The Ganja La Pass at 5,122m (16,808ft) is one of the few high-altitude crossings in Nepal accessible without technical climbing equipment, though conditions can demand an ice axe and crampons depending on the season. The pass links the Langtang Valley directly to the Helambu region, making the 13-day Ganja La Trek a genuine point-to-point mountain crossing rather than an out-and-back route.
The trek starts the same way as the standard Langtang Valley route: drive to Syabrubesi, climb through Lama Hotel and Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m). From Kyanjin the route diverges sharply, ascending to the Ganja La high camp at around 4,850m before the full crossing the following day. The pass descent leads to Keldang Karka and on to Yangri, then drops dramatically into Helambu through Tarkegyang and Sermathang, two Sherpa villages with substantial gompas, before finishing at Melamchi Pul Bazar for the drive back to Kathmandu.
There are no teahouses between Kyanjin Gompa and Tarkegyang. This section is a full wilderness camping trek, requiring tents, sleeping gear, a cook, and a team experienced in navigating snowbound terrain. This is not a trek for beginners or first-time Himalayan visitors. For an easier route through the same landscape, see our Langtang Valley Trek, or for a challenging but lodge-supported alternative, the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. Browse all routes on our Langtang region trekking page.
Duration: 13 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 5,122m (Ganja La Pass) | Trek Grade: Strenuous, camping required | Best Season: October-November, March-May | Permits Required: Langtang National Park Permit, TIMS Card
Meet our representative at the airport who will transfer you to the Hotel. Hotel checking-in and go for sightseeing tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.
You will start early bus journey to Syabrubesi after leaving the Kathmandu valley then we can see very beautiful Mountains view like Langtang Dorchelakpa & Ganesh himal the starting point of the trek. Behind Trisuli Bazaar the road is tricky because some please of the grubby road. During the travel you will pass through many small villages rice field &more tersest on the way Overnight in Syabrubes at Lodge
Crossing through the suspension bridge and heading precipitously along a stream. The River you are following is mostly the Langtang River. You can enjoy the walk going through oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests. There is also a variety of wildlife in these forests: yellow-throated martens, wild boars, langur monkeys, red pandas and Himalayan black bears. Overnight in Lama Hotel
After having breakfast you will continue your trip to your next destination. You are starting your trip descending towards a steep forest slope to the Langtang River. You cross a bridge and head up with a winding path. The trail little flat into a valley to cross a stream and climbs past several water-driven mills and prayer wheels to the large settlement of Langtang .Overnight in Langtang
You pass through the tiny village, stone-built houses and climb to a Chorten and passed a huge mani along a gentle path of a hill. The valley relocates to a U-shaped one as you enter into a level of riverbed. Today is short walk; allowing time to acclimatize and explore the surrounding. This place is famous for Yak cheese and curd they have in Kyajin yak cheese factory Very old monastery in Kyanjin Overnight in Kyanjin Gomp
Kyanjin Ri (4773m/15655ft) and Tserko Ri ( 4984m/16347ft) are the good viewpoints in the area that you can climb. After the breakfast visit Tserko Ri for spectacular view of the langtang Lirung, Langtang range, Kinshung, Yansa Tsenji and the foot of the huge lirung Glacier. Back to guest house for Lunch having short rest and walk around the Kyanjing valley with guide. Overnight in Kyanjin Gompa
Breakfast and we embark on our today's journey to Ganja La high camp Cross the Langtang River. Ascend through rhododendron foreststhen we are reach base camp we are lunch after lunch we climb up to high cam over night in tent
Today we cross the Ganja La pass. It'd be a strenuous day since Ganja La is one of the difficult passes. Ganja la pass is covered with snow almost throughout the year. Make the 3 hour to summit the Ganja La which situated on a rocky moraine. Enjoy the spectacular views from the pass. Climbing up and down the pass can sometimes be tricky due to snowfall and ice. From the pass, we descend down to Keldang. Over night in tent
We descend further down following a prominent ridge line. In our 67 hrs trek today, we continue losing our altitude through small forests, ridges, and grasslands after Dhup dada the descent to Yangri peak Over night in the tent
Breakfast and hike down to Tarkegyang today, we lose altitude considerably, about 1100 meters The trail would be similar, except that as you descend lower, you will notice more vegetation over night in Lodge
We cross small forest with the view of beautiful village of Helembu region. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Para chin and the pretty Sherpa village of Gangyul. The people of this village practice Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, the same as the national religion of Bhutan.
On our final day of the trek, we walk down to Malemchi Pul Bazaar with many Sherpa village. From the Bazaar, catch the bus to Katmandu over night in Kathmandu
Morning, you will be free. Afternoon we will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for the departure flight to home.
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How difficult is the Ganja La Pass Trek?
One of the most challenging treks in the Langtang region. The 5,122m pass involves glacier travel, unmarked terrain, and possible snow year-round. Prior high-altitude camping experience is essential.
Is camping required?
Yes. No teahouses exist between Kyanjin Gompa and Tarkegyang in Helambu. Full camping kit including tents, sleeping bags, and a cook is required.
What is the Ganja La Pass altitude?
5,122m (16,808ft). Snow and ice conditions can require an ice axe and crampons, particularly early season or after fresh snowfall.
Is this suitable for beginners?
No. Strictly for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude camping experience. Consider the Langtang Valley Trek as an accessible alternative.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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