Ganesh Himal Trek

Overview

The Ganesh Himal region is in central Nepal, located between Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area, a day’s drive from Kathmandu. Blessed with geographical, cultural and biological diversity, in this area there are not only hundreds of species of precious medicinal herbs, colorful wildflowers, and many species of birds, but it is a mining area for rubies and crystals. Nepal’s well-kept secret, this area is less-trekked than some other areas.

Passing through four districts of Nepal, the route crosses Gorkha, the birthplace of modern Nepal. Here was the seat of King Prithivi Narayan Shah (1723 – 1775), who fought many wars to unify the country in this shape. This is also the homeland of original Gurkhas. Ganesh Himal is home to variety tribes of peoples, mainly, Tamang, Gurung in the north and Brahmin, Chhetri, Dalit, Newar and Chepang in the low elevation south.

The trek takes in two passes as well as the Thulo Dhunga Base Camp from where waterfalls, rhododendron and juniper forests and lush vegetation can be seen. From the nearby Dobra Danda, the sight of the magnificent Ganesh Himal is spectacular and the small lakes of Kalo Kunda and Seto Kunda are unforgettable. Rubies are mined around the area of these lakes. The lakes themselves are thought to have mystical powers – being able to either bless or punish visitors.

At the third and holy lake of Ganesh Kunda, shamans gather in large numbers during September. The views from the passes include Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges, thus combining mountain vistas with passing through culturally different villages and perhaps being entertaining with traditional music from the friendly peoples. The wildlife in this area is outstanding: musk deer, Jharal goats, wild boars, Langur monkeys, pheasants, and partridges included. And not forgetting the strange, reportedly, aphrodisiac, caterpillar-fungus, yarshagumba, which is harvested in the nearby highlands. The Ganesh Himal Base Camp Ruby Valley trek has a little of everything but a lot of adventure and unforgettable moments!