Attractions of Ganesh Himal Trek-14 days Ruby Valley Trek

Ganesh Himal Trek is named after the elephant-headed God-Ganesha.The Ganesh Himal is form of Ganesh I, Ganesh II, Ganesh III and Ganesh IV.The Ganesh Himal Trek offers spectacular mountain views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu with different cultural experience. Ganesh Himal has many distinct ethnic groups that gives you a real Nepali way of life with their rich Nepalese traditions. The holy mountain Ganesh Himal is situated to north-west of Kathmandu, rarely visited by tourists. Ganesh Himal Trek also has an outstanding variety of flora and fauna with 300 species of birds and 526 species of plants including 40 kinds of orchids. Other fascinating wild animals are Himalayan Thar, the musk deer and many monkeys. 

You will trek through breathtaking meadows and untouched coniferous forests where you get to meet local ethnic people of quaint old villages.The forests colored in pastel shades of red, pink and white Rhododendron blooms,Nepal’s national flower you will see if you trek to Ganesh Himal in Spring.

Besides, Ganesh Himal Trek introduces Tibetan culture, the Tamang villages and bestows spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu from Sing la Pass (5091 m), the best view point of Ganesh Himal. You will trek passing small local villages and walking deep inside the rhododendron forests to reach the spectacular viewpoint that sits just over 4,000 meters.

Spring from March to April/May and Autumn from October to November/December is the best time trekking around Ganesh Himal. The weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. Please beware that you are heading into the World’s highest mountain range and be prepared for changes of temperature and weather. The monsoon season roughly starts mid June to mid September. During this period rainfall and muddy trails may be expected and the possibility to see mountains is less compare to Spring and Autumn. Travelers who value greenery and quiet environments will love traveling during monsoon season

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
On arrival at Kathmandu airport, we will receive you there and drive to hotel. Plese make sure that we are with a show board at arrival exit gate in airport. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparing for trek
Kathmandu sightseeing tour visit many age-old temples, architectures and more including Bouddhnath which is one of the biggest Buddhist Stupa in the entire world; Swyambhunath, a renowned monkey temple falling at the hillock; Pashupatinath, a prominent Hindu temple and numerous enthralling places to visit. And many of them are enlisted in UNESCO's world heritage list. Also, we will prepare for trek today. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Betrawati(850m)
We will leave Kathmandu to reach Betrawat Bazaar driving all the way through Trishuli Bazaar, a shopping area for local inhabitants. We will set our camp close by Sole Bazaar, on the shore of the Trishuli River. There you will get to take delight from amazing views of farms, terraced slopes, small villages, set next to a backdrop of the Ganesh Himal Range. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 04: Trek to Kispang (1600m, 5/6 hours)
We will on this day have an easy, gentle walk today from side to side with farmland and villages to arrive at Kispang, a small community inhabited by Tamang groups. We will today walk for around 5 hours. Overnight in Kispang.
Day 05: Trek to Thulo Chaur (2200m)
We will depart from kispang to reach Thulo Chau today. With a gentle climb we will walk through a lot of villages where you will observe the Tamang inhabitants practicing a long-established way of life. We will notice local monasteries, schools, and some attractive waterfalls next to our way on this day. Overnight in Thulo Chaur.
Day 06: Trek to Gonga (2900m, 5/6 hours)
We will depart from Thulo Chaur ascending steadily all the way through a deep, varied woods of rhododendron, pine, expectantly you may mark several wild lives as we walk. Deer, wild boar, Langur monkeys etc among others. As we arrive in Gonga, we get a chance to capture out for some magnificent vistas of the Ganesh Himal on our mind as well as camera. Overnight in camp.
Day 07: Trek to Rupchet (3635m, 4/5 hours)
We go on walking through the broad forest, gaining elevation as we walk, enjoying stunning views of series of gigantic Himalayas and the Tibetan peak range. We will walk for around 4 hours. Overnight in Rupchet.
Day 08: Trek to Kharka (2500m, 5/6 hours) through the Shing La Pass (4100m)
We will walk ahead from Rupchet. We have a steep walk up to Shing La Pass. We will have a strenuous walk but we will be rewarded with astonishing vistas of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Langtang, and other Himalayas. After passing the alpine environment on the pass, we trek down, steeply climbing for around 4 hours to reach Kharka. Overnight in camp.
Day 09: Trek to Borang (1800m, 5/6 hours)
The walk today from Kharka is steeply down way all the way through terraced farm and a number of picturesque villages. The last trekking spot for today is Borang which is another archetypal Tamang community where you will be welcomed and have the opportunity to get pleasure from a number of striking peak vistas. Overnight in camp.
Day 10: Trek to Jharlang (1700m. 5/6 hours)
Walking for around 6 hours today we will trek from Borang to reach Jharlang. We will hike passing the flawless terraced fields where the villagers farm. We get to the Tamang community of Jharlang in the hours of daylight where we will place up camp. Overnight in Jharlang.
Day 11: Trek to Kintang Phedi (1200m, 6/7 hours)
To reach Kintang Phedi from Jharlang we will walk for around 7 hours. You will today have a steep drop all the way through local community where you will find assorted cultures shared. You will get to see some beautiful scenery of setting with a spectacular peak backdrop appears on the way to Kintang Phedi. Overnight in camp.
Day 12: Trek to Khahare(1000m)
We will go behind the shores of the river for about 2 hours before beginning our 4-hour ascend all the way through villages and an opaque forest path. Enjoy the calmness and the tranquil air as you get further on waving you all along your way. Overnight in camp.
Day 13: Trek to Dhading Beshi (700m) and drive to Kathmandu (1345m)
We will today have an easy march before we take up bus that will drive us to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.
Day 14: Fly back to your destination
Final transfer to Kathmandu airport to get your flight back to home. We will hope to see you again since we organize a lot of other peak climbing options, as well as tours, expeditions, and sports activities.

Cost Included:

• All Transfers including airport pick up/drop and trek start point and ending point.
• 3 times meals -breakfast, lunch & dinner including the coffee and tea during trek.
• Accommodation in tea houses or in tents as per itinerary during the trek.
• Twin Sharing accommodation including breakfast in Kathmandu as per itinerary.
• Licensed Trek guide and necessary porters during the trek.
• Travel 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.
• Respective regions trekking map. TIMS Card & Trek Permit

Cost Not Included:

• International airfares
• Trekking Equipment
• Major meals, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Any type of personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone and laundry.
• Nepal entry visa fees– you may easily obtain the visa upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport.
• 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 for guide and porters.

Ganesh Himal Trek Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ tea houses. You may find net and clean tea houses - You will be staying at a tea house/tent in higher elevation. Accommodation in Kathmandu, you would be staying in the best hotel basically on 3 stars, on a twin-sharing basis. But Accommodations in trekking  is simple and comfortable beds room with sharing two persons sometimes if you are single you get the single bedroom as well.

Meals on Ganesh Himal Trek
In Kathmandu, breakfast is included with accommodation, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Ganesh Himal regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek. 

Physical fitness
This is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake. 

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for Ganesh Himal Trek.Your travel insurance covers personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, and any kind of illness. We strongly recommends you to buy an insurance package through a reliable insurance company in your city or country.

Trekking Equipment
Depending on the season, you need to adjust your trekking equipment. However, here is our list to help you decide what to bring to the trek. 
Head
Sun hat or scarf
Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
Headlight with extra batteries
Face
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Face/body wipes
Hands
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
Hiking shirts
Long sleeved shirt made of synthetic fiber
Hooded rain jacket
Fleece jacket
Lightweight cotton pants
T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)
Polypropylene underwear
Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
Sweater
Waterproof jacket and pants
Footwear
Hiking Boots that have been worn in
Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential gear
Backpack or day pack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not)
Thermal bottle
Water purification
Trekking pole
Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in the high altitude trekking)
Toiletries
Medium size drying towel
Tooth brush
Toilet paper
Toothpaste
Deodorant/ floss
Biodegradable bar soap
Nail clippers
Small mirror
Personal accessories
Money
Watch
Cell phone
Camera
Extra items
First aid kit
Extra passport photos and passport photocopies
Notebook and pen
Binoculars

Travel and Transportation Modes
There are two options for transportation used throughout this trip. By land-Touring to and from city destinations is done on a private or public vehicle such as a car, jeep, or microbus and tourist bus. Luxury tourist buses which are only hired by us for most part, make long-distance travel. You will have to take a public bus on some trip, but you do not need to worry about your protection or comfort because you ride with our guides and support staff in a group.

By air-Transportation by plane is available to fly from Kathmandu-Pokhara(flight is optional and cost is USD 120 PP- One way) and Pokhara-Chitwan and back to Kathmandu (USD 120- one way) at the end of the trip.

Last-minute booking
For those unable to book in advance, we also have a last-minute booking facility. For last-minute booking, you need to pay the whole payment 24 hours before the trip departure. However, we will try our best to conduct trek at any time, but we are not liable for delays stemming from circumstances beyond our control such as bad weather or lodge unavailability. For more information call or leave message on WhatsApp at + 977-9851023742 and email-missionecotreknepal@gmail.com

Trip Extension
If you have extra days to spend in Nepal after this trip, we can arrange several activities for you. You can go on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley, tour to Chitwan National Park. You can also choose to paragliding, raft, canyon, or go on another trek. If you would like to book extra activities such as Paragliding (90 pp), Bungy jump (70pp), Mountain flight (USD 185pp), Heli Tour (USD 800pp–based on 5 pax). Bhaktapur Sightseeing many more programs. You can book by contacting us at missionecotreknepal@gmail.com. For longer excursions such as Bhutan, Tibet, India, and any other treks also, we can help but please contact us immediately at missionecotreknepal@gmail.com. We do many more thing on your request at reasonable price.

Best season for Ganesh Himal Trek
Ganesh Himal Trek is possible throughout the year, but certainly, there are ups and downs based on seasons. The trails are easier, along with clear mountain views during spring and autumn. During winter and summer, the treks get a bit challenging. In winter trek get cold and may receive snow, while summer coincides with the monsoon that makes the trails wet and slippery. 

March-May (Spring) Trek
The temperature is mild in Spring, the rainfall is quite low, and the trekking conditions are perfect. The mean daily temperature in the higher elevations of the Mardi Himal trek is between 5°C to 0°C.  Lower regions are even warmer.By April, the rhododendron flowers bloom adding red, pink, and white colors to the forests. The temperature starts rising from mid-March up to mid-May. During this time, the sky is clear, and you can enjoy the unobstructed mountain views.

June - August (Summer) Trek
Summer is the hottest season, and therefore the temperatures are higher. However, summer coincides with the monsoon in Nepal, making the trails wet and slippery. Monsoon generally begins around the end of June and continues up to the second week of August. The daily temperatures at high elevations range from 15°C to 25°C. The night temperatures are colder at 5°C to 10°C. Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon and disappearing at night. Though the rain may cause some problems, various plants bloom during this season, providing a green look to the trekking regions.

September-November (Autumn) Trek
Autumn is a perfect season for Mardi Trek due to moderate temperature, mild wind, and low precipitation. The sun shines brightly, the skies are clear, you get a superb view of mountains, and the temperature is perfect. Moreover, you can also enjoy spectacular starry skies. The monsoons will be over by early September. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 20°C in high altitudes, the nights are colder at around 5°C. In this season, the greens that grew during the monsoon fade to golden/amber providing a spectacular contrast against the crystal blue skies.This is also a season to harvest ripening grains in terrace farms. The environment is clean, and the lowlands are lush. Nepal's biggest festivals - Dashain and Tihar also fall during this season, adding a festive mood to the whole environment. If you are looking for an easy trek, this season can be your choice. 

December - February (Winter) Trek
Winter (December - February) trek is less popular. The places along the Mardi Himal trek can be cold during the winter, but it excites some trekkers. The winter temperatures at higher trek elevations of the Mardi Himal trek can be as low as -10 °C, but this tempts adventurous trekkers. The coldest period starts from December and continues through early February. After late February, the climate gradually gets warmer. Despite being cold, winter skies are usually quite clear, mountain views with snowy caps look stunning. However, it snows in winter, making your trek more challenging. On the positive side, the trails are the least busy in winter. Winter treks might not suit trek beginners, but experienced trekkers will have no problem completing this trek during winter.

Communication on Ganesh Himal Trek
During the Mardi Trek, you can use internet at lodges/tea houses for an extra charge. At high elevations, you can use NTC or Ncell Sim mobiles. Depending on the kind of network you use, you might get signals, but they may not be strong enough. If you want, you can buy a local sim card in Kathmandu. Wi-Fi is available at trek lodges, but you need to pay a service charge.

Electricity and water on Ganesh Himal Trek
Electricity for camera and mobile battery recharge is available.  You can buy packed mineral water from local lodges and en route shop or fill your water bottle with boiled water for an extra cost. We will provide you water purification pill to make water drinkable.We advise you not to drink water from rivers, taps, and wells because the water may not be drinkable.

Nepal Visa
You can get Nepal visa upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport at USD 30 (or equivalent in other major currencies) for a 15 days visa, USD 50 for a 30 days visa and USD 125 for a 90 days Multiple visas, and you can also extend it later on if you wish. They have newly installed technology (visa machine) which makes it no longer necessary to have a passport photo. Please bring 3 photos for your trekking permit, TIMS and for others.

Money Matter
Some major currencies (USD, AUD, Pound and EURO) are accepted for both visas and in general. There are plenty of ATM's in both Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche and credit cards are accepted in limited shops and many restaurants. Please note that only Nepali rupees are accepted on the trek. It’s difficult to give an exact amount of money that you should bring. Costs will vary according to how much you want to spend for shopping and meals (lunch and dinner) you want to eat. Trekkers find that around $30 (for lunch & dinner) a day is reasonable for the trekking days. You may have to pay for Wi-Fi, electricity and hot showers too (up in the mountains during the trek). Hence allocating the allowance for each day accordingly would suffice.

Group size
For each tour date, there will be several separate groups. Each group will have a maximum of 14 people with its own experienced English speaking guide. During the trek, there will be a suitable number of porters to carry your luggage.

Tipping
A general rule of thumb for tipping is USD 90-150 for porter and guide if you are fully satisfied with their service. So we suggest you allocate a minimum of USD 70 for tipping. This is just a guideline and you may tip whatever /how much you think is appropriate for the services rendered which made your trek a memorable one.

Porter's Luggage Limit 
For the trek, we'll have one porter for two people as per group size. The porter will carry 12 kg-15 kg per person luggage during the trek. You need to carry your day pack to keep your personal belongings such as wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snack, headlight, gadgets, etc. The safety and concerns of our porters is our collective responsibility. We take our responsibilities towards them and their safety concerns strictly. On your part, please carry only things that are of absolute necessities.

Buying Gear and Equipment
If you are considering to donate, School supplies (pens, notebooks, colored pencils, etc). These gifts can be directly turned over to our company when you arrive in Kathmandu. And we will manage them to distribute through our proper channels. As for your the need of much of your trekking clothes and tour supplies and gears, they can be easily purchased in Kathmandu at good prices. Bring hiking boots/shoes from your country. The Nepali ones are not recommended. Your guide will assist you to get anything you may need here.

The Risk and Liabilities
We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once in a lifetime journey. We perform our duties honestly and seriously to make your journey very smooth and pleasant. However, the entire programs in Nepal are conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of their policies. So in this case, we will give options to choose a different itinerary for an enjoyable holiday. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sleeping Bag
You will need a good quality sleeping bag for this trip. It helps you sustain the colder climate in Nepali mountains up to -25 degree Celsius of temperature. However if you need the one of your own, you can buy one here. Your guide shall assist you to get it here. Keep the track of the weather forecast of the area and pack your clothes accordingly. This would help you be prepared for the type of weather Nepali Mountains are accustomed to. It is also possible to rent sleeping bag here in Kathmandu too.

Electricity Device
Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the supermarkets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.

Luggage Storage Facility
The hotel in Kathmandu does provide free storage services. So you can store your luggage and clothing that are not required for trekking and you can collect it after your Trek and Tour.

Refund Policy in case of not completing the trip
Sometimes travellers are unable to finish the scheduled trek due to the various reasons or they ended up not completing the trek/tour for health or personal reasons. In this case please realize that we cannot offer you any refunds for unused days on the trek/tour. You have to understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.

Cancellation Policy of Trip
No refund will be made for 20% deposit amount in case of cancellation of trip for any other else reason. Having paid the full amount of any trip, you will get your money back but still, cancellation charge (20%) is invoiced to you. And for the voucher holders, since you have purchased the voucher from the deal companies, we have to follow their cancellation policy. But for both the conditions, we are flexible to postpone your trip in any later days. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip.