Overview
Ruby Valley Trek, formerly known as the Ganesh Himal region, is an undiscovered beautiful route which lets you enjoy the exquisite beauty of the landscape as well as the cultural and traditional virtues of the region.
Located close to Kathmandu, the Ruby Valley Trek is a recently suggested trekking destination. This hiking trail in central Nepal is a hidden valley located between Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area.
The route passes through lowland terraced farmlands and foothills to reach ethnic Tamang communities at higher altitudes. This peaceful excursion offers magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayas. In addition to the breathtaking panoramas of the Ganesh Range, Lamjung Himal (6,800m), Langtang Lirung (7,300m), Manaslu (8,163m), and several other peaks, you will also encounter Ganga and Jamuna waterfalls, which are both captivating. Exotic plants, animals, and minerals including ruby, crystal, and zinc can be discovered in Ruby Valley. The entire trip takes place in a comfortable setting with homestays rather than in hotels or lodges, giving you an authentic Nepali experience that you will rarely get anywhere else.
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1503m / 4945ft)
You will take an early-morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu on the first day of the journey. The grandeur and scenery of the Kathmandu Valley will be your backdrop as you have a warm and nutritious breakfast there. After a short period of rest, you will begin your tour through the Ruby Valley by driving from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. We’ll be driving into Langtang National Park to register our trekking permits. Following the Trisuli Bazaar, Ramche Gaon, and Dhunche is a 7 to 8-hour scenic drive that is unquestionably a wonderful ride. Although the path is somewhat winding and rough, you will be amazed by the stunning surroundings. Our overnight stay is in Syabrubesi.
- Flight: 25-mins
- Driving Hours: (122 km / 75.8miles) 7- 9 hrs
Day 2: Trek from Syabrubesi (1,503m / 4,945ft) via Chawatar (lunch) to Gatlang (2,337m / 7,690ft
We’ll be heading to Gatlang, a small Tamang settlement. After ascending a steep, winding path to Bahun Dada Pass, we descend to Gatlang. Will be stopping at Chawatar to have a delicious meal. Since the majority of the vegetables are locally grown and freshly harvested, the food is wonderfully excellent here. We can observe the richness of their culture and traditions as we travel around this magnificent Tamang community. We will stay overnight in Gatlang.
- Highest Altitude: 2337m / 7690 ft
- Trek Duration: 5- 6 hours
Day3: Trek from Gatlang (2,337m / 7,690ft) to Parvati Kund, Yuri Kharka (lunch) to Somdang (3,271m / 10,760ft)
After breakfast at Gatlang, we will proceed to Parvati Kunda, which is named after the famous Hindu goddess Parvati. It is a natural alpine freshwater lake and is considered sacred by the local people. The habitat and lodges continue to get smaller as you walk further. We continue on the trail to Yuri Kharka through beautiful pine and rhododendron woodland. We trek towards the Somdang through Khurphu Bhanjyang after enjoying a fantastic supper at Yuri Kharka. A shut-down mine that once produced zinc, copper, tin, and crystals may be seen a few hour’s walks from Somdang. Despite the mine’s long-standing inactivity, you can still explore inside and enjoy its stunning beauty. Our overnight stay will be at Somdang Valley.
- Highest Altitude: 3,271m / 10,760ft
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 4: Trek from Somdang (3,271m / 10,760ft) via Pangsang Pass (3,842m / 12,604ft) to Tipling (2,078m / 6,835ft)
We will cross the Pangsang La Pass on the fourth day of the expedition. We travel away from Somdang Village and toward the southwest to reach Pangsang Kharka while admiring the magnificent mountains and breathtaking scenery. In Pangsang Pass, there is a large meadow called Pasang Kharka.
The Ganesh Himal Range and Mount Manaslu can both be seen in great detail from Pasang Kharka. There are comparatively fewer homestays on this trek because it is one of the less popular ones. After a lengthy trek, we eventually reach Tipling, descending from Laptung village while travelling through dense pine and rhododendron forests.
- Overnight stay at Tipling.
- Highest Altitude: 3,842m / 12,604ft
- Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hrs
Day 5: Trek from Tipling (2,078m / 6,835ft) to Chalish Gaon (1,800m / 5,960ft)
Today, we continue our journey toward Chalish Gaon. This trek will be leisurely and brief. We first make our way down through the tranquil jungle, across a river, and arrive at Chalisgaon, which is located in a beautiful location. Shertung village is around 100 meters above Chailsh Gaon, and both of these towns offer a wealth of exploration opportunities. Gurungs, Tamangs, and Dalits predominantly inhabit Chalish Gaon and Shertung.
- Highest Altitude: 2,078m / 6,835ft
- Trek Duration: 2hrs
Day 6: Trek From Chalish (1,800m / 5,960ft) to Borang (1,700m / 2,296ft), drive to Dhading Besi (580m /1,902ft)
After a delicious breakfast, we will hike a little further to the settlement of Borang before descending to Lishne Khola. We ride a local jeep in Borang and go to Dhading Besi over a winding road that passes the villages of Ankhu Khola and Kimdang Phedi. You’ll encounter several tranquil communities on your way back, which will fill you with memories. We’ll be spending the night at Dhading Besi.
- Highest Altitude: 1,800m / 5,960ft
- Trek Duration: 2-3 hours
- Driving Hours: 4-5 hrs
Day 7: Drive from Dhading Besi – Kathmandu (1,310m / 4,323ft)
We will return to Kathmandu from Dhading Besi on the seventh day of the journey. The trip will take 4-5 hours. You will check into your accommodations as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, and the rest of the day is up to you.
- Driving Hours: 4 to 5 hrs
Day 8: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
From Kathmandu, we will take a 25-minute flight to Pokhara. You will enjoy a hearty breakfast while admiring the spectacular Annapurna range as well as the lovely vista of the surrounding.
- Flight Time: 25 mins
Cost Include
- Three meals a day during the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Accommodations in a Tea House/Lodge during the Trekking.
- Pokhara-Kathmandu flight costs (includes tax and government fees)
- Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (trek start) and Dhading Besi back to Kathmandu (trek end) by private vehicle
- Trekking Guide, assistant trekking guide for groups with 12 or more trekkers and a porter (Shared by two clients) with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
- Langtang National Park entry permit fee
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
- Proper First aid kit
- A TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) card fee
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- The company’s duffel bag will also be provided. (if needed)
- All essential official fees.
Cost Exclude
- International flight cost
- Your travel insurance
- Excess baggage charge (weight limit 9 kg per person)
- On-arrival visa fees at Tribhuwan International Airport (30 days- USD 50)
- All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the trek
- Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled water, hot (tea/coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Tips for the Guide and Porter(expected).
- Travel insurance that covers emergency high-altitude heli – rescue and evacuation and health care costs (compulsory)
- Additional costs or delays due to circumstances beyond our control like bad weather conditions, itinerary modification for safety, government policy changes
Additional Information
The weather is the most important factor when trekking on the Ruby Valley Trek. The best seasons for trekking in this region are spring and fall. Since there is no rain and the sky is clear from sunrise to dark, you can take in beautiful views of the Himalayan range. It rains a lot during the monsoon season, while it becomes cold and snows in the trekking regions during the winter. Even though it is challenging, it is still feasible to go on a trek at these times. However, we run Ruby Valley Trek all year long. This trek is relatively accessible because the area is close to Kathmandu.
The itinerary can be adjusted according to your requirements.
