Ruby Valley trek is one of the least explored trekking destinations of Nepal, where one can experience the new lands, trails, topography, and culture along with the sheer untouched side of nature along with the surroundings. The name of this trek is given as there is the high potentiality of the red precious stone which is called Ruby. While undertaking this Ruby Valley trek, one can experience the lifestyle, family status, culture, and traditions of the local people i.e. native Tamang and Gurung tribes from this village. The walking trail includes steep ups and downs, flatlands, valleys, and lush green forests. From different en-route places, you can have a wonderful view of Ganesh, Langtang Lirung, Boudha Himal, Hiunchuli Dorje Lakpa, and other mountain ranges. For food and accommodations, there is the presence of tea houses and local lodges; which provide basic facilities for travelers and trekkers.
Highlights of Ruby Valley Trek are:
We begin our journey with a drive to Shyabru Beshi, the gateway to the Langtang Valley. The drive is really interesting which passes via Trisuli Bazaar, Ramchhe Gaon, and Dhunchhe Bazaar. The road is narrow and a bit adventurous and zigzags road but you will really enjoy the amazing landscape along with the scenic beauty of vegetation on the way. After reaching Shyabru Besi, check in the lodge and have a rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Follow the off-trail to the west up to the Bahun Danda Pass and then descend to the Tamang settlement. The Tamang settlement is an important village on the Tamang Heritage Trail. You will hike to Gatlang by way of Chawatar. Gatlang is a Tamang village with unique customs, traditions, culture, and way of living. Just a few distances above the village, Parvati Kunda; a famous Kunda for Hindus lies which are popular during JanaiPurnima when thousands of pilgrims are attracted to the sacred pond and nearby temple. After exploring the surroundings get back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Our destination for today is Somdang. Walk past the pine and rhododendron forest to Yuri Kharka and then continue your way up to Khurphu Bhanjyang. Afterward, drop down to the Somdang River, the border between Rasuwa and Dhading districts. Walking for some time from the Somdong River will take you to the Somdang. After reaching Somdang check in lodge and have a sound rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Commence your trek to reach Pangsang Kharka which is a viewpoint located at the southwest of Somdong village with a broad panorama of the surrounding terrain and peaks of Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range. The whole Ganesh Himal region is full of valuable herbal floras. Previously, herbs were taken to Tibet along an ancient trade route and exchanged for salt, livestock, wool, and turquoise. Descending from the Pangsang pass, you will head towards Tipling. Tipling village has the majority of Tamang people so it has a beautiful Tamang culture show including Jhankri or shaman dance, and Ghode/horse dances, which are believed to be brought from the Tibetan culture.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today, you will descend to cross the AdhiKhola on a box bridge and ascend to the villages of Shertung and Chalish. Shertung is inhabited mainly by Tamang. Shertung means ‘place of gold’ whereas Chalish is inhabited primarily by Gurung, Ghale, and Kami. There used to be Newar people but they migrated to Kathmandu city. The locals have their own culture and lifestyle which can be a point of attraction for visitors.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Your day starts with a trek to Borang village for the final destination of the day DarkhaGaun. From Borang, you will get down to Percho and continue trekking to DarkhaGaon. Passing through the suspension bridge you will see breathtaking views of AnkhuKhola and Chyamchyat as well as the Re village. Crossing the bridge, you finally reach DarkhaGaon. This village has a mixed culture of Brahmin, Tamang, and Dalits.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today is your last day of the trek. Trek down to DarkhaPhedi which takes 45 minute downhill walk. From DarkhaBesi, you will drive to DhadingBesi through a rough and tough zigzag road, which will take 3 – 4 hours. The road goes from AnkhuKhola to Kimdangphedi village as well as Katunje and Jyamrung villages. You can enjoy the fabulous landscapes on the way. From Dhading, you will take the bus and drive back to Kathmandu which takes 3 hours. This marks the end of the Ruby Valley trek.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites and Spa or similar in Kathmandu.
