Yangra, also called Ganesh I, is a 7,422 m peak and the highest summit of the Ganesh Himal. It stands north-west of Kathmandu, and can be seen from the Tamang Heritage Trail, the Ruby Valley and the Gosainkunda area on clear days.
The highest of the Ganesh group
The Ganesh Himal is named after the elephant-headed god, and its summits have names like Ganesh I, II, III and IV. Yangra, the highest, is 7,422 m (24,350 ft).
The first ascent
The first ascent was in 1955. Since then the group has seen limited climbing due to its remote location.
Views
The Tamang Heritage Trail and the Ruby Valley give good views. See the Tamang Heritage Trail guide and the Ganesh Himal and Ruby Valley guide.
Season
Autumn gives the clearest views.
Common questions
Is Yangra the same as Ganesh I? Yes. Can I see it from Kathmandu? On rare clear days, yes.
A mountain with many names
The names Yangra and Ganesh I refer to the same summit. The Ganesh Himal as a whole has several peaks, named with Roman numerals, and local names also exist. The name Ganesh honours the elephant-headed god.
The Tamang Heritage Trail
The Tamang Heritage Trail passes through villages with old stone houses, monasteries and hot springs at Tatopani. Views of the Ganesh Himal appear on clear days. It is a gentle trek, suited to those who like culture as much as mountains.
Ruby Valley
The Ruby Valley, named after the gemstones found there, lies on the west side of the range. It is quiet and green, with terraced fields. It is rarely visited, which makes it appealing.
Climbing
Climbing in the Ganesh Himal is rare and requires an expedition permit.
Respect and care
Be mindful of local customs, and ask before taking photographs of people.
More questions
Is Ganesh Himal visible from Kathmandu? Occasionally on very clear days. Is the Tamang Heritage Trail hard? No, it is moderate and mostly below 3,500 m. How long does it take? Usually five to eight days depending on the route.
Why choose a quieter range
Many travellers want mountain views without crowds. The Ganesh Himal region offers this, with local homestays, hot springs and village life. It is a good choice for a first trek if you prefer a gentler pace, or for a second trek if you have already done the main routes.
