Paldor Base Camp is the base camp of Paldor Peak (5903m) in the Ganesh Himal range at an elevation of 4980m. Trekking on this trail also experiences a wide variety of rare wildlife and birds including endangered rare animals like Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Wild Yak, Himali Thar, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, and more than 300 species of birds and natural life in the vicinity of the Langtang National Park.
Ganesh Himal Paldor Base Camp Trek mostly covers Gorkha and reaches the foothill of Paldor Peak. Trekking in this region offers untouched Tamang cultures which are the generation of Tibetan ancestors. A pleasant view of Ganga Jamuna Waterfall which is sacred for Hindus gives an unforgettable experience while trekking. The Temple of Tripura Sundari is also in the same region, the deity is offered different sacrificial animals to make the wish fulfilled. Monasteries and chörtens give spiritual insight during the trek. The region is cultivated by Tamang, Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, and Brahmin ethnic groups which visitors can explore while trekking through the settlements. The life and activities of hillside people are interesting for the visitors which vary from settlement to settlement.
Ganesh Himal Paldor Base Camp Trek in the Ganesh Himal region is an adventure package designed by Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition to offer a unique area adventure trek. Trekking in the Ganesh Himal region can be performed by a healthy, independent, and physically fit individual.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,460m) by local bus/private vehicle
Day 3: Trek to Gatlang (2,340m) via Goljung 6hrs
Day 4: Trek to Yuri Kharka (3,280m) 5 hrs
Day 5: Trek to Somdang (3,258m) via Khurpu danda Pass (3750m) 5 hrs
Day 6: Trek to Lari (4,868m) 6 hrs
Day 7: Trek to Paldor Base Camp (4,980m) 4 hrs
Day 8: Acclimatization day
Day 9: Trek to Somdang (3,258m) 7 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Narche Kharka (3,800m) 7 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Sertung (3,270m) 7 hrs
Day 12: Trek to Jharlang (1,600m) 7 hrs
Day 13: Trek Khahare Bazaar (720m) 5-6 hrs
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu (1,350 m) 8 hours
Day 15: 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.
The next day dawns with something new on the horizon awaiting us, after an ideal breakfast we drive past the northwestern hills of Kathmandu. As the vehicle briskly speeds across the paved roads, the astounding Himalayan views at the backdrop are wonderful. Local people engaged in their daily activities in their carefully carved terraced farms and fields on the outskirts of their villages are tremendous. Ideally, the journey comes to a short halt at the impressive Trishuli Bazaar for lunch and then we drive towards Syabrubesi via Dhunche. Overnight in Syabrubesi.
Optional: You can also choose to travel in a private jeep.
Walk on a comfortable trail and after some time continue to walk on an uphill trail. Walk past Goljung valley adoring the scenic views of Ganesh Himal ranges in the background. Have lunch here and proceed further to the traditional Tamang village of Gatlang. Pass through beautiful farms, mani walls, and chortens and reach Gatlang for an overnight stay.
Pass through the beautiful forested trails surrounded by diverse trees like fir, juniper, and rhododendron. Walk on the trail with some ascend and descend and some beautiful settlements and arrive at Yuri Kharka. The beautiful landscape surrounded by the greenery of the Yuri Kharka is very attractive. Overnight in Yuri Kharka.
The trek is strenuous as the altitude rises but we maintain the pace and walk slowly enjoying the surroundings. Traverse Khurpu Danda Pass from where get stunning views of Paldor Peak, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and other peaks. From here, a gradual downhill walk passes through the beautiful verdant forest, and picturesque views. Arrive at Somdang for an overnight stay.
Pass through the rhododendron forest and admire the views of Manaslu, Ganesh, and other peaks. Keep on walking and follow the east side of the trail and reach Lari. Witness the amazing views of Paldor Peak. Overnight in Lari.
The walking speed is slow due to the higher altitude. A continuous uphill climb walking on the rocky trail and moraine and reach the Paldor Base Camp. Since the trail is challenging it may take more than 4 hours to reach. Set up a tent camp for an overnight stay.
Take a proper acclimatization rest and we explore Paldor Base Camp. The views of Paldor Peak, and the surroundings Ganesh Himal ranges are breathtaking. Spend the day doing short hikes around and interacting with a guide and other trekkers. Overnight in a tent camp.
After the exploration, it’s time to return. Slowly descend and follow the same trail trek to Somdang. Enjoy the views, and walk on ascending and descending trails to reach Somdang for an overnight stay.
A long day trail but a pleasant trek through different vegetation and enjoying the beautiful landscapes. The trail is abundant with lush green forest towering over the mountains in the backdrop. The scenery throughout the trek is mesmerizing. Admiring all these beauties reach Narche Kharka for an overnight stay.
The trek to Gurung village Sertung is full of amazing terraced landscapes, verdant forests, and green hills in the surroundings on the trail. The trail is a roller coaster walk of downhill and uphill walks passing several settlements. Traverse a suspension bridge and a short ascend from there to arrive at Sertung. Overnight in Sertung.
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 in Jharlang.
Ascend on the trails adoring the views of Ganesh Himal and passing the green forests, terraced fields, and small villages. Arrive at Darkha Gaun and an easy downhill walk passing small villages and forests to reach Khahare Bazaar. Overnight stay in Khahare Bazaar.
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 in a hotel.
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 Paldor 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. Tent camps are the accommodation at the Paldor Base Camp for 2 days.
Meals
The 3-course full meals are served during the entire trek in the Paldor Base Camp trek. 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. Meals are prepared by a cook at the base camp where we set up a tent and a kitchen for an overnight stay.
Drinking water
Drinking water in the Paldor Base Camp trek is easily available. One can fill up the water at the 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 Syabrubesi. The bus fare costs approx. NPR 800-1000. Whereas a private jeep fare costs slightly higher than a local bus. If one wants a comfortable ride, go for a jeep ride.
Starting and Ending points
The Paldor Himal Base Camp trek starts from Syabrubesi and ends in Khahare Bazaar.
Best Time to trek
The best time to go on a trek in the Paldor Base Camp trek is from September to November (Autumn season) and from March to May (Spring 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 close up for the winter and re-open in late February to March. However, it is possible to trek the Paldor Base Camp 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)
Green TIMS (individual trekkers) - USD 20 per person
Blue TIMS (organized group trekkers) - USD 10 per person
Pink TIMS (SAARC individual trekkers) - USD 6 per person
Pink TIMS (SAARC group trekkers) - USD 3 per person
2. Langtang National Park (LNP)
Foreigners- USD 30/person
SAARC- USD 15/person
Travel Insurance
Paldor Base Camp Trek is mostly remote with off-beat and rough trails in the Ganesh Himal region. Travel Insurance is very essential for trekking in 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.
Paldor Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Paldor 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, changes 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. Paldor Base Camp (4,980m) is our acclimatization stop. So, try to properly utilize the acclimatization rest day and 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.