Ganesh Himal Trek 18 Days
Ganesh Himal Trek 18 Days
Trip Highlights
● Food & Culinary Experience in Kathmandu valley. From Kathmandu to
Syabru Besi, take a picturesque drive.
● Explore the Langtang Valley, often known as the “Valley of Glaciers.”
● The stunning views of Langtang Lirung (7,345 m), Gang Chhenpo (6,338 m),
Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), and Naya Kanga (5,846 m).
● Rare wildlife species such as the red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, langur,
and others can be seen.
● Tibetan Buddhist culture is something to behold.
● Land of the Gurkhas.
● Lakes like Parbati Kunda and Kalo Seto Kunda.
● Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,000 M Approx).
The Trip
A day's drive from Kathmandu, the Ganesh Himal region is located in central Nepal,
between Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area. This area is
rich in geographical, cultural, and ecological diversity, with hundreds of species of
valuable medicinal plants, colorful wildflowers, and more than 200 kinds of birds, as
well as a ruby and crystal mining area. Nepal’s well-kept secret, this area is less-
trekked than some other areas. \
The walk includes two passes as well as the Thulo Dhunga Base Camp, where you
can witness waterfalls, juniper and rhododendron forests, and beautiful greenery.
The gorgeous Ganesh Himal may be seen from the adjacent Dobra Danda, and the
little lakes of Kalo Kunda and Seto Kunda are remarkable. The area around these
lakes is rich in rubies. The lakes themselves are said to possess mystical abilities,
with the ability to either bless or punish people. During September, shamans
congregate in huge numbers at Ganesh Kunda. The passes provide views of the
Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu ranges, combining mountain vistas with
passing through culturally diverse towns and possibly being entertained by
traditional music performed by the friendly locals. This area has an abundance of
animals, including musk deer, Jharal goats, wild boars, Langur monkeys, pheasants,
and partridges. Not to mention the yarshagumba caterpillar-fungus, which is
gathered in the adjacent mountains and is said to be aphrodisiac.
Fast facts
● Known as the ‘valley of glaciers’. The Langtang National Park covers 1,710
square km and falls under the upper catchment areas for Trisuli and Koshi,
Nepal's two big rivers.
● Langtang Lirung (7,246 m), Gang Chhenpo (6,388 m), and Dorje Lhakpa (6,975
m) are the towering peaks of the Langtang Valley.
● Also, the rich cultural heritage that the Tamang, Hyolmo and Sherpa people
maintain through their art forms is depicted in wood carvings of windows,
dance festivals, and unique and age-old weaving traditions.
● Gorkha, the cradle of modern Nepal is the home to King Prithivi Narayan
Shah (1723–1775), who fought several wars to unite the land. This is also
where the original Gurkhas came from.
● Today, the Ganesh Himal region is home to a diverse group of people,
primarily Tamang, Gurung, and Ghale in the north and Brahmin, Chhetri,
Dalit, and Newar and Chepang in the low elevation south.
Itinerary Glance
● Day 01 – Arrive In Kathmandu (1,400 M).
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● Day 02 – Drive to Syabru Besi - Drive Approx 7 Hours.
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● Day 03 – To Gatlang (2,337 M) – Trek Approx 6 Hours.
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● Day 04 – To Somdang (3,271 M) – Trek Approx 7 Hours.
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● Day 05 – To Pangsang Pass (La) (3,842 M) – Trek Approx 4 Hours.
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● Day 06 – To Shertung (1,875 M) – Trek Approx 4 Hours.
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● Day 07 – To Hindung (2220 M) – Trek Approx 6 Hours.
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● Day 08 – To Rajgang Kharka – Trek Approx 6 Hours.
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● Day 09 – To Kalo Seto Kunda / Ganesh Himal Base Camp – Trek Approx 7
Hours.
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● Day 10 – Rest day at the Base Camp.
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● Day 11 – To Rajgang Kharka – Trek Approx 7 Hours.
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● Day 12 – To Chalise (2000 m) – Trek Approx 7 Hours.
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● Day 13 – To Jharlang – Trek Approx 8 Hours.
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● Day 14 – To Darkha – Trek Approx 8 Hours.
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● Day 15 – To Khahare Bazaar – Trek Approx 8 Hours.
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● Day 16 – Drive to Kathmandu – Drive Approx 8 Hours.
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● Day 17 – Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu.
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● Day 18 – Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure.
Accommodation
Destination - Hotel
Kathmandu(3 Nights) - Radisson Hotel / Similar
Trekking Overnight(14 Nights) - Guest House
Itinerary
Day 01 – Arrive In Kathmandu (1,400 M).
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport,
Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying a Kalpa Trip signboard outside the airport
terminal. You will then be transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist
vehicle.
The main entry to Langtang National Park is near the Syabru Besi hamlet. Mt. Manaslu,
Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal are all visible from this small Himalayan settlement.
Finally, you'll arrive in Syabru Besi after driving along the river's edge and taking in the
view of green hills. You'll spend the night in Syabru Besi hamlet at a local lodge.
Day 09 – To Kalo Seto Kunda / Ganesh Himal Base Camp – Trek Approx 7 Hours.
We'll leave Rajgang Kharka and continue on our way to Kalo Seto Kunda. The trail is
small and mostly ascends or descends. We take a walk through the woods for a few
hours. We rarely see any trees on the area at the end of the walk. We will find alpine
grass here due to the high altitude. The lakes are frozen throughout the winter
months.
● Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist
vehicle
● Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu (4
nights only) including breakfast
● Guided city tour in Kathmandu by a private tourist vehicle
● All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
● Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and
occasionally dormitory-style rooms ( 14 nights only)
● Local Kalpa Trip licensed English-speaking trekking guide
● The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during
the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests)
● Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff
● Annapurna Conservation Area Permits and TIMS permit for trekking
● Down jacket and sleeping bag by Kalpa Trip (which need to be returned after
the trek)
● Public bus from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi, and public bus from Khahare
Bazar to Kathmandu
● Free Kalpa Trip duffle/kit bag and sun hat (yours to keep)
● Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu
● Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances
● All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
● Official expenses
Exclusions
WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE?
● Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
●
● Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and
evacuation (See the travel insurance page.)
●
● International airfare and airport departure tax (See the international flights
page.)
●
● Nepal entry visa; you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at
Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple
Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 50 or equivalent foreign
currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be
obtained by paying US $ 125. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
●
● Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
●
● Personal trekking equipment (Click on the Equipment tab.)
●
● Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected.)
●
● Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section
Your Leaders
Here at Kalpa Trip, we firmly believe that the way to get the most out of your staff is to
treat them well; a happy staff is a hard-working staff. And this belief manifests itself in
every way we deal with our staff.
We employ only local leaders and staff to help sustain the local communities we work
with. We provide training for all our staff and all our trek leaders are trained in the
following as a minimum:
Intensive Wilderness First Aid
Trekking Guide Training
Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet
English and other related Languages
Conservation & Biodiversity
Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (for expedition/climbing leaders)
We can guarantee your trip will be led by the best, most professional and experienced
guides. All of our guides are fluent English-speakers and if you like we also have guides
fluent in other languages (Japanese, French, Spanish, German and Italian). All our
guides are carefully selected for their experience, leadership skills and personal ability.
We have learnt that effective leadership is vital for a trip to be safe, enjoyable and
successful.
In fact, not only are all our guides experienced working in these regions, but most of
them actually grew up in these mountainous regions of Nepal. Its home for them, it’s in
their blood. They’re not only ‘familiar’ with local communities and culture; they’re a
part of them and they practice it. They truly love their home and relish getting the
opportunity to show travelers.
Essential Accessories
The following gives you a general idea of the trekking equipment and clothing needed
for this trek.
This is a porter-supported trek. Two clients share one porter. We will supply you a
trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items and this bag is carried by the porter.
You will need to bring your own daypack to be carried by you. In the daypack, you can
put money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera, toiletries, sunscreen,
notebook, etc.
The weight limit for the porter is 30 kg or 66 pounds. 15 kg or 33 pounds for each
client. So, we recommend you to pack as carefully as you can and not exceed the
weight limit. You can leave your non-trekking stuff at the locker facility in the
Kathmandu hotel.
General
● 4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be
returned after the trek.)
● Duffel bag (We will provide one complimentary kalpa trip duffel bag which is
yours to keep.)
● Daypack
● Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights and evenings, and for altitudes
above 4,000 m; We can provide it if you need one but has to be returned
after the trek.)
Hand
● Liner gloves
● Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
● T-shirts
● Lightweight expedition thermal tops
● Fleece jacket or pullover
● Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
● Synthetic sports bras (For women)
Feet
● Liner socks
● Heavyweight socks
● Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
● Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
● Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Miscellaneous, but Important!
● Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
● Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu
just in case you need to change the date of your flight.)
● Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
● Water bottle/bladder
● Water purification Iodine tablets
● Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand
wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
● Adjustable trekking poles
● Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
● Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
● Binoculars
● Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
● Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list,
there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use
your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the
above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing such as those made with Lycra can
often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items
comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.
Essential Info
Altitude Sickness Info
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in general, may
occur when people ascend quickly in altitudes of over 3000 m. During our trekking
and climbing trips, we ensure minimal risk by keeping rest days in our itineraries. Most
people will feel some effects of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly
lightheadedness, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different
and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost
every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also
altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it. We do
however recommend you to get advice from your physician before you leave. The
following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to
minimize the effects.
We, at Kalpa Trip, take the safety of our clients very seriously. We ask all our clients to
submit a copy of their insurance prior to the departure, so that we can proceed with
evacuation when necessary. All our guides, porters and staffs are facilitated with cell
phones (GSM and CDMA) during the trips. While on trips to remote pockets of the
country where there is no connectivity, the guides are equipped with satellite phones
for emergencies .
About AMS
There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.
Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but should not be
worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how
slowly he or she ascends.
● Periods of sleeplessness
● Abnormal need of more sleep (often 10 hours or more)
● Occasional loss of appetite
● Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude
● Periodic breathing
● The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially
above 3500 meters
● Runny nose
● Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)
● Dizziness
Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS. Admit or acknowledge
that you are having symptoms. The following symptoms characterize mild AMS:
Mild headache
● Nausea
● Dizziness
● Weakness
● Sleeplessness
● Dry Raspy cough
● Fatigue/Tiredness
● Loss of appetite
● Runny nose
● Hard to breathe
What to do if a mild symptom doesn’t go away?
● If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with
your head out of the sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
● If mild symptoms develop while walking, stop, have rest, drink some fluids
and take 125-250 mg of Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to
begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and take rest.
● If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250 mg of Diamox and drink
plenty of fluids again.
● If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying, it is safe to take another
250 mg of Diamox 6-8 hours later.
● If mild symptoms continue getting worse, try descending for a few hours
which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher
will definitely make it worse. You’re here to enjoy trekking, not to feel sick.
First-Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing
groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more
comprehensive kit.
● Bandage for sprains
● Plasters/Band-aids
● Iodine or water filter (optional)
● Moleskin/Second skin – for blisters
● Antiseptic ointment for cuts
● Antibacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
● Aspirin/Paracetamol – general painkiller
● Oral rehydration salts
● Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin)
● Anti-diarrhoea medication (antibiotic)
● Diarrhoea stopper (Imodium – optional)
● Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
● Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
● Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
● Gel hand cleaner.
Medical Information
Travel Insurance
Please Note: – Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Kalpa's tours and
packages.
Traveling is filled with fun and adventure but the shadow of risk is always there. One
never knows what lies in store at the next corner, so one should always be prepared
for unforeseen risks and hazards that one may face! Travelling in the beautiful
Himalayas is fraught with danger. The rugged terrain and soaring heights may steal
your heart away but these are places where one should be careful every step of the
way. One could suffer a fall or an altitude sickness while traveling in the Himalayas.
While trekking or climbing in the high mountains, as you ascend higher the air gets
thinner and the oxygen level in the atmosphere depletes. You could suffer from
AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness) which may kill if left untreated. Nature may also play
truant and throw several hurdles on your way by way of landslides, cloudburst,
avalanche, snowstorm etc., which may leave you stranded in the high mountains. In
such situations an emergency rescue via air (helicopter/air ambulance) will be
necessary. This may prove to be expensive if you don’t have insurance cover.
Sometimes you may miss your flight, lose your baggage or your vacation that you have
already booked and paid may get cancelled without you getting any refunds. All these
may burn a hole in your pocket if you are not insured. So it is wise to take out a Travel
Insurance before you take that next trip, especially if you are travelling to the
Himalayas
Trekking Crews
During the trek, you will be accompanied by our local best-trained and well-
experienced guides / Sherpa to make your journey even more comfortable and
memorable. All guides are well trained licensed with a prior experience they have
spent years trekking / climbing a peak all over the world. Porters will also be assigned
to carry your luggage. __ people will be assigned to one porter weight not exceeding
__kgs. We divide a proportion of one porter for two members and one assistant guide
with 8 members. If required we can also have one porter per person. Our crew
members are the local people of high Himalayas remote areas and their physical
endurance and heredity nature can live easily and comfortably at high altitudes
without being affected. All our staff are very valuable to us, they are well paid and we
take care of their insurance, clothing, food, and lodging throughout the trek.
Currency Exchange
We can exchange most of the foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate
money exchanges mostly in the hub areas. Small amounts of cash can also be
exchanged at the hotel. During the trek, there are no banks and money exchange
services so you should exchange your money in Kathmandu only, depending on how
much personal expense you require as in the Himalayan region people only accept
Nepalese Currency
Weather Condition
Trekking is highly dependent upon the seasonal condition. The best season for this
trek is Mar-April/Sep-May except July/August. Hence, this trek can be done
throughout the year.
We highly advise to minimize use of plastic during the trek. Please always remember
that there are no any plastic recycle facilities up in the Mountains. In this regard we
highly recommend you to use boiled water and carry your own water bottle for
drinking or use water purification tablets instead of buying water in plastic bottles.
Accommodation
Accommodation service for travelers as per their request from 5 star hotel to normal
guest house in main city areas where available, while the price of the trip might alter
on that basis. Langtang Region is a destination for a wide range of trekking routes and
packages, good quality of accommodation options are available there. During the
trekking, we will provide tea house accommodation. Most of the Tea Houses have
running water facilities. Many of them have hot water available for bathing at
additional cost. During a Tea House trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner in
the Tea House; lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants.
Vehicle
We use a mixture of taxis, private mini buses or cars for city sightseeing and airport
pickups and sometimes land cruisers for journeys into the mountains, to and from
trekking points. The choice of vehicle will also depend on the size of your group. All
vehicles are maneuverable and flexible enabling us to take you through the narrow
roads of Nepal.
Luggage
The weight limit for the trek is 9 kg per guest, as two people will be assigned with one
porter and it is the maximum weight that the porters can carry. All stuff that you have,
not necessary to take to trekking as this makes your porter extra heavy and things can
be lost and damaged during the trek. You can leave such stuff in a locker at your Hotel
in Kathmandu or our office store. Luggage storage facility is absolutely free of cost.
Communication Access
Throughout the lodges at the Langtang Valley Trek, there is very limited access to the
Internet. There are telephones in a few villages along the routes from which you can
make international calls. Cell phone reception is not reliable in the mountains and in
many regions not at all. If required, we can supply a satellite phone service.
On Group/Single trip
Responsible Travel
We strongly believe that our environment has to be protected as tourism may bring
negative effects on it. We highlight the positive aspects of tourism in the environment
and we organize eco-friendly trips about the most environmentally sensitive and
culturally rewarding that meet the expectation of both travelers and communities.
Trip Extensions
After the completion of the trek, you may want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal.
With the free time, exploring, visiting a tour of Kathmandu, sightseeing, Nagarkot view
trip, Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canoeing are such activities that can be
done.
FAQ
● Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?
Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent
and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us.
● Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local
porters. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for
guides and porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction
from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend
you spend at least 10% of your total trip cost for tipping.