from Tibet. The trail then climbs through sub-tropical forest and then joins the trail coming from Syabru Besi, and then ascends through oak and rhododendron forests. On the trail it is very likely we will encounter Langur monkeys in the tree tops. The trail continues up a steep incline before reaching the Lama Hotel where we stay the night.
Day 4 : Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,450m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today the trail takes us toward Ghode Tabala from where we will have our first views of the enormous mountain Langtang Lirung (7227m). The trail takes us through a Rhododendron forest – more spectacular during spring when it is in full pink bloom. There is also a national park office here. Today’s trek will take between four to five hours before reaching Langtang Village (3450m) where we will stay the night.
Day 5 : Trek from Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3860m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
Today’s trek is relatively easy and takes about 3 hours but slowly gains altitude which necessitates taking it at a slower pace. The trail is not too difficult which gives you more time to appreciate the valley and mountain scenery. We eventually reach Kyanjin Gompa in the afternoon. If you feel more energetic you may decide to trek to Kyanjin Ri (4779m) and then return back to the hotel for the night.
Day 6 : Acclimatization day at Kyanjin Gompa.
This is essentially a rest day that will give you time to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. Health professionals recommend staying active, so today we will trek to Cherko RI (4984m) or Tsergo Ri (5033m) and admire the amazing views from these peaks. It will take about 5 to 6 hours to complete the journey there and back. This is considered one of the best places to view the surrounding mountains of the Langtang region. Tonight we will stay at Kyanjin Gompa.
Day 7 : Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Kyanjin Phedi (4300m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
After breakfast, we start on our four to five-hour trek to Ganja La Phedi. We cross the Langtang River and ascend through the rhododendrons forest. During the winter it might take us longer to cross the pass. We stay overnight at Kyanjin Phedi at the tea house /lodge/tent.
Day 8 : Trek from Kyanjin Phedi to Keldang (4280m) via Ganja La Pass (5,122m) Duration: 7-9 hours.
We have a long 8 to 9-hour challenging trek ahead of us today as we head to Ganja La Pass. It is most likely covered with snow as it is for most of the year. We pass a number of small lakes on the trail as we head to the rugged and desolate moraine at the pass. From the pass, we have magnificent views. We then descend to Keldang where we stay the night.
Day 9 : Trek from Keldang to Yakharka (4000m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
After breakfast we head off on a five to six hour trek descending down the ridge, passing through forests and pasturelands before reaching Yakharka Village where we stay the night.
Day 10 : Trek from Yakharka to Tarke-Gang (2,590m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today the trail descends 1500 meters taking around five to six hours. As we descend the vegetation changes from being arider to more lush forests. Tonight we stay at Tarke-Gang.
Day 11 : Trek from Tarke- Gang to Sermathang (2,610m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Our trek today will follow the trail for around six to seven hours heading to Sermathang Village. Along the trail we will see many icons and evidence of the Sherpa culture, such as Mani stones, monasteries, and prayer flags. The trail takes us through more dense forests before reaching Sermathang Village where we will stay the night at a tea house or lodge.
Day 12 : Trek to Melamchi and drive to Kathmandu; Duration: 6-7 hours.
On our last day we trek to Melamchi Bazaar where we have a lunch break and walk around the village before taking a bus back to Kathmandu.
Day 13 : Transfer to International Airport.
Today your adventure ends and you depart Nepal with fond memories and many photos of spectacular scenes from your trek to this amazing out of the way Langtang region of the Himalayas. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in this mountainous wonderful – Nepal.
SERVICES
Costs Included In Your Package
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Two Night's hotel accommodation In Kathmandu with breakfast (3 star Hotel)
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Syafrubesi via public bus.
- Transportation from Melamchi to Kathmandu in Private Jeep.
- 2 Nights Tent camp accommodation during the trek
- All standard meals (lunch, dinners & breakfast) during the trek.
- Best possible teahouses, lodge accommodation (generally twin share rooms)- during the trek
- Government licensed holder English speaking trek leader (10 or more trekkers an assistant guide) and porter to help carry your luggage.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Guides and porters provided by Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions, including their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- All the required permits and paper works( Langtang National park permit, TIMS etc)
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions such as altitude sickness (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions t-shirt
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after the trip is completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s certificate of appreciation & completion after the successful trek
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
Costs Exclude
- International airfares
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters (recommended in our culture – and well deserved too!)
- Additional costs or delays caused by events beyond our control, for example, landslides, severe weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies & strikes.
- All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "costs include" will be counted as exclusions.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Langtang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
What is the Gangjala Pass Trek?
The Gangjala Pass Trek is a challenging and adventurous trekking route in the Langtang region of Nepal. It involves crossing the high-altitude Gangjala Pass, which sits at an elevation of 5,033 meters (16,512 feet). The trek offers stunning views of the Langtang Himalayan range and takes you through remote and pristine landscapes.
How long does the Gangjala Pass Trek take?
The Gangjala Pass Trek usually takes around 12-14 days, depending on the pace of the trek and the itinerary chosen. The duration can be customized according to your preferences.
Is the Gangjala Pass Trek difficult?
Yes, the Gangjala Pass Trek is considered a challenging trek. It involves long and steep ascents and descents, as well as crossing the high-altitude Gangjala Pass. The trail can be physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness, previous trekking experience, and acclimatization to the high altitude.
What is the best time to do the Gangjala Pass Trek?
The best time to do the Gangjala Pass Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and great visibility. The weather is generally favorable for trekking, and the views of the mountains are spectacular. However, the trek can be done throughout the year, except during the monsoon season (June to August) when the trails may be muddy and slippery.
Do I need a permit for the Gangjala Pass Trek?
Yes, you need to obtain a Langtang National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card to do the Gangjala Pass Trek. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entry checkpoint in Syabrubesi.
What is the accommodation like during the trek?
The accommodation during the Gangjala Pass Trek is typically in tea houses or lodges. These are basic but comfortable guesthouses that offer simple rooms with shared bathrooms. Some tea houses also provide hot showers for an additional cost. It is advisable to carry a sleeping bag for added comfort and warmth.
How do I get to the starting point of the trek?
The starting point of the Gangjala Pass Trek is usually Syabrubesi, which is around a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can hire a private vehicle or take a public bus from Kathmandu to reach Syabrubesi. Another option is to take a 30-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu to the nearest airport in Dhunche and then drive to Syabrubesi.
Is it necessary to hire a guide and porter for the trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide and porter for the Gangjala Pass Trek, it is highly recommended. The trail can be challenging and remote, and having a guide with local knowledge can be beneficial for navigation and safety. A porter can also help carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with less weight and fatigue.
What should I pack for the Gangjala Pass Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Gangjala Pass Trek include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing (including a down jacket and thermals), a good quality sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and personal medication. It is also advisable to pack some snacks and water purification tablets.
Is it safe to trek in the Gangjala Pass area?
Trekking in the Gangjala Pass area is generally safe, but it is important to take necessary precautions and be prepared. The trail can be challenging and remote, so it is recommended to trek with a licensed guide, follow their instructions, and be cautious of your surroundings. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers trekking activities and to stay updated on weather conditions and potential risks.
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