Overview
Ganesh Himal Range is one of the most astonishing sights in the Himalayas as the mountains form a skyline called the “Great Himalayan Chain”. The trek (to an elevation of 4100 m.) lets you watch the clouds floating below and the mountains standing tall at 8000 m.
The trek allows adventure-seekers to witness diversity in nature, culture, and society. The trail passes through traditional villages, lush farms, and terraces. The Mountain range lies between the river valleys of Budhi Gandaki and Bhotekoshi river which flow and form Trishuli River.
The biodiversity of the region includes 526 species of plants like orchids and rhododendrons. There are 300 species of birds and animals like Himalayan tahr, Gaur, Monkeys, and Musk deer. Together, the landscape and exquisite Mountain views give a natural feel to the trek.
The habitants are Tamangs in the upper regions and Newars, Magars, Gurungs, Brahmin, and Chhetris in the lower regions. Most people are Buddhists with their unique languages, customs, dresses and cultures. The warm hospitality of the people leaves a sweet memory of the trek for all the travelers.
Ganesh Himal is named after the elephant-headed God, Ganesh. The ancient monasteries, stupas, and monuments provide a glimpse into the centuries-old cultures. The trek has both difficult high passes and easy trails through villages.
Ganesh Himal trekking follows the least trodden and peaceful trails. The beautiful mountain ranges, diverse ecosystems and ethnic groups allow an eclectic experience. The warm climate of the region means the trek can be done any time of the year.
The various vantage points are superb for the views of around 40 mountains (above 6000 m.), gorges, glaciers and landscape of the region. Other highlights of the trip include lakes, waterfalls, and forests (of oaks, rhododendrons, and pines). The trip fills the trekkers with a sense of adventure, amazement and serenity.
Itinerary
One of our representatives will receive and transfer you to the hotel from the International Airport. You will enjoy an authentic Nepali cuisine for dinner.
We will visit the famous sites in Kathmandu listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred Hindu Temple. Boudhanath Stupa has one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world. And Swoyambhunath Stupa (also known as the ‘monkey temple’) is another important Buddhist pilgrimage. After the guided tour, there will be a short briefing about the Ganesh Himal trekking.
Early in the morning, we drive to Trishuli and have lunch near the Trishuli Dam. From there, we walk for about 3 hours to reach Salangkhu Khola. We set up camp and stay there.
On this day, we take an easy walk and then a short climb to reach Kalawale village for lunch. From there, it takes a few hours to reach Tamang village called Balche. We spend the night here.
From Balche, we pass through a forest and some small streams. In the middle of the forest is a large ground with some settlements and their cattle. We can observe the cattle grazing and the people making bamboo baskets. We have lunch here and move forward. We pass through thick forests of Rhododendrons and pine, and springs to reach Gonga. If we are lucky we also get to see the Himalayan monkeys that live around here. We also get the first glimpse of Langtang Mountain from here. We stay overnight in Gonga.
We will need to spend a day acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness. We can stay here to rest or take a short hike up to Rupchet. The hike passes through rhododendron forests and pine trees. We might be able to see the monkeys found around here. You can also enjoy Himalayan Chamre of Tibetan range and Gosaikunda range from here. Rupchet is the base camp of Shing-la pass.
To enjoy the spellbinding sunrise from the top of Shing-la, we need to start our trek early from Rupchet. It takes about 2 hours’ climb to reach the top. There, we are welcomed by the hypnotizing views of Ganesh, Langtang, Manaslu, and Tibetan range. As the pass is the highest point of the trek, it might be a difficult day due to the altitude.
We descend and pass through rhododendron forests and pine trees to reach Sertung valley. After few minutes in a forest, we come across fields of corn, wheat, barley,etc grown by the local villagers. We reach a Tamang village and after a short rest go on to explore the schools and other places. We spend the night here.
First, we take a short flat trail and then gradually descend through Barang Village. We proceed forward and crossing Ankhu Khola, we reach the Tamang village, Labha. We spend the night here in a camp.
On this day, we climb a hill slowly and then descend through a forest to reach Mongeythanti. It takes about 5-6 hours. We stay overnight here.
From Mongeythanti, we take a gradual descend through forests and then stop at a stream for lunch. Then we move forward to reach our camping place near Dumchet village.
From Dumchet, we take a gradual walk and then camp along the Budhi-Gandaki River.
This is an easy day as we follow the trail along the Budhi-Gandaki River. We stop at Arughat Bazaar to spend the night there.
From Arughat Bazaar, we cross the Mukti River and climb Khanchowk Dada (hill) to camp for the night.
From Khanchowk, we cross a ridge and then climb a hill to finally reach Gorkha. We stay somewhere near the old palace.
In the morning, we take a tour of the Gorkha palace. It was built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the conqueror who united Nepal in 1881 A.D. We also visit Gorkha Bazaar and then drive to Kathmandu.
We visit the different sites in Kathmandu valley on this day. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is famous for its ancient temples, museums, and palaces. Similarly, Patan Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square give a glimpse into the Rana and Malla periods. All these monuments are important from a cultural and architectural point of view. It will be a relaxing day sightseeing the world famous sites of the valley.
Finally, we will bid you farewell at Tribhuvan International Airport. We welcome you to visit other treasures of beautiful Nepal.
What is Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car or micro bus.
- Four night standard hotel on Bed and Breakfast (B/B).
- Camping gear such as twin sharing tent, mattress, toilet tent, dinning/kitchen tent, shower tent etc. and all cooking utensils.
- Full board meal (veg./non veg.) during camping, prepared by our expert cook with tea & coffee.
- Boiled and purified drinking water for the trek.
- A Government Licensed English speaking Guide during the trek, cook, kitchen helper, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments and medicines.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
- Guided city tour as per above program with private vehicle.
- Down Sleeping Bags/Jackets, Walking Pole, and other necessary equipments during the trek. (If you don’t have you own).
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge.
- Required paper documents for Ganesh Himal Trekking and Land T.ransportation.
- All government taxes and official expenses
What is Excluded
- Food while you are in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fees (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at International Airport – Kathmandu). You need 2 passport size photos and $40 dollar.
- Your Travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and non alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
- All sightseeing tour entrance fee
- Delay due to the weather and political problems.
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