Ruby Valley Trek – Explore the Untouched Himalayan Wilderness with Mountain King Treks

With the excitement of your upcoming trek building, your morning in Kathmandu begins early. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be met by your guide and driver from Mountain King Treks, and soon after, you'll board your private vehicle for a full-day journey northward toward the village of Syabrubesi—the gateway to the Ruby Valley and Ganesh Himal region.

Leaving behind the bustling city, the road quickly winds into the hills. The first few hours offer glimpses of terraced farmlands, lush riverbanks, and traditional hillside villages nestled along the route. As you ascend, the air becomes crisper and the valleys more dramatic. You’ll pass through rural towns like Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche, the district headquarters of Rasuwa, where the atmosphere begins to shift from urban to highland tranquility.

The journey takes around 7 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions. Portions of the road can be rough and bumpy, especially as you enter the more remote stretches, but the scenic beauty never fails to impress. Towering hills, cascading waterfalls, and the ever-present Trishuli River accompany you much of the way. If the skies are clear, you may even catch a first distant view of Langtang Lirung or Ganesh Himal, standing proudly like sentinels guarding the path ahead.

Upon reaching Syabrubesi, a small riverside village surrounded by forested hills, you’ll check into a cozy local lodge. Here, life is slow and peaceful, and the warmth of the villagers offers a gentle welcome to trekking life. Enjoy a nourishing dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients, and take a short walk through the village to stretch your legs after the drive.

Tonight, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the river nearby and the crisp mountain air whispering that tomorrow, your true trekking adventure begins.

🚌 Driving time: Approx. 7–8 hours
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Syabrubesi
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🎉 Highlights: Scenic mountain drive, views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang, arrival in Syabrubesi, transition from urban to Himalayan landscapes

This morning marks the true beginning of your Himalayan trekking adventure. After an early breakfast at your lodge in Syabrubesi, you’ll lace up your boots and set off with your guide and porter toward the traditional Tamang village of Gatlang, nestled high above the Bhote Koshi River Valley.

The trail starts with a gradual ascent that soon turns steeper as you climb a well-marked stone staircase. You’ll feel your body warming up as you leave behind the last signs of roadside life and enter the peaceful forested hills. Along the way, your guide may point out wildflowers, native plants, or distant peaks beginning to emerge through the trees. The sound of chirping birds, flowing streams, and the soft murmur of prayer flags swaying in the breeze set the tone for your first day on foot.

As you ascend, you’ll pass scattered settlements and terraces carved into the hillside, where locals tend to their crops of maize, millet, and vegetables. After several hours of steady climbing, you’ll arrive at Rongga Bhanjyang, a small resting spot offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and snowcapped ridges in the distance. Here, you’ll enjoy a packed or cooked lunch, resting your legs and breathing in the fresh mountain air.

The final stretch to Gatlang is a more gradual walk, allowing you to fully absorb your surroundings. You’ll soon spot the clustered slate-roofed houses of Gatlang, a picturesque Tamang village surrounded by dense forests and gentle slopes. As you arrive, you may be greeted by curious children, elders spinning prayer wheels, or villagers returning from the fields. The village maintains a strong Tamang cultural identity, and you’ll notice it in the architecture, the sacred chortens, and the colorful mani walls etched with Buddhist prayers.

After checking in at a local teahouse or community lodge, you’ll have some time to explore the village. Visit the Buddhist monastery, or simply sit outside and watch the golden sun dip behind the hills, casting warm light over the stone homes and peaceful surroundings.

Your first trekking day concludes with a delicious home-cooked meal, warm conversation with your guide or host family, and a cozy night’s sleep under the Himalayan stars. Tomorrow, your trail leads deeper into the remote valleys, but tonight you’ll savor the richness of rural mountain life in Gatlang.

🥾 Trekking time: 5–6 hours
📏 Distance: Approx. 11 km
⬆️ Elevation gain: 778 meters
🏨 Overnight: Teahouse or community lodge in Gatlang
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🎉 Highlights: First trekking day, Tamang village culture, stunning valley views, forest walk, local hospitality

After a restful night in the charming village of Gatlang, you’ll rise early to the soft toll of bells from grazing livestock and the distant chanting from the village monastery. Enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your local hosts—perhaps buckwheat pancakes, Tibetan bread, or boiled eggs with tea—before you set off on the scenic trail that leads you towards Somdang, an isolated valley once known for its zinc and copper mines.

The morning trail begins with a gentle descent through the fields and traditional stone houses of Gatlang. Soon, you’ll enter the embrace of dense pine and rhododendron forests, where the only sounds are the wind rustling through the trees and the rhythmic crunch of your boots along the earthy path. The route gradually climbs as you follow the ridge above the Chilime River, offering expansive views down to the valley and across to distant snow-capped peaks shimmering on the horizon.

Midway through your trek, you’ll reach Parvati Kunda, a sacred alpine lake nestled in a forest glade at 2,600 meters. Named after the Hindu goddess Parvati, the lake is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, and you’ll often find prayer flags fluttering in the breeze nearby. Take time to rest and enjoy a peaceful moment here—many trekkers describe this stop as spiritually uplifting.

Continuing on, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend towards Khumbu Danda (ridge), where the trees begin to thin and the landscape takes on a wilder, more rugged feel. You may see Himalayan monals, Nepal’s national bird, darting across the forest floor with their iridescent feathers. As you gain altitude, the views become more spectacular—on a clear day, you might catch glimpses of Langtang Lirung or even the distant Ganesh Himal range.

In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the peaceful valley of Somdang (3,271m), once a bustling mining settlement that has now returned to nature. Scattered ruins of old mining buildings remain, overgrown by shrubs and moss, lending an air of mystery to the place. Today, it’s a tranquil spot where yaks and mules graze freely, and the local people live in harmony with their surroundings.

Tonight’s accommodation will be a rustic teahouse or lodge nestled in this remote valley. After a warm meal and a steaming cup of tea, you can step outside to gaze up at the stars. At this altitude, the night sky is incredibly clear, and the Milky Way often stretches across the sky in all its glory. Sleep well—tomorrow, you’ll cross the high Pangsang La pass, one of the trek’s most beautiful highlights.

🥾 Trekking time: 5–6 hours
📏 Distance: Approx. 11–12 km
⬆️ Elevation gain: 1,033 meters
🏨 Overnight: Teahouse in Somdang
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🎉 Highlights: Sacred Parvati Kunda Lake, pine and rhododendron forests, wildlife, remote valley, abandoned mining site, clear starry skies

Rise early in the peaceful remoteness of Somdang, where the chill of the highland morning and the silence of the surrounding pine forest lend a sacred stillness to your day’s beginning. After a hot breakfast and a warm farewell to your kind lodge hosts, you’ll shoulder your backpack and set off on one of the most exhilarating and scenic days of the entire Ruby Valley journey: the crossing of Pangsang La Pass (also known as Pangsang Bhanjyang), perched at 3,842 meters.

The initial section of today’s trail climbs steadily through thick forests of pine, rhododendron, and birch. As you ascend, the trees thin and the terrain opens up to vast alpine meadows—especially striking during spring when wildflowers carpet the hillsides. You’ll slowly wind your way up to the pass, and every step brings more dramatic scenery. Prayer flags flutter in the wind as you near the top, signaling your approach to this sacred mountain crossing.

Upon reaching the summit of Pangsang La, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of the great Himalayan amphitheater. On clear days, the view is nothing short of spectacular: gaze upon the regal Ganesh Himal range in the north, the serene Manaslu and Himalchuli massifs to the west, and even the distant peaks of Langtang Lirung and Annapurna on the eastern horizon. The pass is often windswept and remote, and you may have this entire highland stage all to yourself—a spiritual moment to savor in silence.

Take your time to rest, soak in the views, and capture photographs—this is a moment many trekkers never forget. After crossing the pass, your descent begins gradually at first, passing through alpine scrub and yak pastures, before dropping steeply through pine and bamboo forests toward the lower valleys of the Ganesh Himal region.

By afternoon, the landscape transforms into a lush tapestry of terraced fields, hillside villages, and gurgling streams. You’ll soon reach the twin villages of Lower and Upper Tipling, both home to Tamang and Gurung communities. These traditional villages are beautifully set on a terraced slope, with colorful homes, mani walls, and chortens reflecting the strong Buddhist heritage of the region.

You’ll be warmly welcomed into a simple but comfortable teahouse where your hosts may offer local raksi (millet wine) or butter tea. Enjoy a freshly cooked Nepali meal—perhaps dal bhat with garden greens or a warming soup of wild herbs—before settling in for a well-earned night’s rest.

🥾 Trekking time: 6–7 hours
📏 Distance: Approx. 14–15 km
⬆️ Elevation gain: 571 meters
⬇️ Elevation loss: 1,764 meters
🗻 Highest Point: Pangsang La Pass (3,842m)
🏨 Overnight: Local teahouse in Tipling village
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🎉 Highlights: Epic views from Pangsang La Pass, Ganesh Himal panorama, alpine meadows, remote landscapes, cultural immersion in Tipling

Awake to the crisp mountain air in the charming village of Tipling, where the gentle sounds of morning life—chirping birds, distant prayer wheels, and the soft murmur of villagers—greet you. After enjoying a wholesome breakfast prepared by your friendly hosts, you’ll set off on a relatively easy day of trekking, descending through serene forests and ancient villages, soaking in the rich culture and natural beauty of the Ruby Valley.

The trail begins by leaving the cluster of stone houses in Tipling and descending gradually through lush pine and rhododendron forests. The path is lined with fluttering prayer flags and moss-covered mani walls, creating a spiritual atmosphere that reflects the deeply rooted Buddhist traditions of the local Tamang and Gurung communities.

As you follow the winding trail, you’ll pass small hamlets and terraced fields, where villagers cultivate maize, millet, and seasonal vegetables using traditional farming methods. Along the way, friendly children may wave hello, and you might see women weaving baskets or spinning wool, preserving age-old crafts.

The trek continues through peaceful woodlands filled with the scent of pine and earth, broken only by the occasional sound of flowing streams or grazing yaks. This stretch of the journey provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and observe Himalayan flora and fauna in their undisturbed habitats.

Later in the afternoon, you arrive at Shertung (1,875m), a welcoming village perched on a gentle slope overlooking the verdant valley below. The village is known for its warm hospitality and cultural richness, with prayer wheels turning rhythmically outside houses and chortens (Buddhist shrines) standing as guardians of the community’s spiritual heritage.

You’ll check into a cozy teahouse, where a hot meal awaits—perhaps dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), seasonal vegetables, and freshly baked bread. The evening offers a peaceful chance to rest, reflect on the day’s experiences, and prepare for the trek ahead.

🥾 Trekking time: 3–4 hours
📏 Distance: 7 km
⬇️ Elevation loss: 212 meters
🏨 Overnight: Teahouse in Shertung
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🎉 Highlights: Traditional Tamang villages, forest trails, spiritual atmosphere, terraced farming, local culture and hospitality

Begin your day in the tranquil village of Shertung, waking up to the sounds of morning prayers and the fresh mountain air. After a hearty breakfast featuring local delicacies prepared by your hosts, you’ll embark on a relatively easy trek descending toward Chalish Gaon, another beautiful village nestled in the Ruby Valley.

The trail meanders gently through lush terraced fields, dotted with blooming wildflowers during spring and golden crops in the autumn harvest season. You will pass through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron, breathing in the fragrant forest scents and listening to the melodies of Himalayan birds. Along the way, you may spot fluttering prayer flags and intricately carved mani stones that add a spiritual ambiance to the journey.

As you descend, you’ll encounter small clusters of traditional Tamang homes where villagers live a simple life closely tied to the land. Friendly children and farmers often greet trekkers with warm smiles and “Namaste,” inviting you to experience their rich culture firsthand.

Upon arrival at Chalish Gaon (1,675m), you will be welcomed by the peaceful ambiance of this vibrant community, known for its religious devotion and cultural festivities. Take time to explore the village, visit its small gompa (Buddhist monastery), or simply relax in your comfortable teahouse while savoring a warm meal prepared from fresh local ingredients.

This afternoon offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the Tamang people and reflect on the natural beauty surrounding you.

🥾 Trekking time: 2–3 hours
📏 Distance: 5 km
⬇️ Elevation loss: 200 meters
🏨 Overnight: Teahouse in Chalish Gaon
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🎉 Highlights: Terraced fields, forest scenery, Tamang culture, spiritual sites, village life

After a hearty breakfast in Chalish Gaon, you prepare for one of the longer trekking days in the Ruby Valley, descending from the mid-hills into the warmer subtropical zone. The journey offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and diverse landscapes.

The trail begins with a gentle descent through a mosaic of terraced fields and small farms, where local farmers cultivate rice, maize, and cardamom. The vibrant green terraces stretch out like a patchwork quilt, framed by distant mountain ridges. You’ll pass through scattered stone houses adorned with prayer flags and colorful flower gardens, evidence of the villagers’ deep connection to their land and traditions.

As you descend further, the vegetation transforms noticeably. The cool pine and rhododendron forests give way to lush subtropical woodlands rich with bamboo groves, wild banana plants, and dense undergrowth. Birdsong fills the air, and if you’re lucky, you might spot colorful birds such as sunbirds and barbets darting through the canopy.

The trail is well marked but requires steady footing as it winds down steep slopes and crosses several streams on wooden bridges. Along the way, you will pass small hamlets where villagers live simple, self-sufficient lives—often engaging in traditional weaving, farming, and livestock rearing.

By afternoon, you will reach Darkha Gaon (850m), a quiet village nestled near the banks of a gentle river. The warm climate here is a welcome change from the high alpine chill of previous days. The village is known for its friendly inhabitants and peaceful surroundings, providing a perfect setting to relax after a day of trekking.

In the evening, enjoy a nourishing meal prepared from local produce, perhaps featuring fresh vegetables, lentils, and rice. The night sky here is often clear and starry, making for a tranquil end to your day.

🥾 Trekking time: 6–7 hours
📏 Distance: Approx. 14 km
⬇️ Elevation loss: 825 meters
🏨 Overnight: Teahouse in Darkha Gaon
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🎉 Highlights: Subtropical forests, terraced farming landscapes, river valleys, traditional village life, bird watching

After enjoying a wholesome breakfast in the peaceful village of Darkha Gaon, you’ll begin the final leg of your trekking adventure. The trail to Darkha Phedi is relatively short and gentle, allowing you to take in the lush scenery one last time. You’ll pass through small farming hamlets, terraced fields, and forest patches where the vibrant greens of subtropical vegetation paint a calming backdrop.

The gentle walk along the river valley is a moment to reflect on your journey through the Ruby Valley — from alpine meadows and high mountain passes to serene Tamang villages and warm local hospitality. Upon reaching Darkha Phedi, your private vehicle arranged by Mountain King Treks will be waiting to whisk you away.

The scenic drive to Dhading Besi winds through beautiful valleys, alongside rivers sparkling in the sunlight and cascading waterfalls. The road climbs and twists through the foothills, revealing breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himal and surrounding peaks. From Dhading Besi, you’ll continue your journey back to Kathmandu, enjoying the contrast between rural landscapes and the bustling capital city.

Arriving in Kathmandu in the early evening, you’ll check into your comfortable hotel and freshen up before a very special evening celebration. Mountain King Treks invites you to a Farewell Dinner with a vibrant cultural program at one of Kathmandu’s finest traditional restaurants.

This memorable evening is a celebration of your successful trek and your connection with Nepal’s rich heritage. You’ll savor an exquisite array of traditional Nepali dishes — from dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) and steamed momos (dumplings) to flavorful curries and freshly prepared vegetable dishes. Each bite reflects Nepal’s diverse culinary tapestry, lovingly prepared by expert chefs.

As you dine, you’ll be entertained by lively cultural performances showcasing Nepali music and dance. The show features traditional dances from ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Magar, Sherpa, and Newar communities, with colorful costumes, rhythmic drumming, and graceful movements telling stories of Nepal’s mountain peoples.

This warm and joyous gathering is more than a meal — it’s a heartfelt tribute to your adventure, the friendships forged, and the Himalayan spirit you now carry with you. Your Mountain King Treks team will also present you with a small token of appreciation, welcoming you into our extended family.

Tonight, under Kathmandu’s starry sky, you’ll celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey, filled with memories to last a lifetime.

🥾 Trekking time: 2–3 hours
📏 Trek Distance: Approx. 6 km
🚗 Drive Distance: Approx. 154 km
🕒 Total Travel Time (trek + drive): 7–8 hours
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu (Bed & Breakfast)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner with Cultural Program
🎉 Highlights: Scenic river valley trek, beautiful drive through Ganesh Himal foothills, traditional Nepali cuisine, cultural dance and music performances, heartfelt farewell celebration

After a restful night in Kathmandu, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. This is your day to relax, reflect on your incredible journey through the Ruby Valley, and prepare for your onward travels. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu’s bustling streets.

Your Mountain King Treks team will assist you with timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure. As you bid farewell to Nepal, carry with you the unforgettable memories of towering peaks, rich cultures, and the warm hospitality you experienced throughout your trek.

We hope the spirit of the Himalayas stays with you long after your journey ends, inspiring future adventures and a deep appreciation for this magnificent region.

🏨 Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Transfer: Private vehicle to Kathmandu Airport
🎉 Highlights: Reflection, smooth airport transfer, heartfelt goodbyes