Our Ruby Valley Trek is an off-the-beaten path trek in the Ganesh Himal region of Nepal. The trek got its name from the deposits of the precious red Ruby gems in the area. Outside of Nepal, the area is not well known and it is not likely that you will find many other foreigners wandering around the Tamang and Gurung ethnic villages. In fact, few other trekking companies even offer the Ruby Valley Trek. The path is much quieter and more secluded than, for example, the Annapurna and Everest region treks. However, the natural and cultural beauty is equally stunning.
The Ruby Valley Trek is a great way to explore Nepal’s geological and cultural diversity, particularly in Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area. We begin in the low, flat plans near Syabrubesi and move through the awe-inspiring man-made terraced rice fields near the Tamang village of Gatlang. Ascending through brilliant rhododendron forests, we soon pass the 200-meter tall Chukarma Waterfall. Before we know it, a steep climb brings us to a point at which we are surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including Ganesh Himal (7422m), Langtang Lirung (7227m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m), and other towering peaks of central and western Nepal. As said before, we experience a great cultural diversity throughout the trek. We will pass through and stay in Tamang, Gurung, Newar, Chhetri, Brahmin, and Chepang villages. You will mostly be accommodated in a homestay facility, bringing you close to these cultures and developing a personal relationship with your host.
After soaking in the incredible panorama view of the Himalayas, we descend back to Dhading Besi, from where we drive back to Kathmandu. If you’re looking for a trek that gives you a closer connection to the people and natural environmental that surround you, our Ruby Valley Trek is the way to go!
The Ruby Valley Trek can be done throughout the year, but the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best weather. During the spring, the flowers are blooming, adding color to the trail. In the fall, the skies are usually clearer. The trek requires moderate fitness. Junket Nepal arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
You will be picked up from Tribhuvan Airport by a member of Junket Nepal and taken to your hotel. We give you all the necessary information about your trek and clear up any questions you might have. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, we’ll brief you on our upcoming adventure and then give you a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, which includes several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can spend the rest of the day freely. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, we drive north from Kathmandu over the hilly terrain, passes the busy markets of Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche. We continue our drive to reach Syabrubesi, where there are many tea houses and good camping sites. Our drive offers good views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himalayan Ranges. Also, you will get brief glimpses of village life along the drive route. Overnight at guest house.
We begin our trek from Syabrubesi along a trail that leads to Chilime Khola valley. From there, we head west on a solid trail towards Thambuchet and continue trekking until we arrive at Gatlang. Overnight in guest house.
Leaving Gatlang, we follow a wide trail leading to Parvati Kunda. From there, we trek through rhododendron and pine forests before climbing up the Khurpu Dada Pass at 3710 meters. From here we go west and descend all the way to Somdang. Overnight in guest house.
After breakfast, we follow the trail that climbs up through more dense forests before traversing above a large piece of land towards Pasang La Pass at 3842 meters, where locals have built a small gompa. From here, we gradually descend through theagricultural fields of Lawadun to the village of Tipling. Overnight in tea house.
From Tipling we descend, crossingthe Adha River and climbing towards the village of Shertung. During today’s journey, we see the fertile river valleys of the region. Shertung is a quaint village inhabited mainly by Tamang. From here we see awesome views of the Ganesh Himal range. Overnight in tea house.
We will trek for about 30 minutes to reach Chalish Gaon. Here we will leave our bags at a tea house and take a walk to reach Tatopani (hot water/spring). Enjoy your day at the hygienic hot spring. We will return to Chalish Gaon when we’re done. Overnight in tea house.
We will continue our trek form Chalish along the trail, passing through Mani Danda. From here great views of Ganesh Himal Range areenjoyed. Further along the trail, we pass through Deul danda, Gobre village, Chhap danda and Bandari Bhir. We continue to trek, passing through Lishne jungle and Chhapchyat village before arriving at Jurlang. Overnight at tea house.
After breakfast in Jharlang we gradually descend to Jharlang Phedi while passing through terraced fields. Crossing over several suspension bridges, we continue on to Darkha Gaon. People from different ethnic groupscoexist in this village. Overnight in tea house.
We will follow the trail, descending to Darkha Phedi. From there we will take a local jeep and drive on therough road that makes several switchbacks to Dhading Besi. After arriving at Dhading Besi, we will take another drive back to Kathmandu. We’ll have a farewell dinner for you in the evening. Overnight in hotel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Junket Nepal as your trekking guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.
Usefull Info
Trekking preparation and Physical Condition:
Physical Fitness is an important part to have trekking adventure in Nepalese Himalayas. To be fully prepared to gain lifetime experience of walking in the mountains, explore Himalayan vista with combined cultural experience can accomplished by exploit inspired adventure seekers who can walk 4 to 6 hours ascends and descends per day. We generally prefer short and easy trek for first time trekkers and moderate to adventurous trekking for experienced trekkers as per preferences.
Preparation for trekking has not any hard and fast rules and regulations. We recommend all trekkers to maintain their physical fitness level a couple of months before the trek. The fitness activities might be jugging, walk through steps (Uphill and Downhill), join a fitness club etc. while achieving the adventure experience of trekking, physical fitness as well as mental fitness plays vital role, every trekkers should also have to be mentally prepared.
Accommodation and Meals during the Trek:
Almost popular trekking regions in Nepal are filled with sophisticated tea house lodges which offer standard room accommodation and hygienic foods. Every trekker can choose varieties of foods; Nepali, Continental, Indian etc from the menu. Apart from the popular trekking routes where the tea houses are not available, we will provide camping accommodation and prepare meals by our team members. In cities, you can choose any (non star to 5 star categorized) hotel to stay before/after begin the trip as per your budget and requirement.
Grades of Trekking:
A Himalayan country Nepal amazingly presents several world’s high mountains including world’s top Mt. Everest, other mountains above 8000m from sea level and several snow-capped peaks. Grades of trekking determines as per altitude level, duration of the trek, level of difficulties, wilderness in trails and many more factors. Basically we classify the grades as; Easy, Moderate, Strenuous & Adventurous. Easy trekking is suitable for beginners, and gradually all grades trails offers unique taste of adventure for all adventure seeking trekkers.
High Altitude Sickness:
High altitude Sickness is totally unusual and unexpected sickness which means effect of high altitudes while in a trekking. It attracts more if we ascend so quickly in the mountains. As we know that prevention is better than cure, we don’t have to gain altitudes too quickly, acclimatize with altitude by slow and steady walk with numbers of reserve days would be a good idea.
The symptoms of high altitude sickness are; loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, difficult to pass urine, headache, irregular breathing, Nausea, mild weakness, hands and face swelling etc.
In case of such sickness while you are in mountain with our team, every trekker needs to follow the instructions provided by your guide, guides from Junket Nepal (P) Ltd always are well aware about such sickness and basic treatment procedure. Immediately descend from the altitude is one of the major treatment of high altitude sickness. Drink a lot of water, take some garlic soup, you may also take Diamox 250mg and other modes of cure. If the situation would be out of control situation with serious sickness, we will arrange immediate emergency evacuation by horse or helicopter depending upon the situation.
Best Season for Trekking:
Generally 2 seasons in an annual year are considered as a peak season of trekking and mountaineering in Nepal which are autumn – September, October & November and spring – March, April & May. During the season view of mountain will be clear. Some adventure seekers who want to walk not facing other large groups, peaceful environments can also choose December – February. June-August months are monsoon season which ruins long trekking trips but one can choose short hiking trips.
Types of Trekking:
Types of trekking can be categorized in 2 different parts;
I) Tea house trekking; available in several popular trekking regions of Nepal. This type or trek generally operated by using tea house lodges for meals and accommodations during the entire trekking. Tea house lodges are not well sophisticated as hotels and resorts in cities but they provide simply the best services and facilities.
II) Camping Trekking; required to set up tented camps for the less beaten trekking regions where those tea house lodges are not available. During the camping trek, our crew team will carry all camping equipments, meals and essentials.
Trekking Permits:
Trekking permits are essential before entering into every trekking trails. Your trip detail should have to be registered. Types of trekking permits are as follows:
I) TIMS (Trekkers Information Manual System): It is required for your safety provided by an umbrella organization of trekking agencies - Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). It helps to keep record of every trekkers in mountains and control illegal trekking operators by keeping your details (Name, Nationality, Date of Birth and Passport Number)
II) National Park/Conservation Area Permits: Every trekking trail are joined with at least one national park or conservation area project where we have to issue permit and have to pay certain royalty for Conservation area project. For example; Annapurna Conservation Area Project required for Annapurna region trekking, Sanagmatha National Park permit required for Everest region trekking etc.
III) Special Permits: It is compulsory for restricted area’s trekking in Nepal. Nepal government has listed some important trekking trails in their restricted area lists such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo, Manaslu Circuit, Makalu Circuit etc. such permits are need to be issued from department of immigration of Nepal. This permit’s royalty rates are generally higher than national park/conservation area fees and TIMS differ from season of trek and its duration. Please contact us for full extent of information about royalty lists for special permits.
Trekking Safety and Security:
Safety and security is one of the major factors while in Nepalese mountains for trekking adventure where we might face unusual sickness, problems, injury and so on. First of all be sure you have chosen best company for your trekking holiday that’s why you will get experienced and knowledgeable trekking staffs. Guidelines from trekking leader plays vital role to be safe from such unusual problems. We generally provide experienced guides who are well trained having high level of knowledge about altitude sickness and other possible problems as well as basic treatment procedure to be safe from the problems.