Langtang Ganja-La Pass Trek

Trip ID: UM4611
Destination Langtang
Duration 14 Days
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging Persons
Group Size 2-16
Maximum Altitude 5130m.
Best Time Spring and Autumn
Activities Trekking / Hiking
Accommodation Hotel & Tea House
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transportation Private
Start from Kathmandu
End at Kathmandu

Trip Overview

Welcome to the land of adventure — the Langtang Ganja-La Pass Trek. This challenging journey crosses the high Ganja-La Pass to the beautiful Helambu Valley, following a unique and less-traveled wilderness route in the Langtang–Helambu region. The trek takes you through magnificent valleys, lush evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls, and bright green hills, with panoramic snow-capped mountain views as a backdrop. Along the way, you’ll encounter villages inhabited mainly by the Tamang and Helamo ethnic groups, offering insights into their culture, traditions, distinctive dress, ancient trading styles, and the daily challenges of rural life. Journey to the Langtang Ganja-La Pass The trek begins with a scenic 120 km drive northwest from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. From here, the trail winds through alpine forests rich in flora and fauna, leading gradually into the Langtang Valley. Langtang Village — the largest Tamang settlement in the region — is known for its Tibetan-influenced culture and stunning mountain and glacier views. The trail then ascends to Kyanjin Gompa (3,800 m), famous for its yak cheese. After a day for acclimatization and exploration, we tackle the Ganja-La Pass. The pass offers breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung and the Tibetan peaks, including Shisha Pangma (8,013 m). On clear days, you can also spot Naya Kanga (5,846 m), previously called Ganja-La Chuli, along with other majestic peaks to the south and west. The descent from the pass can be more challenging than the ascent, with steep scree slopes and snow-covered paths. From here, we descend through alpine basins, waterfalls, and eventually into the charming Helambu Valley. Passing through villages such as Tarke Ghyang, Sermathang, and Kakani, we finally reach Melamchi Pul Bazaar before returning to Kathmandu.

Trip Highlight

  • Crossing the high-altitude Ganja-La Pass (5,130 m) – a challenging and scenic adventure.
  • Stunning panoramas of Langtang Lirung, Shisha Pangma, Naya Kanga, and other Himalayan giants.
  • Culturally rich villages of Tamang and Helamo ethnic groups.
  • Visits to Kyanjin Gompa and the famous yak cheese factory.
  • Wilderness trekking through untouched alpine landscapes.
  • Diverse ecosystems — rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers.
  • Remote trails far from the commercial trekking routes.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu

    Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, one of our representatives will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle.

  • Day 2 : Drive to Syabru Besi (1,550 m) by Private Tourist Vehicle

    Early in the morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi — an eight-hour journey through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas. The route passes through Dhunche, offering glimpses of Ganesh Himal and the Trishuli River. The journey is enriched by terraced green hills and lush forests, though some road sections may be bumpy or under construction.

  • Day 3 : Trek to Lama Hotel (2,470 m)

    The trail begins by crossing the Bhote Koshi River, then follows the Langtang Khola upstream. We gradually ascend to Bamboo (1,970 m) through rugged paths before climbing gently to Rimche (2,400 m). After lunch here, we continue to Lama Hotel. Along the way, lucky trekkers may spot red pandas, monkeys, or even Himalayan black bears.

  • Day 4 : Trek to Langtang Village (3,430 m)

    Today’s route follows the trail to Ghoda Tabela, meaning “Horse Stable.” The path then ascends gradually into a beautiful valley where yaks graze freely. Langtang Village is one of the oldest and largest Tamang settlements along the route, offering spectacular views of surrounding mountains and glaciers.

  • Day 5 : Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,800 m)

    A shorter walk today allows for acclimatization. We pass through scenic landscapes to reach Kyanjin Gompa, famous for its yak cheese factory. Located at the foot of Langtang Lirung, this picturesque village provides opportunities to explore the valley and climb nearby hills.

  • Day 6 : Acclimatization & Exploration Day at Kyanjin Gompa

    Spend the day exploring Kyanjin Gompa and its surroundings. Options include visiting the monastery and cheese factory, hiking up the moraine to view the glaciers of Langtang Lirung, or ascending Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) for panoramic views of the Langtang peaks.

  • Day 7 : Trek to Ngegang (4,000 m)

    The trail ascends steadily through natural alpine vegetation. This is a remote section with no villages or lodges, so we camp overnight.

  • Day 8 : Trek to Keldang (4,250 m) via Ganja-La Pass (5,130 m)

    A challenging and strenuous day as we cross the snow-covered Ganja-La Pass. From the top, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung, Shisha Pangma, and other Himalayan peaks. The descent involves steep and sometimes icy slopes, requiring caution.

  • Day 9 : Trek to Dukpu (4,020 m)

    A long day trekking along ridges and grasslands, with uninterrupted Himalayan vistas. We camp overnight in the forest.

  • Day 10 : Trek to Tarkeghyang (2,600 m)

    The trail descends slightly before climbing over a 4,100 m pass, offering spectacular views of both the Annapurna and Everest ranges. We then descend through pine and rhododendron forests, passing a small herder settlement before reaching Tarkeghyang — home to one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and a charming Sherpa village.

  • Day 11 : Trek to Shermathang (2,590 m)

    A relatively easy day on mostly flat trails through beautiful forests and streams. Along the way, we pass a village before reaching Shermathang, another picturesque Sherpa settlement with ancient monasteries and views of the Jugal Himal range.

  • Day 12 : Trek to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (870 m)

    We descend gradually through meadows, cultivated fields, and traditional villages, each with its own unique customs. The pleasant walk is accompanied by distant mountain views.

  • Day 13 : Drive to Kathmandu

    After breakfast, we drive along a bumpy gravel path to Lamidanda, then follow a paved road to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

  • Day 14 : Final Departure

    Your journey concludes today. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • All international and domestic airport transfers by tourist vehicle.
  • Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Twin-sharing and occasionally dormitory-style accommodation during the trek in the Langtang Region.
  • All standard meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) including seasonal fruits.
  • A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal.
  • Purified drinking water during the trek (using a water filter or purification tablets).
  • Private tourist vehicle transfers from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi and Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu.
  • Experienced, first-aid-trained, government-licensed, English-speaking, locally recruited Adventure Friendship trekking guide.
  • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients).
  • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medical coverage for all staff.
  • Langtang National Park Entry Permit.
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
  • 1 Adventure Friendship duffel/kit bag.
  • Comprehensive first aid kit, including an Oximeter to check pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains.
  • All administrative expenses and government taxes.

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • Nepal Entry Visa (easily obtainable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu — USD 30 for a 15-day visa, USD 50 for a 30-day visa, USD 125 for a 90-day visa).
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • International flight fares and airport departure taxes.
  • Travel insurance (must include high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage).
  • Any beverages, including bottled or boiled water.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver.
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment.
  • Any expenses not mentioned in the Cost Includes section.

Gallery