| Ganja La.
This is a view of the Ganja La from the north side of the Langtang Valley. This is where
we're heading in the next few days.
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| Spanish Moss.
After we crossed the Langtang Khola, we entered a dense Rhododendron forest, which we
travelled through for an hour or two. The Spanish moss hanging from the trees gave it a
tropical feel, which was not in character with the rest of the Langtang Valley.
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| Lunch Stop.
This is our lunch stop on the first day of the crossing. We had fantastic views of the
Langtang Valley, and could see Kyangjin Gompa, Langsisa, our high camp at Yala, and various
glaciers. The first day was relatively short and we arrived at our campsite by early
afternoon.
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| Campsite.
Our campsite was a pleasant little meadow. It was the last good camping spot before the
terrain got substantially more vertical and icy. We had a very early departure (before 6 AM,
in the dark) the next day. This was necessary, since the next good camping spot on the other
side of the Ganja La was quite far away. Even with the early start we didn't reach our next
campsite until almost dark that evening.
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| Gaining Altitude.
By mid morning, we had reached the snowline. The snow wasn't terribly deep, but we had to
exercise caution on the trail in order not to step into a hidden hole. It was a bright
and sunny day, and with the sun reflecting off the snow, suntan lotion and sunglasses
were mandatory.
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| Looking Back.
Looking back towards the Langtang Valley in the distance, its starting to get a bit cloudy,
and it looks like the weather is about to change.
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| Change in the Weather.
Looking back again, the weather definitely has changed. We had to duck, so we wouldn't
bump our heads on the clouds.
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| Nearing the Top.
Continuing up towards the top of the Ganja La.
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| One Last Push.
This is the last steep push before the top of the pass. One had to tread quite carefully
here - it would not be a good idea to slip and slide down this slope.
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| On Top.
This is the top of the Ganja La, with some of our trekkers, sherpas, and porters. There
wasn't a lot of room up here, and it was quite windy and not paricularly pleasant. We had
a quick bite of food, the porters had a quick smoke, and then we all took off down the
other side. I put away my camera for the trip down, since the snow was getting quite wet.
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| Snowy Night.
After we crossed the pass, we continued for four to five miles, gradually descending,
until we arrived at a spot that was level enough to pitch camp. By now snow was steadily
falling.
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