Langtang Valley Trekking and Ganja-la

Langtang Valley & Ganja-la
‘on the picturesque trail with awesome adventure around central Himalaya’

Langtang Valley & Ganja-la pass an awesome adventure with Encounters Nepal guidance leading you to one of the most picturesque valley in whole Himalaya range around Langtang area.
This adventure where interested adventurer and strong trekkers can enjoy the rugged trail and much uphill and downhill with amazing scenery of surrounding beautiful landscapes dotted with traditional Tamang and Hylmo ethnic tribes villages steeped in ancient Buddhist culture and strong Tibetan tradition and custom.
Langtang Valley & Ganja-la adventure beginning with a scenic drive on the winding mountain road to Dhunche the headquarter town of Rasuwa district and Langtang area, home of the strong hill tribe Tamang tribes, migrated from across the border from Tibet thousand years back yet the culture and traditions remains the same.
Drive ends at Syabrubesi village the door to many treks around Langtang, Ganesh Himal area and the road to Tibet as well.
Starting our Langtang Valley & Ganja-la adventure on the uphill trail leading past many rural farm houses and terraces and through enchanting forest with beautiful rhododendron, magnolia, firs and pines trees with chances of seeing some wild life like the elusive and endangered Red Panda, snow leopard and other animals with plenty of bird life around this woodland.
After several days of walking in a river gorge to enter the Langtang village at 3,430 m the home of the Central Himalaya highlanders The Tamang people, here with time to enjoy the local culture and views heading high at Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 meters high where the high terrain opens into wide scenic valley with awesome scenery that surrounds you with snowcapped mountains of Langtang Himal and as far towards east Dorji Lakpa and Nayakanga peak/ Ganja-la.

At Kyanjin with rest and acclimatization days with short hike climbing Tsego-ri hill of above 5,033 m / 16,508 ft and enjoying the amazing scenery of mountains and visiting the Yak cheese factory, our next adventure leads towards the high Ganja-la pass at 5,122 meters, the high pass close to Nayakanga peak can be quite touch to tackle in snow and ice conditions, where our expert guides will fix main ropes for safe and easy descend, after everyone on the safe side including staff and porters, from here for few days walking on complete wilderness away from villages till Tarke Gyang village in Helambu area home of the ingenious Hyalmo tribe similar to Tamang of Buddhist culture.
After an amazing adventure heading downhill to warmer area of Melamchi bazaar for the drive back to Kathmandu after a great time in the high central Himalaya of Langtang Valley & Ganja-la with outstanding service of Encounters Nepal and its friendly staff.

Island Peak climbing

TREK & CLIMB ISLAND PEAK

‘around high scenic Khumbu valley with an adventure to Island peak’

Trek & Climb Island Peak with Encounters Nepal within high Khumbu valley in the shade of world highest Mt. Everest, an adventurous holiday leading to world highest destination to Everest Base Camp at 5,367 m with views of notorious tumbling Khumbu Ice Falls and the glaciers, adventure leads to high Kalapathar ridge top 5,545 meters high with awesome views of mountains that encircles the rocky hill top with Mt. Everest at a stone throw distance a pure magical scenery that leaves you with awe stricken moments.

The above trip to Everest base camp and Kalapathar an acclimatization trekkingtrip before our main destination Trek & climb Island Peak also called Imjatse Peak due to its location in the midst of beautiful Imjatse valley.

Encounters Nepal Trek & Climb Island Peak starts with a short scenic flight of 30 minutes duration on a small Twin Otter or Dornier type of aircraft landing on small town in Lukla with its strange and exciting airstrip.

From 2,820 meters high at Lukla where this actual adventure begins after collecting gears and meeting Encounters Nepal porters, guides and trek and climbing staff.

Walk leads around many scattered Sherpa farm villages with wonderful views of the countryside, following the glacial Dudh Kosi River upstream crossing several bridges with views of snow clad peaks during the trek.

After a major uphill climb reaching at Namche Bazaar a famous town like village with traditional Sherpa style houses serving as lodge, hotels and resorts with many restaurants, stores, shops, cyber café, banks and post offices.

Here spending two nights with acclimatization days at 3,440 meters high then heading towards Everest Base Camp to familiarize with the high altitude and dry climate, walk leads through beautiful alpine woodlands of firs, pines and rhododendron trees with views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and majestic Mt. Ama Dablam, Kwande including Tharmasarku peak.

Reaching the famous Thyangboche Monastery with superb views of high mountains that surrounds this beautiful spot at 3,867 meters high. From here onwards vegetation and tree lines declines for barren and arid landscapes passing Pangboche village and settlements of Pheriche and Lobuche to reach at Gorakshep at 5,180 m high, this was the early Everest Base Camp before 1960’s located beneath Mt. Pumori and Kalapathar peak on route Everest base camp. Adventure leads at Everest base camp with awesome views during the walk on glacier and rocky moraine. After a great moment next climb leads to the top of Kalapathar at 5,545 meters high with super panorama and then heading to our highlight trek & climb of Island Peak leading to a scenic Imjatse valley around Dingboche and Chukung the last place with lodge, from here on in complete wilderness in the harmony of nature and giant peaks.

On reaching at Island Peak base at 4,970 m with practice and preparation day for the climb adding one more high camp at 5,400 meters to make the climb more accessible to reach the summit of Island peak at 6,189 m / 20,305ft. The climb is straightforward with some technical sections where our expert guide will support you throughout the climb with necessary gear and making the route of the climb safe.

The climb to Island Peak of PD grade rated as (PeuDifficile / a little technical difficult and walking on glaciers) per Swiss / French Alpine System.

The top offers incredible views of surrounding high mountains of Khumbu with world 5^th highest Mt. Makalu towards east.

After a lifetime experience and successful climb of Island Peak heading back to Lukla for the scenic flight to Kathmandu after an overwhelming adventure Trek & Climb Island Peak with great service of Encounters Nepal and its friendly and supportive staff, guides and porters.

MERA PEAK CLIMBING

MERA PEAK climbing  & HINKU VALLEY
‘trek and climb in the hidden valley of Khumbu’

Encounters Nepal .COM trek and climb to Mera Peak & Hinku valley one of the most fascinating adventure which leads you to the top of Mera Peak at 6,461m / 21,190 ft, one of the finest and famous trekking peak around Himalaya and Everest region, due to its straightforward climbing route with little technical difficulty makes this climb to Mera Peak popular.
Mera Peak & Hinku Valley was not least climbed in the past decade, at present it is slowly becoming more popular, as the route of trekking to Mera Peak base camp is more adventurous than the climb as well, as the walk leads high over the ridge of Naulekh which separates the Khumbu area from Hinku Valley and western Makalu region.
Encounters Nepal adventure to Mera Peak & Hinku valley starts with a sweeping scenic short flight to Lukla at 2,820 m high, where our other field staff will meet after loading and final preparation, trek leads to a quiet area at Chuntaga with rest and then climbing high to a steep climb reaching a top ridge decorated with many Buddhist prayer flags at 4,450meters, the pass is Zatrwa Og, from here crossing over a boulder slope with impressive stunning views across Dudh Kosi river valley and peaks of Karyolung and Lumding Himal, after amazing scenery an hour downhill reaches to Tuli Kharka for overnight camp.
Journey continues to Mera base camp with rest day at Tangnag 4,360 m for proper acclimatization and short hike and adventure continues leading at Mera Base Camp at 5, 300m/17,384 ft.
Here with rest and acclimatization enough time to maintain health and physical shape for the adventurous climb to the summit of Mera Peak.
After good preparation our expert guide will lead with safe routes at early morning with a steep climb; where our guides will fix ropes on necessary sections, after a hard strenuous climb without any technical difficulty reaching to the top summit of Mera peak, enjoy the panorama of highest mountains with Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho- Oyu all the way Mt. Kanchenjunga towards further east.

To be on top at 6,461m / 21,190 ft will certainly makes you feel at the top of the world after a great achievement with experience of a life time and dream come true.

Slowly and surely descending back to base camp and heading back to Lukla on the same route passing several nice areas with overnight  in the hidden valley of Hinku through arid barren landscapes to verdant green forest area.
After few stops at Khothey and Thuli Kharka reaching at Lukla for the final night with the friendly crews for celebration, next early morning a great short flight of 35 minutes brings you back to Kathmandu after a high and exciting adventurous trip to Mera Peak & Hinku Valley with outmost great service of Encounters Nepal and its team of staff.

Paldor Peak Climbing

PALDOR PEAK CLIMBING  AROUND GANESH HIMAL

‘exploring around the least trekked region of Ganesh Himal’

One of the most noticeable peaks within the great bulk of massive chain of Ganesh Himal, where the main Ganesh I (7,405 meters), summit / can be viewed from Kathmandu valley also.

Ganesh Himal adjoining with Langtang Himal forms the part of Greater Himalaya which is the closest mountain range from Kathmandu. The first western to explore was Bill Tilman in the mid 1950’ around Ganesh and Langtang region. 

Bill Tilman made the first ascent of Paldor peak from then on it has become one of the best trekking peaks to climb. Around Ganesh and Paldor area awesome trekking where it is less touched by other western trekkers, on this remote and isolated area surrounded with enchanting forest of tall rhododendron, birch, pines, oaks and fir trees.

Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal trek offers tremendous views of Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), 08th highest Mt. Manaslu at 8,163 m, Ganesh Himal (7,405 m) Langtang Lirung (7,234 m)  Ghengu Liru(Langtang II 6571m / 21,560ft), stretching to Jugal Himal towards east terminating in Dorje Lakpa (6,980m/22,929ft) in a massive mountain wall, forming the frontier with Tibet.

Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal, one of the most unique region due to its scenic and cultural traditional villages with fabulous scenery, as the walk leads from the picturesque village of Syabrubesi, the trek is moderate with steep uphill for few days, where all interested trekkers can take part in this marvelous destination Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal in the comfort of lodge or home stay and camping along the route with warm hospitality of the native Tamang ethnic tribe of people.  

Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal starting with an interesting drive from Kathmandu heading North West around Langtang and Rasuwa area at Dhunche town, and then heading to Syabrubesi village the gateway to Langtang valley, Tibet border and Ganesh Himal.

Walk leads past traditional farm villages of Gatlang and Saldang and passing the zinc and magnesia mining areas to reach the barren arctic landscapes at Paldor Peak base, after walking through beautiful forested area.

At base camp 4,500m / 14,900ft with few days as rest day to explore and to acclimatize as well preparations Paldor peak climb at 5,896 meters high, offers great technical challenge in some sections as this peak climb is graded as PD+ as per Swiss and French Alpine climbing system, where our expert guides will make necessary arrangement for the climb pitching fix ropes and making ice ledges to make it possible for all group members to reach the summit top of Paldor offering tremendous scenery of Annapurna, Manaslu massive Ganesh Himal, Langtang to Jugal Himal range.

After a grand time heading back to the road head at Trisuli Bazaar in the warmer area, as the walk leads through lovely alpine forest in complete wilderness and crossing Pansing Bhanjyang Phedi 3,822m / 12,540ft and towards rural country and villages, on reaching at Trisuli Bazaar a scenic drive back to Kathmandu with remarkable and amazing adventure to Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal trek with outmost excellent guidance and service of Encounters Nepal.

Langtang Valley Trekking

LANTANG VALLEY TREKKING 

“in and around beautiful alpine country of Langtang Himalaya range”

Encounters Nepal organize Langtang Valley Trek one of the most picturesque and amazing destination situated in the central Himalaya range of mountains the Langtang Himal straddles the border of Nepal/Tibet.

Langtang Valley Trek lies within Langtang National Park around Rasuwa district which is mostly inhabited by Tamang ethnic tribe of people of Tibetan origin, with ancient Bon /Buddhism culture and traditions.

Langtang Valley Trek is the nearest destination from Kathmandu and the whole Langtang area extends from 32 km north of Kathmandu to the Nepal - China (Tibet) border.

On this Langtang valley trek walk leads through beautiful oaks, chir pine, maple, fir, blue pine, hemlock, spruce and various species of rhododendron make up the main forest tree species.

Along with the existing forest provides habitat for a wide range of animals including wild dog, red panda, pika, munt jack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Thar, goral, serow, rhesus monkey and common languor. The glacier fed Trisuli-Bhote Kosi River forms an important route for birds on spring and autumn migration between India and Tibet.

Langtang Valley Trekking  with Encounters Nepal starts from Kathmandu with an interesting and scenic overland journey leading higher hills to reach at Dhunche where the Langtang National Park begins from its entrance. Dhunche a large and headquarter town of Langtang and Rasuwa district.

From here drive descend to Syabrubesi, where our trek begins leading higher up through scattered farm villages to enter enchanting alpine forest of rhododendron, pines and oaks where in spring and summer the hills will be lighted with bright colors from the bloom of wild flowers turning this country into magic.

Walk leads to Langtang village where you can marvel the ancient Tibetan Buddhism culture of the Tamang people, from here heading higher as the river gorge opens up into a wide picturesque valley and slowly leads to our destination at Kyanjin Gompa at 3,770 meters, the highest point of this trek.

Langtang Valley Trek and at Kyanjin Gompa offers super views from Ganesh Himal (7,405 m) Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) 08th highest Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Ghengu Liru or Langtang II (6,571m / 21,560ft), Kimshun (6,745m) Shalbachum (6,918 m) to the south, includes Naya-Kanga (5,846m) Gangchempo, Tilman's beautiful Fluted Peak. Beyond it extends towards Jugal Himal, terminating in Dorje Lakpa (6,980m). To the east the upper meadows of the Langtang end in a massive mountain wall, forming frontier with Tibet.

At Kyanjin with extra day as rest to marvel the surrounding beauty or for short hike to add more heights to the adventure climb Tsego Ri of above 4,000 meters high.

After a wonderful time at Kyanjin heading back to Syabrubesi village for the drive back to Kathmandu after a most remarkable and finest weeklong Langtang Valley Trek with excellent service of Encounters Nepal.

lower DOLPO Trekking

LOWER DOLPO Trekking & PHOKSHUNDO LAKE

‘country of blue sheep and snow leopard with Bon / Buddhist culture’ 

Encounters Nepal adventure to Lower Dolpo Trekking & Phuksundo Lake a mesmerizing trek leading to the high country of Nepal Far North West Himalaya with captivating sceneries of high mountains, rolling hills, valleys and amazing landscapes, walk leads within Nepal largest Phuksundo National Park with an area of 3,555 SQ.KMS covering whole Dolpo and Mugu Districts.

The Phokshundo National Park rich in vegetation with forests of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir and birch, the Jugdula River valley consists mostly of Quercus species, as the walk reaches higher elevation on the Trans-Himalayan area with desert type landscapes and vegetation of dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs.

Around Lower Dolpo & Phuksundo Lake chances of seeing some wildlife the elusive snow leopard and the blue sheep. Other common animals found in the park are goral, Himalayan thar, serow, leopard, wolf, jackal, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow-throated marten, languor and rhesus monkeys.

Beside its rich cultural villages, wild life and mountains, one can observe some exotic bird life as well of many species of birds, Impeyan pheasant (Danphe the national bird of Nepal), blood pheasant, cheer pheasants, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow, snow partridge and many others.

Beginning this fantastic adventure taking a sweeping flight towards Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj with ever exciting panorama of mountains all the way on 50 minutes flight.

From Nepalgunj after an overnight in this warm sub-tropical city another flight of 45 minutes towards Dolpo at Jhupal at 2,320 m high, where our guides and trekking crews will meet for the trek onwards to Lower Dolpo & Phuksundo Lake.

First day walk or with an option drive on a gradual dirt trail reaching at Dunai at 2,850 m for overnight stop, Dunai the largest town and headquarter of Dolpo region.

After Dunai heading towards our main destination at scenic Phoksudo Lake around Ringmo village walk leads past villages of Ankhe and Sulighat to enter the beautiful Phoksundo Lake.  Here with time to acclimatize at 3,500 meters high elevation, exploring the local village of Ringmo with old Bon and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Journey heads back to Jhupal and Dunai taking an alternative route with high pass of Numa-la at 5,190 meters and Baga La 5,070m to reach the Tarap Khola (stream) at Dho Tarap and heading further to a nice village of Tokyu Gaon one of the flourishing area of Dolpo on this old Trans Himalaya caravan trade to Tibet.

Trekking downhill reaching another thriving village of Tarakot which was the capital and Fort during the Malla regime till 16th century, from here taking a pleasant trail to Dunai and then drive back to Jhupal to conclude this remarkable trek Lower Dolpo & Phuksundo Lake, next morning an early flight to Nepalgunj and then back in the hustle bustle city life of Kathmandu after a great adventure with Encounters Nepal and its fine team of staff. 

Upper Dolpo Trekking

UPPER DOLPO Trekking & SHEY GOMPA

“trekking around snow leopard trail to crystal monastery”

An awesome journey with Encounters Nepal fabulous trek to Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa, where you will be completely captivated by its amazing ambiance in complete wilderness on Nepal far wild west.

Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa starting with a panoramic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj city located in the Far South West Nepal near to UP in India, a sub-tropical place with strong Indian influence in culture and its way of life of the people around here.

During the 50 minutes flight to Nepalgunj one can observe unparallel views of snow capped mountains from the take off to landing which includes Langtang-Jugal- Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung, Annapurna to Dhaulagiri range of mountains.

With overnight in this warm city of Nepalgunj, our adventure continues with another short flight of 45 minutes towards Far North West Nepal to Dolpo landing at Jhupal airstrip at 2,320 meters high, here on joining with our fellow trekking staff of guides, cook, kitchen helpers and porters, a short drive leads to Dunai town.

Dunai 2,850 m the headquarter town of whole Dolpo which lies within Shey-Phuksundo National Park covering an area of 3,555 Sq.Kms. Situated in the mountain region of western Nepal, covering parts of Dolpo and Mugu Districts. It is the largest national park of Nepal.

From Dunai our real adventure start walking towards Thulo Bheri Valley, after a while it leads to a ridge at Phuksundo river valley at 2,499 meters, with magnificent views of Kagamara Peak, after few days of nice trek reaching at Ringmo around beautiful Phuksundo Lake after overnights in Ankhe and Sulighat villages.

In Phuksundo Lake and Ringmo village with rest day for acclamatsation at the height of 3,500 meters high, spending two nights exploring the village where the culture and way of life of Dolpo highlanders are similar of South West Tibet in Buddhist and Bon culture including ancient traditions.

From this charming place our next adventure of Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa leads towards

Phoksundo Bhanjyang with a steep climb and fantastic views of surrounding hills and valley with snow capped peak to reach Shey Gompa via Kang-La pass at 5,360 meters, the highest point of this adventure.

Shey Gompa at 4,500 meters high also known as Crystal Monastery a well deserved rest day after a hard walks, here explore the mystical old  Monastery, as Shey means crystal in native language, description of the area is well defined by Peter Matthiessen in his classic novel “The Snow Leopard”. The monastery just nearby stands Crystal Mountain one of the strangest mountains, as its contorted cliffs is laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. 

Our return journey heading back to Jhupal and Dunai, taking an alternative route through interesting villages of Namdun, Saldang, Yangze Gompa and Tokyu Gaon via several high passes of Saldang-la 5,200 meters and Jeng-la 5,090 meters high.  

Finally walking to Tarakot one of the finest village of Dolpo area this picturesque village with a nice terraced cultivated fields and an old fortress around this village. 

(past hundred years, before Gorkha dynasty, this beautiful was the capital and had Dzong meaning Fort of the Malla regime). 

This remarkable and finest adventure Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa comes to an end at Jhupal, with flight back to Kathmandu with brief stop in Nepalgunj for transit flight to Kathmandu after 50 mins airborne with tremendous views of mountain range landing at Kathmandu domestic airport, Encounters Nepal staff transfer you to respective hotels with afternoon free at leisure.