The Ganesh Himal region is in central Nepal, located between Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area. The Ganesh Himal Three Pass Kunda trek involves hiking over three passes, namely Sing La (4,050m), Pangsang (3,850m) and Magne Goth (2,950). It also takes in three religious kunda or lakes, namely Kalo Kunda, Seto Kunda and Ganesh Kunda. The twin waterfalls of Ganga and Jamuna are also seen on this trek.
The passes themselves are not very high as passes in the Himalayas go! Sing La and Pangsang are traversed on the same day. The views from the passes include Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges, with just a touch of the Annapurna. The final pass, Magne Goth leads, the following day, to Ganga and Jamuna. It is interesting that these names belong to Hindu twin goddesses and are usually given to twin girls (twins not being very usual in Nepal). Thousands of devotees make a pilgrimage to the temple here, particularly on the Purnima and Makar Sakranti festivals. Devotees believe your desires will be fulfilled if you visit this temple.
Blessed with geographical, cultural and biological diversity, in this area there are not only hundreds of species of precious medicinal herbs but also rubies and crystals! Around Hindung village is an area where crystals and rubies are mined, while in the surrounding highlands yarshagumba is harvested. Yarshagumba is a unique caterpillar-fungus fusion that occurs when parasitic mushroom spores infect and mummify a ghost moth larva living in the soil. A spindly fungus later sprouts from the dead caterpillar host’s head. It is sought after, particularly in Tibet, as an aphrodisiac. Rubies are also mined around the area of the Kalo and Seto lakes, which are also thought to have mystical powers – being able to either bless or punish visitors. At the holy lake of Ganesh Kunda, shamans gather in large numbers during September.
This 16 day trek has a bit of everything from crossing Himalayan passes with stunning mountain views; learning about the culture and traditions, both Hindu and Buddhist of the surrounding area, and visiting magical lakes and waterfalls. It is a paradise for those who want to see the alternative trekking region of Nepal.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Bhalche Gaon (Drive) | 1850 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 2 | Bhalche Gaon to Rupchet | 3250 m | 6 hr |
| Day 3 | Rupchet to Pang Sang Pass via Singla Pass | 3842 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 4 | Pang Sang Pass to Chalish | 1875 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 5 | Chalish to Hindung | 2402 m | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 6 | Hindung to Thulo Dhunga | 3337 m | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 7 | Thulo Dhunga to Base Camp | 3691 m | 6 hr |
| Day 8 | Explore Base Camp | 3691 m | 3 hr |
| Day 9 | Base Camp to Kharka | 3900 m | 5 hr |
| Day 10 | Kharka to Ganesh Kunda | 3500 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 11 | Ganesh Kunda to Tatopani | 1250 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 12 | Tatopani to Lapa Gaon | 1850 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 13 | Lapa Gaon to Magne Goth Pass | 2950 m | 4 hr |
| Day 14 | Magne Goth Pass to Tinsure | 1850 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 15 | Tinsure to Salangkot | 1250 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 16 | Salangkot to Kathmandu (Drive) | 1380 m | 6 - 7 hr |
