Ruby Valley Trek: Trek in Ganesh Himal Region

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Ganesh Himal
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    13 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    Moderate
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Ganesh Himal
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    3802
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    5-6 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Home-stay + Camping
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    Autumn/Spring

RUBY VALLEY TREK

The Ruby Valley is a true gem of a trek hidden away in the Ganesh Himal Region wedged between Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is named so due to the rich deposits of precious red rubies in the region. The highest altitude on this trek is the Pangsang Pass (3850m).

This region is mostly unknown to most visitors coming to Nepal. Along the trails, there are a number of exquisite views of the Ganesh Himal Range. We will also see Ganga Jamuna (the twin waterfalls) and Kalo, Seto, and Ganesh Kunda villages, hot springs and incredible geography with its unique flora and fauna.

This is also a cultural journey through villages rich in traditions of the various castes, with Tamang, Gurung and Ghale in the north and predominantly Brahmin, Chhetri, Newar, Chepang, and Dalits in the south.

Highlights of Ruby Valley Trek

Road trip from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi to Chillemi and return from Dhading Besi to Kathmandu.
Remote hidden valley trek with homestay and camping giving you unique insight into various castes.
Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area.
Tamang, Gurung, and Chepang one of the major castes in this region.
Ganesh Himal region with lush green forests and snow-capped mountains.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu & transfer to hotel (1,350m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be met by a Sherpa Expedition & Trekking representative, and taken to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek to Ruby Valley. This will be followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,460m) uration: 6-7 hours.

Today we will start our eight to nine hour drive to Ruby Valley trek by driving towards Syabrubesi, which will give you an opportunity to enjoy the vast array of landscapes and views of distant mountains. We will then come to the Langtang and Trishuli rivers before reaching Syabrubesi where we will stay the night in a hotel.

Day 3 : Trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2,240m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we hit the trail for five to six hours and head to the distinct culturally rich village of Gatlang. Along the trail, we will meet the very friendly and warm Gurung people. On arrival at Gatling you will notice they are mostly farmers and have sculptured terraces into the hillside to grow crops such as potatoes and wheat. Gatlang is situated on a hillside. We will stay here the night in a guest house.

Day 4 : Trek from Gatlang to Somdang (3,271m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we have a five-hour trek ahead of us with some fantastic views of the Langtang Himal Range, Ganesh Himal, Paldor Peak (5896m), and other surrounding snow-covered mountains. We will stay overnight in a guest house at Somdang.

Day 5 : Acclimatization Day at Somdang

Today we will trek to the lead and zinc Lari mine from where we have views of Paldor Peak and other mountains in the Ganesh Himal Range. It is important and recommended by medical professionals, to stay active during your time acclimatizing. Tonight we will again stay at Somdang.

Day 6 : Trek from Somdang to Pangsang Bhanjyang Pass (3850m) & to Tipling (2,200m) Duration: 7-8 hours.

This morning we have a seven-hour trek to Pangsang Kharka which is southwest of Somdang Village and offers magnificent panoramic views over the broad landscape in all directions, including the towering peaks of Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range. We will camp at Tipling that also affords some spectacular scenery.

Day 7 : Trek from Tipling to Shertung (1,875m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we begin by descending to the Adha Khola (river) and on to the villages of Shertung and Chalish that overlook the rich fertile soils and fields down in the valley. Shertung is inhabited mostly by Tamang. The name Shertung in Nepali means 'place of gold'. Tonight we will stay overnight in a lodge.

Day 8 : Trek from Shertung to Chalish Gaon (1,675m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we will follow the trail for around 30 minutes to Chalish Gaon Village and then on to Tatopani therapeutic hot springs that should take another one and a half hours. We will spend a few hours relaxing in the hot water before returning to Chalish Gaon for the night.

Day 9 : Trek from Chalish Gaon to Jharlang (3,000m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

This morning we will trek for 30 minutes to Mani Danda where we have incredible views over the Ganesh Himal Ranges. The trail continues across the hills and on to Deul Danda, Gobre, Chhap Danda and Bandari villages. Tonight we stay overnight at Jharlang.

Day 10 : Trek from Jharlang to Darkha Gaun (8,50m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today the trail descends for two and a half hours to Jharlang Phedi past terraced fields, lush landscape and across several suspension bridges. Along the trail we will have some great views of Ankhu Khola and Chyamchyat and Ri villages. Overall, our trek today is about six to seven hours. We will stay overnight at Darkha Gaon.

Day 11 : Trek from Darkha Gaon to Dhading Besi & drive back to Kathmandu; Duration: 8-9 hours.

Our trek starts with a 45-minute walk to Darkha Phedi where we take a local jeep heading to Dhading Besi. The drive will take about three to four hours crossing the Ankhu Khola (river) as well as Kimdang Phedi, Katunje, and Jyamrung villages. On the drive, you will be able to take in the surrounding scenery. After arrival at Dhading Besi, we will take a three-hour bus trip back to Kathmandu.

Day 12 : Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport.

Sherpa Expeditions & Trekking staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!

SERVICES

Cost Included:

Airport pick up and drop services on a private vehicle
Two night's hotel at Kathmandu with Breakfast
Teahouse/Lodge accommodation during the trek
Transportation from Kathmandu to Syafrubesi and Dhading Besi to Kathmandu in local bus
Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
Licensed holder English speaking trekking guide
Transportation, food, accommodation, and insurance of Guide during the trip
Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don't have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
Sherpa Trekking porter (One porter for Two peoples)
First aid medical kit(Carried by the guide)
All the required permits and paper works( Langtang National park permit, TIMS etc)
Welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant(complimentary)
A nation-wide operated Mobile SIM Card and a map of the trekking region

Costs excluded:

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee.
International airfare.
Your personal expenses.
All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic hot and cold drinks.
Battery charging and hot shower during the trek on the tea houses.
Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).

EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

General

All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

A pair of half gloves
A warmer hat that covers the ears
Sunglasses
Neckwarmer
Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

Hands

A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal tops
wool jacket or pullover
Sports bras for women and girls
Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
windproof and waterproof trousers
warmer trousers
Comfortable trekking pants
Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
Pair of sandals
4-5 pairs of woolen socks
Sock liners
Light shoes and sneakers
First Aid Kits and Medicines
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Blister treatment cream or similar
Insect / anti-itch ointment
Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek

4 passport size photos with original passport
Water bottle & filter
Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

Comfortable trekking poles
Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
Power bank and music players
Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find net and clean teahouses - You will be staying at a teahouse/tent in higher elevation.

Meals during the trek

In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Ruby valley regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.

Physical fitness

This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.