The Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek is a popular trek in Nepal that takes you through the beautiful Ganesh Himal region. The trek offers spectacular views of the mountains such as the Ganesh Himal ranges, Langtang, and Manaslu. Experience the culture and way of life of the local Tamang natives which is new and unique to many trekkers.
The trek starts from Sole Bazaar and we get there from Kathmandu by taking a public vehicle ride. From Sole Bazaar, follow an off-beat but well-marked trail through small villages and forests, passing by waterfalls and streams along the way. Make your way towards the base camp, the scenery becomes more and more dramatic, with towering peaks all around. The base camp itself is located at an altitude of around 3774m which offers wonderful panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal ranges.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Sole Bazaar (650 m) 6/7 hours
Day 03: Trek to Satdobate (1250 m) 5/6 hours
Day 04: Trek to Balche (1930 m) 5/6 hours
Day 05: Trek to Gonga (2900 m) 6/7 hours
Day 06: Trek to Rupche Kharka (3600 m) 5/6 hours
Day 07: Trek to Mangchet Kharka (3540 m) 6/7 hours
Day 08: Trek to Pangsang Bhanjyang (3830 m) 6/7 hours
Day 09: Trek to Chalise (2000 m) 6/7 hours
Day 10: Trek to Hindung (2420 m) 5/6 hours
Day 11: Trek to Rajgang Kharka (2700 m) 5/6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Ganesh Himal base camp (3774 m) 5/6 hours
Day 13: Trek to Chalise (2000 m) 7/8 hours
Day 14: Trek to Jharlang (1700 m) 7/8 hours
Day 15: Trek to Darkha Gaun (1250 m) 6/7 hours
Day 16: Trek to Khahare Bazaar (685 m) 6/7 hours
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu (1350 m) 8 hours by local bus
Day 18: Final Departure
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International airport, the representative of Destination Himalaya treks gives you warm welcome in the adventurous Himalayan country Nepal. Then, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Enjoying the views of green forests, snowy mountains, terraced fields, flowing rivers, and small villages take a local bus ride along with a guide to Sole Bazaar. Overnight stay.
The trek commences traversing a bridge over Salankhu Khola and climbing uphill to Chapo danda adoring the surrounding terraced fields. Keep on ascending and arrive at Satdobate for an overnight stay.
Pass through several old villages, flowing streams, and watermills on the trail route. Then, ascend for a few hours to reach Balche and get a sight of prayer flags on the top. Overnight stay.
Walk on a forested trail of rhododendron and cross grassland with a sight of animals grazing. Jeep on walking until one reaches Gonga. A beautiful small village with typical houses. Overnight stay.
Pass through the beautiful forests of fir and rhododendron and traverse Mimatashi Kharka. Then, continue to ascend admiring the peaceful trail walks, and arrive at Rupche Kharka. Overnight stay.
Walk on ascending trail and then again on a descending trail through forested trails of rhododendron, and pine trees. In the vicinity, admire the view of snow-capped mountains. Arrive at Mangchet Kharka for an overnight stay.
This trail also consists of several ascends and descends. Enjoy the mountain vistas such as Ganesh, Manaslu, Paldor Peak, and Langtang. With these views, reach Pangsang Bhanjyang. Overnight stay.
The trek is mixed with ascending and descending trails. Pass through bamboo, pine, and rhododendron forest and reach Tipling. Witness their terraced fields with different crops such as barley, buckwheat, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables. Then, descend from there and cross a bridge. One last ascend to reach Chalise. Overnight stay.
Walk on a descending trail and traverse a bridge over Menchet Khola. Then, from there ascend the trail and pass Tamang villages. Pass through terraced fields, and Mani walls, with the views of mountains in the backdrop. Arrive at Hindung which is the last village before the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. From here onwards, no teahouses and tents are the only means of accommodation. Overnight stay.
The trek begins with an uphill climb through a rhododendron forest. Walk on the trail enjoying the remoteness of the trail and admiring the real beauty of this region. Set up a tent for an overnight stay.
The most exciting day as Ganesh Himal Base Camp is our destination. Pass through a forested trail through a narrow valley and keep on ascending. Enjoy the surrounding views and finally reach Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Admire the views of Ganesh Himal, Paldor Peak, and other snow-capped mountains which are very fabulous. Also, explore around sacred black and white ponds. Set a tent for an overnight stay.
Walk downhill passing through forested trails and Tamang villages. Reach Chalise for an overnight stay.
Walk on the trails climbing uphill and then again walking downhill passing through terraced fields. Pass Borlang village and walk downhill and again climb uphill to arrive at Jharlang. Overnight stay.
Ascend on the trails adoring the views of Ganesh Himal and passing the green forests, terraced fields, and small villages. Arrive at Darkha Gaun for an overnight stay.
An easy trek walking downhill passing small villages and forests to reach Khahare Bazaar. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, take a public bus ride and drive to Kathmandu enjoying the beautiful scenery on the way. Transfer to the hotel upon reaching Kathmandu. Overnight stay.
You are escorted to the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at least three hours before your scheduled international flight. We hope that this trip has created a fond memory of this amazing Himalayan nation and you have the urge to come again to this beautiful nation.
Accommodation
During the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek, teahouses or guesthouses are the means of accommodation that are basic but comfortable. The room with an attached bathroom in the lower regions and room sharing at the peak seasons and in the higher regions. One must pay an extra charge for the use of Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, hot water buckets, and laundry. Only at the base camp and Rajgang Kharka accommodation is the tenting camps.
Meals
The 3-course full meals are served during the entire trek in the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. The meals are simple but with good energy portions for the trekkers to trek. Nepali Dal-Bhat is a good energy source for trekkers. Besides this, noodles, soups, fresh green vegetables, hot tea, etc. are served. It is always a good idea to carry some light snacks and choco bars with you. At the tent camps, the cook prepares healthy meals for the trekkers.
Drinking water
Drinking water in the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek is easily available. One can fill up the water at the water taps, or teahouses paying an extra amount, or purchase bottled water. It is convenient to carry a water bottle and water purifying kits for safety.
Communication
The internet connectivity and phone networks are stable in most parts of the lower regions whereas it is hard to find the networks in the higher region. For the use of Wi-Fi, pay an additional charge at the teahouses or purchase a local sim with a data pack. And for emergencies, there is a satellite phone facility.
Transport
The Ganesh Himal region is located just north of Kathmandu, and the best way to get there is to take a bus or private jeep from Kathmandu to Sole Bazaar. The bus fare cost is cheaper compared to a private jeep fare cost which is slightly higher than a local bus. If one wants a comfortable ride, opt for a jeep ride.
Starting and Ending points
The Ganesh Himal trek starts from Sole Bazaar and ends in Khahare Bazaar.
Best Time to trek
The best time to go on a trek in the Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek is from March to May (Spring Season) and from September to November (Autumn season). During this time, the weather is dry and the skies are clear. The rainy season (June-July) is quite riskier as the trails are muddy and slippery. During the winter (December to February), this region gets very cold, and snow covers the higher parts of the trek. Many of the guesthouses actually close up for the winter and re-open in late February to March. However, it is possible to trek the Ganesh Himal region on the fringe of the season in late February/early March and it can be quite beautiful with snow cover.
Required Permits & its cost
1. Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
2. Langtang National Park (LNP)
Travel Insurance
Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek is mostly remote with off-beat and rough trails. Travel Insurance is very essential for this region. Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travelers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.
Safety and our guides
We assure you 100% when it comes to safety. Our client’s safety is our main concern. Our guides are certified and well-trained with years of expertise in this field. They are technically competent and have excelled in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first-aid kits. For the safety of our trekkers, the itinerary is properly scheduled and acclimatization rest days are properly set up to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. If any queries concerning safety, feel free to share them with our guides. We are always there for your services.
Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek is moderately difficult. The trails are least developed, off-beat, and rough. There are several ascend and descend which makes it tougher for trekkers to trek. Besides this, high elevations, change in climate, and unavailability of all major facilities are other factors that make this trek difficult. But, with proper planning and assistance before the start of the trek, this trek is possible. We recommend you participate in exercises, day hikes, and physical training months before starting the trek. Also, take necessary health tests before trekking to high altitudes. You can completely trust our assistance and guidelines throughout the trekking journey.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
Acclimatization rest is necessary during trekking. So, acclimatize properly in between the treks upon reaching the daily destinations. Do some short hikes and explore nearby places. It helps prevent altitude sickness and adapt to the environment. Altitude sickness in the mountains is normal. It can happen to anyone. By acknowledging its symptoms and with accurate preventive guidelines, altitude sickness can be cured.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting
Extreme: primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness
Preventive Guidelines
Shoes: Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
Accessories: Sunglasses, Ski Goggles, Hats/Caps, Beanie, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Head Lamp, Pocket Knife, Personal Hygiene &Toiletries
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
Medicine Kit: Wash Kit, First-Aid Kit, Blister Repair Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness, Prescribed Medicines (Personal use)
Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, Raincoat, Anti-leech socks
Winter Season: Woolen clothing items (light)
Extras: Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based), Water filters, Insulated cup/flask, Map, Binoculars, Travel Documents, Sewing kit, Cash, Extra batteries, Power bank, Pen, Diary, Book, Reusable (spoon, cup, plate), Reusable bags, Large Waterproof Disposable Bags, Snacks (Choco-bars, Mints, Nuts, Granola Bars)
It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu. You can customize the checklist as a necessity.