Ganja La Pass Trek

What makes Ganjala Pass Special?

Dhaulagiri Circuit is one of the most adventurous and toughest treks in the Nepal.  This trek is real adventure for experienced trekker who are seeking for an expedition like experience. Ganj La Pass trek provides mesmerizing views of Langtang ranges along with culture and lifestyle of Tamang and Tibetan people. Trekker can get opportunity to see red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, bear, langur on the way.

Major Highlights of Ganja La Pass Trek

• Adventure Journey

The Ganja La Pass trek is a very thrilling adventure that treks through lush forests, alpine meadows, rugged snow-covered passes, and many more. There are lots of challenges in the journey that suit best for those people getting their kicks from high-altitude trekking and remote trails. The ever-changing terrain makes the trek quite exciting with steep ascents, narrow ridges, and glacial crossings.

On the way, the trekkers savor their times of being in isolation and in the company of nature, for the trail is less crowded when compared to the other trek routes of Nepal. The journey to this place has not only involved physical endurance but also embracing the wild to discover beauty amidst the most unexplored valleys of Nepal. At every step, trekkers are showered with awe-inspiring sights and a tremendous sense of pride.

• Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Gompa Village

The Langtang Valley is one of the most beautiful teeming parts, full of tranquil beauty combined with rich flora and fauna, especially in its culture. The valley, carpeted with beautiful villages, scattered prayer flags, and ancient monasteries, lies caught between towering Himalayan peaks. For trekkers, the trek to Langtang is a journey into the heart of Nepal’s remote mountain life. It offers them a chance to see unspoiled nature along with traditional hospitality.

Kyanjin Gompa is one of the largest villages, acting for trekkers as a spiritual and cultural centerpiece. This village houses an ancient monastery where it allows visitors to see the rituals of the Buddhists and come to learn about the culture of the Tamang and Sherpa people. The dramatic peaks, glaciers, and yak pastures surrounding Kyanjin Gompa make this village ideally positioned for rest and exploration ahead of higher climbs.

• Panorimic view from Kyanjin Ri (4400m), Tserko Ri (4984m), and adventurous Ganja La (5130m).

This trekking offers a section of the most panoramic views of the Himalayas. One can view the surrounding peaks and glaciers from a fantastic viewpoint, Kyanjin Ri, at 4,400 meters. A trek to this viewpoint also opens up views of Langtang Lirung at 7,227 meters and other snow-covered summits to create an unforgettable scenery.

It gives an even better view in Tserko Ri at 4,984 meters for those who enjoy more challenge-a sunrise above the Langtang range. Except for these viewpoint treks, the most adventurous part of this trek is the crossing over Ganja La Pass at 5,130 meters, which is a high-altitude mountain pass testing one’s ability and stamina. The pass is usually covered under snow, giving the adventurous feelings and thrilling experiences to those who dare to overcome it.

• Local village of tamang and Sherpa culture

Without much touting of this trek of the Ganja La Pass being among the top in the Nepal Himalayas is its permission and induction into local peoples’ cultures: Tamangs and Sherpa. Villages on the highway might give them an essence that will be traditions, architecture, and ways different from others; one can strike conversations with villagers and taste traditionally prepared meals apart from observing traditional chores of these tribesmen – like yak rearing, crop harvesting, etc.

Besides that, the region is fully marked by the presence of Tibetan Buddhism through monasteries, mani walls, and prayer wheels. Colorful prayer flags fly in the breeze, carrying messages for peace and spiritual blessings. Finally, it is a trek that happens in interaction with friendliness and hospitality, that of Tamang and Sherpa people; it is special as that does not include breathtaking landscapes only but equally beneficial cultural connections.

Equipment Required for Ganjala Pass Trek

Comfort in the Himalayas trekking is properly to be equipped with all requirements, which assure comfort, safety, and an enjoyable trip. This includes sturdy quality trekking boots, multi-layered appropriate clothes to wear, a waterproof and windproof jacket that protects from uncertain mountain weather, a good backpack to carry personal things, while a day pack would carry your water bottles, snacks, and any essentials easy to reach. Also, don’t forget trekking poles for stability on uneven terrain, a hat, gloves, sunglasses for sun protection, and a headlamp if it’s low light.

Other things one might want to pack include a sleeping bag, a refillable water bottle with water purification tablets, and personal toiletries. If you are going to be using luxury accommodations, most of them have basic amenities, but it is always prudent to pack in light toiletries and a power bank for charging your devices. With proper preparation and the right equipment, any trek becomes enjoyable and hassle-free to take in the beauty of the journey.

Ganja La pass Trek Difficulty

Ganja La Pass is a challenging trek. The trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents and a straightforward following a good trial. This trek demand physical and mental fitness of the trekker. One should not be suffering from the knee or ankle problem alongside heart and lung diseases. During trek cold climate will add the challenges. There are no cozy lodges to retreat to at night, as have to do camping trek due lack of teahouse and lodges.

This trek is completed by 5-6 hours of walking per day having enough breaks in between. You should prepare for this trek with adequate exercise and fitness 1-2 month prior to the trek date. These could include daily walking, going for a hike, a long walk once in a week, doing yoga related breathing etc.

Food and Accommodation at Ganja La Pass Trek

Food and Accommodation are priorities for every traveler during the Ganja La Pass trek. Langtang valley lies in rural area of the country where tea house and lodge are available at where warm hospitality provide by local people. For three days of your trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Ngegang to Keldang via Ganja-La Pass to Dhukpa we will be camping in tent as there are no lodge available.

Food is essential during the trek. Burning of food is the essence of energy to achieve this trek. There’s a saying in Nepalese “Dal Bhat power, 24 hours” meaning the dal bhat gives you the power to withstand for almost a day. The national cuisine is dal bhat however other foods such as noodle soups vegetables soup can be prepared.

Breads, eggs, pizza, prawn, momo, ramen noodles, desserts such as ice-cream, porridge, and steaks are commonly found and included in the menu. No traveler must worry about their foods as we prepare a detailed list of your taste and include it to the hotel and place of your stay during the Ganja La Pass trek.

We strongly encourage you to avoid hard drinks and highly caffeinated drinks and dairy products as they may cause difficulties in higher elevation to your physiology and health.

 Best Time for Ganjala Pass Trek

Spring and Autumn are considered the best time for Ganja La pass. Spring that falls between February to April has best achieved climate. During Spring, the sight of lush green forests and blooming rhododendron welcomes you. This is best season to witness the flowering plants with fabulous mountain views. The temperatures are mild hot at lower levels, and it gets colder as you climb higher elevation.

Similarly, Autumn falls between September to November is best time for Ganja La Pass. During Autumn the skies are usually clear and the giant of snowy mountains are phenomenal. The day time temperature is very stable. Early morning and at night the weather can be a bit cold. But warm sunny days make the walk comfortable.

Though not highly preferred, the rainy season from early June to late august can be the time for Ganja La Pass trekking. This season has the most changeable climate i.e. from clear to rainy weather. However, the time isn’t the harshest as no snow falls in this season and one can enjoy the monsoon alongside the rocky mountain terrain.

The period between late November to early February is not preferred as it is the winter season and has the harshest cold. The most casualties heard occur during this season. The continuous down pouring of icefall and the temperatures to the minus degree Celsius in minutes makes this trek almost impossible. Thus, choosing the best time is must while pursuing this luxury trek in Nepal.

Tipping During the Trekking

Tipping is your own choice of presenting the gratitude for your services and within your discretion. You may wish to tip for the services you like or just say “DHANYABAD” in Nepali terms to show your immense gratitude for the service.

Tipping is usually offered on the final day of the trip. Similarly, trekkers can tip to the hotel, lodge or people on any day they like. The amount of tipping is entirely upon personal choice and perception.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization 

When the elevation is above 2000m from the sea level AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms can be seen due to less oxygen in the atmosphere, which will make breathing difficult. Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea are the symptoms of AMS.

Remember you’ll be trekking above 5000m in Ganja la Pass, so there is a high chance to get AMS. You should walk slowly and steadily to let your body get used to the thin air. If you try to walk fast and cover high altitude in less time, there are chances to get AMS. Precaution should be used to keep conditions from worsening. Drink Plenty of water which keeps the body hydrated and have balanced diet food that can energize your body.

Travel Insurance

For Langtang Ganja La Pass trek good travel insurance policy is very important which offers suitable coverage for all your activities. Anything can happen during the trip. Though we are more conscious about safety, sometimes we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies which can occur at our destination.

Your travel insurance policy should cover physical injuries, helicopter evacuation, hospital expenses, and any other emergencies that you can face during trekking.

Drinking Water on Ganja La Trek

Drinking Water is very essential for trekkers to keep the body hydrated and prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). During Everest View trekking one should consume 3-4 liters of water in a day.

We highly recommend you to carry one reusable water bottle with you which can hold hot water rather than buying bottled water. Bottled water can be expensive in trails and also it can add thrashing problems in Langtang region. You can use water purification tablets to purify water. But the taste will be different after using tablets. Always try to drink water after purification and proper treatment. Boiled water is available at the teahouse with additional cost