Enjoy a 9-day Ruby Valley circuit trek going through the Ruby Valley in Nepal’s Ganesh Himal region. This unique 9-day Ruby Valley circuit trek is famous for the precious gem ruby, thus creating a special experience. Despite minimal gem mining, the area boasts valuable raw materials, including the coveted red stone.
Travel through Tamang and Gurung Villages. During the 9-day Ruby Valley circuit trek, immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of the Tamang and Gurung villages. Gain further insights into ancient medicine and the Bon Po tradition, offering a deeper understanding of Nepal’s rich culture.
Experience a variety of landscapes along the Ruby Valley trail. Start from flat areas and hill side farms to both easy and challenging climbs. Similarly, go through lush forests, and grand snow capped mountains like Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Boudha Himal, Hiunchuli Dorje Lakpa, and many more. The Ruby Valley Circuit 9-day trek also features a highlight at the Pangsang Pass. This Pangsang Pass lies at 3,842m.
Homestays for an Authentic Journey
As this Ruby Valley circuit 9-day trek trail is relatively new, there are no lodges or guest houses. Although there are no lodges or guest houses, there are local homes where you can easily stay. This stay at local homes will give you a true experience of Nepali rural life without a doubt. On the other hand, living with locals and getting the thrill out of their traditional cuisine will surely enhance the gravity of the Ruby Valley circuit 9-day trek.
Trek Style
The 9-day Ruby Valley Circuit Trek offers a trek experience that is accessible for first timers and also for experts. The Ruby Valley trek typically involves walking 4 to 6 hours each day. People have to go through hills, forests, and rocky lands. While prior trek experience is beneficial, first timers can successfully undertake this 9-day Ruby Valley circuit trek with mental and physical preparation.
Challenges and Preparations
- Height Sick: The Ruby Valley circuit trek generally stays below 3000 meters, with the highest point being Pangsang La Pass at slightly over 3000 meters. It is a must to be careful about getting ill at high heights in Nepal. On the other hand, being physically fit and ready is vital.
- Weather Considerations: The Ruby Valley circuit trek difficulty depends upon weather conditions and temperatures. Preparation should align with the chosen trek season, considering the likely weather.
Best Time to Do trek
- Spring Season (March to May): Enjoy pleasant and warm weather with easy paths adorned with rhododendrons, orchids, and magical scenery.
- Autumn Season (September to November): After the monsoon, the 9-day Ruby Valley circuit trek offers clean trails, fresh air, and a festive atmosphere. During this time, the weather provides clear views of the mountains.
- Summer Season (June): June is perfect for trek, but July and August experience heavy monsoon rains, making trails wet and slippery.
- Winter Season (December to January): While not the best time for the Ruby Valley circuit 9-day trek, winter presents unique and fine views. However, you have to be ready for strong winds and severe cold.
Permits for Trek
Despite being a new trail, the trek doesn’t require special permits. A TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit and a Langtang National Park Entry Fee are sufficient. The route passes through Syabrubesi and Gatlang, both within the national park boundaries.
Other trek options
Besides the 9-day Ruby Valley Circuit trek, we have other trek options which are listed down below:
Please check our trek equipment list. This list will be a guide for you if you plan to trek in Nepal. Similarly, you can check our AMC (Acute Mountain Sickness) which can be a good guide for you to learn more about getting ill on high heights in Nepal. Also, if you want to do a Peak climb in Nepal then please check the climbing equipment list that is a must while going on the Peak climb. Likewise, we suggest you check the updated TIMS card rule as there have been some new changes in Nepal.
Booking is Open for 2024 / 2025
Are you planning to do a tour in 2024? If so, then in our Best Deals part, you can find the ideal information on the best price for the tour cost. Furthermore, book plans as soon as possible.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1310m/4296ft)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will greet you with a traditional Nepali welcome of flower garlands. You will then be transferred to your pre-booked hotel. After checking in, take some rest and later visit Alliance Treks & Expedition (P.) Ltd. for a program briefing. Meet your guide and porters and receive trekking documents. Enjoy the evening at leisure or engage in personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu (1310m/4297ft) – Syabru Besi (2380m/7806ft). 138km, 8 hours driving
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic 8-hour drive to Syabru Besi via regular mini bus sharing or a private jeep, passing through picturesque cities like Trisuli Bazaar and the Langtang National Park check post. Arrive at Syabru Besi and settle in at a local lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 3: Syabru Besi (2380m/7806ft) – Gatlang Village (2338m/7668ft). 12km, 5-6 hours walking
Start your trek after breakfast, walking uphill through hilly terrain, paddy terraces, and along the side of a dirt road. After 5-6 hours, reach Gatlang village, the largest Tamang village in the Rasuwa district, and on the Tamang Heritage trek.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 4: Gatlang Village (2338m/7668ft) – Somdang (3250m/10660ft). 10km, 5-6 hours walking
Explore Parbati Kunda, a famous holy lake, and trek to Somdang via the Mangchet army barrack. Pass through jungle areas and beside a dirt road, reaching Somdang village, a small Tamang community village, and the gateway to Ganesh Himal Zinc mine and Paldor Peak Base Camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 5: Somdang (3250m/10660ft) – Pangsang Pass (3850m/12,628ft) – Tipling Village (2150m/7052ft). 10km, 6-7 hours walking
Trek to Pangsang Pass for dazzling views of the Ruby Valley, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Ranges, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu ranges. Enjoy sunrise and sunset views of Singla Pass. Continue the trek to Tipling village, walking downhill through dense jungle. Overnight at a local homestay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 6: Tipling Village (2150m/7052ft) – Sertung Village (1904m/6245ft). 8km, 4-5 hours walking
Wake up to breathtaking mountain views, including the Ganesh Himal ranges and other peaks. After breakfast, trek downhill to Aada Khola, passing through Tipling and Kami Gaun. Trek uphill for 2 hours to arrive at Sertung village, the largest village in the Sertung area.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 7: Visit Tatopani/Hot Springs (1506m/4939ft) and trek back to Chalish village (1650m/512ft). 7km, 5-6 hours walking
Trek downhill to Chalish village and leave your luggage. Take a day bag to visit Tatopani/Hot Springs, and enjoy a couple of hours in the hot springs. Return to Chalish village and enjoy the evening with a Gurung cultural show.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 8: Chalish village (1650m/5412ft) – Borang Village (1700m/5576ft). 5km, 3 hours walking, then drive to Kathmandu (1310m/4296ft).
After an early morning breakfast, trek to Borang Village for 3 hours, passing through paddy terraces and villages. From Borang, take a local sharing jeep to Dhading Besi (8 hours driving), and then a private car to Kathmandu (3 hours driving).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 9: Departure for Home Country
Have breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure, and in the afternoon, be transferred to the international airport for your departure, carrying sweet memories of Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the Ruby Valley cultural trekking famous for?
This mountain boasts deposits of the precious gem, Ruby. The Ruby Valley trek is an enthralling journey, encompassing diverse landscapes and walking terrains. From flatlands to terraced farms, gradual and steep climbs, to breathtaking vistas of lush green forests and towering snow-capped peaks, this trek offers a remarkable and varied experience. Ruby Valley cultural trekking is the best experience ever you will find with the most unique culture of Gurung, Tamang, Ghale, Dalit, and Newari. Trust us, those ethnic groups who perform their cultural shows in this region are very different than any other similar cultural group in another area of the trekking region in Nepal.
Q2. What kind of cultural experience do we expect in the Ruby Valley Cultural Trekking?
Having a local guide during the Ruby Valley cultural trekking ensures an incredible cultural experience. Depending on your group size and available time, your guide can coordinate with locals for various cultural performances. These may include Gurung and Tamang Lama Dances, and Tamang cultural dances like Mane Nach, Jhakri-Shamanism, Mhendo Maya, Saikhole, Badel Dance, and Para Mhendo dance. Additionally, you can enjoy Gurung cultural shows like Ghatu, Maruni, Chutka, and Dohori, Dalit Cultural shows with Maleshree and Lokgeet, Nuewari Cultural shows featuring Lakhe dance, and Ghale cultural shows with Okhare, and more.
While we don’t insist on payment, you have the option to contribute a bit of cash to local mothers, fathers, or youth groups, which will be reciprocated with a special cultural performance. Your guide will be in charge of organizing this tour, so you can consult with them during your trek or discuss it with us before your trek departure.
Q3. Is a honey hunting tour possible in Ruby Valley cultural trekking?
“Yes, if you ever plan to visit Nepal during the first week of July (monsoon season), it will be an ideal time to witness the fascinating tradition of honey hunting. Additionally, you can also experience this activity in November and December. During these seasons, local communities engage in harvesting wild honey. However, if you wish to have a truly exceptional and immersive experience, you are more than welcome to arrange special honey-hunting tours with your camera crew. This will undoubtedly provide you with the best honey hunting experience compared to any other region.”
Q4. Is the hot spring (Tatopani) bath worth taking in Ruby Valley cultural trekking?
“Tatopani Hot Spring, located about 2 hour’s walk from Chalish village, holds a special festival organized by the local government in coordination with Ganesh Himal Tourism Development (GHTDC). The Ruby Valley locals gather to take baths, as it is believed that the hot spring waters can cure various skin diseases and provide relaxation while alleviating body pains. If you’re on a cultural trek through Ruby Valley, a hot spring bath comes highly recommended.”
Q5. What are food and accommodations like in the Ruby Valley cultural trekking?
“Food provided during the trek will be simple and basic, consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodations will primarily be in dormitory-style lodges, where you’ll be sharing rooms with other trekkers or members of your group. In some places, you may get a private room with a common bathroom. The accommodations are in local homestays, which provide restroom facilities (toilet) but no shower rooms. Instead, you will be provided with a bucket of hot water for showering whenever you need.”
Q6. How do you manage drinking water?
“We will provide boiled water for drinking, which is safe to consume. However, to ensure and further safeguard your health, we will also supply water purifying tablets or liquid during your trekking journey.”
Q7. What is transportation like in the Ruby Valley cultural trekking?
“For your trekking starting and ending points, we offer local sharing Jeeps and Minibusses. However, if you prefer a more comfortable and private experience, we can arrange a reserved private Jeep for you. It’s important to note that the road to the trekking area is newly built, making it quite rough and challenging. Traveling in local shared Jeeps might be inconvenient due to narrow seats and squeezing, which is a common experience for everyone. If you choose to reserve a private Jeep, it will be more comfortable, albeit at a slightly higher cost.”
