Ganesh Himal and Sing La Pass Trek
- 13 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you along quiet ridges and terraced hillsides, crossing the 4100 m Sing La Pass with views of Langtang and Manaslu.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our Ganesh Himal Trek takes us away from the heavily tracked routes and into the quieter watersheds north of Kathmandu. We lead small groups through terraced farmlands, dense rhododendron forests, and traditional settlements where farming remains the primary way of life. This route suits hikers who prefer solitude on the trail and wish to experience rural middle-hill Nepal without the crowds found in neighboring valleys.
The terrain varies from gentle river valleys to steep forest climbs, culminating in our crossing of the Sing La Pass at 4100 m. From this high point, our team enjoys expansive panoramas encompassing Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Buddha Himal, and the distant peaks of the Manaslu range. We stay in local homestays and tented camps along the way, supporting the communities that call these hills home.
While the trek is classed as moderate, the daily walking hours of four to seven hours require good cardiovascular fitness and steady pacing. We design our itinerary with gradual altitude gains to allow proper acclimatization as we approach the pass. Our experienced guides manage the daily pace, ensuring everyone in our team moves safely through the forested ridges and high alpine terrain.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Sing La Pass Crossing
We lead our team across the 4100 m pass for expansive views of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu ranges.
Diverse Forest Flora
Our trail winds through dense woods of rhododendron, oak, and wild orchids blooming along the middle hills.
Remote Village Life
We interact with local farmers and villagers in settlements like Kispang, Borang, and Jharlang.
Himalayan Panoramas
We catch frequent sights of Buddha Himal, Hiunchuli, Dorje Lakpa, and Langtang Lirung throughout the route.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. There are no planned activities for today, allowing you time to rest after your international flight. We meet in the evening for a brief trip review.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Our guide leads a cultural tour of key UNESCO World Heritage sites within the Kathmandu Valley, including Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. We spend the afternoon checking our gear and ensuring all trekking permits are finalized for our departure.
Day 3
Kathmandu to Betrawati (850 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu to Betrawati (850 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We depart Kathmandu by private vehicle, descending through terraced hillsides and roadside settlements toward Betrawati. The drive takes approximately five hours, following winding roads above river valleys. We set up camp or settle into our lodge for the night.
Day 4
Betrawati to Kispang (1600 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Betrawati to Kispang (1600 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our first day of walking starts with a steady climb away from Betrawati toward the ridge village of Kispang. We hike for about five hours through local farmlands and small hamlets inhabited primarily by farming communities.
Day 5
Kispang to Thulo Chaur (2200 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Kispang to Thulo Chaur (2200 m)
Meals: B / L / D
The trail continues upward today through mixed forests, crossing local streams and passing rural schools and small monasteries. We walk for roughly five hours before reaching our overnight stop at Thulo Chaur.
Day 6
Thulo Chaur to Gonga (2900 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Thulo Chaur to Gonga (2900 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our route climbs deeper into dense woodland dominated by oak and rhododendron trees as we head toward Gonga. We spend about four hours on the trail, gaining altitude steadily under the canopy.
Day 7
Gonga to Rupchet (3635 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Gonga to Rupchet (3635 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We ascend through thinning alpine vegetation toward Rupchet, our staging camp before the pass. Today's four-hour walk brings us into cooler mountain air with increasingly wide views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 8
Rupchet to Kharka (2500 m) via Sing La Pass (4100 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Rupchet to Kharka (2500 m) via Sing La Pass (4100 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We make our early morning push to cross the Sing La Pass at 4100 m, the highest point of our trek. From the pass, our team enjoys clear views toward the Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu ranges before descending steeply to Kharka over a seven-hour day.
Day 9
Kharka to Borang (1800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Kharka to Borang (1800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our descent continues through terraced hills and steep ridges as we make our way down toward the village of Borang. We trek for approximately seven hours, passing stone-built houses and local agricultural terraces.
Day 10
Borang to Jharlang (1700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Borang to Jharlang (1700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We traverse the hillside paths connecting Borang to the neighboring settlement of Jharlang. The six-hour walk offers continued interaction with local villagers and views across the valley.
Day 11
Jharlang to Kintang Phedi (1200 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Jharlang to Kintang Phedi (1200 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our final day of walking takes us down along river paths to the valley floor at Kintang Phedi. We hike for about six hours, completing our descent from the high ridges.
Day 12
Drive from Kintang Phedi to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Drive from Kintang Phedi to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our private vehicle for the return drive to Kathmandu, following rural roads and highways for eight to nine hours. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Day 13
Farewell Departure
Meals: B
Day 13
Farewell Departure
Meals: B
Our airport representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight home. Our services conclude upon your departure.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Three nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Guided Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour with entry fees
- All meals on full board during the trek prepared by our cook
- Twin-share tented accommodation and necessary camp gear
- Experienced trekking guide and supporting porters
- All necessary trekking permits and local taxes
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- Personal expenses, laundry, and bottled drinks
- Tips for guide, cook, and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our route reaches a maximum elevation of 4100 m at Sing La Pass. We structure our daily ascents gradually to allow your body time to adapt to the thinning air and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Physical conditioning
You should prepare with consistent cardiovascular training and weighted day-hikes for several months prior to departure. Daily walking durations range from four to seven hours over uneven terrain.
Accommodation & meals
We provide twin-share tented camps and local homestays along the trekking route. Our expert camp kitchen crew prepares all meals on full board during the trek days.
Insurance requirements
All participants must carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 4500 m and medical treatment in Nepal.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in ankle support boots with good tread.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at higher camps.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Four-season rating for cold nights.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
For treating local drinking water sources.
Passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Keep copies in a waterproof pouch.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Useful for steep descents from Sing La Pass.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for early morning pass crossings.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Local Area Permit
PermitRequired for regional entry in the Ganesh Himal area.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Ganesh Himal Trek?
We classify this trek as moderate. Daily walks average 4 to 7 hours with climbs up to the 4100 m Sing La Pass, requiring solid basic fitness.
What is the highest elevation on this trek?
The highest elevation reached is 4100 m at Sing La Pass on Day 8.
Where do we sleep during the trek?
We use a combination of twin-share tented camps and local homestays managed by our trekking crew.
What permits are required for this trek?
All necessary conservation area permits and local government entry paperwork are included in our package and handled by our office team.
What is the best time of year to go?
The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when weather conditions are most stable.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, mandatory insurance must cover emergency medical evacuation and rescue operations up to 4500 m.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 13 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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