Ruby Valley Trek Overview
Ruby Valley Trek, formerly known as Ganesh Himal Region, is one of the best, least touristy hiking trails in central Nepal. It is a hidden valley between the Langtang and Manaslu trails. This newly proposed trekking destination is close to the capital city of Kathmandu, is best for those who like to trek in very little tourist areas to experience authentic local culture, stay at home, and interact with locals residing in the region. The main ethnic groups are Tamang, Gurung, Magar, and Dalit. Tamang is the majority ethnic group in the upper part of Ganesh Himal in villages like Sertung, Tipling, and Jharlang, whereas there are Brahmans, Kshetris, and Dalits (considered to be low caste) in the lower part of Ruby Valley. The scenery is splendid, from Pangsang Pass to Singla Pass.
The trek goes through foothills and lowland terraced farmlands to ethnic Tamang villages at higher altitudes. Along the trail, the trek offers splendid close views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Bouddha Himal, Hiunchuli, and other peaks of the central Himalayas. The highest altitude on this trek is the Pangsang Pass, at an altitude of 3850 m above sea level. Pangsang Pass offers one of the finest views on this trek.
Getting There and Various Routes to Start The Trekking
There are multiple ways to get around it. The trek can be started from Syabrubesi, some 150 km from Kathmandu. Syabrubesi is also the main gateway to the Classic Langtang Valley Trek. Alternatively, this trek can be started from Sertung Village - the biggest Tamang people settlement (155 km) from Kathmandu via Dhading Besi.
Many people start the trek from Bhalche in Nuwakot and trek via Sing La Pass (4045 m). Daily local buses are available to Bhalche, Syabrubesi, or a public shared jeep to Borang from Kathmandu, which is directly connected to Ruby Valley via Dhading Besi. Our original itinerary starts from Bhalche village, the longer version trek begins at Arkhet, following the Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail for the first day.
Ruby Valley Trekking Permit and Regulation
Yet, Ruby Valley is neither a conservation area nor a national park, so this trek doesn’t require a specific trekking permit. As the TIMS Card is compulsory for all the treks in Nepal, it is necessary for this trek too. If you are starting a trek or ending this trek in Syabrubesi, you will need to purchase a Langtang National Park entrance permit, which can be obtained in Kathmandu. Wilderness Excursion included the trekking permit as part of your Ruby Valley Trek Package. For more information, read on about the Nepal Trekking Permit.
Facilities in Ruby Valley and Trip Cost
Ruby Valley Trek in the Ganesh Himal region is not facilitated like other major trekking trails, such as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Trek Route; basic lodges and homestay facilities are available. Home stay trek is comparatively low-cost, so it is affordable for most wilderness lovers on a budget. If you are looking for a comfortable trek with good accommodations and a variety of food options, then this trek may not be ideal for you.
At Wilderness Excursion, we crafted this 6-day package trek with a combination of camping nights in the wilderness and a homestay experience in Gatlang and Sertung Village. For those willing to extend this trek, we can tailor the itinerary from 7 to 12 days to explore Ruby Valley in depth. And the length of your trip affects the cost spontaneously. We are happy to customize your trip. Our updated cost for the 6-day Ruby Valley Trek is USD 575 per person, based on 4 to 6 adults in the group
Ruby Valley 7 Days Itinerary via Syabrubesi - Gatlang and traverse Pangsang Pass (3860 m).
Day 1: Pick up from the hotel and drive to Syabrubesi (1400m): 5-hour drive.
Day 2: Trek to Gatlang (2600m), 6 hours. Overnight in a Home stay / basic lodge.
Day 3: Trek to Somdang (3700m). Overnight in the teahouse
Day 4: Trek to Pangsang Pass (3800m), teahouse/camping if lodge is closed.
Day 5: Trek to Yak Kharka (3500 m) – Overnight in Camping
Day 6: Trek to Sertung (1900 m): The biggest Tamang settlement, Home stay or basic teahouse.
Day 7: Drive from Sertung to Dhading Besi - Kathmandu by public shared jeep.
Ruby Valley Extended Itinerary to explore the area in depth (Cost USD 999 per adult, exclusive package).
Day 01: Follow the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route to Arkhet, then cross the river and trek up to the Lapu Danda (1026 m).
Day 02: Trek via Dhunchet to Lamo Dhunga (1930 m).
Day 03: Mostly a forest walk today to our camp in a clearing at Nauban Kharka (2710 m).
Day 04: Cross the Myanghal Bhanjyang and descend to Lapagaon (1700 m).
Day 05: Descend to the river, cross 2 bridges, and stop for lunch at Borang (1425 m). Trek to Sertung(1900 m), our home village.
Day 06: Rest in Sertung and a Day Hike to Phyangchet Monastery and Buddha Statue.
Day 07: Trek via Tipling to Marmelung Kharka (3000 m).
Day 08: Ascend to the Pansang La (3850 m) and camp there.
Day 09: Trek south on the Tiru Danda to a camp at Gokchet (3660 m) below the Sing La.
Day 10: Cross the Sing La Pass (4000 m) and descend to Gongam Bhanjyang (2900 m).
Day 11: Descend through the forest and then the farmland to Kipsang Pokhari (1790 m).
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu, where we check in at the group hotel.
Carrying tents and light meals is necessary for trekking through Singla Pass or Mangni Pass (2975 m), though yak huts are available. Ruby Valley Trek can be combined with the Tamang Heritage Trail Trek, Langtang Trek, Gosaikunda Trek, and the famous Manaslu trekking route.
What side trips are recommended while doing the Ruby Valley Trek
The Ruby Valley Trek offers stunning Himalayan scenery and unique Tamang and Gurung culture, with some side trip options to enhance your trekking experience.
- Kalo Daha Side Trek: Kalo Daha is a holy and isolated lake situated at the very lap of the Ganesh Himal, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and folk tales. This Side Trip to Kalo Daha will require + 5 days from Sertung. You can arrange local porter cum guides at Sertung if you are trekking independently. However, there are no teahouse facilities on the route, and you need to supply your necessities yourself. We recommend hiring a properly experienced guide to enhance your trekking experience in depth.
- Tatopani (Natural Hot Spring): Tatopani, meaning “hot water” in Nepali, is a day hike destination for a natural hot spa. Nepalese believe that illnesses such as arthritis and other body ache-related diseases can be healed by soaking in a natural hot spa, which is some 2 to 2.5 hours downhill walk from Sertung and 3 hours to return, based at the Sertung camp.
- Brakar Jo: From Sertung, you can hike to Brakar Jo, the distance is some 500 meters up. There is a huge newly built Buddha Statue and the Phenchet Gompa. Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma Tradition that holds important religious and historical significance. The shrines were renovated after the deadly earthquake in April 2015. The place provides a spectacular view of the Ganesh Himal range and the Ruby Valley itself.
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The Pangsang View Point (often called Pangsang La Pass or Pangsang Danda) is a stunning 3,842-meter vantage point in Nepal's Ruby Valley. It serves as one of the major attractions of the Ruby Valley Trek, providing expansive 360-degree panoramas of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu ranges. Since you are doing Singla Pass (best viewpoint in the region), then Pangsang View Point is subsidiary.
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Paldor Peak Base Camp: Paldor, also called Brankay Peak (5896 m), is located in the remote Ganesh Himal region north of Somdang. Paldor Base Camp, situated at an approximate elevation of 4500m, provides trekking in a wilderness area where hardly any people trek. This off-the-beaten-path side trek is prized for its spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal range, Langtang Lirung, and the Tibetan peaks. This side trek requires 3 to 4 extra days with camping gear. Check our Paldor Peak Climbing for a crowd-free Himalayan experience
