Ultimate Guide to Ruby Valley Trek: Tips, Routes, and More!

Thursday, May 9, 2024

The Ruby Valley Trek is a hidden gem in the Dhading region of Nepal. It has beautiful views of the Himalayas, lush forests, and traditional villages. This trek is a perfect alternative for those who want to explore off-the-beaten path and experience the rich culture of the Tamang people.

The Ruby Valley Trek is a relatively new and off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal that offers stunning views of the Himalayas and a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle of the people in the area. It is a moderate trek that takes about 10–12 days to finish and covers about 72 kilometers on foot. The walk goes through remote villages and gives you amazing views of the Ganesh Himal range.

This ultimate guide to Ruby Valley Trek will tell you everything you need to know to plan, such as the best time, permits, duration, how hard it will be, equipment and gear, where you can stay, where you can get food and water, and more.

Wide view during Ruby Valley Trek

Overview of the Ultimate Guide to Ruby Valley Trek

Ruby Valley Trek is a relatively new trekking destination in Nepal. Trekkers on the Ruby Valley Trek can experience a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure in a part of Nepal that isn’t as well known. The trek offers a mix of stunning natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure.

Geographical Location

Ruby Valley Trek is located in the northern part of Nepal, in the Dhading district. It is named after the precious gemstone, ruby, found in the region. The trek takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Ganesh Himal mountain range, which includes several peaks above 7,000 meters.

Altitude

The trek reaches an altitude of 3,842 m (12,640 ft) at Pangsang Pass Base Camp. However, the average altitude during the trek is around 2,500 to 3,000 meters, making it suitable for most trekkers.

Best time to visit Ruby Valley

The best time to visit Ruby Valley Trek is from September to November and March to May. During these months, the weather is generally dry, sunny, and warm, making it perfect for trekking.

From September to November, the monsoon season has just ended, and the clear skies offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The temperature ranges from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop to 0 degrees Celsius at night. The trails are also relatively dry and less slippery, making it easier to trek.

The weather is warm and pleasant from March to May, and the flowers are in full bloom, making for a colorful and picturesque trekking experience. The temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop to 5 degrees Celsius at night. The skies are also clear, and the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.

It’s important to remember that the weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it’s always best to check the forecast before setting out on a trek. It is also advisable to trek with a licensed guide who can provide guidance and assistance in case of an emergency.

Required permits and costs for Ruby Valley

To go on the Ruby Valley Trek, people outside Nepal need a Langtang National Park Permit and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card. These permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and the Langtang National Park office in Dhunche.

For the Langtang National Park Permit fee, the government set NRS. 1,500 for SAARC nations and NRS 3000 for other nations. The second is the TIMS card, which costs Rs. 1,000 for all tourists.

Trekking Itinerary of Ruby Valley

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
You will start the drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, which is the starting point of the trek. The drive takes around 7-8 hours and passes through scenic countryside and hills. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 2: Trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang
The trek begins with a gradual uphill climb towards the Tamang village of Gatlang. The trail passes through beautiful forests and offers stunning views of the mountains. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 3: Trek from Gatlang to Somdang
The trail continues uphill through the forest and reaches the village of Yuri Kharka. From there, it climbs steeply towards the village of Khurpudanda and then descends to Somdang. Somdang is a beautiful village located at the foot of the Pangsang Pass. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 4: Trek from Somdang to Pangsang Pass Base Camp
The trail climbs steeply uphill towards the Pangsang Pass Base Camp. The climb is quite challenging and requires good fitness. The base camp offers stunning views of the mountains and the valley below.

Day 5: Trek from Pangsang Pass Base Camp to Tipling
The trek continues downhill towards Tipling village. The trail passes through beautiful forests and offers great views of the surrounding mountains. Tipling is a traditional Gurung village and has a unique culture and lifestyle. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 6: Trek from Tipling to Shertung
The trail passes through beautiful forests and reaches the village of Chalish Gaon. From there, it climbs uphill towards Shertung village. Shertung is a traditional Tamang village and offers great views of the mountains. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 7: Trek from Shertung to Chalish Gaon

The trek from Shertung to Chalish Gaon is approximately 12 kilometers. The trek typically takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This will be a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.

Day 8: Trek from Chalish Gaon to Jharlang

You can wake up early in the morning and start to walk after having breakfast. The trail offers stunning views of beautiful mountain ranges and green landscapes. Jharlang is a remote village located in the Langtang region of Nepal and is home to several small tea houses where trekkers can rest and refuel.

Day 9: Trek from Jharlang to Kintang Phedi

After the early morning breakfast, you will pass through a small Tamang village. You can stop to observe the local people’s lifestyle here. If you are lucky, then a variety of wildlife, such as Himalayan thar, gaur, Musk deer, bears, and monkeys, can be seen.

Day 10: Trek from Kintang Phedi to Jemrung

The trail passes through beautiful forests and reaches the village of Kintang Phedi. From there, it goes up and downhill towards the village. Jemrung is a traditional mixed-culture village and offers great views of the mountains. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 11: Trek from Jemrung to Dhading Besi
The trek ends with a downhill walk towards Dhading Besi. Dhading Besi is a small town and is the administrative center of the Dhading district.

Day 12: Drive back from Dhading Besi to Kathmandu
Drive from Dhading Besi back to Kathmandu, which takes around 4-5 hours. Overnight stay in a hotel in Kathmandu

This plan is just a suggestion, and you can change it to fit your tastes and fitness level.

Difficulty Level During Ruby Valley Trek

The Ruby Valley Trek is a moderate hike that requires a basic level of fitness and endurance. The hike takes 10–12 days and goes through rough, remote areas where the altitude changes a lot.

The highest point reached during the trek is Pangsang Pass, which stands at 3,842 m (12,640 ft). There are several steep climbs and descents on the walk, which can be hard for people who aren’t used to hiking in mountainous areas.

To get ready for the trek, you should focus on cardiovascular and endurance training at least once a week for at least a month before the trip. Another suggestion for getting used to the altitude is to spend a few days in Kathmandu or other nearby places before starting the trek.

If you are well-prepared, have a good attitude, and are willing to push yourself, the Ruby Valley Trek can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Tips for preparing for the trek

Preparing for any hike is crucial and another important part of the Ulitmate Guide to Ruby Valley Trek. This trek takes place at a high altitude and in remote areas, so you must plan to ensure you stay safe and have a good time. Here are some tips for preparing for the Ruby Valley Trek:

Engaging in physical activities that can increase your endurance and stamina is essential. Hiking, running, cycling, or swimming in some of the activities that can help you build cardiovascular fitness.
You will also need strength and endurance to carry a backpack and trek uphill. Exercises such as squats, lunges, and leg presses can help you develop leg strength.
To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to ascend slowly and allow your body to acclimatize. You can also take medication like Diamox to alleviate or avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and other health issues. Therefore, carrying enough water and electrolytes and consuming enough carbohydrates and proteins is essential.
Packing the right gear and equipment is crucial for a successful trek. Since you will be carrying your backpack the whole time, it is also important to pack light and only bring what you need.

Required Gear and Equipment For Ruby Valley Trek

The Ruby Valley Trek is a moderately difficult hike, and you need the right gear and supplies for a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are the required gear and equipment you should bring for the Ruby Valley Trek:

Hiking boots: On rough trails, you need sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support to keep you safe and steady.
Trekking Poles: Trekking poles can help reduce the strain on your knees and provide extra balance on steep and rocky terrain.
Clothing: Bring layers of clothing that can be easily adjusted according to the temperature changes. The dress should include a warm fleece or down jacket, waterproof and windproof pants and jackets, thermal underwear, t-shirts, and hiking socks.
Sleeping Bags: Bring a good quality sleeping bag that can withstand low temperatures. To save space and weight in your backpack, you should get a sleeping bag that is small and light.
Daypack: You will need a small daypack to carry your essentials, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera while trekking.
Water Bottle and Water Purification Tablets: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and water purification tablets to treat water from natural sources.
Headlamp/Flashlight: When hiking, reading, or going to the bathroom at night, you need a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
First Aid Kit: A basic kit with essential medicines, band-aids, antiseptics, and painkillers is necessary for any trek.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun’s rays are intense at high altitudes, so it’s crucial to protect your skin and eyes with sunglasses and sunscreen.
Toiletries: Bring a small toiletry bag containing toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toothpaste.

Accommodation on Ruby Valley Trek

Accommodation during the Ruby Valley Trek is available in the form of tea houses or homestays along the trekking route. The quality of the accommodations may vary, but they are generally of a basic level for trekkers. The rooms and food during the trek are quite cheap compared to other trekking regions of Nepal. But you will get very basic service and food at local lodges or homestays run by the locals.

Information on the types of accommodation available during the trek

The tea houses or homestays offer twin-sharing rooms with two single beds or one double bed and essential bedding such as blankets, pillows, and sheets. Some tea houses may have attached bathrooms, while others may have shared bathrooms with running cold water. Most teahouses or lodges offer electricity for charging electronic devices.

Along the trekking trail, tea houses or lodges are strategically placed so that hikers can rest and get used to the altitude. Some tea houses may offer stunning views of the Himalayas, which can be a treat for trekkers.

Even though most places to stay are comfortable, trekkers should bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad for extra warmth and comfort, especially during the colder months.

Suggested places to stay

Ruby Valley mostly has homestay accommodations; do not expect luxury tea houses and Western foods if you are planning to do this trek.

Here are some of the homestay lists along the trek

Borang Village: Ruby Valley Homestay
Chalish Village: Danda Ghar Homestay
Tipling Village: Selthapa Homestay
Pangsang : Pangsang Hotel
Somdang : Anjali Homestay

Safety and Health on Ruby Valley Trek

Before going on the Ruby Valley Trek, it’s important to make sure your health and safety are in order. The trek involves long hours of walking over rough terrain. So it is important to be well-prepared to make sure that the trip is safe and healthy.

Tips to ensure a safe and healthy trek

To ensure your trek is safe, choose a trekking agency with a good name and a lot of experience. A trustworthy agency will have trained guides, support staff, and insurance for trekkers.
The Ruby Valley Trek goes to high altitudes, so take your time and get used to the length slowly. To avoid altitude sickness, consider taking Diamox.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the trek. Drinking at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day is recommended.
Bring the right clothes and gear to protect yourself from cold weather and weather that is hard to predict.
To keep your energy up, make sure you eat a balanced diet with carbs, protein, and fats.
Bring hand sanitizer or antiseptic wipes to ensure you stay clean during the hike.
Bring a well-stocked first aid kit with all the medicines, painkillers, and other things you might need if you get hurt or sick on the trek.
In case of any emergency, make sure to carry a whistle, a torchlight, and a portable oxygen cylinder. Also, make sure to have emergency contact numbers handy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ruby Valley Trek is a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience that lets trekkers see remote parts of Nepal and learn about the culture there. With careful planning and preparation, trekkers can enjoy a safe and rewarding trekking experience. We suggest this trek to anyone who wants a challenging adventure and to see the beauty of Nepal.

It’s important to remember that the Ruby Valley Trek is moderate, and people who want to go must be physically and mentally ready for the trip. Before you start the trek, you must ensure you are fit enough and have enough experience trekking.