Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Situated to the northwest of Kathmandu lies the enchanting Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek, renowned for its proximity and breathtaking vistas in the Himalayas. Named after the revered Hindu deity Ganesh, the silhouette of Ganesh I peak resembles the majestic head of an elephant when observed up close. Embark on a captivating journey to the foothills of the Ganesh Himal range, a collection of nearly 20 peaks adorning the western flank of the Manaslu Himalayas. Trekking through untouched wilderness, the trail meanders through verdant forests teeming with life. During the vibrant Spring and Autumn seasons, the forest comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and the sweet fragrance of Berberis, Primula, Orchids, Jasmine, and an array of ferns. Marvel at the grandeur of Ganesh I (7422m) and its neighboring peaks, alongside glaciers, ravines, and natural hot springs. The region is renowned for its precious natural treasures, including rubies and rare herbal and medicinal plants. Inhabited predominantly by the Tamang ethnic group, who lead a pastoral lifestyle in the highlands, the area is dotted with numerous temples, monasteries, and cultural festivals that offer insight into the age-old traditions and myths of this community.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Samari Bhanjyang(1250m.) via Trishuli Bazaar (540m.) by bus. — Food Breakfast Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1250 Depart Kathmandu early morning for a 7-hour drive to the hill town of Sole Bazaar. Today you trace the route taken by King Prithvi Narayan Shah on his invasion march to Kathmandu over two centuries ago. Prithvi Narayan Shah is considered the founding father of modern Nepal, being the first king to unite all the territories of the present country of Nepal under one ruler. En route you pass through Trisuli Bazaar, a small town that was once the hub for trekking in this region and is home to a small but interesting traditional bazaar. From here you travel along a gravel road until you reach Samari Bhanjyang. This is a picturesque drive as you can see the beautiful scenery of rice terraces, small gorges and green hills. Samari Bhanjyang is a small town and it was a trading place in the past. You camp for the night. Day Day 2: Trek from Samari Bhanjyang to Katunje Bazaar (765m.) takes about six and a half hours. — Food Breakfast Accomodation LODGE Elevation 765 In the beginning you trek along a gradually descending path before your trail turns uphill. Finally you trek through flat land to reach your destination. En route you pass different villages, forests covered with pine and rhododendron, farming terraces, small streams and numerous green hills. There is a small market in Katunje and you can have first glimpse of Ganesh Himal from here. You camp for the night. Day Day 3: Trek from Katunje Bazaar to Kintang Phedi (655m.) takes about five and a half hours. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation LODGE Elevation 655 In the beginning the trail goes downhill till Lapang Besi. Now you walk along the river bank until you reach Kintang Phedi. En route you pass several traditional villages, farming terraces, fishing spot and beautiful green hills. Kintang Phedi lies at the bank of Netrawati or Ankhu Khola (stream). There are few typical houses, shops with minimal supply and terraces where local people grow potatoes and other food grains. You camp for the night. Day Day 4: Trek from Kintang Phedi to Jharlang (1500m.) takes about six hours. — Elevation 1500 All the way you make gradual ascent passing through several villages, farming terraces and green hills. These villages are predominated by Tamangs, Brahmins and Chhetris communities respectively. Maize, millet, rice, wheat, buckwheat and green vegetables are their main staple food. Jharlang is a Tamang village where you find a government school and numerous typical houses. The main occupation of the locals is agriculture. You camp for the night. Day Day 5: Trek from Jharlang to Chalise (2000m.) takes about six hours. — Elevation 2000 The trek takes a climb and then moves through leveled path towards the ending point. While trekking you pass many Tamang villages, Borang and Shertum among the famous Tamang villages. There are schools, health post, chortens and mani walls in these Tamang villages. The main occupation of the people is farming. You camp for the night. Day Day 6: Trek from Chalise to Hindung takes about five hours. — The early part of the trail goes downhill up to Menchet Khola (stream) and after crossing this stream you trek steep up and then gradual up to reach Hindung. This day you pass small Tamang villages, small forests, farming terraces and green hills. Hindung is a pretty big village mainly inhabited by Tamang. The main occupation is farming and the farmers grow potatoes, millet, barley, maize, beans and other vegetables. You find mani walls and prayer flags in some parts of the villages. One thing to be noticed is that it is the last village you pass while trekking to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. You camp for the night. Day Day 7: Trek from Hindung to Rajgang Kharka takes about five and half hours. — After leaving Hindung you will rarely find terraces. The route up to Rajgang Kharka is ascent and flat as well. You walk along the trail covered with forests of rhododendron and local vegetation. These forests are the nestling place of various species of birds and wild animals. Rajgang Kharka is surrounded by beautiful forests and mainly with grassland. Except winter season the local people bring domestic animals especially sheep for grazing. You camp for the night. Day Day 8: Trek from Rajgang Kharka to Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White Lake) Ganesh Himal Base Camp takes about six hours. — The trail is narrow and moves mostly uphill and leveled path somewhere. You walk along the trail covered with forests for few hours. Towards the end the trail moves along the land where you rarely find any trees. You find alpine grass here due to high altitude. At Kalo Seto Kunda there are two lakes of holy significance. During winter season these lakes are frozen. You camp for the night. Day Day 9: Rest day at the Base Camp. You can have an excursion in and around Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White Lake). — From here you can enjoy the majestic views of Ganesh Himal, Paldor Himal and many others. You camp for the night. Day Day 10: Trek from Ganesh Himal Base Camp to Rajgang Kharka and it takes about six hours. — You trek along the descent and narrow path where you find alpine grass on both sides. You camp for the night. Day Day 11: Trek from Rajgang Kharka to Chalise (2000m.) takes about six hours. — Elevation 2000 The trail moves down hill all the way to Chalise. While trekking you pass forests till Hindung and after crossing it you find few Tamang villages. You camp for the night. Day Day 12: Trek from Chalise to Laba village (1750m.) takes about six hours. — Elevation 1750 You trek downhill all the way to Laba Besi and trek uphill to reach Laba village. This day you pass pine forests, Tamang villages, farming terraces, green hills and villages at far distance. Laba is a beautiful Gurung village with its own tradition and culture. You camp for the night. Day Day 13: Trek from Laba village to Manyang Bhanjyang (2934m.) takes about five hours. — Elevation 2934 This day you trek through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests. These forests are the home of various species of birds and wild animals. The trail moves up hill all the way to Manyang Bhanjyang. From here you can see the first glimpse of Ganesh Himal. While trekking you pass Khading village mainly resided by Tamang. Manyang Bhanjyang is a ridge and you find forests and grassland here. This is a perfect place for camping as your camping site is surrounded by rhododendron and oak forests. You camp for the night. Day Day 14: Trek from Manyang Bhanjyang to Majhgaun (2200m.) takes approximately six hours. — Elevation 2200 To reach Majhgaun you have to trek along gradual descent path and after some time steep descent path but again you move downward toward the ending point. On the way you pass forests of rhododendron and oak, villages, farming terraces and green hills. This day you may catch a glimpse of Manaslu range, Buddha peak on a clear weather and other unnamed mountains and peaks. As you enter Majhgaun you will find local people being engaged in farming. You camp for the night. Day Day 15: Trek from Majhgaun to Budhathum takes about five hours. — You walk along the trail dominated with villages, forests, streams and terraces. This day you can enjoy the scenic beauty of green hills. Budhathum is a small town with local old market. This village is pre-dominated by Newar community. From here you can enjoy the spectacular views of Manaslu range at far distance. Stay overnight at camp. Day Day 16: Drive from Budhathum to Kathmandu. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation LODGE Elevation 1400 After your early morning breakfast, you will drive from Budhathum to Kathmandu that takes about 6 hours. Your drive passes through villages, rivers and green hills.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE