Ganesh Himal- A sacred Mountain.
Why Mountaineers do not climb Ganesh Himal? Is it that difficult? Or is there any other reason behind it?
Ganesh Himal situated at an elevation of 7,422m/24,350 feet is located in the Langtang Region of Nepal. The name "Ganesh Himal" comes from the Hindu deity Lord Ganesh, who has an elephant head and is widely regarded as a god who removes barriers and a god with a high level of knowledge. This mountain range holds considerable spiritual significance for the surrounding populations, acting as a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
While Ganesh Himal Trekking is not as popular as other trekking and mountaineering opportunities like Annapurna Region and Everest Region, it holds a prestigious identity for the culture and lifestyle of the ethnic population. The area around Ganesh Himal is filled with beautiful landscape scenery, lush forests, and spectacular settlements of the Tamang and Gurung people. In this blog let us take you together to explore the majesty of Ganesh Himal.
Introduction to Ganesh Himal range.
The Ganesh Himal Range consists of 4 peaks Ganesh I, Ganesh II (7118m/23,353ft), Ganesh III (Salasungo, 7043m/23,107ft), and Ganesh IV (Pabil, 7,104m/23,307ft). Among this range, the highest peak is Yangra (Ganesh I) with an altitude of 7,422m/24,350 feet while the other three peaks are over 7000 meters. Additionally, there are around fourteen other peaks over 6000 meters in this range. In particular, the Ganesh Himal range lies in the Gorkha, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Rasuwa districts of Nepal. The range is basically located in the center of Nepal between Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area while it is about 70km north-northwest of Kathmandu. Ganesh Himal is an appealing alternative for those looking for an exploration of the Himalayan environment without taking on a difficult trip to remote regions of the country due to its closeness to the capital city.
Ganesh Himal Trek offers a spectacular experience of remote areas of Nepal with off-the-beaten-path. Visitors traveling here are sure to be treated with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, lush green valleys, terraced fields, crystal clear rivers, and dense forests and vegetation. It can also be a hub for wildlife or landscape photographers to capture memorable moments and scenarios.
Routes to Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
Ganesh Himal trek via Gorkha.
This trek commences through the district of Gorkha popularly known for Gorkha Durbar. The path summarizes popular villages like Laprak and Arughat. This route also includes a visit to Manaslu Base Camp which is another popular destination for trekkers. The journey to Ganesh Himal from Gorkha takes about 16-18 days round trip.
Ganesh Himal with Ruby Valley trek.
This trek begins from Syabrubesi or Gatlang including a visit to Ruby Valley. Ruby Valley named after a precious gemstone provides a region for the mining and trade marketing of rubies. While ruby mining is no longer a major economic activity in the region, gemstone commerce remains an intriguing part. Travelers interested in gemstones will find the Ruby Valley very appealing and may even have the opportunity to explore the local gemstone market. This trek can be completed in around 15-17 days for a round trip. Check to understand more about the Ganesh Himal trek with Ruby Valley.
Ganesh Himal Base Camp via Samari Bhanjyang.
Another popular route to Ganesh Himal Base Camp is via Samari Bhanjyang. While the trip starts from Syabrubesi or Gatlang it takes travelers through local villages of Tamang and Gurung settlements. Along the way, popular destinations include Samari Bhanjyang, Shertung, Chalish, and Ganesh Himal Base Camp. The journey can be completed in 16-18 days via this route.
Ganesh Himal and Paldor Peak Expedition.
This route is popular for mountaineers as it includes a rewarding mountaineering experience to Paldor Peak. The route begins at Gatlang or Syabrubesi and takes about 20-25 days or more depending on the inclusion of Paldor peak climbing.
A Journey Less Traveled: Ganesh Himal Expedition.
Mountaineers do climb the Ganesh Himal Range's Summits, and it is inaccurate to imply that they do not. While it is true that the Ganesh Himal Region is not as well-known or as regularly climbed as other mountain ranges in Nepal, such as the Everest Region and Annapurna Region, there are various reasons for this.
The accessibility to Ganesh Himal is quite challenging. The trails are more slippery and remote and if intending to travel by airplane is not an option. The only possibility to travel by air is through a helicopter which is quite costly and not so preferable. Similarly, the highest peak in the range is Ganesh I which is below 8,000 meters. This becomes a significant benchmark for high-altitude mountaineering as most are drawn towards climbing 8000 peaks like Everest and Annapurna.
The Ganesh Himal route is also quite under development. There are limited promotional activities with less developed infrastructures. There are a limited amount of teahouses and equipment facilities along the route to Ganesh Himal Base Camp which directly relates to the safety concern of the climbers. This means medical facilities and rescue operations are less frequent in this region making it a less desired destination for expedition.
Despite these factors, it is essential to point out that climbing activity occurs in the Ganesh Himal Range. Mountaineers who are ready to step off the usual road will discover great climbing experiences in this beautiful and less-visited region. For those who like the allure of undiscovered destinations, the Ganesh Himal range provides a distinct and less-crowded mountaineering experience.
Any Religious Cause for the unpopularity of the Ganesh Himal Expedition?
The lack of popularity of the expedition of Ganesh Himal is not directly attributed to religious causes. However, it is essential to know that the Ganesh Himal Region much like any other region of Nepal does hold cultural and religious significance due to its association with Hindu and Buddhist culture. Many other peaks of Nepal also have religious and spiritual importance which is generally not associated with mountaineering.
The primary reasons for the lesser number of climbers in the Ganesh Himal Region include poor accessibility, underdeveloped infrastructure, lower peak heights compared to other more prestigious summits, not much promotion, and safety issues in less-visited locations. Mountaineers who climb in this region do so for the natural beauty, cultural legacy, and the ability to explore off-the-beaten-path terrain, rather than for religious or spiritual reasons.
