Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath’ and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion as well as provides opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure.

A 7 hour’s drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Arughat via Dhadingbesi, headquarter of the Dhading district. Through the dirt road from Dhadingbesi viewing the greenery hills we reach Arughat, our trek starts points. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Budhi Gandaki river flowing between them.

Ganesh Himal trek starts at Arughat and heads north upstream along the Budhi Gandaki river. After about two hours walking we arrive to Arkhet where we come off Manaslu Circuit trail and cross the suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki. After the bridge the trail ascends through woodland and terraced fields passing through the small settlements of Baseri and Lapudanda. After about four hours walking we arrive to Manbu where we camp for the night. The view from the village is down to Budhi Gandaki and to the north is Shingri Himal mountain.

From Manbu the trail traverses and ascends to Dunchet village where we are likely to have lunch. Dunchet village is a large village with traditional stone houses and has a village square in the centre where the community assemble for meetings and to socialise. From Dunchet the trail climbs on stone steps through terraced fields to enter forest and onto to a prominent large rock called Lamodungha. We will camp in a clearing near this rock and has views of eastern face of Himalchuli.

Today the trail ascends through a beautiful forest of bamboo, larch and rhododendron draped in lichen, mosses and ferns. After crossing several streams we enter a clearing at a place called Nauban Kharka where we camp for the night. From here there are views of Annapurna South and Annapurna 2, Fishtail and Himalchuli.

After about an hour from camp we reach Myangal Bhanjang and after descending through forest we enter Myangal Kharka where we get views of Ganesh Himal range and Paldor to the east. There are superb views of these mountains from the second pass called Magne Goth. From here we descend through forest and clearings down to Khading village.

From Khading we descend to the river and cross a suspension bridge to the other side of the valley. After the bridge we have a short climb followed by contouring path above the river. We pass through Lapchet village and then descend to another river to cross a suspension bridge before climbing up to Rachyet village.

From Rachyet the trail ascends through forest to the school at Timla and as one crosses this ridge there are good views of Ganesh Himal mountains. The trail traverses high above the river and passes through Tirigaon. Beyond this village the trail is constructed as a stone path climbing to the steep mountain side as we head north in the valley to Neber. This village is a friendly place to stay two nights with time tomorrow to explore the area.

Today we can go for a walk across the valley to visit Hindung village or the other option is to follow the trail north up the valley beyond Neber for good views of Ganesh Himal.

After saying our goodbyes to Neber we descend to Tatopani where it is well worth having a dip in the hot springs. From Tikka Danda we descend to the suspension bridge and then ascend to Chalis village. Many of the villages in Ganesh Himal were badly damaged by April 2015 earthquake and many company has been involved in a project to rebuild the school in Chalis. After a visit to the school we ascend on stone steps to Shertung where we camp for the night.

From Shertung the trail descends to cross Adho Khola followed by a steep ascent to Kamigaon. After this village we pass through Tipling and ascend to Laptung. Above the trail follows stone steps through forest and at one of the clearings you camp at Marmelung Kharka.

From camp the trail continues through beautiful forest and after a couple of hours arrive to the cheese factory. On passing through a kani stone entrance there are several chortens marking the summit of Pangsang La. There are several buildings at the pass including a porter shelter. We will camp here and in the afternoon, you can explore the area.

On a clear day there are panoramic views from Pansang La and it is well worth walking to the viewpoint located about 150m above the pass where the view sweeps from Langtang in the east to Ganesh Himal to the north and Annapurnas and Manaslu to the west. After getting returning back to camp we start the descent of the pass through forest and arrive to Somdang.

After Somdang we have one more pass to cross called Kurphudanda at 3,710 m. From here we descend on a trail and a jeep track in places to the large village of Gatlang.

It is a short walk to the roadhead at Chillime and then we drive to Syabru Besi where we stay in a lodge for the night.

Today, after breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu from Sybru Bensi with the splendid views of hills, mountains, terraces and villages. We will arrive capital city of Kathmandu some 7 hours road journey. Remaining time you rest and evening explore Thamel.

Today is your last day in Kathmandu and is an opportunity to do all the bits and pieces you thought of doing over the past few weeks including any last-minute shopping, returning to places that you enjoyed or didn’t get a chance to visit before your trek. Do let us know if would like help organising anything for today.

After a great breakfast at your hotel, you are free until it is time for us to transfer you to the airport in time for your fight home. We bid farewell for now and until next time!