TREKKING AROUND GANESH HIMAL *

Ganesh Himal is sure to be the next sought-after destination along the Great Himalaya Trail trekking route. Although visible from the rooftops of Kathmandu, the Ganesh Himal massif is surprisingly remote. Named after the Hindu god of good fortune, the Ganesh - Ruby Valley - region is home to an enticing treasure trove of trails and mysterious deep canyons. From the Pangsang La pass, one of the most overwhelming panoramas of the entire Nepalese Himalaya unfolds. With enchanting forests, an amazing wealth of cultural attractions, centuries-old traditions and the colourful blend of Gurung and Tamang people, the gods have bestowed great favour on the region. Add in the superb attractions of the Tamang Heritage Trail and the mix is as intoxicating as the dreams of those seeking the riches of Ganesh himself.

Authors Bob Gibbons and Sian Pritchard-Jones first visited Nepal in 1974 and 1982 respectively. Bob arrived overland from the UK in an old Land Rover, at a time when Boudhanath stupa was surrounded by fields and Freak Street was host to travellers and hippies. Soon after that trip he worked as an overland driver and trek manager for Exodus. Sian trekked around Annapurna en route home from work in New Zealand, meeting Bob in Kashmir on another trek. Between 1983 and 1998 they led over forty trekking groups each in Nepal, making at least fifteen ascents of the famous Poon Hill. They continue to visit Nepal regularly, writing or editing books about the Himalayan region, trekking and occasionally driving overland.