The Ganesh Himal Base Camp 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, and mountains in Tibet. This is truly an under-explored delight of a trekking route in Nepal.
Highlights of the Ganesh Himal Base Camp 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 Base Camp 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 to Ghatlang, one of the nice settlements. 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 the Rasuwa and Dhading districts of central Nepal. The views of the Ganesh Range and Mt Manaslu (8156m) from here, however, make 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 a basic rural homestay is available in certain places.
Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek short itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Gatlang via 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.
