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Trip Duration
14 DaysTrip Difficulty
ModerateMax. Altitude
4,049m / 13,284ft.Activity
TrekkingDestination
NepalGroup Size
1-16 PaxAccommodation
3 star HotelMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Talk to trip expertAre you craving for an authentic and untraveled trekking journey in Nepal? Then, the Ganesh Himal trek is precisely what you are searching for which is within driving distance of Kathmandu yet relatively unvisited, least explored, and untouched by tourism.
The 14 days Ganesh Himal trek with its fine and striking chalk-white peaks spectacle, verdant green hills and wide beautiful valleys, untrodden trails, authentic villages, forests, and terraced yellow fields is the epitome of the traditional Nepal. It also goes by the name of Ruby Valley Trek.
You may not be able to walk all the way around the Ganesh mountain range like in Manaslu or Annapurna, but you will get very close to its icy peaks. Here, we promise you, the Ganesh Himal trekking route will captivate all your senses with its nature and culture.
The Ganesh Himal is not far from Kathmandu, only 70 km in the northwest of Nepal wedged between the Manaslu massif in the west and the Langtang mountains in the east.
The Peak takes its name from the Hindu deity of Ganesh with its elephant head. It has its chain comprising of Ganesh I (7422 m), Ganesh II (7118 m), Ganesh III (7043 m), and Ganesh IV (7104 m) along with 14 other 6000 m peaks that form a ribbon-like structure running from Budhi Gandaki to Bhote Koshi Valleys.
The particularly original Ganesh Himal trek route goes from east to west, where the Magar, Gurung, Brahmin, Newar, Chhetri, and Tamang populations live, among others. Thus, you will get to see the Hindu and Buddhist cultures along the way and get to know the life of the Nepali in an impressive way.
Our Ganesh Himal trek itinerary will take you to Kispang Village in the Nuwakot region. From there, you will walk through the lesser-known village of Rupchet and progress to cross the 4050 m high Sing La Pass.
It is the maximum elevation of our Ganesh Himal trek 14 days journey that bestows its travelers with the grandest views of Annapurna massif, Langtang massif, Manaslu (8163 m), and Ganesh.
Now, the course becomes more westerly and you will cross the very beautiful cultural villages of Chalish Gaon, Rachyet Gaon, Lapa Gaon, Khading, and Ri Gaon.
Then you will move to Dhading district and visit the Phulkharka and the ruins of Jyamrung Palace. Then the brief journey from Dhading along the Prithvi Highway will bring you to Kathmandu.
All in all, this short medium level trek is highly recommended for those who want to discover a piece of authentic Nepal. The best part of the Ganesh Himal trek is it is available all year round and open to all levels of hikers.
All this aspect thus makes the Ganesh Himal trek one of Nepal’s very fine and completely overlooked trekking tours.
Hello adventurers! Greetings from the kingdom of Ganesh Peak is very thrilled to welcome you. Once you exit the gate of TIA, one of our friendly crew members will assist you with the luggage and help you get to your hotel.
Please take as much time as you like to settle down and recharge. Once all the adventurers of our Ganesh Himal trek are in the hotel, our guide will meet you all and fill you in with the important details about our Ganesh Himal trek itinerary.
Now, you can start exploring the amazing dishes and sights of the capital.
Today is all about getting to know the fascinating city of Kathmandu. Once you finish your breakfast, our guide will take you to the Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple complex with a cremation site on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.
Then, Boudhanath will be next with a huge mandala, stupa, and colorful busy markets with numerous pilgrims. Swayambhunath lying atop a hill will be next on our list which will again revive you with the Buddhist spirituality and the amazing sight of the entire Kathmandu.
We can then go to Durbar Square of Kathmandu where a series of temples and narrow side streets will delight your senses. Later, in the day, our tour guide will assist you in getting the necessary gear you may have missed to bring along.
We will get on with the Ganesh Himal trek route today. Early in the morning, we will get on the local bus and start our drive out of Kathmandu through Thankot.
The good Prithvi Highway will lead us to Trishuli Bazaar after which the narrow bumpy road will lead us towards Betrawati of Nuwakot. Here, lush hills, and villages are the sight to be admired. Shortly, we will reach the very beautiful Kispang Village where we will be resting for the night.
We are set to commence the hiking section of our Ganesh Himal Trek 14 days journey. From Kispang, we will start our adventure along the forest trail which will quickly lead us to Upallthok and Nyuchet hamlets.
We will soon reach the beautiful monastery of Bhalche village from where we will continue through the rhododendron jungle for a while. From here, the subtropical humid forest will take us toward Thulo Kharka which offers the grandest spectacle of Ganesh Peak along with Manaslu and Langtang range.
Rupchet is now around 4 hours afar but the trail leading to it is diverse and beautiful.
We have a bit of an uphill climb today as we have to cross the Sing La Pass. The path from Rupchet will be up and down through dense forest and open clearings.
As we reach the last stretch of the Pass, we will be able to take the sight of Thare Danda and Laurebina pass along with the wide Langtang Valley. Once at the top, we will have the best magical panorama of Ganesh, Annapurna massifs, and Manaslu.
After we treat our senses from the pass, we will now climb down through the beautiful grassy landscape that goes steeply down for a while.
We may encounter ice on the trail and soon we will arrive at Gokchet village. From here, the path becomes relatively easy taking us along the meadow towards Tiru Danda (ridge).
We will head northeast and follow the Pansang La admiring the beautiful profiles of Langtang and Annapurna. We will now descend to Pansang Phedi where we can see straight at Himalchuli, Manaslu, and Ganesh.
Now, we will have to climb the ridge that will take us toward the high meadows of Marmelung Kharka. Behold the twin spectacle of Ganesh III and IV as we make our way down towards Tipling Village.
From Tipling, we will resume our hiking and pass through Kamigaon. Now, the bending high path will lead us to Adha Khola (a tributary to a river) from where we will head west and reach Sertung village- the Tamang Village.
We will now walk downward for around 100 m to reach the village of Chalish Gaon which is inhabited mainly by Tamang, Dalit, and Gurung tribes.
From Chalish Gaon, we will resume walking down and pass through another authentic Tamang settlements of Tatopani and then Neber. Ganesh seems even more spectacular from here. After a moment with Ganesh Peak, we will now walk down past the small settlement of Tir and arrive at the smiling town of Rachyet Gaon.
Leaving Rachyet Gaon, we will proceed to walk across the high-suspended metal bridge and arrive at Laphchyat Village. It is a beautiful Gurung community where people will greet you with Namaste.
Now, a small verdant hill and terraced rice fields will walk us steeply up toward Lapa Gaon. It is a small settlement beside the Lapa Khola Valley with its characteristic blue tin roofs spread out between the fields.
Get ready for some more steep climbing along the path that in places has the character of stairs. After the climb, we will be met by the beautiful grassy plain of Khading Village where we can clearly see Ganesh III, IV, V, and Paldor Peaks.
We have now really good legs and we will fully enjoy the day as we hike down through the terraced fields, forests, streams, and narrow, steep, and muddy paths to reach Chyamchat village.
We will follow the path towards Kutawal keeping an eye out for the langur monkeys. We will continue downstream towards Tawal before reaching the Ri Gaon where we will be greeted by the Dalit and Tamang tribes.
We will have a relatively easy walk alongside the Ankhu Khola through the green terraced fields of various small Brahmin settlements before we make ourselves comfortable at Phulkharka (flower field).
It is a small village belonging to the Ganga Jamuna Rural Municipality of Dhading where we can have the amazing spectacle of the Ganga Jamuna Waterfalls.
We can see the harmonious blend of Ghale, Tamang, Dalit, Gurung, Brahmin, Newar and Chhetri people here.
Once again Ankhu Khola will guide our way along the green verdant fields till we find ourselves at the small village of Rine. It is the perfect location for a small lunch break where we can watch the shining silhouettes of Ganesh, Langtang, and Manaslu.
We will continue with our upstream walking till we reach the old ruins of a palace called Jyamrung Durbar- the old abode of the regional king. Although no king lives here now, but the damaged walls and ruins show the glory of its past days.
From Jyamrung, we will engage in a very short and comfortable walk through Dodke Danda towards Dhading Besi where the main road towards Kathmandu begins.
From Dhading Besi, the bumpy road will soon join the main tarmac road of Dhading Highway which will eventually drive us along the familiar Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu through Trishuli main market.
Today, you can get around Kathmandu and visit those sites that you may have missed on the second day of the Ganesh Himal trek itinerary. Along with Patan and Bhaktapur, you can also choose to explore Khokhana, Godawari, or Nagarkot even.
In the evening, we will celebrate the completion of our Ganesh Himal trek with a nice farewell dinner with all our team.
The eventful journey of Ganesh Himal trekking comes to an end and we will accompany you to TIA from where you will head home or to your next destination.
The Ganesh Himal trek is a journey that can be undertaken in any season of Nepal. But if you truly want to see and know what this journey is all about, then consider getting on with our Ganesh Himal trek 14 days journey in the transformative seasons of autumn/fall or spring.
Heat remains mildly pleasant at 20 to 26-degree Celsius throughout the day. The autumn months of September, October, November paint the landscape with orange and brown color while the spring months of March, April, and May explode the region with green and pink blossoms.
The winter time of December, January, and February bring in the frigid cold with the Sing La Pass covered in thick ice and snow. But the days will be particularly sunny and bright with the fantastic views of Ganesh and Manaslu.
On the other hand, the summer period of June, July, and August pours the Ganesh region in heavy rain resulting in the probability of landslides and cloudy views.
However, with the correct preparation and planning, you can take advantage of low-cost, free accommodation, and unwalked lonely trails of summer and winter.
The category three 14 days Ganesh Himal trek is a journey that is truly open to all offering the moderate adventure to both the inexperienced hiker and the seasoned trekker.
The Ganesh Himal trek route begins through a low-lying area, which means that it can be very hot at times. In the middle of the trek, near Ganesh Himal, there are steep climbs in the route. During the trek, there are considerable ups and downs as well along the many ridges and Bhanjyangs.
There can be sometimes snow and ice on the Sing La Pass and there are also some difficult and constricted passage. But the travel will mostly take place through the forest and the terraced cultivated lands of the villages which is relatively very easy.
The maximum height is 4050 m of the Sing La Pass so the chance of altitude sickness is almost non-existent. The average day’s stage is about five hours, calculated without a two-hour lunch break.
Overall with the leisurely approach and good fitness, you can complete this trek with relative ease.
The Ganesh Himal Trek is an incredible adventure that welcomes everyone. Whether you are an expert hiker or just starting out your journey, young or older, as long as you maintain good health, have a passion for walking, and are willing to sacrifice some comfort for a few days, then this trek is for you.
Additionally, the chances of encountering Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are quite rare in this trek compared to other treks in Nepal. The hiking path is also rich with breathtaking mountain views, lush valleys, and cultures that make it the ideal way to experience the stunning beauty of the Nepal Himalayas.
You will also have numerous opportunities to acclimatize to the changing environment. The main challenge lies in the steep climb to the summit of Sing La, followed by a lengthy descent.
However, with a relaxed pace and the support of our experienced and skillful guide, this challenge becomes manageable. Here, we like to point out that the Ganesh Himal trek will lead you to such a unique part of Nepal that is still undergoing development.
You may find limited lodges with basic amenities, and the main motorable roads are also not easily accessible. Therefore, if you have joint problems, musculoskeletal issues, or respiratory and circulatory conditions, please take medical advice from your doctors before thinking of joining this trip.
Although our Ganesh Himal trek 14 days journey begins in a low-lying area, but it will gradually elevate you to the higher heights of the Ganesh Himal region.
By day four, you will find yourself sleeping at the high altitude of 3850 m in Rupchet, and the very next day, you will set on forth to conquer the 4,050 m high Sing La Pass.
Then as the Ganesh Himal trek itinerary progresses, you will go through a series of ascents and descents that will challenge your body as you face the frequently changing altitudes.
So although the threat of altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness is almost non-existent, but it is not completely absent and can occur in some of our trekkers.
To make sure, each of our hiker gets the proper time to adjust to the high air of Ganesh peak, we have carefully planned our Ganesh Himal trek itinerary that will give your body plenty of time to acclimatize to the increasing elevations.
Since this trek is conveniently close to Kathmandu, we have included a rest day in the city with short explorations to help you adjust to the local air.
Additionally, we have also kept the daily walking hours to a maximum of six so you have adequate time to get used to the thinner air of Ganesh. However, some may still experience mild symptoms like light-headedness, headaches, or fatigue.
If this happens, please communicate about your condition to our guide who can provide you with Diamox or assist you in descending to a lower altitude based on your condition.
Also, please make sure that you drink plenty of water each hiking day which will help in your adaptation process.
You don’t have to be a professional or expert athlete or sports person to take part in our Ganesh Himal 14 days journey. You should just be well fit and healthy on average for which you can prepare and train your mind and body adequately at home around a month or two before the start of the trip.
You can begin with morning and evening walks along the park then taking it to the elevated hills. Or, you can also opt for climbing and descending the stairs than escalators or elevators which will prepare you for the steep ups and down of the trek.
Also focus of your cardio health and strength which you can promote through running or cycling. Treadmills or weight lifting or skipping rope will also do which will boost your entire muscle strength and health.
And why not also do the push-ups, pull-ups, and squats for increasing the overall fitness of your body.
You have to remember that the Ganesh Himal trek will require more mental resilience than physical strength, so work on your mental endurance through meditation.
Also, watch as many videos as you can about the Ganesh Himal trek route to familiarize yourself with what lies ahead. Expect a genuine nature experience rather than excessive comfort in this journey.
There is another possibility to trek to Ganesh Himal which is walking the partial route of Manaslu circuit. For this approach, you will have to begin your adventure in Gorkha from where the route will run parallel to the route of Manaslu Circuit.
The trail will pass through the gorge made by the Budhi Gandaki. Then after five days of period, you will turn east and cross the ridges via four sturdy mountain passes with fantastic views. One of the notable ridge among them will be the Pangsang Bhanjyang.
From here, you can see the seven peaks of the Ganesh Himal range in all its beauty. In addition, the views will regularly extend from the Annapurna and Manaslu in the west to Langtang and Jugal Himal in the east.
After the villages of Gadlang and Thangjet, you will reach the Tiru Danda and walk over this mountain ridge to Betrawati on the Trishuli Khola, where the bus will be ready for your return trip to Kathmandu.
You will have an incredible deal with our Ganesh Himal trek package that includes all the necessary accommodations, food, and transportation costs and fees.
Since, we value your safety and comfort so we have booked a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with double rooms. You can also upgrade to a single room if you like some more privacy at an added cost.
In the hotel of Kathmandu, you will be facilitated with attached bathroom, hot water and constant WiFi. You will have have breakfast during your time in Kathmandu while lunches and dinners will have to be self arranged.
When the trekking trip starts, our guide will ensure you sleep in the best or finest lodges or tea houses available in the area. Please remember that some of the villages may have very limited accommodation where the amenities will not be up to par but will be enough to go through one warm night.
Throughout the trek, you will be served dinners, lunches and breakfasts. In Kathmandu, the lunch and dinner menu can be very varied from international to national options. As you climb, dining options can be limited but very fresh and nutritious.
For your transportation needs, we offer private transfers for all airport transfers and Kathmandu excursions, while a local bus will take you to Kispang from Kathmandu and from Dhading Besi to Kathmandu.
As the Ganesh Himal trek route runs through the Langtang National Park, it is essential to procure an entry permit for the National Park of Langtang.
Along with the park permit, we will also be requiring the TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) Card. Both permits are available in the Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, with the TIMS card costing 2000 NPR and the National Park permit priced at 3000 NPR.
These permit fees are integrated in our overall Ganesh Himal trek package cost, and our guide will take care of procuring these permits for you.
You can connect with the 4G internet offered by the Ncell or NTC national mobile networks and some lodges may also equip you with the WiFi at added cost but we cannot guarantee for their constant connection and speed.
Yes, travel insurance has been made compulsory for any high trekking in Nepal including the Ganesh Himal trek. It is essential for the procurement of TIMS card and also for your safe evacuation when needed in any medical emergencies. Make sure, your policy covers the helicopter rescue and transport up to the elevation of 4100 m.
It is always recommended to reserve your place for any trip ahead of time. However, if you are unable to do so, we also facilitate last-minute reservations for which you must make the total package payment 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
Yes, there are electricity through government available in the region so you can conveniently restore your device’s power but at minimal extra charge.
No, you should take out enough cash in Nepali Rupees when you are already in Kathmandu.
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