The Ruby Valley Trek is one of the newest trekking routes in Ganesh himal region of Nepal. It has been introduced by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Ganesh Himal Tourism Development Committee. This trail, which lies between the awe-inspiring Manaslu and Langtang regions, offers an authentic and less-trodden trekking experience, with a portion of the route intersecting the well-known Langtang trail.
Unlike many of Nepal's more developed trekking areas, the Ruby Valley Trek leads you into a remote and untouched region where commercial tea houses and lodges are scarce. Instead, trekkers are welcomed into local homes, providing a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri, Brahmin, and other ethnic communities. These home stays offer more than just a place to rest—they invite you to dive deep into the local culture, taste traditional dishes, and learn about the customs and daily lives of the people who call this valley home.
The trek is a visual spectacle, offering stunning views of some of Nepal's most renowned peaks, including Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu. The trail is dotted with serene Buddhist monasteries, revered Hindu temples, cascading waterfalls, peaceful ponds, and lush forests. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the chance to spot rare species such as the red panda, snow leopard, barking deer, and a variety of pheasants. The elusive tiger and bear also roam these forests, adding to the trek's allure.
The ideal time to embark on the Ruby Valley Trek is between March and May. During these months, the mountains are at their clearest, and the landscape is transformed by the vibrant red blossoms of rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. This season offers not only magnificent mountain views but also a chance to witness the region’s natural beauty at its peak.
Whether you are an experienced trekker or a lover of nature and culture, the Ruby Valley Trek offers an unforgettable journey through one of Nepal's most unspoiled and culturally rich regions.
Start the day with an early morning drive towards Syabur Besi, north out of Kathmandu, passing through scenic green hills, terraced farms and rivers. From the bank of Trishuli River you will catch a glimpse of beautiful Ganesh Himal. You will drive pass Dhunche, the headquarters of Rasuwa District and shortly arrive at Syabrubesi. Mostly inhabited by Tamang ethnic community, Syabrubesi is a small town featuring restaurants and guesthouses. Stay overnight at lodge
After breakfast, start your trek from Syabrubesi as you go on an easy but uphill path. On reaching Goljung village, you will observe the lifestyle of Tamang people distinct for their black tiled houses and Tibetan influenced culture. If lucky, you will also attend cultural show at Goljung and later at Gatlang. Gatlang set high on a hillside among terraced fields where one can visit a Tamang monastery and beautiful Parvatikunda Lake. Stay overnight at lodge
The trail is initially along the graveled but motorable road. On the trail, you will already begin to enjoy spectacular mountain views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges including many other unnamed peaks. You will pass by few Tamang villages ahead before getting to Somdang. There is a zinc mine in Somdang that might of interest. Stay overnight at camp/home stay.
Follow the trail through villages and partly forests as you gradually ascend towards Pangsng which is a good viewpoint to watch mountain peaks including Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. Stay overnight at camp/home stay.
The trail descends at first and then climbs up through bamboo, pine, rhododendron forests and waterfalls. Tipling is the first village you encounter on this route. It is a big Tamang village rich in mixed culture and has chorten and also a church. The houses here are made of wood, tin and stones and the locals are known for making goods from bamboo sticks. You can see farming terraces where farmers grow potatoes, wheat, barley, buck wheat, maize and green vegetables. Now climb down steeply until you cross a suspension bridge over Gorkhen Khola (stream) from where the trail go uphill to Sertung Chalise which is a Gurung village. Stay overnight at camp/home stay.
The early part of the trail goes down to Menchet Khola (stream) but after crossing this stream you trek steep up to arrive at Hindung. This day too you will meander through small Tamang villages, farming terraces and green hills. Hindung is a pretty big village mainly inhabited by Tamang whose main occupation is farming mainly growing potatoes, millet, barley, maize, beans and other vegetables. The mani walls and prayer flags give distinct Buddhist heritage look to the villages. Stay overnight at camp/home stay.
Leaving Hindung the route goes up to Rajgang Kharka. The trail is covered with rhododendron forest home to various species of birds and wild animals. During Spring to Autumn season locals bring domestic animals here especially sheep for grazing. Stay overnight at camp/home stay.
Ahead the trail is narrow and mostly uphill through forests. At this altitude you will find alpine vegetation here. There are two lakes in Kalo Seto Kunda you can visit. Considered holy, the surface of Kalo or Black Lake is covered with black stones while the surface of Seto Kunda or White Lake is covered with white shinning stones. During winter season these lakes are frozen. Stay overnight at camp.
This a rest and acclimatization day. You can go for a brief excursion in and around Kalo Seto Kunda (Black and White Lake). You can easily capture the majestic views of Ganesh I, II & II, Paldor Himal and others from here. Stay overnight at camp.
You will trek along a descending narrow path surrounded by alpine vegetation of shrubs and pastures. TStay overnight at camp/home stay.
The trail goes downhill from Rajgang Kharka all the way to Chalise passing through forests till Hindung. Beyond It, you will come across a few Tamang villages. Stay overnight at camp/home stay.
Your trek first makes a slow descent to Laba Besi then climbs up to reach Laba village. En route the scenery of pine forests, traditional Nepali villages, farming terraces, green hills will be captivating. Laba is a beautiful Gurung village with their unique tradition and culture. Stay overnight at camp/home stay.
This day the trail is through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests inhabited by variety of plant and wild animals. The trail gradually goes to the top of Manyang Bhanjyang which offers first glimpse of Ganesh Himal. While trekking you pass Khading village mainly resided by Tamang and Gurung. Manyang Bhanjyang is a ridge surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests and grassland making it a perfect place for camping. You camp for the night. Stay overnight at camp
To reach Majhgaun today you have to drop down before ascendin.. On the way you pass forests of rhododendron and oak as well as villages and farming terraces . The views of Manaslu Himal range along with Buddha peak appear on a clear day. As you enter Majhgaun you will find local people engaged in their farming and day to day activities. Stay overnight at camp/home stay.
Today you will walk along the trail dominated with villages, forests, streams and terraces. It is an easy hike down to Budathum, which is a small bazaar area with schools, restaurant and lodges. This village town is mostly resided by Newar community. You will able to catch spectacular views of Manaslu range at far distance. Stay overnight at camp.
After your early morning breakfast, you will drive from Budathum back to Kathmandu that takes about 6 hours. This is a enjoyable drive with scenery of villages, rivers and green hills.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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