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Explore the hidden gem of Nepal, which is less crowded and less commercialized, but gives the experience of a lifetime
Ruby Valley is one of the hidden gems of Nepal, which is located in the Eastern Himalayan region of Nepal, positioned between Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area, primarily in the Dhading and Gorkha regions. Named after the gemstone Ruby found around this area, Ruby Valley showcases to us the raw wilderness, wild flora and fauna, and the ultimate Himalayan experience. Compared to other commercialized routes such as Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, Ruby Valley remains untouched and off the beaten path, offering the most authentic and community-based trekking experience.
Ruby Valley is a part of the very famous Ganesh Himal region, which lies in the central eastern stretch of the Himalayas. The Ruby Valley trek takes you across the flourishing forests, rhododendron-covered hills, and traditional ethnic villages inhabited by Tamangs, Gurungs, and Dalit communities. During this trek, trekkers are rewarded with the breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks like Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and even Manaslu.
Trekking in Ruby is a rewarding experience, especially of you are looking for something more authentic, peaceful, and culturally immersive than a crowded commercialized route like ABC and EBC. Nepal Horizon Treks helps to enhance more of this experience and make sure you have the best experience of your life.
Preparing for the Ruby Valley Trek involves physical, logistical, and cultural preparation, since it's a moderate, remote, and culturally rich trek. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get ready:
1. Physical Preparation
The trek involves steep ascents and descents, and altitudes up to ~3,850m.
Acclimatization:
2. Gear Checklist
The Ruby Valley is less developed, so bring reliable gear.
Essential Clothing:
Footwear:
Other Gear:
3. Permits & Logistics
These can be arranged:
Transport:
4. Accommodation & Food
5. Best Time to Go
6. Cultural Etiquette
7. Health & Safety
Syabrubesi is a small but bustling town located in the Rasuwa district, often used as the starting point for both the Langtang and Ruby Valley treks. Surrounded by green hills and sitting beside the Bhote Koshi River, it provides a scenic and relaxed atmosphere for trekkers to rest and prepare. The town offers basic accommodations, local eateries, and last-minute supplies, making it an essential stop before heading deeper into the mountains.
Gatlang is a charming Tamang village perched on a hillside, known for its beautifully built stone houses and rich cultural heritage. The people here are friendly and proud of their traditions, often welcoming trekkers with warm smiles and local hospitality. Colorful Buddhist prayer flags flutter above homes, and the village offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including glimpses of Langtang Himal on clear days.
Somdang lies in a tranquil valley surrounded by thick forests of pine and rhododendron. It was once a thriving mining area, and remnants of its zinc mines can still be found. Today, it is a peaceful and scenic spot, ideal for nature lovers. The trail to Somdang is filled with natural beauty and offers occasional wildlife sightings, making the journey both refreshing and rewarding.
Pangsang Pass, sitting at an altitude of 3,842 meters, is one of the highest and most spectacular points on the Ruby Valley Trek. It offers panoramic views of several Himalayan ranges, including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Manaslu, and even the Annapurna range in the distance. The pass is an excellent place for photography and taking in the sunrise or sunset, with vast open meadows and a serene alpine atmosphere.
|
Day |
Route |
Altitude |
Highlights / Notes |
|
Day 1 |
Drive Kathmandu → Syabrubesi |
1,503 m |
Scenic drive through hills and riverside towns |
|
Day 2 |
Trek Syabrubesi → Gatlang |
2,337 m |
Tamang village, traditional stone houses, cultural immersion |
|
Day 3 |
Trek Gatlang → Somdang |
3,271 m |
Dense forests, Parvati Kunda, a peaceful, remote village |
|
Day 4 |
Trek Somdang → Tipling via Pangsang Pass |
3,842 m (Pass) |
Highest point, panoramic views of Ganesh Himal & Langtang |
|
Day 5 |
Trek Tipling → Chalish Gaon |
1,800 m |
Friendly Gurung & Tamang villages, rich cultural experience |
|
Day 6 |
Trek Chalish → Dundure via Borang |
~1,500 m |
Gradual descent through forest and village life |
|
Day 7 |
Drive Dundure → Dhading Besi → Kathmandu |
— |
Scenic drive back to the capital |
The 7-day Ruby Valley Trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, a riverside town nestled in the hills. From there, trekkers ascend to Gatlang, a picturesque Tamang village known for its stone houses and vibrant local culture. The trail continues through dense forests and past the sacred Parvati Kunda to reach Somdang, a peaceful village surrounded by nature. On the fourth day, the route climbs to the stunning Pangsang Pass at 3,842 meters, offering breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu ranges before descending to the culturally rich village of Tipling. The journey then leads to Chalish Gaon, a friendly Gurung and Tamang community where trekkers can enjoy warm hospitality and local traditions. The trek gradually descends through the village of Borang to reach Dundure. Finally, a drive through Dhading Besi brings you back to Kathmandu, wrapping up a trek filled with natural beauty, cultural encounters, and Himalayan panoramas.
|
Day |
Route |
Altitude |
Duration |
Highlights / Notes |
|
Day 1 |
Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi |
1,503 m |
7–8 hrs drive |
Scenic drive through Trishuli River valley, terraced fields, and rural villages |
|
Day 2 |
Trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang |
2,337 m |
5–6 hrs |
Tamang Heritage Village, traditional stone houses, beautiful landscapes |
|
Day 3 |
Trek from Gatlang to Somdang |
3,271 m |
6–7 hrs |
Dense pine forests, Parvati Kunda (sacred lake), views of Ganesh Himal |
|
Day 4 |
Trek from Somdang to Tipling via Pangsang Pass |
3,842 m (Pass) |
7 hrs |
The highest point of the trek, panoramic views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu |
|
Day 5 |
Trek from Tipling to Chalish Gaon |
1,800 m |
4–5 hrs |
Visit friendly Gurung and Tamang villages, enjoy cultural dance and local hospitality |
|
Day 6 |
Trek from Chalish to Dundure via Borang |
~1,500 m |
5–6 hrs |
Forest walk, typical village life, terrace farming |
|
Day 7 |
Drive from Dundure to Kathmandu |
~1,400 m |
7–8 hrs drive |
Return to capital via Dhading Besi, with final scenic views of the countryside |
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, you'll be greeted by the bustling city filled with rich culture and history. After checking into your accommodation, take the opportunity to explore some of Kathmandu’s iconic landmarks. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or head to the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), which offers panoramic views of the valley. Take some time to roam around the vibrant Thamel district, known for its shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. This day will give you a chance to adjust to the local culture and prepare for the trek ahead.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
After breakfast, begin your journey toward the starting point of the trek, Syabrubesi. A scenic 7-8 hour drive will take you through winding mountain roads, passing lush forests, terraced fields, and small villages. The drive is a beautiful introduction to the rural landscapes of Nepal. Syabrubesi is a small village located at the base of the Langtang region, and it serves as the gateway for the Ruby Valley trek. After arriving, you can take a leisurely walk around the village to acclimatize to the environment. You will spend the night in a basic lodge, where you can rest and prepare for the trek.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
Today marks the start of your trekking adventure. The journey from Syabrubesi to Gatlang will take around 5-6 hours. The trail starts with a steady climb through forests of bamboo and rhododendron, offering glimpses of the stunning mountains in the distance, including Ganesh Himal and Langtang. Along the way, you'll pass through small Tamang villages, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the local people. As you approach Gatlang, you'll notice the beautiful terraced fields and the peaceful atmosphere of the village. Gatlang is known for its unique culture, and you'll be welcomed by friendly locals. Enjoy a warm meal and rest at a local guesthouse for the night.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
On this day, you'll trek from Gatlang to Tatopani, which takes approximately 5-6 hours. The trail ascends gradually, passing through dense forests and crossing charming rural settlements. You'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the pristine natural surroundings, including waterfalls and rivers. Upon reaching Tatopani, you’ll find it famous for its natural hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after a long day's trek. Tatopani is a tranquil village, offering a perfect place to unwind and soak in the peaceful environment. You’ll spend the night here in a simple lodge, enjoying the warmth of the hot springs and a good rest.
MEALS
Breakst, Dinner, Lunch
After a restful night, begin your trek towards Thuman. The trail from Tatopani to Thuman is another 5-6 hours of walking through forests, with a few steep sections that reward you with spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal range. Thuman is a picturesque village known for its traditional Tamang culture and its stunning mountain views. This village offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can experience the rural lifestyle of the local people. In the evening, you can explore the village or relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings. You’ll stay in a local guesthouse in Thuman for the night.
MEALS
Breakst, Dinner, Lunch
On the penultimate day of the trek, you’ll begin your descent back to Syabrubesi. The journey will take you through beautiful forests, with occasional glimpses of local wildlife, and past remote villages that seem untouched by time. The trek back will take around 5-6 hours, giving you a final opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Ruby Valley region. Upon reaching Syabrubesi, you can take some time to rest and reflect on the journey before preparing for the drive back to Kathmandu the next day.
MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
After breakfast, you’ll embark on the return journey to Kathmandu. The scenic 7-8 hour drive back provides another chance to soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can take the rest of the day to relax or explore more of the city. If time permits, enjoy a delicious Nepali meal at one of the local restaurants or pick up some souvenirs from the markets. If your flight is scheduled for the same evening, you can head straight to the airport to catch your flight home.
MEALS
Breakst, Dinner, LunchRuby Valley is often considered underrated because it quietly offers some of Montana’s most authentic and unspoiled experiences, yet remains largely overshadowed by more famous destinations like Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and Bozeman. Tucked between the Ruby and Tobacco Root Mountains in southwestern Montana, the valley is rich in history, natural beauty, and rural charm, but it doesn’t have the flashy infrastructure or major marketing campaigns that draw crowds. Its remote location and quiet towns mean fewer visitors venture there, making it a hidden gem for those who seek solitude, fly fishing on the Ruby River, or visits to nearby ghost towns like Virginia City. The area's understated appeal lies in its authenticity and connection to Montana’s frontier past, but that same low-key vibe is why it often slips under the radar of typical tourists looking for a more packaged experience.
The Ruby Valley Trek is definitely worth it for those seeking a quieter, more authentic Himalayan experience. Nestled between the Langtang and Manaslu regions, the trek offers stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and rich Tamang and Gurung culture—all without the crowds of more popular routes. It's moderately challenging, budget-friendly, and ideal for trekkers who want to explore unspoiled trails and connect with traditional village life in Nepal.
Yes, rubies have historically been found in Ruby Valley, Nepal—which is partly how the region got its name. The area around Somdang, one of the villages along the Ruby Valley Trek, was once known for small-scale ruby and other gemstone mining. While large-scale commercial mining isn’t active today, traces of ruby and other minerals like garnet and quartz still exist in the surrounding hills.
However, the trekking region is now more focused on eco-tourism and cultural experiences than gemstone extraction. So while the name “Ruby Valley” is rooted in its gemstone history, you’re unlikely to find rubies just lying around—but the legacy remains an intriguing part of the area’s story.
Ruby Valley in Nepal is called so because of its historical connection to ruby mining. The valley, especially around the village of Somdang, was known for being a source of rubies and other gemstones. In the past, local miners would extract these precious stones from the surrounding mountains. While commercial ruby mining has slowed or ceased in recent years, the name "Ruby Valley" endures as a reminder of the area’s gemstone-rich history. Despite its historical significance, today, the valley is more famous for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and trekking opportunities.
Ruby Valley is quite remote, with limited infrastructure and amenities. The trek starts in Syabrubesi, a small town that’s a 6–8 hour drive from Kathmandu. From there, you'll head into secluded villages like Gatlang and Somdang, where modern facilities are minimal. The area is disconnected from larger towns, so emergency services and connectivity are limited, making it essential to be well-prepared for the trek. The remoteness is part of its appeal for those seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Completing the Ruby Valley Trek with Nepal Horizon Treks is a rewarding achievement, especially for those seeking a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience in Nepal. This trek offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Ganesh Himal region, where panoramic mountain views, lush forests, and traditional village life come together in a truly memorable journey. With fewer crowds compared to the more commercial routes, the Ruby Valley allows for deeper cultural connections with Gurung, Tamang, and Dalit communities, often through intimate homestay experiences. Nepal Horizon Treks typically provides excellent logistical support, knowledgeable guides, and warm hospitality, helping trekkers feel well-cared for throughout the journey. Overall, the trek delivers a perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal choice for those who value authentic travel over tourist-heavy trails.
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