Ganja La Pass trekking is one of the difficult hiking routes with the Himalayan Pass with the height of 5132 metres. Through this trekking, you can enjoy the amazing and beautiful Buddhist culture and traditions. It is located northwest of Kathmandu valley in the Langtang region. This trekking route offers snow secured high passes, great perspectives of mountains, old religious communities, lovely Langtang and Helambu valley. It takes you from the busy trails of Langtang Region to the quaint trails of Helambu via the frozen Ganja La Pass and allows you to be amid pristine nature unspoiled with interference.

The trail passes several Tamang Villages followed by a cultural exploration in the Langtang village, alpine vegetation and the ancient gompas. You can bless yourself with the spectacular views of the Langtang range, the dense forest of rhododendron and pine, numerous Buddhist monasteries, local cheese factories, the diverse flora and fauna. An exciting opportunity to see the exotic animal red panda makes this trip more exciting. The views to the north from the pass of Langtang Lirung and snowy peaks in Tibet, including Shisha Pangma at 8013m are outstanding and mesmerizing. The visitors can challenge their inner guts through this amazing and difficult trekking.

Day 1- Kathmandu to Syabrubesi

 The start of the trek begins with the 8 hours drive from Kathmandu valley to Syabrubesi. The Syabrubesi is the starting point of the trek. On the way, the trekkers can get the lovely views of the Trishuli rivers and its surrounding landscapes as well as local villages and hills. After reaching here trekkers can stay overnight and explore the Syabrubesi village. It lies on the altitude of about 1460 metres from sea level.

Day 2- Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel

The trekking from this point starts with an uphill hike through the beautiful pine and rhododendron forest.  There is about an hour climb through the steep hill to reach an interesting and amazing place called Bamboo.  It is the place where trekkers take rest and have lunch to regenerate their body energy. The trail continues upwards through the bamboo forest to reach the final destination for today’s Lama Hotel which is the quiet famous area of this place.

Day 3- Lama Hotel to Mundu via Langtang Village

The Langtang village lies at the altitude of about 3430 metres from sea level. The trails start with the rhododendron and pine forests along with the scenic paths of waterfalls and landscapes. Nature will make you feel intrigued as you enter the interesting wide valley of Langtang. This is the home to the famous Langtang National Park which is the habitat to many wild lives. The trekkers stop at the famous GhodaTabela for lunch before heading towards the Langtang village and up the Langtang Valley to Mundu.

Day 4- Mundu to Kyanjin Gompa

The trek to the Kyanjin Gompa is relatively shorter than other trekking days. The trail passes through the watermills, chorten (Buddhist Shrines) and prayer wheels on the way to Kyanjin Gompa. The Kyanjin Gompa lies at the altitude of 3870 metres from the sea level. This route also acts as an acclimatization day before climbing Tserko Ri in the morning. The trekkers can explore the gompa and surrounding area and take in the mountain views in the afternoon. 

Day 5 – Rest day at Kyanjin Gompa

This day offers the trekkers to relax and explore the surrounding area. They can visit the monastery and cheese factory or walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri, which are the highest points of this trek.

Day 6- Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri – Kyanjin

The trekkers will start their little early and have breakfast to climb up to Tserko Ri which takes about 5 hours to climb. From here you can enjoy the outstanding views of the surrounding peaks, beautiful sky and landscapes. The trekkers will ascend back to the Kyanjin Gompa where they will be sleeping for the night.

Day 7- Kyanjin Gompa to Negang

The trek takes about 5- 6 hours. As the village is not that populated and there is no availability of lodges, you have to camp here. The trail goes on ascending and you cannot see any village and the area is covered with a little natural vegetation.

Day 8- Negang to Keledang

This is the actual main point of the trek as you will pass through the Ganja La Pass 5122 metres. Compared to other trekking days, this day is more challenging and strenuous as you have to cross the Ganja La Pass. On the Ganja La pass, you can find this trail is covered with snowy ice most of the time throughout the year.

Day 9- Keldang to Dukpu

The trekkers have to start early to experience another challenging and beautiful adventure which awaits them. This day will be a long day walking along the ridge, grassland, forests with the amazing views of the Mountains. The trekkers have to camp inside the forest under the rustling sound of the leaves and branches.

Day 10- Dukpu to Tarkegyang

The trail descends about 200 metres and climbs the pass of 4100 metres . You can witness the amazing and spectacular views of the Annapurna Region and Mt. region too. From the pass, the trail descends through pine forest, rhododendron forest and past tiny herder’s settlement to Tarkegyang. Here the trekkers can visit one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and Sherpa villages. These villages are well settled where friendly and cheerful natured people inhabit.

Day 11- Tarke Gyang to Sermanthang

Sermanthang lies at the altitude of 2620 metres above the sea level. This is another village which is rich in culture, tradition, hospitality and is full of natural wonders surrounding it. It takes about 5- 6 hours to rich this beautiful village. The trail passes through many other villages rich in Sherpa culture and inspiring simplicity of life. You also have to walk through some forested area along the trail before reaching Sermanthang.

Day 12- Sermanthang to Melamchi Bazaar and drive back to Kathmandu

This is the final day of the trekking and walk in the Gosaikunda Helambu Region. The trekkers will hike to Melamchi Bazaar. The trail passed many villages with their traditional cultures. You also have to walk through terraced fields. Once you reach the Market area you will enjoy the local delicacies and drive back to the Kathmandu valley.  You can enjoy the cool breeze through the window with the amazing views of the landscapes, river, fields and valleys.

This trek will let you enjoy the amazing Langtang valley and even get the chance to cross the highest trekking pass here with the majestic and stunning views of the Himalayan Ranges.