Langtang Ganjala Pass Trek Highlights
- Conquer Ganjala Pass (5,122m): Cross a thrilling, high-altitude pass with expert guide assistance and fixed safety ropes.
- 3-Day Remote Wilderness Camping: Sleep under starry skies in high mountain valleys far off the grid.
- Panoramic Peak Views: Stand face-to-face with Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, and peaks stretching into Tibet.
- Kyanjin Gompa & Cheese Factory: Visit an iconic alpine valley, ancient monastery, and historic 1955 yak cheese factory.
- Historic Helambu Villages: Discover ancient Buddhist culture in Tarke Ghyang, the historic "Temple of 100 Horses."
For the more adventurous trekker, we offer the 14-day Langtang Ganjala Pass Trek. Our journey begins at Sybru Bensi and 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 southeast, Ponggen Dooku (5,930m). Kyanching Gompa is surrounded by Mt. Langtang Lirung (7245 m) on the west, Yala Peak on the north, and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m), Urkeinmang (6387 m), Loenpo Gang (6979 m), and Kangchenpo on the northeast. In Kyanjing Gompa there is a small Buddhist monastery and a cheese factory started in 1955 by the Swiss Association for Technical Assistance that can be visited.
We then begin our trek across Ganjala Pass, where you will find stunning views of Langtang Lirung and the Tibetan peaks. Much of this route is spent above 3,000m (10,000ft) with the highest point of this trek at 5,122m. A brief technical section of Ganjala (the last few 100 m of the pass) is precarious; therefore, we use a rope for safety with our experienced guide, leaving you feeling like the many mountaineers on their expeditions in the Himalayas. Don't worry, no prior experience is necessary, just your courage! As there are no lodges or villages for three days along the way, the group will be fully organized for camping, a true backpacking experience in the mighty Himalayas.
Culturally, the people living in Langtang are of Tibetan origin, though they introduce themselves as Tamang or Gurung. After passing the Ganjala Pass, the trail takes you to Malemchigaon and Tarke Ghyang. People here follow the Buddhist religion, so you will find many old Buddhist monasteries in the villages. The sight's smell and sounds throughout this trek will inspire inner peace and tranquility. Tarke Ghyang is another Sherpa town along the way, which bears its own story.
The town name means the temple of 100 horses and was taken from the name of a temple established in 1727 by a lama, who was called on by the king of Kathmandu (Kantipur) to stop an epidemic. As his reward, the Lama asked for 100 horses, which he brought here. The local temple, rebuilt in 1969, was beautifully built with Bhutanese-style architecture. We then continue to descend into the valley to end our journey and celebrate our hard work together back in Kathmandu.
