Ruby Valley Trek
Nepal , Off the Beaten Path Trek
Duration
10 Days
Tour Type
Trekking/Hiking
Group Size
2+
Accomodation
Hotel/lodge
Meal
B.L.D
Max. Altitiude
3842 M
Best Season
Through Out The Year
Departure from
Kathmandu
Hightlight
- Shamanic and Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition
- Reasonable cost and possible for even a novice trekker
- Stunning view of Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m), Langtang Himal (7,234m), Mt. Dorje Lakpa (6,966m) and Annapurna (8,091m)
- Flora and fauna of Langtang National Park and Ruby Valley
- Knowledge about ruby in its natural form
- Unexplored region and purely pastoral setting
Overview
Ruby Valley Trek is named after the precious gemstone ‘Ruby”. Ganesh Himal Region is the only place in Nepal where ruby is found. It is one of the off-beat trekking routes in the Nepalese Himalayas. Ruby Valley is a hidden gem of Nepali tourism industry. This valley is located between Langtang Valley and Manaslu region. Although located quite close from the Kathmandu Valley, this trek is less frequented by the international trekkers.
Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal (TAAN) identified and explored this trek in 2012. Promotion of community-based tourism contributed to preserve the local biological and cultural diversity of Ganesh Himal region. Actually, Ruby Valley trek was developed to promote Tamang Heritage Trail of Langtang Valley. This isolated valley is an important section of the Great Himalayan Trail, Nepal. The flora and fauna of the subalpine region and Langtang National Park make this trip more meaningful.
The stunning view of Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Langtang Himal (7,234 m), Mt. Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m) and Annapurna (8,091 m) is the Himalayan attraction of this trek. Likewise, the natural hot waterfalls, gorges, pasturelands, subalpine forest, etc are other natural wonders. Although there is no conservation area or national park, you can see many birds and animals en route.
The cultural attractions of Ruby Valley trek are more alluring than the natural vistas. Most of the people of Ruby Valley are Tamang, Gurung and Ghale including other ethnic groups as well. The Shamanic culture and Tibetan Buddhist culture are equally influential in this secret valley. Jhankri Dance, Ghode Dance, Mane dance, Mendo Maya, Paru dance and Dohori Dance are the important cultural practices. If you want to delve into complete wilderness and unique culture, book this trek with us!
Ruby Valley Trek Cost
Before you book the trip, you really want to know Ruby Valley trek cost, am I not right? To satisfy your question, let me talk some vital particulars you have to budget for. Firstly, you don’t have to use any domestic flight services to do this trek. Consequently, it saves much of your money. Next, as the teahouses are basic, you don’t have to pay a higher amount for food and accommodation. Likewise, Ruby Valley trek is a free individual trekking (FIT) region, which requires no special permit. You need only Langtang National Park Entry Permit and TIMS Card.
Similarly, you don’t have to invest for camping trekking in Nepal either as you can do it as a teahouse trekking in Nepal. Moreover, as this is the short itinerary as designed by our Company Nepal Trekking Routes, you don’t have to hire any porter as well. You can simply hire a guide come porter to save your budget. As this is a moderate type of Nepal trekking, you don’t need any climbing gears. Likewise, you can further minimize Ruby Valley trek cost by using public bus instead of private jeep. As a whole, the cost of the trek is really reasonable that you can do it without any second thought. We guarantee that you get much more than the amount you spend for this trip!
Trek Difficulty
Considering the responsible factors, Ruby Valley trek difficulty is of moderate type. Yes, it is a newly introduced trekking region in Nepal. The trekking trails are less traversed, so may not be in perfect condition like that of Manaslu Circuit trek or Langtang Valley trek. However, the highest point to reach is Pangsang Pass (3,842 m) whereas you don’t have to spend night higher than 3,300 m.
Except some sections, the trails are not much steep and sloppy either. It means there is not much threat of altitude sickness during Ruby Valley trek. However, you should take some precautions like walking slowly; having enough food, water and sleep. Next, you should hire a professional trekking guide from a registered local tour operator. Although a newly opened trekking route, the people have realized the importance of tourism and the tourists. They are really friendly and helpful to the trekkers visiting their place. They are also very welcoming to the trekkers all times of the year.
If you are a food lover, you may find Ruby Valley trek difficulty a bit more challenging. It is so because the tea houses en route provide basic food and accommodation facilities. You can’t choose from a large variety of menu. You will find the Nepali typical food, Dal Bhat and Gundruk Dhindo and some non-veg items as well. The cuisines are high in calories for sure that you can cover the distance easily. Nonetheless, trekking in the Himalayas is compromising with the delicious food and luxury whatsoever, right? Hence, Ruby Valley is suitable for even a novice trekker desiring to explore the unexplored secret valley of Nepal.
Ruby Valley Trek Routes
Ruby Valley trek route begins from Dhading and Rasuwa respectively. To begin from Dhading, you follow the route of Manaslu Base Camp trek up to Arkhet. On the other hand, to begin Ruby Valley trek from Rasuwa, you reach Syabrubesi by driving along the Pasang Lhamu Highway from Kathmandu. Then, the route goes along Langtang National Park across Bahun Danda Pass and Chawatar to end up at Gatlang Village. Next day, you move further through Parvati Kunda and Yuri Kharka to spend the night at Somdang. Somdang is the village that divides Paldor Peak climbing route and Ruby Valley trek route.
From here, by crossing Pangsang Pass (3,842 m), you reach Tipling Village at the end of the trek. The following day, you walk past Shertung, Chalish, Ghyabre Gaon and stay overnight at Borang Village. From Borang, you trek past Percho Village to arrive in Darkha Gaon, the last lodging village of Ruby Valley trek 10 days itinerary. On the last day, you trek down to Darkha Phedi and catch a jeep up to Dhading Bensi. From here, you catch a bus to Kathmandu.
Itinerary
As per your landing time, our representative reaches at the Kathmandu Airport to welcome you. By completing the visa process, you will be transferred to the hotel. For on-arrival visa, you shouldn’t forget to keep $ 50, copy of passport and 2 copies pp sized photos.
This is a spare day for Kathmandu City Tour and trek preparation. Our tour guide takes you around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley. You will visit the Monkey Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa.
After coming back to the hotel, the team leader meets you and tells you about Ruby Valley trek itinerary. If needed, it is time for managing the trekking gears for which the team leader helps you at best.
After having breakfast at the hotel, you begin the roadway journey towards Syabrubesi across Nuwakot. There are three different routes to follow from Balaju, Machhapokhari of the Kathmandu Valley.
The first route is along the Pasang Lhamu Highway via Kakani, Trishuli Bazar and Ramche Village. The second goes along the Prithvi Highway up to Galchhi and then right turn through the Trishuli River beds. And, the third is across the Gurne Bhanjyang, which is located at the northwest side of the Kathmandu Valley.
Whichever route you follow, the amazing view of Mt Manaslu 8153 meter, Mt Ganesh Himal, Mt Langtang Lirung, Mt Dorje Lakpa and many more. The small trading centres, green forests, and high altitude villages en route make your travel more memorable.
Following the trail across Langtang Valley, you begin the trek towards Gatlang. On the way, you go past Bahun Danda Pass (Rongga Bhanjyang: 2,180m) and Chawatar.
Gatlang is one of the prominent villages of Tamang Heritage Trail. It is also an epitome of Tamang Shamanism of Langtang region. More importantly, it is the connecting point Langtang region and Ganesh Himal region of the Great Himalayan Trail Nepal. It is the junction between Ruby Valley trek and Paldor Peak climbing.
Today’s trek begins by walking along the dense pine and rhododendron forests of Langtang National Park. On the way, you get to Parvati Kunda, one of the holy lakes of Langtang region. During Janai Purnima Festival, thousands of pilgrims: both Hindus and Buddhists, flock to this holy lake for taking bath.
Moving ahead after enjoying the turquoise water of Parvati Kunda, you walk across Yuri Kharka, a pastureland. Then, the trail delves into the dense forests to take you across Khurpu Danda Pass (3,710m). After taking a short rest at the pass to enjoy the amazing scenery, you trek down along the Somdang Khola. The Somdang Khola divides Rasuwa and Dhading physically.
Then, by walking past a mining area that is currently closed, you reach Somdang Village. Somdang is a new settlement area amidst the dense forests that the people here don’t have any proper land for agriculture. However, they rely on medicinal herbs like Yarsagumba (Cordyceps) for livelihood. The scenery of the snowcapped peaks of Ganesh Himal and Langtang region including the forests with towering trees is incredible!
Towards the southwest of Somdang Village, you follow the ancient salt trading route between Tibet and Ganesh Himal region. You reach Pangsang Pass (3,842m), which is the highest place to reach during Ruby Valley trek. From here, you can have the splendid vistas of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna Range.
Then, you trek gradually downhill to reach Tipling Village to end up today’s trek. Tipling is one of the largest Himalayan villages of Dhading that houses two monasteries and two churches that of Catholic and Protestant. You can find both Shaman culture and Tibetan Buddhist culture in this village. Jhankri Dance, Ghode Dance, Mane dance, Mendo Maya, and Paru dance are some of the cultural shows you get to watch in this village.
After having breakfast at Tipling, you continue today’s trek along the comparatively easy trail. On the way, you get to Shertung Village. It is another Tamang village reflecting both the Shamanic culture and Tibetan Buddhist culture. You find all the traditional cultural dances and songs in this typical Tamang Village.
Crossing this village, you reach Chalish Village, which is inhabited by Gurung, Ghale and Kami people. Here, you can observe different cultural performances on different occasions throughout the year. Some of the prominent dances performed here are Ghatu Dance, Dohori Dance, Maruni Dance, Hai Nelo Dance, etc. While doing these performances, the people are dressed in their cultural attire. There is Sri Tinkanya Devi Temple (Temple dedicated to Three-Virgins Deities of Hindus) nearby the village.
Then, by walking across Ghyabre Gaon, you reach Borang Village at the end of the day. Borang is also a Tamang Village that you find the lifestyle, culture and tradition found in the villages you visited earlier.
You begin today’s trip right after having breakfast. First part of the trek takes you along the Lishne Khola banks up to Percho Village. Perhaps, you stop in this village for lunch and then, continue further. By walking across a few suspension bridges and enjoying the scenery of high altitude villages, you end up at Darkha Gaon. The people from Brahmin, Tamang and Dalit communities, live in Darkha Gaon. It means, you can see the mixed culture and tradition in this village.
Today, you are going to end of Ruby Valley trek by leaving the region. After breakfast, you take a leave from the villagers and trek downwards for 45 minutes to arrive at Darkha Phedi. From here, you catch up a jeep and drive alongside the off-road across Aankhu Khola, Himdang Phedi, Katunje and Jyamrung villages.
Finally, you arrive in Dhading Besi, the administrative headquarters of Dhading district. From here, you change the bus to drive back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. Enjoy the rivers, green forests, glittering mountains and trading centers on the way back.
When you arrive in Kathmandu, our team member relocates you to the hotel. After becoming fresh, take a round of Thamel Bazar to buy some handicraft products of Nepal. They can be very unique presents to your people back in the home country.
In the evening, we invite you to farewell dinner at some cultural restaurant around Thamel Bazar. Enjoy the Nepali food and cultural shows during the stay there.
To catch up with your flight, our crewmember shifts you to the Kathmandu Airport. Have a wonderful journey ahead! See you next time for more adventure for the lifetime experiences!
Inclusion/Exclusion
- Airport pick up and drop off service,
- Trekking Guide and Trekking Porter (Porter can carry maximum 25 kg) Two Traveler have one porter,
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & (Camping+Tea House) Accommodation During the Trek,
- Three star Hotel accommodation (Two Night in Kathmandu),
- Trekking Permit (National Park Entry Permit),
- TIMS(Trekking Informational Managment System) Card,
- Kathmandu Heritage Tour Guide and Transport,
- Kathmandu To Arughat and Arughat to Kathmandu Tourist bus service,
- Insurance and equipment for the trekking staffs,
- First aid kit,
- Farewell dinner with Nepal family in Nepal style,
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
- Travel insurance, Nepal entry visa fee & International airfare
- Extra Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu other than mentioned in Itinerary
- Tips for guide
- Drinks, beverages, hot shower, extra accommodation in Kathmandu
- Heritage entry fee during the sightseeing Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Personal expenses
FAQ's
Ruby Valley trek is accessible throughout the year because the trek route doesn’t climb higher than 3,300m. The highest point to reach is Pangsang Pass (3842 m) while travelling from Somdang to Tipling. However, the best time for Ruby Valley trek is spring and autumn. The weather in these seasons are pleasant with fine visibility serving the enchanting view of the Himalayas and green forests.
Ruby Valley trek itinerary ranges from 7 days to more than 2 weeks. If you have short time and still do this trek, you can do it in just 7 days from Kathmandu. For more details, reach out to us via Nepal Trekking Routes website
Ruby Valley doesn’t have any conservation area nor national park, so, you don’t need any special permit to do this trek. However, you need Langtang National Park Entry Permit if you start from or end at Syabrubesi. According to the itinerary Nepal Trekking Routes has made, you need TIMS Card and Langtang National Park Entry Permit. You can get these permits from Tourist Service Center, Kathmandu and national park permit at Dunche of Rasuwa as well.
Although Ruby Valley is close from Kathmandu, it is less traversed region by the international trekkers. The isolated sections of this trek may not be as easy as those of Everest Base Camp trek or Annapurna Circuit trek. Yeah, it is not a restricted area trekking that even solo trekkers in Nepal can also do this trek. However, we highly recommend you to hire a professional guide from a registered local tour operator.
First, we are one of the most reliable local tour operators located in Thamel, Kathmandu. We have organized Ruby Valley trek with 100% satisfaction for many times. We are committed to provide the best quality services to our clients at the most reasonable cost whatsoever. Most importantly, Mr. Shailesh Pokharel, the CEO of Nepal Trekking Routes is a local inhabitant of Ruby Valley Ganesh Himal region. In other words, we are the local guide for Ruby Valley trek.
No, you don’t! There are not any high technical passes en route Ruby Valley trek. It is a moderate type of trekking in Nepal that even a novice trekker can do. For more information, visit our official website:
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