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Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek

  • 20 Days
  • Moderate
max-altitude

Max. Altitude

4,200 m
best-season

Best Season

Oct-Dec & Mar-May
activity-icon

Activity

Trekking
start-end

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek

Are you worn out by the usual Annapurna or Everest Base Camp Trek? If so, Life Himalaya trekking offers you the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek, an overlooked mountain journey into an extremely rarely visited area of Nepal encircled by the amazing Himalayas.

Introduced in 2012, the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek connects the Manaslu Conservation Area with Langtang National Park, ultimately guiding you to the base camp lying beneath the majestic Ganesh Himal range.

The mountains are named after the ever-present, most beloved elephant god, Ganesh, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The base camp rises to 4200 m altitude, while it is surrounded by the lush terrain and crowned by four peaks of Ganesh Himal I, II, III, and IV, along with Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Paldor, Fishtail, and many more.

Our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek trail also passes through extraordinary villages like Chalise and Hindung, which are known for extracting precious crystals and ruby stones.

So, it is also sometimes called the Ruby Valley trek that allows you to appreciate Kalo Seto Kunda and Dobra Danda en route. You will also observe the distinct Buddhist culture of Gurung and Tamang, followed by the charming Hindu belief of Brahmins and Chhetris.

Thus, our 20-day Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek epitomizes the essence of a classic Nepal experience where all our senses will be triggered by the amazing nature and culture.

We have designed our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek itinerary with ample time so you can completely immerse yourself in and reflect on the numerous experiences that greet you along the way.

The adventure of our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek starts with your departure from Kathmandu to Samari Bhanjyang. The route will then carry you through Katunje Bazaar, Kintang Phedi, Jharlang, and Chalise.

You will then traverse the remote terrain of Hindung and Rajgang Kharka to reach Ganesh Himal Base Camp. After spending a day at the base camp, you will retreat to Chalise, from where our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek will take you on the Manaslu trail.

Walking past Laba Besi, Manyang Bhanjyang, Majhgaun, and Budathum, you will end your trek at Arughat and drive to Kathmandu. This is a medium-level camping trek suitable for any reasonably fit and motivated backpacker.

Highlights of Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek

  • An odyssey in Kathmandu City for two days
  • A scenic mountain trip at the beginning and end of the journey
  • Meeting with the various ethnic communities of Nepal, such as Tamang, Gurung, Newar, and Chhetri
  • Observe both Hinduism and Buddhism on the trek
  • A memorable night at the Ganesh Himal Base Camp
  • Appreciating the mountain views of Ganesh, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, and many more
  • Kalo Seto Kunda exploration
  • A moderate hiking adventure with camping experience

Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary

day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu

As you start your unique Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek, you will arrive in Kathmandu today. At TIA, the Life Himalaya trekking agency staff will receive you with Khada and take you to your hotel.

After some rest and light refreshment, our trek guide will give you a small overview of our Ganesh Himal base Camp trek itinerary. Later in the evening, we will invite you to enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.
meals

Meals

Welcome Dinner
accommodation

Accomodations

Hotel
transportation

Transportation

Airport to Hotel Transfer

day 02 Sightseeing in Kathmandu

We have planned a day of acclimatization for you today. After your breakfast, our tour guide will take you on a marvelous Kathmandu tour, where you will see the Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath temples.

You will also walk around the narrow alleys of the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Later in the day, with our guide, you will prepare for the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek and make all necessary arrangements regarding your gear and equipment.

Holy Pashupatinath Temple
Holy Pashupatinath Temple

Boudhanath-stupa-Kathmandu

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast
accommodation

Accomodations

Hotel

day 03 Drive from Kathmandu to Samari Bhanjyang, 1250 m, via Trishuli Bazaar, 6 to 7 hours

Today, we will leave Kathmandu to head towards Samari Bhanjyang, a small, very beautiful village surrounded by green hills. At first, we will drive along the Bidur Tokha Road, which will lead us to Nuwakot.

From here on, the road will guide us to Trishuli Bazaar, where we will take a short break for refreshments. Continuing on, the road will eventually turn right, taking us through Thansing, Likhu, and KhaniGaun to Bidur Village.

From this point, we will drive along the Pasang Lhamu Highway, passing through Kalyanpur to finally reach Samari Bhanjyang.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,250 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse
transportation

Transportation

6-7 hours Drive

day 04 Trek from Samari Bhanjyang to Katunje Bazaar, 765 m, 6 to 7 hours

From today, our real hiking adventure begins as we start our descent from Samare Bhanjyang. Our trail will initially go down and then eventually make a U-turn.

The path ahead will take us through the fertile farmlands of several villages until we reach Katunje Bazaar. Admire Ganesh Himal, which looks quite near the village. In the evening, you can explore the market.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

765 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Trek Duration

6-7 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Camp

day 05 Trek from Katunje Bazaar to Kintang Phedi, 655 m, 5 to 6 hours

Our trail today will again be downhill as we leave Katunje to arrive at Lapang Besi. A little while later, our trail will follow the bank of the Ankhu Khola, which is also called the Netrawati River.

A few hours descent and we will be at Kintang Phedi positioned alongside the Ankhu Khola. In the evening, you can do some fishing while enjoying the welcome of the Tamang community and the panorama of the Ganesh Himal.

kintang

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

655 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 06 Trek from Kintang Phedi to Jharlang, 1500 m, 5 to 6 hours

From Kintang Phedi, our path will gradually lead us upward through Borang Village, which is predominantly inhabited by the Tamang people.

We will then continue along the trail beside Pasang Lhamu Highway and pass through the lush fields of several Chhetri and Brahmin villages until we arrive at Jharlang Village in the Dhading district.

This village is also home to the Tamang community, and an incredible place to look at the breathtaking silhouettes of Ganesh I, II, III, IV, Manaslu, Annapurna, Langtang, and Fishtail.

Jharlang

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,500 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 07 Trek from Jharlang to Chalise, 1910 m, 5 to 6 hours

From Jharlang, we will descend along the curving path and reach Adha Khola. The trail here will turn west, leading us to the Tamang Village of Sertung, which is also translated as the Village of Gold. It is also called the Sister Village of Chalise or Chalis Gaon, which is just 100 m down.

Gurung, Tamang, Ghale, and Kami mainly inhabit the village, who will be glad to welcome you with their traditional Ghatu Dance and Lok Dohori songs.

chalise

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,910 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 08 Trek from Chalise to Hindung, 2345 m, 5 to 6 hours

From Chalise, we will make our way down to Khar Khola and then gently ascend for around an hour along the ridge of the Pasabar Danda. Watch the Triveni River calmly flowing below, which is equally holy to Hindus and Buddhists.

From the Pasabar ridge, we will keep on ascending uphill to a small pasture of Kalbarang. Then, climbing through the thick forest, we will reach Hindung Village, home to a large community of Tamang people.

The north side of the village is known for extracting rubies, crystals, and Yarsagumba.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

2,345 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 09 Trek from Hindung to Rajgang Kharka, 3780 m, 5 to 6 hours

Today is just an uphill hike featuring no villages en route, so we will have to pack our lunches for the trail.

The trail will move upward through lush rhododendron and the indigenous vegetation forest of Thulo Dhunga till we arrive at a very secluded but lovely and calm atmosphere of the Rajgang Kharka, which is used as a grazing ground by local inhabitants for their livestock.

Setting up the camp and resting beside the marvelous Ganesh Himal range will make our evening truly enticing.

Rajganj-Kharka

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

3,780 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 10 Trek from Rajgang Kharka to Ganesh Himal Base Camp, 4200 m, 7 to 8 hours

Today, we will be reaching the main attraction and goal of our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek, the base camp of the sacred Ganesh Peak itself.

After we leave Rajgang Kharka, our trail will run through the forest, which slowly turns into alpine grasslands. The steeper, narrow trail will shortly lead us beside the shore of the two sacred and religious lakes called Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White Lakes).

The Kalo Kunda is strewn with black, smooth-surfaced stones, while the Seto Kunda is adorned with white, luminous stones. These two lakes hold immense significance for the Hindu believers.

The trail will become narrower and steeper as we ascend to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, encircled by Ganesh I, II, III, IV, Langtang, Paldor, and Manaslu.

gate on the way to ganesh himalganesh-himal

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

4,200 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

7-8hrs
accommodation

Accomodations

Camp

day 11 Rest Day at Ganesh Himal Base Camp

Today, we have a splendid opportunity to spend a serene day beneath the majestic Ganesh Himal range. We will explore the Kalo and Seto Kunda, which are said to contain mystical energy.

We may also take a hike to the northeast ridge called Dobra Danda to see the Ganesh Peaks more closely and the reflective images of the mountains on the glassy surface of the lakes.

ganesh himal camp

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

3,773 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
accommodation

Accomodations

Camp

day 12 Trek from Ganesh Himal Base Camp to Rajgang Kharka, 3780 m, 6 to 7 hours

After enjoying the best morning of our lives, we will gather our tents and start walking downhill. We will reach a river which we have to cross and then ascend for around 3.5 hours to reach the lonely ground of Rajgang Kharka.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

3,780 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

6-7 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 13 Trek from Rajgang Kharka to Chalise, 1910 m, 7 to 8 hours

The route leading us back to Chalise will guide us once again through the familiar surroundings of Thulo Dhunga and Hindung. We will then ascend the Pasabar Ridge once more and reach Chalise for our overnight rest.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,910 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

7-8 hrs
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 14 Trek from Chalise to Laba Besi, 1850 m, 6 to 7 hours

From Chalise, we will follow the downstream trail that will lead us to Neber Gaon and continue hiking beside the riverbank. The trail will then ascend through the deep forest, guiding us to Tatopani (Hot Water).

We will now have to ascend the stone stairs constructed by the British Gurkha and Kadoorie Agri Aid Association, after which we will walk through Tir, Racyat, and Kapur Villages.

Ankhu Khola will greet us again, eventually directing us to Laba Besi, another larger Tamang Community in the area.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,850 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

6-7 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 15 Trek from Laba Besi to Manyang Bhanjyang, 2934 m, 5 to 6 hours

From Laba Besi, the wooded trail will guide us up through Khading Village to Manyang Bhanjyang. This is an almost 3000 m ridge, which is also called the Mane Bhanjyang, an exciting location to see the entire Ganesh Himal range.

ganesh himal trek

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

2,934 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 16 Trek from Manyang Bhanjyang to Majhgaun, 2200 m, 5 to 6 hours

From Manyang Bhanjyang, we will steadily trek down through the forest trail. After some time, the trail will dramatically take us downhill toward Majhgaun.

En route, the Buddha and Manaslu Peaks will glimmer in the distance, making our journey more enjoyable. The Gurung and Tamang people will again welcome us with their incredible hospitality.

ganesh himal mountain view

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

2,200 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 17 Trek from Majhgaun to Budathum, 750 m, 5 to 6 hours

We are now slowly returning to the busy life of the city after several days of an emotionally enriching experience in our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek. Our trek today will be mainly downstream, which will lead us through numerous forest paths to reach Budatham Village.

This village is a small and less developed ward of Gangajamuna Gaupalika of the Dhading District, which is mainly inhabited by the Newar community.

beautiful village from the way to ganesh himal trek

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

750 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Guesthouse

day 18 Trek from Budathum to Arughat Bazaar, 1000 m, 2 hours, and drive to Kathmandu, 4 to 5 hours

Today is our final hiking day as planned by our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek itinerary. For about two hours, we will have to descend on foot from Budathum to reach Arughat Bazaar of Budhi Gandaki Village.

En route, we will cross the beautiful Mampang Khola and hike downstream through Sauli Bazar, Baseri, and Karki Gaon to arrive at Arughat Bazaar.

We will now get in our vehicle and drive through the scenic routes of Dhading Besi, Trishuli, Malekhu, Naubise, and Thankot to get to the comforts of Kathmandu.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

2-3 hours Trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Hotel
transportation

Transportation

4-5 hours Drive

day 19 Free day at Kathmandu

Congratulations! You have successfully finished your Ganesh Himal Base Camp remote trek. Now, take the time to enjoy your day in Kathmandu. Treat yourself to a soothing massage, or go out to explore Patan and Bhaktapur.

bhaktapur

Kathmandu-valley

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast
accommodation

Accomodations

Hotel

day 20 Final Departure

Today, we will take you to TIA and send you off with wishes that you have a safe return home.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast
transportation

Transportation

Hotel to Airport Transfer

What's Included

  • All ground and air transportation throughout the trek.
  • Best available accommodation and full board meals throughout the trek.
  • One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
  • All national park and conservation areas permit fee.
  • Government taxes & office service charge

What's Excluded

  • Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa charge.
  • All beverage and others personal expenses.
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the trek.
  • Personal trekking equipment’s.

Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek - Essential Information

Best Season

Due to the moderate elevation and short duration, the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek has become an anytime trek of Nepal, preferable in any season.

However, the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) will bless you with the true beauty of nature on the trek.

Green and pink shades of spring and orange and brown shades of autumn decorate the terrain of the Ganesh Himal region with pleasant temperatures between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius.

Winter(December-February) freezes the Kalo Seto Kunda while summer(June-August) obscures the sky with dark clouds.

Difficulty Grade

Our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek is a category II medium-level mountain trekking adventure in Nepal, with a maximum elevation of 4200 m.

The trekking route features moderate ascents and descents, which also include river crossings and ridge climbs. However, the majority of the trail passes through forests and terraced fields of local villages, which is relatively simple to trek.

The average daily hike is also around five hours most of the time. The risk of altitude sickness in our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek is also low, but the real challenge comes from the lack of amenities and comfortable tea houses such as those found on the Annapurna and Everest trails.

Therefore, a positive mindset, strong determination, willpower, and, of course, good health and physical condition are essential for our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek.

Is Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek accessible for Beginners?

The Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek is not overly challenging; thus, it is accessible to anyone who has some experience hiking in mountainous terrain.

Even if you are new to mountain hiking, our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek itinerary accommodates people of all ages, provided you are in excellent physical condition, as the journey involves hiking for several hours each day.

The trail is also frequently uphill and at high elevations, where you will have to breathe the thin air. Therefore, the real obstacle of our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek is the altitude and exhaustion.

Additionally, the remoteness of the trail and the absence of comfortable lodges add another challenge. You will spend 14 nights in tents from Katunje Bazaar to Budathum.

You will also have to understand that cell phone reception during the trek may be weak or completely unavailable in certain areas along the trail.

Therefore, you must be willing to give away your connection with the digital world and comfort.

Likewise, if you have joint issues, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and circulatory issues, then please reconsider your participation in our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek and talk with your doctor.

Altitude Sickness/Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS and Acclimatization

The greatest risk of any high-elevation mountain trek is the AMS. This illness is caused by the deprivation of oxygen and air pressure at high elevations.

Therefore, the AMS can occur in our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek as well, which symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, or a loss of appetite.

In more severe cases, it can also result in shortness of breath, confusion, and disorientation. Therefore, please talk to your doctor before you depart for our 20 days Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek and check if you can take medications like Diamox to fight AMS.

If you notice even a single symptom of AMS, please inform our Sherpa guide immediately, who will handle the situation efficiently. If you want the quick remedy, it is better to descend and rest right away.

To prevent AMS, it is best to ascend slowly and complete the acclimatization process that we have suggested in our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek itinerary.

Also, stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, take sufficient breaks, and listen to your Sherpa guide.

Preparation for the 20 Days Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek

Like other high-altitude trekking destinations, our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek also necessitates good physical and mental conditioning, for which you must train three months before your departure date arrives.

You can walk around 7 to 10 km a day three times a week. You should also focus on cardiovascular training to help your heart efficiently pump oxygen under stress.

If it is possible, you should go hiking in the mountains at an elevation of at least 3000 m. You should also engage in cycling, running, swimming, and stair climbing.

With regard to the mental preparation, build up a positive attitude, strong willpower, flexibility, and be ready to adjust to any changes made in the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek itinerary by our guide due to weather and the health of group participants.

Also, prepare yourself for a more basic experience, as you will not get the luxury that you may find on the Annapurna or Everest trail.

Alternate Route and Extension Option for Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek

There is a beautiful variety of routes and options available to reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, which is the beauty of the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek.

Depending on your time availability, budget, and the experience you like to have, you can thus choose the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek itinerary accordingly.

Some popular routes to reach Ganesh Himal Base Camp are:

  • Through Gorkha, which is the classic route beginning with a drive to Arughat Bazaar.
  • Through Ruby Valley, which is yet another attractive trail to reach Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
  • Through the Langtang region route, which begins with a drive to Syabrubesi and a trek through Gatlang and Somdang.
  • Through Betrawati, which will take you through the Tamang Villages of the Ganesh region.

Regarding the extension of your Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek, you can consider adding:

Accommodation, Meals, and Transport

For your three nights in Kathmandu, you will sleep in a comfortable 3-star hotel with a double room. Your room will have a personal bathroom, a hot and cold shower, WiFi, and charging facilities.

In Samare Bhanjyang, our guide will find the best available lodge for you, and when camping, we will provide high-quality two-person dome tents. Our team will also establish a separate cooking and toilet tent near your sleeping tent.

Regarding meals, you will have breakfast in Kathmandu and full board meals during the trek. During camping, our experienced chef will prepare fresh and hygienic meals for you. Additionally, we will provide tea, coffee, and boiled water.

For transportation, Life Himalaya will only use a luxury private vehicle for your city tour, airport transfers, transport from Kathmandu to Samari Bhanjyang, and transport from Arughat Bazaar back to Kathmandu.

Travel Insurance

Please know that travel insurance is essential and a non-negotiable requirement for our Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek. Your insurance must include coverage for air rescue services up to 4200 m and cover all medical expenses.

Additionally, your insurance should also protect you against any financial losses that may occur due to trek cancellations, delays, baggage loss, theft, and any extra accommodation costs during the trek.

Permits Essential for the Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary

For the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek, only two permits will be essential, which, with their related cost, are:

  • Langtang National Park Permit: NPR 3000 per hiker
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) Card: NPR 2000 per hiker

These fees are already part of our total 20 days Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek package price, and our guide will get these permits for you from the related tourism office.

Upgrade Accommodation in Kathmandu

On our 20-day Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek, we offer you standard tourist accommodation in Kathmandu. However, by adding a few extra dollars, you can upgrade it to four or five-star hotels where you can enjoy high-class amenities during your three-night stay in the capital.

You absolutely deserve this comfort as you will be trekking for several days in the remote Ganesh region, where you will be camping on hard ground under the vastness of the sky.

Please tell us in advance how you like your accommodation in Kathmandu, and we will arrange everything accordingly.

Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek - FAQs

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