Ruby Valley Trekking-7Days

Quick Overview
Duration7 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude3,845m Pang Sang Pass
Group Size2-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesRuby Valley Trek
Best TimeFeb, Mar, April, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec

Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, the Ruby Valley trek is a true hidden treasure. This journey offers you more than just breathtaking mountain scenery; it is a deep dive into the rich culture and traditions of rural Nepal. The valley is situated between the famous Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area, but its real charm lies in its authentic village life. Unlike commercial treks, your stay will be in local homestays, not hotels. This welcoming, homely environment gives you a genuine experience of Nepali hospitality that is becoming difficult to find elsewhere. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the land and its people in a very personal way.

Highlight 

  • A newly opened trail, this hidden gem is surprisingly close to Kathmandu, offering an untouched wilderness just a short journey from the capital.
  • Soothe your muscles in relaxing natural hot springs, a perfect reward after a day of walking.
  • Enjoy breathtaking, up-close views of some of Nepal's most famous peaks, including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and the mighty Manaslu.
  • Cross the scenic Pangsang La Pass, standing at 3,842 meters, for unforgettable panoramic vistas.
  • Journey through incredibly diverse landscapes, from farmlands and green meadows to rugged, rocky hills.
  • Encounter local life with herds of sheep, yak, and goats, and keep an eye out for exotic wildlife like the musk deer and leopard.
  • Walk through beautiful, dense forests of rhododendron, pine, oak, and bamboo.
  • Experience the power of nature with raging rivers, dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and traditional stone mills.
  • Immerse yourself in the unique and rich cultures of the Tamang, Gurung, Brahmin, and Dalit communities who call this region home.

Overview Ruby Valley Trek—7 Days

The Ruby Valley Trek takes you on an off-the-beaten-path experience into the laps of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal. This hidden gem provides solitude during the entirety of the trek, as there aren’t many travelers frequenting this route. Amid a diverse terrain of lush forests and high alpine meadows, this trek blends the unique natural beauty of the region with opportunities for cultural immersion in the local communities. During the trek, take some time to explore the lifestyle and local traditions of the ethnic inhabitants along the trail. As you move from one region to another during this 7-day Ruby Valley Trek in Nepal, you will encounter unique cultural differences due to the diverse ethnicities present.

The trek is a moderately easy 7-day journey. Our Ruby Valley Trek itinerary does not include high altitudes, which require travelers to acclimatize to the increasing elevations. However, the trek still provides breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan range, with stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Lirung Himal, and Manaslu Himal.

Book the 7-day Ruby Valley Trekking experience with The Everest Holiday for an unforgettable journey through the wilderness of Ruby Valley. We are a team of professionals with several years of experience in the region.

Reminder 

For a smooth and stress-free start, we highly recommend arriving in Kathmandu by 4 PM the day before we leave. This gives you enough time for a final gear check, a trip briefing with your guide, and to make sure you have everything you need before heading to the trek. 

Online briefing 

This is like our first coffee before the trip, but online!  This online meeting is our chance to show you everything that will happen on the trip.  We'll discuss what to bring and what each day will be like and answer any questions.  After you book, we'll send you an email with a couple of times when we can talk. We'll set up the meeting after the booking process is completed. Also, our trek itinerary does not include your hotel stay in Kathmandu. During the online meeting, please share your preferences, budget, and the standard of the hotel you would like to stay at in Kathmandu. We will arrange it for you accordingly.

Note to Hikers

Experience the Himalayas on your terms. We create personal, intimate treks for groups of two or more. Whether you select our Budget, Standard, or Luxury package, your adventure will be exclusively for you and your companions, ensuring a comfortable and personal journey from start to finish.

Short Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Day 02: Trek from Syabrubesi (1,503m / 4,945ft) to Gatlang (2,337m / 7,690ft)
Max Altitude: 2,337m / 7,690ft
Day 03: Trek from Gatlang (2,337m / 7,690ft) to Parvati Kund, Yuri Kharka, and Somdang (3,271m / 10,760ft)
Max Altitude: 3,271m / 10,760ft
Day 04: Trek from Somdang (3,271m / 10,760ft) via Pangsang Pass (3,842m / 12,604ft) to Tipling (2,078m / 6,835ft)
Max Altitude: 3,842m / 12,604ft
Day 05: Trek from Tipling (2,078m / 6,835ft) to Chalish Gaon (1,800m / 5,960ft)
Max Altitude: 2,078m / 6,835ft
Day 06: Trek from Chalish (1,800m / 5,960ft) to Borang (1,700m / 2,296ft), drive to Dhading Besi (580 m / 1,902 ft)
Max Altitude: 1,800m / 5,960ft
Day 07: Drive from Dhading Besi – Kathmandu (1,310m / 4,323ft)
Max Altitude: 1,310m / 4,323ft
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 01:

Your Ruby Valley adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. This 7-8 hour journey winds through picturesque landscapes, passing through Trisuli Bazaar, Ramche Gaon, and Dhunche before entering Langtang National Park, where we'll register our trekking permits. While the road can be narrow and bumpy in sections, the stunning mountain views and charming countryside will easily distract you from any discomfort.

We'll spend our first night in Syabrubesi, a bustling village that serves as the gateway to several trekking routes and sits near the Tibetan border. This strategic location means you can find any last-minute supplies or gear you might need for the trek ahead. After checking into our accommodation, you'll have time to relax, explore the village, and prepare for the hiking that begins tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Tea House or LodgeDuration: 7-8 hour
Day 02:

Today's trek takes us to Gatlang, a charming Tamang village perched on the hillside. The path leads us along a winding trail up to Bahun Dada Pass before descending towards our destination. We'll break for a midday meal in Chawatar, where the food is exceptionally tasty, made with fresh, local vegetables from nearby farms.

Walking through Gatlang offers a wonderful glimpse into the rich Tamang culture. We will spend the night in the village as guests of the local community. The warm hospitality and authentic home-cooked meal you'll receive here will likely become one of the most memorable parts of your entire journey.

Max Altitude: 2,337m / 7,690ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Day 03:

Trek from Gatlang (2,337m / 7,690ft) to Parvati Kund, Yuri Kharka, and Somdang (3,271m / 10,760ft)
The first part of today's trip is a hike from Gatlang to Parvati Kunda, a beautiful alpine lake. The local community sees this freshwater lake as a holy place and named it after the Hindu goddess Parvati. As we keep walking, there are fewer communities and hotels, and we will see relatively few other travelers. The path takes us through lovely pine and rhododendron forests until we arrive to Yuri Kharka, where we'll stop for a delicious lunch.

After we eat, we keep going toward Somdang, crossing Khurphu Bhanjyang on the way. You can visit an old, abandoned mine near Somdang that used to make zinc, copper, tin, and many kinds of crystals, like rubies. Even though it has been closed for years, the location is nonetheless beautiful in its own way. We'll stay the night in the quiet and isolated Somdang Valley. This region is so quiet and untouched that you can really feel the deep silence and peace of nature.

Max Altitude: 3,271m / 10,760ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Day 04:

After breakfast in Somdang, we prepare for one of the highlights of our trek: crossing the Pangsang La Pass. This part of the journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding. We start by heading southwest from the village toward Pangsang Kharka, a wide, beautiful meadow situated right on the pass.

From this high point, you are treated with an unforgettable panoramic view of the majestic Manaslu and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges. Because this is a less-traveled route, the homestays here are simple and few, offering a true sense of remoteness. From the pass, our trail descends through thick forests of fir and rhododendron. We will walk through the small village of Laptung and continue our long, scenic descent until we finally reach Tipling, where we will rest for the night.

Max Altitude: 3,842m / 12,604ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Day 05:

Today's hike is a shorter and more relaxing part of our journey, taking us to the neighboring villages of Chalish Gaon and Shertung. We begin with a peaceful walk down through the quiet jungle and cross a small river to reach Chalish Gaon, a village set in a truly picturesque location. Just a short climb above it lies Shertung.

These sister villages, home to Gurung, Tamang, and Dalit communities, are wonderful to explore. You can wander through the settlements to discover local life, or simply find a quiet spot to relax and take in the stunning views of the terraced fields and the green valley spread out below.

Max Altitude: 2,078m / 6,835ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Day 06:

This is our last day on the trail before heading back to Kathmandu. We'll start with a good breakfast and then hike to Borang village. From there, the path leads down to the Lishne Khola river. At Borang, we'll say goodbye to the trail and get into a local jeep for the ride to Dhading Besi.

The drive follows a winding road past the villages of Ankhu Khola and Kimdang Phedi. Seeing these quiet, peaceful settlements one last time might bring back fond memories of the journey. We will spend the night in Dhading Besi, our final stop before returning to the city.

Max Altitude: 1,800m / 5,960ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Tea House or LodgeElevation: 580 m / 1,902 ft
Day 07:

The last leg of your travel day is a bus ride from Dhading Besi back to the bustling streets of Kathmandu, where we will take you directly to your hotel. Your incredible trek may be over, but your adventure doesn't have to end just yet. Many travelers find that exploring the historic heart of Kathmandu is the perfect way to wrap up their trip. If you're interested, we can easily arrange a guided city tour for you.

This tour would take you to some of the valley's famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You could explore the sacred Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, see the towering Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and wander through the ancient royal palaces in Durbar Square.  Experiencing the deep cultural and spiritual history of Kathmandu offers a beautiful and fitting conclusion to your Himalayan journey, giving you one last layer of unforgettable memories before you fly home.

Max Altitude: 1,310m / 4,323ft
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Equipment Lists

Only pack what’s needed for the trek to travel light and comfortably. You can store your excess luggage at The Everest Holiday for free. Porters will carry your main trekking bag, but the weight limit is 10 kg for each trekker. Since one porter carries the luggage for two people, we suggest that you and a trekking partner share one large duffel bag (over 60 Liters).

  • Sun hat (wide-brimmed)
  • Beanie (for warmth)
  • A neck gaiter or buff (for warmth and sun protection)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Insulated gloves or mittens (for cold weather)
  • Waterproof gloves (for wet conditions)
  • A thick-wool or synthetic pair of moisture-wicking socks
  • waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and excellent traction
  • Sandals (for camp use or river crossings)
  • Gaiters protect
  • Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
  • Thermal base layer (for colder conditions)
  • Fleece jacket and down jacket (Mandatory)
  • Lightweight puffy jacket (for extra warmth)
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Raincoat
  • Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt
  • Polypropylene underwear (four)
  • Quick-drying pants/trousers (convertible or full-length)
  • Insulated pants (for colder conditions)
  • Lightweight cotton pants
  • Wear long underwear or thermal leggings when it is cold.
  • Two pairs of thermal/trekking trousers (pants)
  • Biodegradable bar soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Medium-sized drying towel
  • Wet wipes or hand sanitizers
  • The toilet paper is stored in a Ziplock bag.
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Travel-sized shampoo
  • Nail clippers
  • Small mirror
  • A duffel bag with a capacity of over 60 liters is intended for porters, with one duffel bag for every trekker.
  • An individual's daypack or backpack with a 20- or 30-liter capacity should be plenty.
  • Adjustable and lightweight poles (preferably collapsible)
  • A two-liter water bladder or bottle (with a protective cover for cold climates)
  • Use water purification methods such as purification tablets, filter bottles, or UV filters.
  • Camera/smartphone (extra memory cards and batteries)
  • A portable charger, spare batteries, or a battery pack
  • Two-pin charging plug
  • Basic first aid supplies include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and Diamox (which is used to prevent or lessen symptoms related to mountain sickness).
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Few passport-size photos
  • Passport photocopies
  • Notebook and pen
  • Binoculars
  • Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.)
  • Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention/relief)
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Water purification (tablets, filter bottle, UV filter)
  • Energy bar
  • Lightweight headlamp (with adjustable brightness)
  • Face wipes
  • An extra pair of batteries
Essential Information

Ruby Valley trek (7 days) package information 

Arrival, Welcome, and trek start

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will be there to greet you. They will be holding a sign with your name on it and will welcome you with a traditional marigold garland or khada. Afterward, they will drive you to your hotel in a private car. We request you arrive in Kathmandu by 4 pm one day before the trek departure. This gives us the final preparation. We will pick you up at your hotel. The adventure officially begins with a scenic drive to Syabrubesi, the starting point of the Ruby Valley, according to the package.

Accommodations 

For six nights during your trek, you'll be settled into charming mountain lodges or homestays, giving you a true taste of local hospitality. These spots are quite comfortable, but it's good to know that things like device charging, Wi-Fi, and hot showers are usually available for a small extra charge. Just a heads up, the package doesn't include your hotel stays in Kathmandu, so you'll need to arrange for two nights there yourself—one before you set off and one for when you return.

Meals

Your meals are all arranged for you throughout the trek. The package covers breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You'll be served fresh, wholesome, and safe food that is full of nutrients, with an emphasis on delicious local dishes. Don't worry, you'll also find Western choices on the menu. A key part of staying healthy up high is to drink plenty of fluids. We strongly suggest enjoying hot drinks like green tea or ginger tea, and even garlic soup for its health benefits. For your well-being, it's best to avoid meat, caffeine, dairy products, and alcohol at these altitudes. All your included meals will be satisfying and focus on a main course.

Luggage 

We will provide two trekkers for one porter during the trek. The total weight limit for the porter is 20 kg, which means each trekker has a 10 kg luggage allowance. Hence, team up with a fellow traveller and pack your things in a duffle bag of over sixty litres. We expect you to only carry a small personal backpack for your essentials like a camera, water, snacks, and valuables. You can leave any extra bags at your hotel or at our Kathmandu office for free.

Facilities and Essentials 

Water 

You can buy a water bottle from shops along the trail or get boiled/filtered water at lodges. It is advised to bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up with boiled water. Avoid drinking untreated tap, well, or river water. For safety, please use a water purifying tablet or you can buy one in the shops along the trail. 

Communication

We will provide you with a SIM card in Kathmandu and teach you how to get data and recharge cash on it, but mobile signals may be weak at higher altitudes. For your safety, our lead guide keeps daily contact with all trekking teams via mobile. We are fully prepared to handle emergencies, and our guides are trained to assist whenever needed. Additionally, we use walkie-talkies and satellite phones in areas with no network to ensure constant communication.

Travel Essentials

Visa 

Except for citizens of India, all foreigners need a visa to enter Nepal. The Kathmandu International Airport can provide visas upon arrival for most nationalities. You will need a password that is valid for at least 6 months, one passport-sized photo, and cash for the visa fee (50 US dollars for 30 days).

Travel insurance 

Having comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. Your policy must cover medical expenses and emergency helicopter rescue up to an altitude of 4,000 meters. Before the trek begins, you will need to provide us with a copy of your insurance policy.

Currency Exchange

The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the country's official currency; one US dollar is equivalent to around 130 NPR. In Kathmandu, you may find banks and an authorized money exchange center where you can exchange major foreign currencies.  ATMs are widely available to withdraw NPR, but extra service fees may apply. Make sure that your currency notes are new and undamaged, as old or torn bills may be refused. Only the 100 INR note from India is legally accepted as currency in Nepal. Before traveling to trekking regions, it is advisable to exchange money in Kathmandu because there are limited exchange options in remote areas.

Extra Expense

While our package covers most of your expenses during the trek, you will need to budget for some personal items like meals and accommodation in Kathmandu, visa fees, snacks, hot showers, personal equipment, tips for the crew, etc. We recommend you budget approximately $20 USD per day for these personal expenses during the trek.

Trek Season and Weather Conditions 

While the Ruby Valley welcomes trekkers year-round, the experience you have will be dramatically shaped by the seasons. For the most comfortable trekking experience and to enjoy stunning floral displays, spring (March to May) is a fantastic choice. In the lower valleys, you can expect pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from about 15°C to 20°C, while nights are cool, often dropping to between 5°C and 10°C. The summer monsoon, which lasts from June to August, brings lush green landscapes along with regular rainfall and high humidity. Daytime temperatures are mild, typically ranging from 18°C to 22°C, with nighttime temperatures around 10°C to 15°C. Many people consider autumn (September to November) the prime season, thanks to its stable weather and crystal-clear mountain views. Days are comfortably warm, generally ranging from 13°C to 18°C, while nights become crisp, cooling down to between 0°C and 8°C, especially at higher elevations. Winter (December to February) is cold and peaceful, with sunny days that can feel warm in the sun at 10°C to 15°C, but temperatures plummet after dark, often falling below freezing to between -5°C and 5°C, with snow likely on the higher passes.

Typical day 

We'll eat breakfast early every morning. The day's hike is typically divided into two segments: a three- to four-hour hike in the morning, followed by a one-hour lunch break, and then a shorter hike in the afternoon. We serve dinner around 7:00 p.m., and your guide will discuss the next day's schedule with you. The remainder of the evening is yours to relax, see the settlement, or hang out with the other trekkers.

Trek booking

Personal trek 

We can only provide a personal trek, so you will only be trekking with your group. We will never include strangers in your treks. All the treks can be customized according to your schedule.

Individual-Group bookings 

Our treks are organized with a minimum of 2 people, so If anyone is alone and does not have a friend or family joining them, we can organize a group trek open for all. IIf you prefer to join a group, we can help connect you with other trekkers. We will post your group trek on our website once you confirm, enabling others to join. This is our policy to make every trek into your own personal holiday in the Himalaya. 

Trust trek booking 

The Everest Holiday is a registered and bonded trekking operator, ensuring a secure booking process. We are proudly members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Our Founder, Mr. Ganesh Simkhada, was a former Director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and former General Secretary of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). To confirm your booking, we require a 10% advance payment. Payment options include the Himalayan Bank online portal (on our website), major credit cards, bank transfers, Wise, and Western Union. After your arrival in Kathmandu, you can pay the remaining balance.  Please send us your important travel documents, such as a passport copy, within one week of booking. Please make sure your passport has a minimum of 6 months of validity remaining at your arrival date in Nepal.

Last-minute booking 

We recommend that you book your trek in advance. However, we also offer a last-minute booking option that requires full payment to be made 24 hours before departure. For last-minute bookings, please contact Shreejan (Joe) at +977-9810351300 or email us at info@theeverestholiday.com. Please note that last-minute treks may experience delays due to factors beyond our control. 

Flexible Schedule 

Your trip schedule is determined by your travel dates, and you can make any changes to it. If our scheduled trek dates don't work for you, please let us know, and we will be happy to arrange a trip according to your time and schedule.

Trip Extension 

You can easily extend your stay with other adventures. We can arrange exciting activities for you, such as a jungle safari (Chitwan and Bardiya), Bungee jumping (Pokhara, Everest, Bhote koshi, Kushma), Rafting (Bhote koshi, Trishuli, and Seti river) and kayaking(Trishuli, and Pokhara), paragliding (Pokhara and Kathmandu), zip flying (Kathmandu, Pokhara and Kushma) Canyoning(Pokhara and Sukhuta Beach), Hot ballon (Pokhara), according to your interests. We can also set up sightseeing tours around the Kathmandu Valley if you're interested in culture and history. These tours will take you to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Changunarayan Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple. We suggest a trip to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, hill stations just outside of Kathmandu, around sunrise for a serene getaway. We can also set up spiritual trips for Buddhists and Hindus that take you to temples, stupas, monasteries, and meditation centers. When you're booking a trip, please have a look at our ADD-ON package for an amazing adventure during the trek.

Ecotourism practices 

We ask that you join our eco-friendly hiking practice because we are very dedicated to keeping the Everest region's fragile beauty safe. At the start of our excursion, each person will obtain their own eco-waste bag. Please put all of your rubbish that can't be composted, like snack wrappers, plastic bottles, and batteries, in this bag. Don't leave anything on the trail, please. Instead, take this bag with you as we walk down, and our guides will show you where to find the public trash cans and recycling bins where you can throw it away correctly. We need your help to keep the Himalayas clean and lovely for the next generation.

TEH Family 

We are a family firm that has been in the tourism business in Nepal for three generations. We believe that all of our employees and teams are family. we started as porters and now run an agency. Our professional and experienced guides and Sherpas will be with you the whole time to make sure your trek is safe and memorable. They know how to do first aid in the bush and rock climbing and how to stay safe in the mountains. They also speak good English. They are from the upper Himalayas, so they know the area well. We take care of their insurance, food, housing, and medical. Please treat our workers like family, and don't hesitate to ask for help or have questions at any time. 

Trip conclusion 

Farewell Dinner 

We'll have a farewell dinner in Kathmandu after the hike to celebrate your success. This is a great time for you to tell us about your trip and what you thought of it. We will also send you a certificate of success to indicate how proud we are of what you did.

Departure 

To organize your airport transfer, please share your hotel name, room number, and flight details with us. We will pick you up from your hotel and drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport so you can catch your flight home comfortably. We hope you had a wonderful journey in Nepal and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure soon. 

Tipping culture 

Tipping is a common way to show appreciation for good service. It’s not required, but it’s a nice gesture at the end of the trek. It’s best to give tips as a group, and the amount can depend on the quality of service, the length of the trek, and the overall cost.