Ganesh Himal Panorama Trek

The Ganesh Himal Trek is a great off-the-beaten-path camping trek. Ganesh Himal (7406m) is so named because of the serpentine southern ridge that resembles Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god. The four Ganesh Range peaks (Ganesh I-IV) are visible on this trek, as well as Manaslu, Langtang, Annapurna.

Highlights of the Ganesh Himal Panorama Trek

Views of the Ganesh Range, as well as Manaslu, Langtang, and Annapurna
Easy accessibility from Kathmandu, and a relatively easy route
An under-developed route with few other trekkers
Experience the Tibetan Buddhism and Shamanist culture of the Tamang villagers

Although the Ganesh Himal Panorama Trek does cross a couple of passes of more than 4000 meters, in other respects it is not a very challenging route. There are ups and downs and lots of cultural attractions. This means that it’s an ideal route for a first-time trek in Nepal, or for trekkers who are unsure of their ability to complete a longer, more strenuous trek.

The Route Followed.
This region has been overshadowed as a trekking route by the Manaslu Region to the west, and Langtang to the east, but it is not actually hard to reach by bus or private land transport. Start by driving Ghatlang, to the one of the nice settlement. The first part of this route will follow the Tamang Heritage trail.

Ascend gently through alpine and Rhododendron forests, which bloom in colors of purple, red, pink and white in the spring. The first few days of the trek bring several ups and downs

The first major challenge of the Ganesh Himal trek is to ascend to the Pangsang La (4400m), which divides Rasuwa and Dhading districts of central Nepal. The views of the Ganesh Range and Mt Manaslu (8156m) from here, however, makes the challenge very worthwhile. The next high pass, the Sing La (4000m) won’t seem so bad after you’ve conquered the Pangsang La.

From here you’ll pass through a number of fascinating mountain villages, mostly inhabited by Tamang people, who originated in Tibet a long time ago. Their culture and religion retain the influence of Tibetan Buddhism, and you’ll pass many stupas and other signs of Buddhist culture. Shamanism is also a part of the culture here, and you may get the chance to witness some interesting dances and rituals.

Continue through jungle and forest, across suspension bridges and farmland, all the while with gorgeous views of the high Himalayas.

Accommodation
This is largely a camping trek as it passes through areas that have been relatively untouched by tourism. The option to stay in basic rural home-stay is available in certain places.

Suggested trip itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Beshi (1503m/4945Ft.) – 7 / 8 hrs drive.
Day 04: Gatlang to Somdang (3271m/10760Ft) – 6 / 7 hrs walk.
Day 05: Somdang to Pangsang Phedi (3842m/ 12640Ft) – 3 / 4 hrs walk.
Day 06: Pangsang Pass to Shertung (1875m/ 6188Ft) – 5 / 6 hrs walk.
Day 07: Shertung to Hindung (2220m /7425Ft) – 5 / 6 hrs walk.
Day 08: Hindung to Rajgang Kharka – 5 / 6 hrs walk.
Day 09: Rajgang Kharka to Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White Lake) Ganesh Himal Base camp – 6 / 7 hrs walk.
Day 10: Rest day at the Ganesh Himal Base camp.
Day 11: Ganesh Himal Base Camp to Rajgang Kharka – 6 / 7 hrs walk.
Day 12: Rajgang Kharka to Shertung (2000 m) – 6 / 7 hrs walk.
Day 13: Shertung to Jharlang – 7 / 8 hrs walk.
Day 14: Jharlang to Darkha – 7 / 8 hrs walk.
Day 15: Darkha to Khahare Bazaar – 7 / 8 hrs walk.
Day 16: Drive from Khahare Bazaar to Kathmandu by bus /private vehicle – 7 / 8 hrs drive.
Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure.

Detail Itinenary

Day 01

Arrive in Kathmandu.

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. (Overnight at Hotel)

Day 02

Sightseeing in Kathmandu.

A half day guided tour to several of historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included).

Day 03

Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Beshi (1503m/4945Ft.) – 7 / 8 hrs drive.

Early in the morning have a breakfast in the hotel and afterward start our journey from Kathmandu. We take regular road trip to Pokhara until Galchhi and turned toward north on the right bank of Trisuli Rivar. The scenic drive pass through beautiful village and cultivated land alongside of the road. The drive through scenic foothills and ridgeline views to Syabru Beshi passing through Dhunche. While passing along the road at the bank of Trishuli River we catch a glimpse of Ganesh Himal, terraces and green hills. The undulating road bring to Shyabrubeshi and continue to the Ghatlang. You will notice that the roads are a bit narrow and zigzag but you will have an amazing view of the landscape along the trail. After a drive for about eight to nine hours we will reach Ghatlang, the starting point of Trek. Overnight at Ghatlang in Homestay.

Day 04

Gatlang to Somdang (3271m/10760Ft) – 6 / 7 hrs walk.

After breakfast we setup our gear and be ready to bit the Ganesh Himal Panorama Trek. Then we start to walk along the graveled but motor-able road. The gradually ascending trail goes through the pine and rhododendron forest to a Yuri Kharka before continuing to Khurpu Bhanjyang and then dropping down to the Somdang River. Somdang River is a border of Rasuwa and Dhading districts. While trekking, one can enjoy the spectacular mountain views of Langtang Himal ranges, Ganesh Himal, Paldor peak and many other unnamed mountain and peaks. We will pass through some traditional Tamang villages where we can have a close view of their culture and tradition. The hike passes through a scenic valley featuring the 200 m Chukarma Waterfall, where you will find the zinc mines but not existing anymore. The former mine leaves a lot be explored and is the site of a 1.4 km tunnel bored into the mountain to extract zinc, copper, tin, crystal and even highly-prized rubies. Overnight at Somdang on Camp.

Day 05

Somdang to Pangsang Pass (La) (3842m/ 12640Ft) – 3 / 4 hrs walk

Today is not a long day, we gently climb uphill passing through beautiful village, forest terraced and mesmerizing surrounding landscapes including Langtang Himalayan range. From the camp side we will have the amazing viewpoint to the southwest of Somdang village with a broad panorama of surrounding terrain. To the north lies the soaring peaks of Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range. The large meadow is graced with a giant entry gateway and is a sensational location for camping and trekking in the breathtaking scenery. This pass is known as one of the most beautiful and the best magnificent mountain views point to have almost in 270 degrees Langtang ranges, Ganesh Himal ranges, Manaslu ranges and bit of Annapurna Himalayan ranges. Overnight at Pangsang Pass on Camp.

Day 06

Pangsang Pass to Shertung (1875m/ 6188Ft) – 5 / 6 hrs walk.

On the following day after breakfast, we descend to Tipling. Tipling is a large village that has two beautiful Buddhist monasteries. The trail we follow is steep downhill at first and then it climbs up for some distance. En route, we cross dense forests covered with bamboo, pine, rhododendron and waterfalls. Spectacular mountain views of Lapsang Karpo, Ganesh Himal (Yangri) as well as Ganesh II and III can be seen from this village. People of this area welcoming to the trekkers with their local culture. After descending and crossing the Adha Khola on a box bridge, we ascend to the sister villages of Shertung and Chalise. The name Shertung means ‘Place of Gold’. According to a legend, two brothers in search of gold were led here by a dream and thus the settlement was born. Now we have to climb down steeply until we cross a suspension bridge over Gorkhen Khola. After we cross, the trail goes uphill up to Shertung. Overnight at Shertung on Camp.

Day 07

Shertung to Hindung (2220m /7425Ft) – 5 / 6 hrs walk.

As usual we start our trek and the trail goes downhill up to Menchet Khola and crossing this stream then again climb steep up for a bit then gradual up to reach Hindung. We can also have a quick visit to “Tin Kanya” a Hindu temple which passes thorough small but beautiful village. Continuing our trek to Khar Khola we then gently trek up to Pasabar danda taking about an hour walk. Tribeni River “mixed of three rivers”. Hindus and both Buddhist believe it as a holy river. From Pasabar danda trek gently goes uphill and reach at Kalbarang kharka. Then we continue our walk to the hill edge and dense forest. Finally we reach at Hindung. Hindung is a pretty big village mainly inhabited by Tamang People. And one thing to be noticed is it is the last village we will pass while trekking to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Overnight at Hindung on Camp.

Day 08

Hindung to Rajgang Kharka – 5 / 6 hrs walk.

Starting the trek from Hindung, we will have an ascending trail up to Rajgang Kharka. We will rarely find terraces on the way. The route is not difficult is more like level walk as well. So then we pass through the forests of rhododendron and local vegetation. These forests are the nuzzling place of various species of birds and wild animals. Rajgang Kharka is surrounded by beautiful forests and grassland. Except winter season the local people bring domestic animals especially sheep for grazing in here. Overnight at Rajgang Kharka on Camp.

Day 09

Rajgang Kharka to Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White Lake) Ganesh Himal Base camp – 6 / 7 hrs walk.

after breakfast we then leave the Rajgang Kharka, we continue our trail to Kalo Seto Kunda. The trail is narrow and goes mostly uphill and leveled path somewhere. We walk along the trail covered with forests for a few hours. Towards the ending the trail moves along the land where we rarely find any trees. We will find alpine grass here due to high altitude. The lakes are frozen during winter season. Overnight at Ganesh Himal Base Camp on Camp.

Day 10

Rest day at the Ganesh Himal Base camp.

Today we can simply take a rest or have an excursion in and around Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White Lake). 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. From here we can enjoy the majestic views of Ganesh Himal, Paldor Himal and many others. We just have to enjoy the view as it is last point to go further on. Overnight at Ganesh Himal Base Camp on Camp.

Day 11

Ganesh Himal Base Camp to Rajgang Kharka – 6 / 7 hrs walk.

After early breakfast we start to descent down to Rajgang Kharka as the same way that we came up. Walking on the narrow path where we will find alpine grass on both sides. Today we have to walk for about six to seven hours. Overnight at Rajgang Kharka on Camp.

Day 12

Rajgang Kharka to Shertung (2000 m) – 6 / 7 hrs walk.

Leaving Rajgang Kharka, we continue our walk up to Chalise. The trail moves downhill all the way to Shertung. While trekking we pass forests till Hindung and after crossing it we find a few Tamang settlement. Shertung is the most friendliest and hospitable village of the area. Overnight at Shertung on Camp.

Day 13

Shertung to Jharlang – 7 / 8 hrs walk.

Today’s early part of our trail is gently up until we arrive at small ridge. From here, we can enjoy spectacular view of Ganesh Himal, farming terraces to the village down below, waterfall and several villages at a distance. Now, we climb down to the ridge and cross farming terraces and local villages. After we take lunch at Borang, our trail turns downhill and uphill respectively to Jharlang. It can be best described as Tamang village with its mixed culture. Overnight at Jharlang on Camp.

Day 14

Jharlang to Darkha – 7 / 8 hrs walk.

Starting the trek from Jharlang we walk through gently ascent path with the views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu. Our trail passes through beautiful Forest, waterfall, farming terraces and villages. Darkha is the first Brahmin village on this trek. From here we can enjoy the view of Aankhu Khola (stream) at some distance. Overnight at Darkha on Camp.

Day 15

Darkha to Khahare Bazaar – 7 / 8 hrs walk.

Today is the last day of walk, so on this day of our trek we descend up to Darkha Phedi. Then our route moves along the river bank until we reach Khahare Bazar. The Khahare Bazaar is a big market with lodges, tea shops, school, hospital etc. This place is famous for magnificent views of farming terraces. After walking about seven to eight hours we reach Khahare Bazaar and enjoy our last days. Overnight at Khahare Bazaar in Lodge.

Day 16

Drive from Khahare Bazaar to Kathmandu by bus /private vehicle – 7 / 8 hrs drive.

After breakfast we drive from Khahare Bazaar to Trishuli Bazaar and then to Kathmandu. The road till Dhading besi moves through unpaved road and then we drive along the well paved highway road until we reach Kathmandu. The drive can be the smooth and romantic with scenic views of rivers, hills, terraces, forests and villages.

Day 17

Free day in Kathmandu.

A leisure day in Kathmandu which can used for an early morning mountain flights to Everest or can extended into further more tours to Chitwan, Lumbini etc. Further adventure activities like rock climbing, hiking, biking around the Kathmandu valley with bungee jumping, rafting near the valleys can be done on this free day. (This is also spare day in case of cancellation of flights) (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 18

Final Departure

Our representative will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. (Breakfast included)

Gear List

Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen about safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items:

Fleece jacket or warm jumper	Thermal shirts/underwear	Nightwear thermals
Fleece/sweatpants	Day-wear shirt/rain pants	Trekking pants
Wind pants	Warm hat/balaclava	Neck gaiter
Sunhat	Warm hat	Sunglasses
Mittens/gloves	Water bottle	Torch / Flashlight
Quick drier Towel	Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen 35++
Water purification	A set of Earplugs	Trekking Poles
Hiking Boots	Socks	First aid kit
Antiseptics	Camera and video camera

Medical

Betadine / Dettol.	Hand-plaster	Bandage
Eye drop.	Eardrop	Sinex.
Gauge	Cotton	Move / Spray
Digene	Diamox	D-Cold
Vicks	Paracetamol	Medicine for diarrhea
Medicine for a toothache