Ganesh Himal Home Stay Trekking

Trip Overview

Ganesh Himal region is situated in central Nepal, Northwest of Kathmandu. The terraced hillsides seem to climb to the sky. Many interesting ethnic groups and a mix of lifestyles offer you a glimpse into real Nepali life and this gives visitors an opportunity to observe the rich Nepalese cultural tradition from the closest quarter and intermingle with locals, hence giving the visitor a sense of satisfaction.
The Ganesh Himal is named after the elephant-headed God of Good Fortune. "Ganesh", the Hindu god who removes all obstacles to allow you success, indeed leads you to a unique trekking experience, passing through many Gurung and Tamang villages. This region offers spectacular views, virgin nature, and magnificence, wild and friendly people.

The Ganesh Himal can clearly be seen from Kathmandu Valley. The Ganesh Range Peaks (Ganesh I, Ganesh II, Ganesh III, Ganesh IV) stand out like crystal, that is the "Great Himalayan Chain" forming the skyline. This great Himalayan massif is contained between the valley of the Ankhu Khola and Budhi Gandaki in the west and Bhote Koshi in the east, which becomes Trishuli Khola in the lower section. Trekkers would be far from the madding crowd on this trek.

Besides this, the area also offers you, an excellent habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals; 526 species of plants (including 40 species of orchids), and 300 species of birds. Other interesting wild animals are the Himalayan Thar, Ghoral, barking deer, Red pandas, snow leopards, bears, Tigers, wolves, pheasant, many kinds of monkeys, and musk deer.

It's also Nepal's unique pilgrimage horizon destination for the holy lakes where you will find Kalo Kunda, Seto Kunda, Ganesh Kunda, and Jaisule Kunda. This area is Nepal's number one for Rubies (Red stone) and crystals with hundreds of varieties of herbal medicines. It has been found that Tatopani "Hot Spring" in this region (nearby Chalish village) is one of the biggest and the best where all visitors can enjoy having a bath.

There are interesting panoramic viewpoints named Shinga- La Pass (4250 Mtr.) and Pangsang Pass (3850 Mtr.) which offer you more than 35 mountains over 6000 meters (19'680ft) above sea level.

Highlights

  • Gurung, Ghale, Tamang, Brahmin, Chhetri, Dalit, Newar, and Chepang ethnic groups.
  • Cultural interaction, village scenery, and lifestyle.
  • Nepali hospitality,
  • Himalayan panoramas, sacred lakes including, Ganesh Kunda/lake, Parvati Kunda, Seto, and Kalo lakes.
  • Waterfalls, hot springs,
  • Hindu Temples Tripursundari Temples
  • Buddhist monasteries, cheese factory, Ganesh Himal viewpoints, herbal plants,
  • Crystal and ruby and zinc mining
  • Unexplored territory, rare and exotic wildlife

Trip Map

Ganesh Himal Home Stay Trekking Map

Short itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu to Shyabru Besi 1503m/4945Ft. 8-9 hrs drive.

Day 2 Shyabru Besi to Chawatar (lunch) to Gatlang 2337m/7690Ft. 5- 6 hrs hike.

Day 3 Gatlang to Parvati Kunda, Yuri Kharka (lunch) to Somdang 3271 m/10760Ft 6-7 hrs.

Day 4 Somdang to Pangsang (aka, Pangsang) Pass (La) 3842m/ 12640Ft 3 ½ hrs.

Day 5 Pangsang Pass to Tipling (lunch) – Shertung /Chalish 1875m/6188 Ft 5-6 hrs.

Day 7 Chalish to Hindung lunch and Neber Gaon 2220m /7425Ft 6 hrs.

Day 8 Neber to hot springs to Kupchyat 2066m/ 6818Ft 5 hrs.

Day 9 Rachyat to Khading – Lapa Gaon 2025m/ 6660Ft 4-5 hrs.

Day 10 Lapa Gaon – Borang (lunch) - Jharlang (Ungul) 3000m/ 9900ft 5-6 hrs.

Day 11 Jharlang (Ungul) – Kuri lunch – Khaniyabas 1785m/ 5890Ft 7-8 hrs.

Day 12 Khaniyabas – Megang Danda 3220m /10626Ft 5-6 hrs

Detail Itinerary

Ganesh Himal Inner Circuit Home Stay Trekking

Day 1 Kathmandu to Shyabru Besi 1503m/4945Ft. 8-9 hrs drive
Taking a local bus early in the morning or a private four-wheel drive journey from Kathmandu reaches Shyabru Besi, the gateway to the Langtang Valley at the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Langtang Rivers. Mesmerizing scenic driving and passing through Trisuli Bazaar, Ramche Gaon, and Dhunche Bazaar make you full of fun driving. Narrow and a bit adventurous zig zags road but amazing landscapes along the way driving will make you a good start day drive of the trek.

Day 2 Shyabru Besi to Chawatar (lunch) to Gatlang 2337m/7690Ft. 5- 6 hrs hike
A dirt track zig-zags to the west up to Bahun Danda Pass and then down to the Tamang settlement of Gatlang, a cornerstone village on the Tamang Heritage Trail, or hike to Gatlang by way of Chawatar. Gatlang is a Tamang village with unique customs and craftsmanship in a magnificent setting. Above lies Parvati Kund, popular during Janai Purnima when thousands of pilgrims are attracted to the sacred pond and nearby temple.

Day 3 Gatlang to Parvati Kunda, Yuri Kharka (lunch) to Somdang 3271 m/10760Ft 6-7 hrs
The trail ascends through pine and rhododendron forests to a lunch point of Yuri Kharka before continuing to Khurphu Bhanjyang and then dropping down to the Somdang River, the border between Rasuwaa and Dhading districts.
A sprawling mining compound, no longer functioning but seem locals appealing government to revive it, lies a few hours to the north upriver. The hike passes through a scenic valley featuring the 200 m Chukarma Waterfall. The former mine leaves a lot to be explored and is the site of a 1.4 km tunnel bored into the mountain to extract zinc, copper, tin, crystal, and even highly-prized rubies.

Day 4 Somdang to Pangsang (aka, Pangsang) Pass (La) 3842m/ 12640Ft 3 ½ hrs
Pangsang Kharka is a viewpoint southwest of Somdang village with a broad panorama of the surrounding terrain. To the north are the soaring peaks of Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range. The large meadow is graced with a giant entry gateway and is a sensational location for camping and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The whole Ganesh Himal region is blessed with abundant herbal plants. Previously, herbs were taken to Tibet along an ancient trade route and exchanged for salt, livestock, wool, and turquoise. This hill/danda/pass is known as one of the most beautiful and the best magnificent mountain viewpoint almost 270 degrees from the Langtang ranges, Ganesh Himal ranges, Manaslu ranges and a bit of Annapurna ranges mountain viewpoint. So far tea house has not developed yet so highly recommended to have its own tent however local yak hut can be used as a service shelter can be used for a night but again dry fruits/food is recommended for a night.

Day 5 Pangsang Pass to Tipling (lunch) – Shertung /Chalish 1875m/6188 Ft 5-6 hrs
Descend to Tipling, a large village that hosts two Buddhist gompas and both a Protestant and Catholic church. Along a ridge top to the east is a gomba and cremation ground for both Buddhists and Christians lined with colorful flags. Descend to cross the Adha Khola on a box bridge and ascend to the sister villages of Shertung and Chalish, regally overlooking the fertile river valley and abundant fields.
Shertung is inhabited mainly by Tamang. The name is Shertung means 'place of gold'. According to a legend, two brothers in search of gold were led here by a dream and thus the settlement was born. Tamang people have their own rich culture to show for the visitors jhankri or shaman dance, ghode or horse dance, said to have been brought from Tibetan culture long ago. Jankri (shaman) activity is robust in this territory with the worship of natural forces and indigenous local deities interwoven with Hindu and Buddhist practices. Chalish is inhabited primarily by Gurung, Ghale, and Kami. There used to be Newar people too but they have migrated to Kathmandu city. The hospitable people of this area have unique customs and craftsmanship and traditional dances, including a hospitable welcome dance, Ghatu Dance, Dohori is also popular with call and response between male and female participants, a type of courtship ritual, complemented by folk music. Some dances depend on the time of year and take place during festivals including the Maruni Dance during Dasai and Tihar, the Hai Nelo Dance of Tihar, and the Ghatu (Ghasiri Dance) that occurs during Chandi Purnima in the Nepali month of Chaitra.
Gurung men traditionally wear Bhangra, a woven, embroidered cotton cloth tied at the ends that serves as a pouch for carrying goods. Sri Tinkanya Devi Mandir lies above Chalish. Local women tie bits of cloth or leave a bangle representing a wish to be fulfilled near a small pool of water surrounded by Barmase or periwinkle flowers.
Shertung or Chalish village is the only village in this region from where those trekkers who have planned short 7 days of trekking, walk down to Jharlang village taking about 5-6 hours, and in next day walk to Darkha Gaon taking 5-6 hours finally next day after walking 1 ½ hour downhill to Darkha Phedi, take sharing local Jeep with other people and drive to Dhading Besi (3-4 hours driving). You continue to drive back to Kathmandu in total 3 hours driving. So in total taking 2 ½ days walking and half day drive or let's say in 3 days you will get back to Kathmandu.
These two villages are the main attraction of the area by both Tamang and Gurung culture and as well as views from the place. You are recommended to stay wherever you like as both villages are not far from each other. To make it convenient although you may walk downhill to Chalish from Shertung just taking about 20-30 minutes however if you want to go directly from Chalish village from Ada Khola (the river down from Tipling village to Shertung) just after climbing a bit uphill turn right side and easily will get straight way to Chalish village after walking an hours. You will see people working in their field and they do not hesitate to show you the way to Chalish or Shertung.

Day 7 Chalish to Hindung lunch and Neber Gaon 2220m /7425Ft 6 hrs
After breakfast say goodbye to locals and trek down to Khar Khola and then trek gently up to Pasabar Danda taking about an hour's walk. View of Tribeni river (mixed of three rivers that Hindus and both Buddhists believe is a holy river site) just down in the valley where Lord Shiva's statue with little one stoned shrine has built. Especially in the Makarsankranti festival locals gather and celebrate singing, dancing, and meeting friends and relatives as well as neighbors in village kith and ken. From Pasabar Danda trek a gently uphill hill and reach Kalbarang (just the small kharka name but no village at all) trek continues to the hill edge walk and dense jungle ( there is a chance rock fall from the top of the hill due to inhabitants of wildlife so careful walking with your trek guide or helper is highly recommended) and finally reach at Hindung village where a huge number of Tamang people live. It is a Tamang village of around 550 inhabitants. Crystals and rubies are harvested in areas to the north and yarsagumba is hunted, too, in the surrounding highlands. Take lunch in Hindung and trek down to Hindung Khola and then trek uphill to Neber Gaon walking for about 2 ½ hours. Overnight at a local house or camp near by local village of Tamang village.

Day 8 Neber to hot springs to Kupchyat 2066m/ 6818Ft 5 hrs
Trek downhill to Tatopani (hot springs where enjoy your half-day bath and then the trail onward follows stone steps built by Kadoorie Agri Aid Association and British Gurkhas of Nepal. Both organizations are active in this area and responsible for building many water taps, bridges, and improved trails. Pass through Tir on the way to welcome Racyat and Kapur villages. Finally arrive in Kupchyat village overnight in the camp/local house of Tamang village.

Day 9 Rachyat to Khading – Lapa Gaon 2025m/ 6660Ft 4-5 hrs
Trek to Khading village where you will see the big community of Gurung people having their own beautiful culture. While you will be waiting for your lunch explore Khading Gaon and after lunch trek down to Lapa Gaon which is a big Tamang village of the area where you will enjoy having Tamang culture.

Day 10 Lapa Gaon – Borang (lunch) - Jharlang (Ungul) 3000m/ 9900ft 5-6 hrs
After breakfast treks down to Ankhu Khola a beautiful waterfall and then the trek continues a bit uphill to Borang village where stop for lunch and then the trek continues to Ukhum for lunch. After lunch trek continues to Lishne jungle, crosses the suspension bridge, passes through Chhapchyat village you finally get to Jharlang village (Ungul). One of the best and most panoramic mountain views of the area. This is Tamang village and belongs to nearly 200 houses.

Day 11 Jharlang (Ungul) – Kuri lunch – Khaniyabas 1785m/ 5890Ft 7-8 hrs
Take breakfast at the same place and trek down Jharlang Pahiro (Jharlang landslide) which takes about an hour to cross. It used to be dangerous but not only in season especially in monsoon you have to be very careful and in both seasons cross this landslide with your experienced local trek guide porter. Continue trekking downhill to Dungre Khola about 1 ½ hours walking. the cross-suspension bridge and uphill walking for about 2 ½ hours to get to Kuri Village. This is also a Tamang village that lies right on the top of the hill from where you will see the beautiful surrounding landscape. There is no village or tea shops in between camp point to Kuri village so some snacks or dry fruits will be very useful to carry with you. A bottle of boiled water will be very useful. From the river uphill walking will be in the thick jungle so a local guide or experienced trek guide is highly recommended. After lunch trek continued having mesmerizing surrounding landscape, Brichet village, and finally arrive at Khaniyabas Village which is known for its VDC Satya Devi. It's about 2 ½ hours walk from the lunch spot and Satya Devi has several local lodge/tea shops for locals and trekkers. On your campsite there is a beautiful temple named Shree Bachchhala Devi and by its name local has a school nearby where 10+2 students have the opportunity to study. On a clear weather day, you will have the best and most breathtaking sunset views. Ankhu river views and Todke Hill on the horizon give you a magnificent landscape. Tamang, Bhramin and Dalit people live in Khaniyabas. This is also the village from where if anyone is interested after 2 days walk to Trisuli Bazaar and a 4-hour drive you will get back to Kathmandu. On the way on a clear weather day, Mt. Manaslu ranges. Langtang ranges and Ganesh Himal ranges will be viewed in a panorama way.

Day 12 Khaniyabas – Megang Danda 3220m /10626Ft 5-6 hrs
After breakfast trek easily walks to Thambu Khola for about an hour and then trek up to Kimdang gaon (2 ½ hours walking) stop for lunch and trek to Megang Danda walking a big dense jungle right on the hilltop. Being a dense jungle wild animals may encounter so having a local trek guide or helper is highly recommended. There is a dirt road in Kimtang to Trisuli Bazaar but only in winter you will get a sharing local jeep but in the monsoon impossible to drive. Megang is another breathtaking mountain views point from where you will experience 270 degrees of mountain views. There used to be several lodges but due to road construction lodges were removed however there is a basic lodge for the trekkers/.travelers. to spend a night.

You may trek to Trisuli Bazaar for 6 hours of downhill scenic walking or walk up to Deurali for 1 ½ hours walking and then share a local bus/Jeep with other people to Trisuli Bazaar (2 hours driving) and then continue to drive back to Kathmandu by local bus (4 hours driving).

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes:

  • Local Transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as per itinerary.
  • 3 meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including coffee and tea.
  • Accommodation in tea houses or tents as per itinerary during the trek.
  • Accommodation including breakfast at 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara per itinerary.
  • Highly experienced Government licensed guide and necessary porters during the trek.
  • Proper Insurance of all staff including porters.
  • Government / Local taxes, Tourist service charge, guide/porter insurance and salary, general equipment, national park, and conservation area fees.

Cost Exclude:

  • International airfares
  • Private Jeep to trek starting point and from ending point to Kathmandu.
  • Major meals, lunch, and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu
  • Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone, and laundry.
  • Nepal entry visa fee; A single-entry visa valid for 15/30/90 days costs US$30/50/125 - you may easily obtain the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport - Kathmandu.
  • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal effects. We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.
  • Tips & Gratuities

Date & Price

Date and price

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Useful Info

Useful Info

Price from US$1105 per perosn
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Trip Facts

  • Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
  • Best season: February, March, April, May, October, November.
  • Per day walking: 6 hours on average.
  • Type of trek: Home Stay.
  • General Duration: 12 days.
  • Maximum Altitude: 4470m.

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