Ruby Valley trek itinerary for 9 days

The Ruby Valley Trek in Nepal, located in the north-central part of the country, provides trekkers with an off-the-beaten-path experience in a remote and less crowded region. The trek takes you through the picturesque Ruby Valley, named after the precious stones found in the area, and introduces you to various ethnic communities, including the Gurungs, Tamangs, and Newars, each with their own distinct traditions and culture.

Starting in Dhading Besi, a town a few hours’ drive from Kathmandu, trekkers embark on a trail that meanders through terraced fields, dense forests, and traditional villages, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and landscapes. Along the way, you can visit charming villages like Gatlang and Chilime, immersing yourself in the local culture and warm hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to rejuvenate in the healing hot springs of Tatopani.

The duration of the Ruby Valley Trek typically ranges from 9 to 14 days, depending on the chosen route and trekking pace. It is suitable for trekkers with a moderate level of fitness and provides an excellent opportunity to experience Nepal’s beauty and culture in a secluded and serene setting.

The Ruby Valley Trek unveils awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped mountains and breathtaking scenery. Nestled between Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area, this trek takes you through the inner Ruby Valley Rural Municipality of Dhading, known for its ruby deposits in the Ganesh Himal region. There are numerous reasons why the Ruby Valley Trek stands out, and one of them is the chance to stay in local homestays, enabling you to immerse yourself in the local culture and forge connections with the residents.

As you trek through dense forests adorned with rhododendrons, pines, and oaks, you will be treated to panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu, among other snow-capped peaks. This trek showcases the diversity of geography, biodiversity, and culture, offering a unique experience to explorers. By venturing into the Ruby Valley, you can relish the pristine beauty of nature while embracing the distinctive cultural heritage of the local communities along the trekking route.

The Multivalue Hidden Treasure Valley

The Ruby Valley Trek encompasses three enchanting holy lakes known as Kalo Kunda, Seto Kunda, and Ganesh Kunda, located near the base camp of Ganesh Himal. These lakes serve as serene and beautiful landmarks within the trekking territory. The renowned Ankhu Khola River originates from these three ponds, while the surrounding area is known to contain ruby and zinc mines. Furthermore, the lap of Ganesh Himal is blessed with a variety of valuable Himalayan herbal plants, including Jadwar herb, salam Pancha, Nardostachys, Caterpillar Fungus, mountain Swertia, asparagus, and Sanjivani Buti.

Hidden treasure

The Ruby Valley area presents various trekking options, such as Pangsang La Pass, Kalo Kunda, Seto Kunda, Singla Pass Trek, and Paldor Peak. However, trekking in the upper Ruby Valley requires camping gear and proper equipment, as the higher sections of the trek are more challenging compared to the lower parts. Along the trekking route, there is a natural hot spring located between Chalishgaon and Hindung villages. Many tourists take a rest day in Chalish and enjoy bathing in the hot spring, which offers therapeutic benefits by increasing blood flow, circulation, and metabolism through the presence of essential minerals.

The Ruby Valley Trekking offers a captivating and immersive cultural experience, allowing you to learn about the customs and traditions of various ethnic indigenous groups, including Brahmins, Tamangs, Gurungs, and Ghale peoples. These communities practice a blend of Buddhism-Bon Po, which venerates nature and deities, while some individuals have been influenced by Christianity. Along the trek, you will encounter Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries, adding to the cultural richness of the journey.

During the homestay trek in the Ruby Valley, you will traverse Pangasng La Pass, situated at an altitude of 3,850 meters above sea level. From this pass, known as Pangsang Danda, you can witness the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Langtang Himal range, Manaslu range, and Ganesh range, as well as breathtaking high alpine pastures and terraced landscapes.

It’s important to note that the Ruby Valley route is a homestay trek, initially explored by TAAN in 2013 but still in the process of development. As a result, luxurious tea houses should not be expected, as accommodation primarily consists of staying with local families and experiencing their hospitality firsthand.

Best Viewpoint during the Ruby Valley Trek

Permit for Ruby Valley Trekking

If you hike in the Ruby Valley and return the same way, you do not require a permit since it is not a Conservation Area or National Park. However, if you plan to cross the Pangsang La pass and join Syabrubensi, you will need Langtang National Park Permits as you will be entering the Langtang area. Additionally, a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit is required for all trekking regions in Nepal.

Best Trekking Season for Ruby Valley Trek

The ideal seasons for trekking in the Ruby Valley are autumn and spring. Autumn lasts from September to November, while spring lasts from March to May. Both seasons offer their unique charms and advantages.

During the spring season, Ruby Valley showcases a pleasant climate with hills adorned in vibrant colors of rhododendrons, orchids, and other blooming flora. The warm temperatures and clear days make it an ideal time to enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

Autumn, on the other hand, is considered the most beautiful time in Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley. The temperatures are mild, even in higher altitudes, and the days are characterized by clear skies, providing optimal visibility of the majestic mountains. This season attracts visitors from all over the country to experience its splendor.

In winter (December to January), the Himalayas experience a slight chill, with the possibility of snowfall. However, the days remain sunny and pleasant. While rain is rare in the Ruby Valley, winter can be a peaceful time to travel along less crowded trails. It’s important to be prepared for the cold temperatures during this season.

In summary, the autumn and spring seasons offer the best weather conditions and stunning natural beauty for trekking in the Ruby Valley.

Ruby Valley Trekking Food and Accommodations

The food on the Ruby Valley trek, similar to other trekking regions in Nepal, is simple and basic. As you stay in homestays along the route, you have the opportunity to experience local life and cuisine. Staying in a homestay is a meaningful concept as it offers an alternative to luxurious hotels and lodges, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local community’s daily life. While the payment for your stay may not be substantial, even a small amount directly benefits the mountain community or individual who leads a challenging life in the region.

Accommodations in homestays can provide private or shared rooms, including dormitory-style rooms with multiple beds. Although the rooms may be small, they are typically clean, and tidy, and offer beautiful views.

When it comes to meals, you will likely eat where you stay, as is expected by the locals. Home-stay owners and locals primarily make money by selling food rather than lodging. The menu options may not be as extensive as those in regular tea houses. Common food choices on this trek include eggs prepared in various ways, chapati bread, potatoes cooked in different styles, instant noodles, Dal Bhat Tarkari (rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry), and local dishes prepared according to their own traditions. Additionally, Dal Bhat, a typical and traditional Nepalese meal, is readily available in this region at a reasonable price. For beverages, you can choose from options like Nepali tea and black coffee.