Ruby Valley Trek
Off-the-beaten-path Ganesh Himal region with ruby mines, Tamang culture, and pristine mountain scenery.
Days
11 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max Altitude
3,850 M
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Trip Overview
The Ruby Valley Trek explores the Ganesh Himal region north of Kathmandu, named after the precious rubies found in the area. The trail takes you through Tamang and Gurung villages, terraced farmland, rhododendron forests, and high pastures with views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu. This is an off-the-beaten-path trek with minimal tourist traffic. You'll experience authentic village life, visit monasteries, and learn about local traditions. The highest point is around 3,850m at Pangsang La pass or similar viewpoints. Suitable for trekkers who want a cultural and scenic adventure away from crowds.
Trip Information
- Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu (1350m)
- Day 2 : Sight - Seeing, Trek Briefing & Official Procedures (1350m)
- Day 3 : Drive To Syafru Besi (7-8, 1530m)
- Day 4 : Trek To Gatlang Gompa (6 hrs, 2338m)
- Day 5 : Trek To Somdang (6-7 hrs, 3270m)
- Day 6 : Trek To Pangsang lha (3-4 hrs, 3850m)
- Day 7 : Trek To Tipling Village (4-5 hrs, 2150m)
- Day 8 : Rest & Explore Tamang Culture (2150m)
- Day 9 : Trek To Hot Spring (3-4 hrs, 1670m)
- Day 10 : Trek To Khading Village (6-7, 2025m)
- Day 11 : Trek To Magne Goth (5 hrs, 2936m)
- Day 12 : Trek To Dada Gaun (7-9 hrs, 1900m)
- Day 13 : Drive To Kathmandu (7-8 hrs, 1350)
- Day 14 : Final Departure
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Step off the plane into Kathmandu's warm chaos, where a Meander Himalaya teammate will be waving you down at arrivals. The drive into the city is pure sensory overload in the best way, prayer flags fluttering over rooftops, temple bells, the smell of incense drifting through Thamel's alleys. Settle into your hotel and let the excitement build. Over dinner tonight, meet your guide and swap first impressions before the real adventure begins.
Day 2: Sight - Seeing, Trek Briefing & Official Procedures
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A day to soak in Kathmandu's magic before the mountains take over. Wander through Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas on earth, where monks spin prayer wheels and the whole square hums with quiet devotion, then head to Pashupatinath's riverside temples for a glimpse into centuries of ritual. In the afternoon, your permits get sorted and your guide walks you through everything to expect on the trail ahead.
Day 3: Drive To Syafru Besi
Distance: 130km · Walking: 7-8 · Altitude: 1530m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start for a scenic drive out of Kathmandu, following the Trishuli River as the city fades behind you and terraced hillsides take over. The road winds through small riverside towns before climbing toward Syafru Besi, the gateway to Langtang National Park. By the time you arrive, mountain air has already replaced the city buzz.
Day 4: Trek To Gatlang Gompa
Distance: 8km · Walking: 6 hrs · Altitude: 2338m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Boots on, first day on the trail takes you steadily uphill through forest and scattered farmland toward Gatlang, one of the most vibrant Tamang villages in the region. Stone houses, carved windows, and fluttering prayer flags set the tone for the cultural richness ahead. Arrive with time to explore the village gompa and get your first real taste of Tamang hospitality.
Day 5: Trek To Somdang
Distance: 12km · Walking: 6-7 hrs · Altitude: 3270m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb through rhododendron and pine forest toward Somdang, an old mining settlement tucked high in the hills. As the trees thin out, wide views of Ganesh Himal open up ahead, a preview of the big mountain days still to come. This is proper off-the-beaten-path trekking: quiet trails, remote scenery, and barely another trekker in sight.
Day 6: Trek To Pangsang lha
Distance: 6km · Walking: 3-4 hrs · Altitude: 3850m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's the big one, the crossing of Pangsang La, the highest point of the trek. Push up through alpine terrain to the top for a jaw-dropping triple panorama: Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang all lined up together. It's a tough, rewarding climb, and standing at the pass with three mountain ranges in view is a moment you'll be replaying for a long time.
Day 7: Trek To Tipling Village
Distance: 8km · Walking: 4-5 hrs · Altitude: 2150m · Stay: Teahouse/Homestay · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the heights of Pangsang La, enjoy a long, satisfying descent into Tipling, a peaceful Tamang village that feels a world away from anywhere. The trail winds through forest and open ridgeline with mountain views trailing behind you the whole way down. A great day to relax those legs after yesterday's big push.
Day 8: Rest & Explore Tamang Culture
Altitude: 2150m · Stay: Teahouse/Homestay · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A well-earned day to slow down in Tipling. Spend the morning easing your legs, then explore the village at your own pace, wander past traditional stone homes, visit a local monastery, and chat with villagers about daily life in this remote corner of Nepal. This is Ruby Valley at its most authentic: no crowds, no rush, just genuine mountain culture.
Day 9: Trek To Hot Spring
Distance: 6km · Walking: 3-4 hrs · Altitude: 1670m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A gentle, downhill-leaning day that ends with one of the trek's best surprises, a natural hot spring waiting to soothe your legs. The trail descends through forest and farmland, with the promise of a warm soak growing more appealing with every step. Few things beat sinking into hot water after days on the trail.
Day 10: Trek To Khading Village
Distance: 12km · Walking: 6-7 · Altitude: 2025m · Stay: Teahouse/Homestay · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Feeling refreshed from the hot spring, continue through lush hillsides and along a scenic river valley toward Khading, passing through more Tamang and Gurung settlements along the way. The trail here feels genuinely untouched, this is the kind of day where you might not see another outsider, just farmers, terraced fields, and mountains.
Day 11: Trek To Magne Goth
Distance: 8km · Walking: 5 hrs · Altitude: 2936m · Stay: Teahouse/Camp · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb back up into high pastureland today, heading toward Magne Goth, a remote herders' settlement surrounded by open ridgelines and big mountain views. The trail feels wild and expansive up here, with wide horizon
Day 12: Trek To Dada Gaun
Distance: 12km · Walking: 7-9 hrs · Altitude: 1900m · Stay: Teahouse/Homestay · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A scenic descent through forest and terraced farmland brings you to Dada Gaun, a charming village with sweeping valley views. With the trek's high points behind you, today's about enjoying easier walking, warmer air, and the satisfaction of everything you've covered so far.
Day 13: Drive To Kathmandu
Distance: 100 km · Walking: 7-8 hrs · Altitude: 1350 · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Your final trekking day gives way to a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, winding through hills and valleys as the mountains slowly give way to city life again. Settle back into your hotel this evening, a hot shower and a real bed have rarely felt so good.
Day 14: Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Time to say farewell to Nepal, at least for now. With memories, photos, and an incredible story to tell, our team will see you off at the airport for your onward journey. Namaste, and until next time
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
Required equipment
- Backpack (30 to 40 liters) for daily use
- Duffel bag (provided by us)
- Sleeping bag rated for -15°C or lower (provided by us)
- Trekking poles (provided by us)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 to 3 liters)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Trekking boots, waterproof and broken-in
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
Clothing list
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or wool mid-layers
- Insulated down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
- Trekking trousers, 2 to 3 pairs
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff or scarf
- Gloves, lightweight and insulated pair
- Warm wool socks, 4 to 5 pairs
- Underwear, enough for the trek duration
Personal items
- Passport (with visa) and passport-size photos
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash (Nepali Rupees) for personal expenses
- Personal first-aid kit and any personal medication
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Quick-dry towel
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Snacks or energy bars
- Camera (extra batteries, memory cards)
Technical climbing equipment
- Not required for this trek (Ruby Valley is a teahouse and homestay trek, no technical climbing gear needed)
Your trek cost includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (4-star, B&B basis)
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Farewell dinner to celebrate the successful trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, including in homestays and community lodges, with tea/coffee included and fresh seasonal fruit served every evening
- Private vehicle drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and return drive Baseri Danda Gaon to Kathmandu (no domestic flight needed for this trek)
- All ground transportation by private vehicle as per itinerary
- Langtang National Park Entry Permit
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Assistant trek leader for groups of 6 or more trekkers
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying up to 15 kg)
- Wages, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance, and transportation for all Nepalese staff
- High-altitude first-aid medical kit carried by the guide
- Oximeter checks twice daily to monitor pulse, oxygen saturation, and AMS symptoms
- Emergency helicopter rescue arrangement (cost covered by your travel insurance)
- Satellite phone with the guide for emergency communication (available for member use at an extra charge)
- Complimentary use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (returned after the trip)
- Meander Himalaya trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and detailed trekking map to keep
- Trip achievement certificate on successful completion
- All applicable Government of Nepal taxes and fees
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport ($50 USD for 30 days; other durations available)
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except the welcome and farewell dinners), including in case of an early return from the trek
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or unforeseen disruptions
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), must cover medical treatment, high-altitude rescue, air evacuation, trip cancellation, and repatriation
- Personal expenses: phone calls, internet, toiletries (soap, shampoo, tissue paper, etc.), laundry, battery charging, hot showers, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages (including mineral water, soft drinks, extra tea/coffee) purchased during the trek
- Personal trekking gear: clothing, packing items, bags, and your own medical kit
- Special permits and fees for filming, cameras, and drone use
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (expected and appreciated)
- Any other service or activity not explicitly listed under "Cost Includes"
1. What makes the Ruby Valley Trek special?
A hidden gem in the Ganesh Himal region, between Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area. Opened to trekkers only in 2012, it's named for the ruby deposits found in the range. You'll see views of 23 snow-capped peaks, cross Pangsang Pass (3,850m), and stay in homestays with Tamang, Gurung, and Ghale communities.
2. How difficult is the Ruby Valley Trek? Can beginners do it?
Rated moderate, ideal for trekkers with average fitness and some prior experience. Expect 6 to 8 hours of walking on some days, with steep sections around the pass. No technical skills needed. Beginners can do it with 4 to 6 weeks of prior fitness training, a porter helps manage the load.
3. What permits do I need?
The Langtang National Park Entry Permit and TIMS card, total around $37 to $50 USD. Solo trekking isn't permitted, a licensed guide is mandatory. We handle all permit arrangements for you.
4. What is the best time to trek?
Spring (March to May) brings rhododendron blooms and clear skies. Autumn (September to November) has the most stable weather and best mountain views. Monsoon and winter are best avoided due to landslides, leeches, and snow at the pass.
5. What accommodation and food can I expect?
A mix of homestays and basic lodges run by local Tamang, Gurung, and Ghale families, twin-sharing rooms, shared bathrooms, and limited electricity or wifi in higher villages. Meals include dal bhat, thukpa, momos, and local specialties like dhindo and gundruk.
Have more questions?
Reach out by email, phone, or through our website FAQ Page for anything on altitude safety, equipment, training, insurance, or itinerary customization.
Have Additional Questions?
Our team can help with altitude safety, packing lists, insurance, or a custom itinerary.
