Langtang Region Trek

Langtang is toward the north of Kathmandu Valley. The scenery here is spectacular, and the trek more adventurous as fewer tourists visit the area. To the west of Langtang is the Ganesh Himal range that reaches up to 7,000 meters. The forests in the region have temperate and sub alpine vegetation while wildlife includes migratory birds, deer, monkeys, Thars and Picas. The best time for trekking in the area is spring and autumn. Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and Langtang are well served with tea-houses making trekking comfortable for those who wish. But, there are no such facilities in the Ganesh Himal area of Ganja La.

Ganja La

To cross from Langtang into Helambu, via the Ganja La pass, is a serious undertaking requiring good equipment and experienced local guides. For three to four days there are no facilities, and groups and their staff must be fully self-sufficient. The crossing of the pass requires the use of technical climbing equipment and trekkers must be skilled in the use of this and be prepared to assist less well-equipped porter staff. For those who are able to complete the crossing the rewards are some of the best mountain landscapes to be found anywhere in Nepal.

The route to Ganja La starts above the settlement at Kyangjin Gompa in the Langtang Valley (see route description for Langtang Valley.) The pass is clearly visible from Kyangjin, just to the east of the peak of Naya Kanga. The trail follows a small valley before reaching the glaciated pass where the use of ropes, crampons and ice axes may be necessary.

From the pass the views across the valley to the peaks of the Langtang Himal are particularly good. In the distance you can see Shishapagma, the only 8000-metre peak entirely in China (Tibet).

The route then follows the open ridge top of Dukpu Danda, which for most of its length is over 4,500 meters altitude. Scattered stone shelters, used as summer shelters by herders, are the only evidence of human habitation. There are several fine camp-sites along the ridge, which can be used by trekkers and their staff between Ganja La and Tarkeghayang, the first permanent settlement to be reached. From Tarkeghayang there is the choice of trekking to Malachi Pul or Sundarijal. (See Helambu Circuit trek description)

Getting there

Access to Helambu is particularly easy and quick, Sundarijal, which is one of the most convenient starting points, is an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. There are other possible routes and the longest is the 12-hour drive to Sybru Bensi from where all Ganesh Himal and Langtang treks can start. Hindu pilgrimage site and popular tourist place Goshainkunda can be reached from either of the two routes. However, via Rasuwa much easier.

Attraction-People and Culture

The people here are of Tibetan origin and call themselves Sherpa although they are quite distinct from the Sherpas of Solukhumbu both in language and customs. Also found in large numbers are the Tamang people who also originated in Tibet but settled in Nepal considerably earlier than the Sherpas.

Attraction-Flora and fauna

The forests of Helambu and Langtang are a prime example of temperature and sub-alpine vegetation. The dense oak and pine forests on the trail up the Langtang Valley are of particular interest. As usual in this part of Nepal, the rhododendrons form a spectacular display during spring, Wildlife in the area is dominated by many bird species with migratory birds using the Gosainkund area as a temporary sanctuary. Look for deer and monkeys in the lower forests and, perhaps, Thar and Pica the alpine hillsides.

When to visit?

The best times for trekking in Langtang are the main seasons of spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late November). Winter is possible, especially in Helambu, but higher parts may have too much snow. Ganesh Himal and Ganja La are likely to be closed by snow at this time.

Trekking styles

Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and Langtang are well served with tea-houses but many people still choose to camp anyway due to the amount of space. There are no such facilities in the Ganesh Himal area or above Kyangjin Gompa and Ganja La. For these areas groups need to be fully self-sufficient and have experienced local guides.