Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek

Best Time

The most favorable trekking season in the Langtang region is autumn from September to November while spring from March to May is the second best time for the Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek. The autumn months offer the most stable weather with mild temperatures of up to 15 degrees. On the Pass, the temperature can be 10 degrees for this Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek.

The Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek is in spring months on the other hand may be significant accumulations of snow along the trail to the Pass. But easily passable with the use of rope and crampons.

Elevation and Distance

Ganjala Pass is very popular with hikers and it is situated between the Langtang and Helambu regions of Nepal at an altitude of 5120 m above sea level. we will walk most of the route in Langtang region situated in the north of Kathmandu. At 51 Km stretch from the capital, the Langtang Valley spans 80 km. When merging the Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek, the total distance to be covered is 112 km for which an allocation of 14 days is required for Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

To be precise Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek, we will walk for ten days in our entire 14-day program of Langtang Valley trek with Ganjala Pass. Most of the days need us to walk for at least 5 to 6 hours covering 10 to 15 km per day. However, the eighth day of our program differs as we hike from Kyanjin Ri to Ganjala Phedi when we will embark on an easy hike for only 3 to 4 hours.

The ninth day is also an exception when we will walk for 7 hours as we set out to overcome the Ganjala Pass to descend to Keldang. This day is the most challenging yet rewarding day of our trek.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

The Langtang Valley trek with Ganjala Pass is classified as 1B difficulty level which means it is a moderate journey that can be carried out with the help of using a rope. It is a classic trekking route that is entirely traversed by feet with no elements of difficult climbing during Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek.

However, the middle part of the route passes along a rocky terrain which sometimes may be covered with snow. That means, for safety reasons, crampons and ropes may be required for ascending the Pass. At such altitudes, there may be gusts of wind and sudden deterioration in the weather.

Since the high-altitude terrain poses the risk of altitude sickness, we have deliberately planned rest days in between the trekking days. The first rest day will be in Kathmandu after your arrival, and the second rest day will be at Kyanjin Gumpa.

The succeeding day hike to Ganjala Phedi is also strategically shortened to allow ample time or acclimatization before setting off to cross the Ganjala Pass.

Can a beginner join this trek?

Yes, the Ganjala Pass trek is ideal for beginners and those who want to try their hand at high altitude trek. Here you will meet nature, forest, and mountain paths, with rock and ice terrain. Therefore, we suggest you practice moderate altitude hiking in your home country or participate in the training course. It would help if you have some knowledge of using crampons to walk on the snow and use ropes to climb up and down the icy slope.

Preparation and training

Physical and mental preparation and training are necessary before joining this trek even if you are an experienced trekker since this hiking journey entails different physical demands than the rest.

If you live near mountainous terrain or at least some uneven terrain, The Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek starts walking around the area. You can start with short walks and increase the duration little by little. Using canes is also a good option to exercise your muscles. You can also go on bicycle excursions that will help you improve your endurance and leg strength.

If you live in an urban area, walking and running around the city will also help you prepare. Additionally, you can go up and down stairs or slopes to simulate the unevenness of mountainous terrain, gradually increasing the number of repetitions.

In addition, squats, skipping, pull-ups, and push-ups will also help you build strength.

Alternate Route

For a more challenging and daring adventure in the Langtang region, instead of crossing the Ganjala Pass, you can go for the Tilman Pass trek. This approach also involves the classic Langtang Valley trek route till Kyanjin Gumpa then the trail directs to Langshisa Kharka and Moraine Camp. Then you move further to climb the Tilman Pass at 5320 m and descend to Yak Kharka.

The further path will then lead you to Teen Pokhari, and Panch Pokhari. From here, you will traverse various remote settlements which need you to stay overnight in tents till you reach Chautara from where you will drive back to Kathmandu.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the risks you may encounter in our Ganjala Pass trek. The main reason for the appearance of altitude sickness is faster climb and reaching to high altitude in a short time. Therefore, the proper technique to well acclimate by climbing high and sleeping low must be followed.

However, the change in atmospheric pressure at high altitudes often causes the appearance of mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, and, muscle weakness.

For prevention from altitude sickness, you can take Diamox, drink lots of water, and climb steadily and gradually.

Transportation, Meals and Drink

Langtang Ganja la Pass Trek, For your convenience, we offer airport pick-up and transport to the hotel by private car. The same service will be provided on your departure day from Nepal. We will also drive you to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu and from Melamchi to Kathmandu by private vehicle (car jeep, van, or bus based on group size).

As part of our comprehensive service, we also offer complementary breakfast when staying in Kathmandu. During the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be offered in the mountain lodge along the route with the provision of tea / Coffee and fresh fruits after dinner.

During camping, our kitchen crew will set up the camps and cook fresh hygienic meals three times a day.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

During the entire route, you can communicate easily with the usage of Namaste or Ncell mobile Sims which you can purchase in Kathmandu presenting a copy of your passport and two photos. These mobile networks also offer various data packages for internet usage.

Wifi is also available along the route in mountain shelters at an additional cost. But it may be intermittent at a high altitude. You can also charge your mobile, camera, laptop, iPad, power bank, or any other electric device in the shelter at an extra fee.

Permits

Langtang National Park Entry Permit and TIMS Card ( Trekkers Information Management Systems ) are needed for the Langtang Valley trek with Ganjala Pass. The process of obtaining the permits will be carried out by our team and the service fee is included in our package.