Trekking around the Ganesh Himal region gives every trekker a breathtaking experience because of its naturally decorated landscape. The alleys that you will follow are simply a creation of nature. You will witness the blossoming of vivid floras and ferns if you will ever trek in this region during the spring time. Blooming of orchids, rhododendrons, jasmines and other wild floras are most commonly seen in this region.
In this region you will also come across many people of different ethnicity and of different cultural backgrounds. The native people of this area are Gurungs, Tamangs, Mangers, Newars and Brahmins. You will be acquainted with their rich culture and traditions, religion, customs and their way of living. They are very friendly people and you will be greeted with their utmost generosity.
Another interesting feature of this trek is the presence of the precious crystal stone in this region. You will enjoy the majestic views of all the Ganesh Himal peaks and as well as the glaciers, gorges, hot natural spas and quaint Tamang villages. This trek is a full fledged camp based which can only be organized as a full boarded camping trek.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
20
Days
Type of Trek :
Tea House/Camping
Max Altitude:
3730 m.
Minimum Pax:
2 +
Mode of travel:
Flight/Land Transportation
Grade:
Strenous
Detailed Itinerary
Day
1
Drive
from Kathmandu to Sole Bazaar (650m.) via
Betrawati takes about seven hours. Depart
Kathmandu early morning for a 7-hour drive
to the hill town of Sole Bazaar. Today
you trace the route taken by king Prithvi
Narayan Shah on his invasion march to Kathmandu
over two centuries ago. King Prithvi Narayan
Shah is considered the founding father
of modern Nepal, being the first king to
unite all the territories of the present
country of Nepal under one ruler. En route
you pass through Trishuli Bazaar, a small
town that was once the hub for trekking
in this region and is home to a small but
interesting traditional bazaar. Your campsite
is about 20 minutes outside of Sole Bazaar,
on the bank of the Trishuli River. This
is a relaxing spot with wonderful views
of farm fields, small villages, and terraced
slopes set against a background of the
Ganesh Himal. You camp for the night.
Day
2
Trek
from Sole Bazaar to Satdobate takes about
five hours. You leave camp by backtracking
100m to cross the suspension bridge over
the Salankhu Khola (Khola is a Nepalese
word for river, stream, or valley) just
up from where it enters the Trishuli River.
After the bridge, you begin a long, moderately
steep ascent that begins to level off after
about 1.5 hours, just before your lunch
spot in the small town of Chapodanda (870m,
2860ft). You eat lunch under a large Fichus
tree with splendid views of the terraced
slopes surrounding you the activity of
this small village. From Chapodanda, the
trail follows the new, rough road west
for 200m, before heading uphill steeply
through a few small villages, finally arriving
at a rest spot next to a small stupa (a
stupa is a Buddhist structure that either
marks a trail or in remembrance of an important
person). The views are nice here and you
can see Betrawati far down below you on
the banks of the Trishuli River. Take the
left path from the stupa, contouring the
hillside. An hour after the stupa, you
make your final ascent up to the saddle
and the town of Satobate (“seven trails”,
1250m, 4100ft) where you camp for the night.
You camp for the night.
Day
3
Trek from Satobate
to Balche takes about five hours. From Satobate,
follow the trail westward along the ridgeline.
You climb steadily through numerous small
villages and over many streams before leaving
the Salankhu Khola to head up the Chalakhung
Khola. The last half mile is steep uphill
as you climb to our camp spot in the town
of Balche (1930m, 6330ftBalche is a quaint
hill town, spread out along tow or three
flat regions on the slope. Large granitic
gneiss spires and domes stand against the
skyline above the town, creating a stunning
sunset. The women here all dress traditionally,
including very large, heavy earrings that
are supported with a thin string over the
head. You camp for the night.
Day
4
Trek from Balche
to Gonga which takes about seven hours. Today
you head into mostly uninhabited territory
and the surrounding landscape changes accordingly,
from terraced fields to forest. After about
1.5 hours, the trail begins to level out
and you enter the first jungle of our trek.
Here, it is mostly rhododendron and kharsu.
During spring treks, this area is stunning
with bright red, white and purple rhododendron
flowers covering the mountainsides. This
is the forest gathering area for the town
of Balche.. You stop for lunch in an especially
pretty clearing with views down to Thulochaur,
400m below us. The remainder of the day is
through dense jungle, to Gonga (2910m, 9600ft),
a small 5-house town made entirely of wood
(a commodity that is plentiful in this sparsely
populated part of the Himalaya). The town
is situated in a pass, separating the Nyam
valley from the Saptang valley. Stay overnight
in camps.
Day
5
Trek form Gonga
to Rupchet Kharka takes about five hours.
Your route today is a beautiful ascent through
old growth forests of rhododendron and fir.
You head northwest from Gonga, slowly ascending
through the jungle for 25 minutes to the
small 3-house town of Mimatashi Karka. Continue
ascending for another hour and 45 minutes
through impressively large old growth fir
and rhododendron forest (many of the fir
trees are 1-1.75m in diameter!). The route
flattens for an hour as you contour the mountain,
before the last ascent (a very steep 175m)
of the day to the ridgeline. You arrive at
Rupchet Karka (3634m, 11922ft), a large flat
grassy area with 3 seasonal grazing huts
and stunning views of the Central Himalaya.
Across the Trishuli River valley to the northwest
is the Langtang Himal (7225m, 23703ft) and
Gosainkund. The sunsets from here are unparalleled
as the crystalline peaks of Langtang and
the broad highlands of Gosainkund sparkle
in yellow and orange brilliance. Stay overnight
in camps.
Day
6
Trek from Rupchet
Kharka to Mangchet Kharka via Singla Top
which takes about seven hours. You head out
early for the climb up to Singla pass. There
will likely be snow up here in the spring
and late fall, so move slowly and enjoy the
incredible scenery along the way. The route
is steep, weaving through large boulders,
spires and domes. It is only 300m up, but
the altitude will make it feel like more.
As you approach the final gentle uphill climb
before the pass, Langtang looms overhead
to the north and the peaks of Ganesh start
to peak out ahead. While heading from Singla
Top to Mangchet Kharka, you will have to
follow a route that goes uphill and downhill.
En route you pass through forests covered
with rhododendron, pine and herbal medicines
and feel thrilled with the panoramic views
of Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The
surrounding area is famous for herbal medicines
and incense. Mangchet Kharka is a pasture
where local people bring their domestic animals
for grazing. The national bird of Nepal,
the ''Danfe'' can be seen around here. Stay
overnight in camps.
Day
7
Trek from Mangchet
Kharka to Pangsang Bhanjyang takes approximately
seven hours. The trail follows ascent and
descent routes all the way to destination.
While trekking, you can enjoy the views of
Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. For
some distance you walk through forests covered
with herbal medicines and incense. Pangsang
Bhanjyang is famous as you are stunned to
see Langtang I, Langtang II, Paldor peak
and many Tibetan mountains. Stay overnight
in camps.
Day
8
Trek and climb
to Pangsang La Danda and trek back to Pangsang
Bhanjyang which takes about three hours.
The trail you follow is steeply ascends
for two hours. The Pangsang La Danda is
the best view point of this trek. From
this point you will be amazed to view Langtang,
Paldor, the Tibetan mountains, Ganesh Himal
and Manaslu. While trekking back you climb
down all the way to Pangsang Bhanjyang.
Stay overnight in camps.
Day
9
Trek from
Pangsang Bhanjyang to Chalise that takes
about seven hours. The trail you follow
is quite descent at first and then it climbs
up for some distance. En route, you cross
forests covered with bamboo, pine, rhododendron
and waterfalls. Tipling is the first village
you encounter on this route. It is a big
Tamang village which is rich in mixed culture
and has chorten and church. The houses
are made of wood, tin and stones. People
living here have their distinct life style
and they are involved in making goods from
bamboo sticks. You can see farming terraces
where farmers grow potatoes, wheat, barley,
buck wheat, maize and green vegetables.
Now you have to climb down steeply until
you cross a suspension bridge over Gorkhen
Khola (stream). After you cross, the trails
go uphill up to Sertung Chalise. It is
also a Gurung village. People of this area
welcome the trekkers with their local culture.
You camp for the night.
Day
10
Trek from Chalise
to Hindung takes about five hours. The early
part of the trail goes downhill up to Menchet
Khola (stream) and crossing this stream you
trek steep up and then gradual up to reach
Hindung. This day you pass small Tamang villages,
small forests, farming terraces and green
hills. Hindung is a pretty big village mainly
inhabited by Tamang. The main occupation
is farming and the farmers grow potatoes,
millet, barley, maize, beans and other vegetables.
You find mani walls and prayer flags in some
part of the villages. One thing to be noticed
is that it is the last village you pass while
trekking to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. You camp
for the night.
Day
11
Trek from Hindung
to Rajgang Kharka and it takes about five
and half hours. After leaving Hindung you
will rarely find terraces. The route up to
Rajgang Kharka is ascent and flat as well.
You walk along the trail covered with forests
of rhododendron and local vegetation. These
forests are the nestling place of various
species of birds and wild animals. Rajgang
Kharka is surrounded by beautiful forests
and it mainly grassland. Except winter season
the local people bring domestic animals especially
sheep for grazing.
Day
12
Trek from Rajgang
Kharka to Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White
Lake) Ganesh Himal Base Camp which takes
about six hours. The trail is narrow and
moves mostly uphill and leveled path somewhere.
You walk along the trail covered with forests
for few hours. Towards the ending the trail
moves along the land where you rarely find
any trees. You find alpine grass here due
to high altitude. At Kalo Seto Kunda there
are two lakes of holy significance. The surface
of Kalo or Black Lake is covered with black
stones. On the contrary the surface of Seto
Kunda or White Lake is covered with white
shinning stones. During winter season these
lakes are frozen.
Day
13
Rest day at the
Base Camp. You can have an excursion in and
around Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White Lake).
From here you can enjoy the majestic views
of Ganesh Himal, Paldor Himal and many others.
Day
14
Trek from Ganesh
Himal Base Camp to Rajgang Kharka and it
takes about six hours. You trek along the
descent and narrow path where you find alpine
grass on both sides.
Day
15
Trek from Rajgang
Kharka to Chalise (2000m.) which takes
about six hours. The trail moves down hill
all the way to Chalise. While trekking
you pass forests till Hindung and crossing
it you find few Tamang villages.
Day
16
Trek from Chalise to Laba village (1750m.)
and it takes about six hours. You trek
downhill all the way to Laba Besi and trek
uphill to reach Laba village. This day
you pass pine forests, Tamang villages,
farming terraces, green hills and villages
at far distance. Laba is a beautiful Gurung
village with its own tradition and culture.
Day
17
Trek from Laba
village to Manyang Bhanjyang (2934m.) and
it takes about five hours. This day you trek
through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests.
These forests are the home of various species
of birds and wild animals. The trail moves
up hill all the way to Manyang Bhanjyang.
From here you can see the first glimpse of
Ganesh Himal. While trekking you pass Khading
village mainly resided by Tamang and Gurung.
The main crop is potato here. Manyang Bhanjyang
is a ridge and you find forests and grass
land here. This is a perfect place for camping
as your camping site is surrounded by rhododendron
and oak forests.
Day
18
Trek from Manyang
Bhanjyang to Majhgaun (2200m.) and which
takes approximately six hours. To reach Majhgaun
you have to trek along gradual descent path
and after some time steep descent path but
again you move downward toward the ending
point. On the way you pass forests of rhododendron
and oak, villages, farming terraces and green
hills. This day you are quite captivated
by the clear views of Manaslu range, Buddha
peak on a clear weather and other unnamed
mountains and peaks. As you enter Majhgaun
you will find local people being engaged
in farming but it is reported that some people
have migrated either to foreign country or
Kathmandu.
Day
19
Trek from Majhgaun
to Budathum and it takes about five hours.
You walk along the trail dominated with villages,
forests, streams and terraces. This day you
can enjoy the scenic beauty of green hills.
Budathum is a small town with local old market.
This village is pre dominated by Newar community.
From here you can enjoy the spectacular views
of Manaslu range at far distance.
Day
20
Trek from Budathum
to Arughat Bazaar (500m.) which takes about
two hours. On the same day you drive back
to Kathmandu. To reach Arughat Bazaar you
trek descent path and then through leveled
route. On the way, you pass few streams,
villages, farming terraces, small forests.
Most of the route moves along the river bank
of Budhi Gandaki. Aarughat Bazaar covers
small area with an old market. Here, you
find shops with minimal supply, motor able
road, high school, health post, typical tea
houses, small lodges and it lies at the bank
of Budhi Gandaki river. Here ,the route to
Manaslu trekking meets. You board vehicle
at Arughat Bazaar to reach Kathmandu. This
is one of the picturesque journey. While
driving, you head up to Dhading Besi and
Malekhu and Malekhu is famous for delicious
fish. En route, you could enjoy the mountain
views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields,
vegetable fields and people being engaged
in their daily life activities. From Naubishe
you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital
city.
The
price includes the following services:
Airport pick-up and drop off services
Trekking permit
Entry permit fee
Trekking guide
A cook
Necessary porters
Necessary kitchen helpers
Necessary sherpas
All surface transportation to the starting
point and from the ending point of the
trek
All meals three times a day (breakfast,
lunch, dinner, juice, tea, coffee, hot
chocolate, fruits etc.)
Necessary Camping equipment such as
tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet
tent, mattresses, down sleeping bag, down
jacket, cooking utensils, fuel etc.
Camping charges
Necessary insurance for trekking stuff
First Aid and kits
Rescue assistance
The price does
not include:
Personal nature expenses such as all kinds of drinks, beverages, etc.
Trekking around the Ganesh Himal region gives every trekker a breathtaking experience because of its naturally decorated landscape. The alleys that you will follow are simply a creation of nature. You will witness the blossoming of vivid floras and ferns if you will ever trek in this region during the spring time. Blooming of orchids, rhododendrons, jasmines and other wild floras are most commonly seen in this region.
