The Ganesh Himal region lies to the northwest of the capital, Kathmandu. The region which is named after the elephant-headed god of good fortune “Ganesh” boasts a massive array of illustrious mountain peaks including Ganesh Himal ranges and Manaslu range as well and the highest amongst them being Manaslu at 8163, also the eight highest peak in the world. Although visited in a comparatively smaller number, the region is a graceful mix of the mesmerizing Himalayas, serene solitude, and rich bio-diversity.
The Ganesh Himal region, also dubbed as the “Ruby Valley of Trekking”, due to the presence of precious stones, is the ideal moderate-level trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. This domain is inhabited by multiple ethnic groups such as Tamang, Gurung, and Brahmin. There are beautiful Tamang villages which are untouched by the global influences of the 21st century and provide people with authentic Himalayan experiences. This region, as mentioned earlier, is also rich in natural diversity as it includes around 526 species of plants (including 40 species of orchids), and 300 species of birds. Interesting wild animals such as the Himalayan Thar, Gaur, many kinds of monkeys, and musk deer are also found in the region.
Furthermore, forests, glaciers, and high passes add to the enthralling experience. Treks in this region are of moderate difficulty and have options of treks which vary in length between 12-20 days as per the traveler’s choice. The region requires a permit from the Government of Nepal to enter. The costs differ according to the seasons and the exact destinations you choose to visit, so make sure to check with your guide/travel agency to be sure.