Langtang Ganjala Pass trek starts from Sybru Bensi, ends at Melamchi Pul Bazar. From Sybru Bensi, you will follow the Langtang river to the east until you get to Kyanching Gompa (3,049.). Some 5 km to the south of Kyanching Gompa are the peaks of Naya Kanga (5,846m) and , to the south east, Ponggen Dopku (5,930m). Kyanching Gompa is surrounded by Mt Langtang Lirung (7245m ) on the west, Yala peak on the north , Dorje Lakpa(6966m), Urkeinmang(6387m), Loenpo Gang (6979) and Kangchenpo on the north-east. In Kyanjing Gompa there are a small Buddhist monastary and a cheese factory started in 1955 by the Swiss Association for Technical Assistance. When you are crossing the pass there are spectacular views of Langtang Lirung and the Tibetan peaks beyond. Much of this route is spent above 3,000m (10,000ft) .
The highest point of this trek is Ganjala Pass (5,122m ). On the very pass of Ganjala , the last few 100m trail is precarious so we use a rope there for safety, though the utmost care is enoughrs. The descent from the pass is on a steep slope for over 1 km which requires good care again. But the rest of the trail is easy and comfortable. As there are no lodges and no settlements for three days along the way, the group should be well equipped with enough food.
Trip Duration: 13 Days
Difficulty: Strenuous
Maximum Altitude: 5121 m
Itinerary
DAY 01 Katmandu - Dhunche (1950m) by bus
DAY 02 Dhunche - Syabru (2130m) in 5hrs
This is a fine day of trekking, which traverses fir tree and rhododendron forests towards a ridge (2300m). From here we get a panoramic view all the way from Ganesh Himal in the west to Naya Kanga in the east and the Tibetan snowy summits. The trail drops steeply down towards the Bothe Khosi river towards Syabru, which is a busy village with its houses laid out in single file down the hillside. Sherpas and Tamangs farm this area.
DAY 03 Syabru - Lama Hotel (2390m) in 5hrs
Following a high trail, we pass through terraces and bamboo massifs. We cross Syarpagaon to continue through a fine forest, alive with birds and the occasional troupe of monkeys. After crossing the Langtang Khola, we start the ascent of the valley and soon reach the shepherds’ huts that are the Lama Hotel.
DAY 04 Lama Hotel - Langtang (3520m) in 5hrs
We now have a spectacular view of the Langtang Lirung (7246m). After a steep climb through the Langtang gorge, the ascent eases and the valley widens out into an area of yak meadows and rhododendrons. Further up, we reach Langtang, populated by Tibetans.
DAY 05 Langtang - Kyangin Gompa (3850m) in 3hrs
An easy and pleasant walk through the yak meadows. The village is spectacularly situated in a glacial amphitheatre dominated by high peaks. An excellent base for shorter walks towards the Langtang Lirung glacier, eastwards to Lagshisa glacier, or a tougher ascent of the northern flank of the valley towards Yala Peak.
DAY 06 Rest day or Kyangin Ri (4770m) or Tsergo Ri (4980m) ascent
With one or two extra days, we can organize the Yala Peak (5500m) or Tsergo Peak (5750m) ascent.
DAY 07 1. Kyangin Gompa - Ngegang (4100m) in 5hrs
Climb up through a rhododendron forest and junipers towards the Ngegang yak pastures.
DAY 08 Ngegang - Ganja La (5121m) - Keldang (4300m) in 5hrs
The ascent to the pass is quite tricky, following streams at first, and continuing over snow and rocks. We scramble the last 100 meters on a steep and snowy slope. The pass offers an impressive panoramic view of the Langtang Lirung and the snowy summits of the Tibetan boarder, amongst which rises the Shisha Pangma (8013m). Then the trail plunges steeply over moraines.
DAY 09 Keldang - Dukpu (4020m) in 6hrs
Ascents give way to descents along the ridge trail.
DAY 10 Dukpu - Tarke Ghyang (2560m) in 5hrs
We reach a pass towering at 4080 meters, offering a great view over the Himalayas. We now start our descent towards Helambu through fir tree and rhododendron forests.
DAY 11 Tarke Ghyang - Sermathang (2620m) in 5hrs
The ridge trail criss-crosses streams and waterfalls, and offers open views in all directions with the southern foothills of Nepal fading towards the plains of India.
DAY 12 Sermathang - Melamchi Pul (890m) in 4hrs
A knee-wobbling journey as we lose altitude quickly, descending to the Melamchi Kola river.
DAY 13 Melamchi Pul - Katmandu (5h) by bus
