Trekking in the Ganesh Himal massif

Description

With its remote trail, untouched by modernization and rich in ancient cultures, traditions and ways of life, the Ganesh Himal trek is a challenging but highly recommended itinerary for adventure seekers. Named after the legendary elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh, Ganesh Himal is the most spectacular of Kathmandu's nearby mountains.

For those who want to explore a remote trekking itinerary with a thrilling twist, the Ganesh Himal trek is undoubtedly the one for you! Passing through enigmatic villages and dense forests, we experience the natural beauty of the region.

This trek takes place in the Gorkha district of northern Nepal. You'll discover a small, independent state that was at the origin of the unification of today's Nepal. Here, you'll meet the locals and learn about the region's typical cultures, before moving on to some sparsely populated wilderness.

After a 3-day hike, you'll reach the Dharche viewpoint (3200m) and cross the Singla pass (4000m), which offers superb panoramic views of high peaks such as Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Annapurna...

I also offer other tours in this Manaslu region: the Manaslu balconies, the great tour of  Manaslu, a trek from Laprak to Darche Hill and, a little further afield, this hike in the Ruby valley.

Program

D1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel where you spend the night.

D2: Kathmandu.
Free day or dedicated to the visit of Bodnath, Pashupatinath or Kathmandu.

D3: Gorkha - Kalikasthan (1320m).
It was in Gorkha that the unification movement of Nepal was born. Divided into about fifty principalities until the beginning of the 18^th century, the creation of Nepal was initiated by King Prithivi Narayan Shah. After arriving in Gorkha, you leave the city direction Kalikasthan where you bivouac near the old royal palace.
About 5 to 6 hours bus trip and 1 hour of walking, positive altitude difference: 200 meters.

D4: Kalikasthan - Gairigoan (1150m).
The easy path passes through many Brahman and Chhetris villages during short climbs and descents. The inhabitants cultivate millet, corn, oranges, potatoes.
About 6 to 7 hours of walking, D+: 50m, D-: 220m.

D5: Gairigoan - Thala (1910m).
You climb gradually by walking on the ridge. You go through Gurung and Magar villages.
About 6 to 7 hours of walking, D+ 800m, D-: 50m.

D6: Thala - Darche Pass (3224m) - Sambai (Nambai) (2925m).
The trail climbs in the forests of rhododendrons and you pass the Darche Pass at 3200 meters. From here you will have a wonderful panoramic view of the Himal Buddha, Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and the Annapurna range. Then you go down towards the Gurung village of Laprak which is on a mountainside.
About 6 to 7 hours of walking, D+: 1300m.

D7: Sambai - Laprak (2200m).
The trail passes through the meadows to the village of Laprak. In this village you can see many terraces of potatoes. Afternoon dedicated to the visit of the village, the way of life and the particular traditions of the Gurungs of this region. There are nearly 3500 inhabitants in this large village of 650 houses, and they are mainly farmers. The life of the Laprakis is rough and the standard of living is not very high. The religion practiced, despite the Hindu influence, remains very Buddhist. The barter system is still practiced a lot (rice, oil, clothing, skins, etc).
About 4 to 5 hours of walking, D-: 720m.

D8: Laprak - Machekhola (1200m).
You cross Gurung villages: Gumda, Yam Gaon and Lapsibot. From Lapsibot to Machhekhola, the trail descends and you can admire the beautiful view of the Ganesh Himal.
About 6 to 7 hours of walking, D+: 50m, D-: 1050m.

D9: Machekhola - Kashigoan (1930m).
After crossing the suspension bridge of Machekhola, you walk for about 20 minutes to the Budi Gandaki valley before embarking on a steep climb that will last the day and offer you an unforgettable view of the Himalayas.
About 5 to 6 hours of walking, D+: 750m.

D10: Kashigoan - Singhu Kharka (2321m).
You walk on the flat through the Gurungs villages. After lunch, the path continues in a forest of bamboo and rhododendrons. The course presents some difficulties with many climbs and descents.
Bivouac in the forest, about 5 to 6 hours of walking, D+: 500m, D-: 100m.

D11: Singhu Kharka - Bangsher Kharka (2438m).
You climb to the Manken pass before descending gradually, then the trail climbs back to Khading. You can see the Singla pass from the pass, the Ganesh Himal and the valley. The path is steep making the descent difficult. With a little luck you will see some wild animals.
Bivouac above the village of Khading, about 5 to 6 hours of walking, D+: 400m, D-: 250m.

D12: Bangsher Kharka - Burang Kharka (2200m).
You descend through meadows to the Anghu river. Then you resume your ascent to Burang.
About 6 to 7 hours of walking, D+: 700m, D-: 950m.

D13: Burang Kharka - Singla Base Camp (3638m).
You climb in the heart of a forest of pines and rhododendrons, then enjoy a magnificent view of the Himalayan range. At the end of the day, you reach the bivouac after a gradual climb.
About 5 hours of walking, D+: 1450m.

D14: Singla base camp - Sing La pass (4040m) - Malmitchet Kharka (3400m).
The day starts with a climb to the ridge to Sing La pass (4040m) where you contemplate a superb panoramic view of the Himal Buddha, Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal... then descend to Malmichet Kharka which is on the mountainside.
About 5 to 6 hours of walking, D+: 400m, D-: 650m.

D15: Malmitchet Kharka - Kipsang Gaon (1780m).
You descend to Ganga Bhanjyang through a forest of pines and rhododendrons before progressing in the jungle (rhododendrons, pines and bamboos). In the afternoon, you continue downhill through fields of corn and millet to Kipsang Gaon.
Camping near the village, about 6 to 7 hours of walking, D-: 1600m.

D16: Kispang Gaon - Bedrawati - Kathmandu.
Gradual descent to Satdobato. You cross Tamang villages and continue your walk through fields of corn and millet to find, below, the rice fields. Lunch by the river before heading back to Kathmandu.
About 3 to 4 hours of walking then 3 to 4 hours of bus, D-: 700m, night at the hotel.

The price includes

• Supervision by the experienced guide.
• Airport / hotel / airport transfers.
• Kathmandu /Gorkha trip in private bus.
• Bedrawati / Kathmandu trip in local bus.
• 13 trekking days with full board accomodation in lodge, every meal with tea or coffee and on the 14^th day, lunch during the trip Bedrawati/ Kathmandu is included (except drinks).
• Camping equipment (tents, mess tent, toilet tent, pads, tables, seats, cooking material, etc).
• Trekking permit for Langtang National Park.
• License for conservation of Shivapuri National Park.
• TIMS card (Trekking Information Management Service).
• An assistant guide depending on the size of the group.
• A cook and cook assistants.
• 1 porter for 2 participants (in accordance with the regulations of the Union of Nepalese Porters, a porter carrying a maximum of 20kg, you will have to hire an additional porter if your luggage exceeds 10kg).
• Insurance for the Nepalese team.

The price does not include

• Meals in Kathmandu.
• Hotel in Kathmandu.
• International flight.
• Personal equipment (sleeping bag, hiking poles, water bottle, backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen).
• Personal insurance (mandatory: check that your insurance covers you in case of accident, ie all medical expenses, the cost of a helicopter evacuation and repatriation to return home).
• Drinks.
• Entry visa to Nepal (check that your passport is valid for another 6 months after your return date).
• Transport for the visits in Kathmandu.
• Fees in the city (museum, monument, monastery).
• Costs caused by exceptional events (road cut, landslide, general strike, bad weather, snow) that can not be expected.
• Tips.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Any trip interrupted or abridged, any change of program at the request of the participants (accident, illness, mountain sickness, early return, trek abbreviated) can not give rise to any refund.

Accommodation

• In the tent during the trekking.

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