Ganja La Pass Trek
Mountain Hawk Trek
Langtang RegionStrenuous

Ganja La PassTrek

Cross the technical Ganja La Pass (5,122m) from the Langtang Valley into Helambu. Glacier crossing with crampons and fixed ropes, Kyanjin Gompa base, and descent through Hyolmo villages. 13 days, from USD 1,675.

View Itinerary
13
DaysTotal trek duration
5130m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Autumn · Spring
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$1,675
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Ganja La Pass at 5,122m is one of the few trekking passes in the Langtang region that requires technical gear. The glacier on the northern approach demands crampons and fixed ropes. The crossing is genuine mountaineering, not a walk-up pass like Thorong La or Cho La.

The Helambu descent from the pass drops through alpine meadows into dense forest and Hyolmo villages. The cultural contrast with the Tamang settlements in Langtang is immediate. Hyolmo houses have carved wooden windows and balconies with mountain views.

The high camp above Kyanjin Gompa offers views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Gangchempo, and the Jugal Himal. The isolation above the valley floor, with the pass visible above, is a highlight for experienced trekkers.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Ganja La Pass Trek is a 13-day route crossing the technical Ganja La Pass (5,122m) from the Langtang Valley into the Helambu region. The pass requires glacier crossing with crampons and fixed ropes, making this the most demanding trek in the Langtang area. The route follows the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa, then climbs northeast to the pass before descending through Helambu villages.

The Ganja La crossing itself takes two days: a camping day at a high camp above Kyanjin Gompa, then the pass crossing the following morning. The northern side is steep scree and glacier. Fixed ropes are placed by your guide team. Crampons and harnesses are required. The southern descent drops steeply into the Helambu valley.

Permits: Langtang National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, both included.

For the Langtang Valley without the technical pass, the Langtang Valley Trek reaches Kyanjin Gompa in 11 days (Easy). For a non-technical crossing to Helambu via sacred lakes, the Gosaikunda Pass Trek crosses Laurebina Pass (4,610m) in 17 days.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
5,130m4,184m3,238m2,291m1,345mKathmanduSyabru BensiLama HotelTsherko RiGanjalaTarkeghyangKathmandu5,130m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

13 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Drive to Syabrubesi

Syabrubesi

Drive to Syabrubesi (1,400 m), approximately 8 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,400m8h trekTeahouse55m
Day04

Trek to Lama Hotel

Lama Hotel

Trek to Lama Hotel (2,400 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,400m6h trekTeahouse1,000m
Day05

Trek to Langtang Village

Langtang Village

Trek to Langtang Village (3,200 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,200m5h trekTeahouse800m
Day06

Trek to Kyanjin Gompa

Kyanjin Gompa

Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,950 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,950m5h trekTeahouse750m
Day07

Acclimatization & Tserko Ri Hike

Kyanjin Gompa

Acclimatization day in Kyanjin Gompa. Optional hikes to Langsisa Kharka, Langtang Lirung Glacier, or Tserko Ri (5,000 m). Overnight at teahouse.

3,950mTeahouse
Day08

Trek to Ganja La Base Camp

Ganja La Base Camp

Trek to Ganja La Base Camp (4,000 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,000m4h trekTented Camp50m
Day09

Cross Ganja La Pass to Keldang

Keldang

Cross Ganja La Pass (5,130 m) and descend to Keldang, approximately 8 hours. This day is comparatively strenuous, as the pass is usually covered in snow and ice for most of the year. Overnight at tented camp.

8h trekTented Camp
Day10

Trek to Dhukpu

Dhukpu

Trek to Dhukpu (4,000 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,000m6h trekTeahouse
Day11

Trek to Tarkeghyang

Tarkeghyang

Trek to Tarkeghyang (2,200 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,200m6h trekTeahouse1,800m
Day12

Drive to Kathmandu

Melamchi Pul Bazaar

Drive back to kathmandu by Jeep.

1,345m5h trekTeahouse855m
Day13

Departure

Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
1 Pax to 10 Pax
USD 1,275per person
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

10

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights), breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and twin-sharing accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, a cook, and the required number of porters, including their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Langtang National Park and Shivapuri National Park permits, and all other necessary permits.

Surface transfer from Kathmandu.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge and VAT.

Not Included

9

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected).

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

Official expense : US$60 per person per night for Single room and US$ 35 per person per night for double(twin sharing) room if you need extra accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

The only technical glacier pass in the Langtang region. Crampons, fixed ropes, and genuine mountaineering on a trek.

Thrill

Connects two distinct cultural regions: Tamang Langtang and Hyolmo Helambu in one crossing.

Connection

Far fewer trekkers than any other Langtang route. You may be the only group on the pass.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You are an experienced trekker seeking a technical challenge beyond standard teahouse routes.

You can walk 6 to 8 hours a day with glacier crossing skills. Crampon use is required at the pass.

Prior experience above 5,000m is strongly recommended. The pass at 5,122m is the highest point.

You are comfortable with one night of camping above Kyanjin Gompa before the crossing.

Budget is USD 1,675. The premium reflects camping gear, fixed ropes, and technical guide support.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

26 items

Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)

Daypack

Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)

Hiking pants

Waterproof jacket

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

wool socks

Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)

windproof pants

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Personal towel

Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them. Other Related Destinations

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
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Trail Stories

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