Trip overview
Ruby Valley Trek – The Best Choice for Budget Travelers
The Classic Ruby Valley Trek is one of the last untouched and remote trekking routes in Nepal, making it a perfect option for budget and homestay travelers. This trek can be completed in 8 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, offering a unique combination of cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Unlike other popular trails, the Ruby Valley route provides authentic village-to-village cultural trekking that is difficult to find elsewhere in Nepal. The trek begins in Dhading District and ends in Syabrubesi, Rasuwa District—which is also the starting point of the Langtang Valley Trek. Nestled in the Ganesh Himal region, Ruby Valley is considered the cheapest trekking destination in Nepal, ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly adventure just 10 days from your home country.
This hidden valley is renowned for its diverse culture and stunning landscapes. The trekking route passes through three high passes, the Ruby Valley itself, and three sacred lakes (Kunda) of the Ganesh Himal region. Along the way, you will encounter villages of Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri, and Brahmin communities, each offering a glimpse into their rich traditions, warm hospitality, and way of life.
Why Choose the Ruby Valley Trek?
The Village-to-Village Classical Ruby Valley Trek is one of the best homestay experiences in Nepal, offering both cultural insights and natural highlights:
- Traditional Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples
- Serene mountain lakes and sacred ponds
- Magnificent views of Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu ranges
- Rare herbal plants, a local cheese factory, and even traditional ruby and zinc mines
- Diverse wildlife including Himalayan thar, ghoral, barking deer, red panda, snow leopard, bear, wolf, musk deer, pheasants, and monkeys
- Beautiful forests of rhododendron and other alpine vegetation
This trek combines natural wonders with deep cultural interaction, making it one of the most rewarding budget-friendly trekking routes in Nepal.
A Perfect Homestay Adventure
If you are a budget traveler looking for a homestay trek, the Ruby Valley is an excellent choice. During this journey, you will pass through traditional villages such as:
- Darkha Village
- Jharlang Village
- Borang Village
- Sertung Village
- Chalish (Gurung Village)
- Somdang Village
- Gatlang Village (a typical Tamang settlement)
In these villages, you will enjoy local hospitality, organic foods, traditional honey, and homemade wine, while learning about diverse cultures and lifestyles.
After a short drive from Kathmandu to Dhading, the trek begins and gradually unfolds through scenic valleys and hilltop settlements. Crossing the Pangsang La Pass, you will descend into Somdang Village, where you can also explore the Lari metals and ruby mines. The trek finally ends at Syabrubesi, a vibrant Tamang village and gateway to Langtang.
Ruby Valley Trek with Himalaya View Treks
Himalaya View Treks (HVT) has designed a short 8-day Ruby Valley itinerary that covers all the key villages and highlights of the region in the minimum required days. The trek can also be done in reverse, starting from Syabrubesi.
HVT provides:
- Experienced, knowledgeable guides
- Comfortable local accommodations and homestays
- Nutritious local meals
- Insightful cultural exchange with local communities
The Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley Trek is a romantic, cultural, and scenic journey—perfect for travelers seeking an authentic experience away from the crowds.
Short Itinerary
Ruby Valley Trek – 8 Days Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi (850m) and trek to Darkha Village (850m) – 6 to 7 hours
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi, the district headquarters. From there, you continue towards Darkha Village, where the trek officially starts. This village offers the first taste of rural life and local homestay hospitality.
Day 02: Trek from Darkha to Jharlang Village (1,500m) – 6 hours
The trail passes through terraced farmlands, rivers, and small settlements. Today’s destination, Jharlang, is a traditional Tamang and Chhetri village with unique culture and lifestyle. You’ll enjoy local meals and learn about traditional farming practices.
Day 03: Trek from Jharlang to Chalish / Borang Village (1,800m) – 6 to 7 hours
Today’s trek offers stunning views of the Ganesh Himal range. You will reach Chalish and Borang, Gurung-majority villages known for their warm hospitality, organic food, and traditional dance and music. This is a perfect stop for a rich cultural experience.
Day 04: Trek from Chalish to Sertung Village (1,950m) – 5 hours
A gentle climb leads you to Sertung Village, inhabited mostly by Tamang people. The village is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers spectacular views of Ganesh Himal. It is also one of the most culturally rich stops of the trek.
Day 05: Trek from Sertung to Somdang via Pangsang La Pass (3,850m) – 7 hours
This is one of the most adventurous days of the trek. You will cross the high Pangsang La Pass (3,850m), which rewards you with panoramic views of Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu ranges. After enjoying the scenery, you descend to Somdang Village, known for its historic Lari metals and ruby mines.
Day 06: Trek from Somdang to Gatlang Village (2,200m) – 6 hours
From Somdang, the trail descends through forests and small settlements before reaching Gatlang, a typical Tamang village. Gatlang is famous for its traditional stone houses, cultural dances, and scenic location.
Day 07: Trek from Gatlang to Syabrubesi (1,460m) – 6 hours
The final day of trekking takes you downhill to Syabrubesi, a lively town that is also the starting point of the Langtang Valley Trek. This is the perfect place to relax, enjoy local food, and celebrate the completion of your Ruby Valley journey.
Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu – 7 to 8 hours
After breakfast, you take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey winds through terraced hills, rivers, and small towns, offering one last glimpse of rural Nepal before returning to the city.
Included
- Kathmandu toDhading bensi Bu bus and Dhading To Disang khola by sharing jeep. and Syabrubensi to kathmandu by bus.
- All meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your Ruby Valley Trek with 7 night Hotel Accommodation.
- Government licensed holder, fluent English Speaking, Ganesh Himal Familiar Himalaya view Treks guide, 1 assistant guide if Group sizes is more than 10 trekkers) one guide lead up to 10 trekkers.
- Strong local Porters for Carry trekker’s luggage. One porter every 2 trekkers, Porter carry maximum 20 Kg. 10 Kg per trekkers.
- Cost Includes Guides and porters meals, accommodation, Salary, insurance, transportation, and needed equipment for the Trekking
- Water purification drop or tablets for safe drinking water.
- ACAP permit fee and TIMS card permit
- Seasonal fresh fruits after Dinner
- Local government, taxes, including official Service Charge.
- Himalaya View treks T-shirt as a Souvenirs, and duffle bag if needed.
Not Included
- Hotel accommodation In Kathmandu.
- Meals in Kathmandu, before Trek as well after the Trek.
- Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery charge fee during the Ruby valley Trek)
- Personal clothing and trekking gear
- Personal travel insurance including evacuation coverage (compulsory) up to 6000m)
- Additional costs if delays flights and outside the itinerary
- All the costs and expenses which are not mentioned in includes list.
- Tips for guide and porters. in end of the treks
Useful Info
Useful Information – Ruby Valley Trek
Best Season to Trek
The best time for the Ruby Valley Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
- Spring: Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and moderate temperatures.
- Autumn: Stable weather, crystal-clear mountain views, and cultural festivals.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Trekking is possible but colder at higher elevations.
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Trails may be muddy and slippery, but the landscapes are lush and green.
Accommodation
The Ruby Valley Trek is mainly a homestay trek. Villages like Darkha, Jharlang, Chalish, Sertung, Somdang, and Gatlang offer basic but authentic village homestays with traditional Nepali meals. This makes it one of the cheapest trekking routes in Nepal, while providing a unique cultural immersion.
Food and Drinks
- Expect Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables), seasonal greens, noodles, momos, and local organic produce.
- Villages also offer homemade wine, honey, and yak cheese.
- Bottled water is available in some villages, but carrying a water purification tablet or filter is recommended.
Difficulty Level
The Ruby Valley Trek is considered a moderate trek.
- Daily walking: 5–7 hours on average.
- Maximum altitude: Pangsang La Pass (3,850m).
- Suitable for beginners with a reasonable fitness level.
- No technical climbing required.
Permits Required
- No special trekking permit is required for Ruby Valley.
- You will need a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
- Langtang national park Entry fees may apply for local conservation areas along the route.
Transportation
- Start Point: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi (approx. 5–6 hours).
- End Point: Drive from Syabrubesi back to Kathmandu (approx. 7–8 hours).
- Local buses and private jeeps are available for both routes.
Highlights at a Glance
- Authentic homestay trekking experience
- Pangsang La Pass (3,850m) with panoramic Himalayan views
- Visits to ruby and zinc mines near Somdang
- Villages of Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri, and Brahmin communities
- Beautiful forests, rhododendrons, and diverse wildlife including red pandas and Himalayan thar
- Stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna
Travel Tips
- Carry cash (Nepali Rupees), as ATMs are not available in villages.
- Pack warm clothes for higher altitudes, especially for Pangsang La Pass.
- A sleeping bag is recommended, as blankets in homestays may not be enough in colder months.
- Travel insurance with trekking coverage is highly recommended.
- Go with a local guide for safety, cultural insights, and navigation, as trails are less marked compared to popular regions.
The Ruby Valley Trek is the best choice for budget and cultural travelers who want to experience authentic Nepali village life while trekking through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
FAQs
-
How difficult is the Ruby Valley Trek?
The Ruby Valley Trek is considered a moderate trek. It does not involve technical climbing, but trekkers should be prepared for 5–7 hours of walking daily and crossing the Pangsang La Pass (3,850m). A reasonable level of fitness is enough to complete this trek.
-
How long does the Ruby Valley Trek take?
The standard itinerary is 8 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. However, it can be shortened or extended depending on your route and pace. Some trekkers also combine it with parts of the Langtang or Tamang Heritage Trek.
-
What is the maximum altitude of the trek?
The highest point of the Ruby Valley Trek is the Pangsang La Pass (3,850m), which offers panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges.
-
Do I need a special permit for Ruby Valley?
No special trekking permits are required for Ruby Valley. However, trekkers need a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and may have to pay Langtang national park entry fees along the route.
-
What kind of accommodation is available?
The Ruby Valley Trek is mainly a homestay trek. You will stay in local village homes with basic but clean rooms. This provides a unique opportunity to experience authentic rural Nepali life, taste local foods, and interact with host families.
-
Is the Ruby Valley Trek suitable for budget travelers?
Yes, Ruby Valley is one of the cheapest trekking routes in Nepal because it relies on homestays instead of expensive lodges. Food and accommodation are affordable, making it perfect for budget and cultural travelers.
-
What is the best time to trek Ruby Valley?
The best seasons are: Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons, clear skies, and moderate weather. Autumn (September–November): Stable weather, clear views, and vibrant festivals. Winter (Dec–Feb): Possible but colder at higher elevations. Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Trails can be muddy, but villages are lush and green.
-
How do I get to the starting point?
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi (approx. 5–6 hours) and then continues to Darkha Village. The trek ends at Syabrubesi, from where you drive back to Kathmandu (7–8 hours). Local buses and private jeeps are available.
-
Do I need a guide or porter?
While the trek can be done independently, hiring a local guide or porter is highly recommended. The route is less developed and not as well-marked as popular treks, so a guide ensures safety, navigation, and cultural insights.
-
What is the cost of the Ruby Valley Trek?
The Ruby Valley Trek is very affordable compared to other treks in Nepal. On average, the cost ranges from $450–$700 per person for 8 days, depending on group size, services, and whether you include a guide/porter.
Quick Enquiry
Trips Reviews
Nicholas M2024-04-13Wonderful Company for Families We just completed 13 days in Nepal, 8 of which was spent trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with our 10 and 13 year old daughters. We had a wonderful experience, from the instant communication with owner Simbir to all of my emails, to the trek itself with our guide and porters Dal Bahadur Gurung, Anil Gurung, and Manoj. The crew was fantastic, with not only helping us carry our gear but also making us comfortable once we reached our nightly tea house. Can the trip be done cheaper, apparently so if you are willing to go through the work to secure permits, carry your own gear and are prepared to be turned away at full tea houses. However, if you’re new to trekking, or like us and want to do it with children who aren’t yet ready to carry heavy packs, I highly recommend Himalaya View Treks.Andrias_Suganda2024-04-13Trek the EBC with Peace and Certainty! Himalaya View Treks simply shows the high mileage and professionalism for trekking and all related activities in Nepal. They will help and assist you before-during-after the activities to make sure you’re fully aware as well as safe and sound back to your homeland. For me personally, I did an EBC trek in April 2024 and it would be challenging without experienced guide and all support system provided by this company. Well done!Ellioteaglesham2024-04-13Amazing experience for EBC trek🏔️ would absolutely recommend this company to do your trekking with in Nepal. From the moment we messaged simbir, he was so helpful with any questions/worries we had. Everything was so smooth from the moment we landed in Kathmandu. Our guide Ram was amazing on our trek to EBC, always making sure we were happy. Will definitely use again when we return to Nepal, thank you for everything guys✨✨David Schrader2024-04-10Amazing Experience! My partner and I went on the 12 day EBC tour, and our experience was amazing! We chose Himalaya View Treks because they hire local guides and porters. It was tough dealing with the altitude and the long days, but our guide Prayash and porter Ram made sure we were taken care of at all steps along the way, from taking care of our accommodation and meals to taking care of our health and comfort. They also helped us to sort our flights to and from Lukla which is a headache in the best of circumstances. We are very grateful to Himalaya View Treks for our experience!Edoardo L2024-03-23Would 100% recommend We had a fantastic time on the 8-day Annapurna Circuit trek with Himalaya View Treks. The tour covered the most scenic and interesting parts of the circuit given the limited time we had, and the views were just unforgettable. Sofi, our guide, was very friendly and knowledgeable, and allowed us to adapt the pace (and any side treks) based on our abilities and interests. He also turned out to be a pretty good chess player. Our porter was also phenomenal: we couldn’t have made it up to Thorong La without either of them. The whole trip was very well organised and everything ran smoothly.Tatum R2024-03-23Wonderful Annapurna Circuit Trek! My husband and I did a shortened 7 day Annapurna Circuit starting in Kathmandu and finishing in Pokhara with Himalaya View Treks and we were very pleased with how it went. The tour was a reasonable price and everything ran like clockwork from the moment we were picked up from Kathmandu airport by our guide Suraj. Suraj sorted out all of our needs and made sure we were comfortable - he explained upcoming options for routes/accomm, he sorted our rooms (always aiming to get us ones with good views and private toilet where possible) and put our food orders in at the tea houses. Suraj was very calm and collected and we felt we were in good hands the whole way! We also loved the trek itself and the views were spectacular! We definitely recommend!yuliu x2024-03-11Great EBC + Gokyo Valley trek My EBC + Gokyo Valley trek in Feb-March 2024 (17 days) was amazing, thanks to Bisha, our guide. His deep knowledge of the area and mastery of the routes made the journey smooth and safe. Bisha's insights into the culture and nature of the region added a fascinating touch to the experience. He shared interesting details about the surroundings and provided historical context, making the trek even more enjoyable. When my friend needed a helicopter unexpectedly, Bisha connected his company, they swiftly arranged it, In conclusion, I highly recommend Himalaya View Treks & Bisha as a guide for the EBC + Gokyo Valley trek.Dan H2024-02-205 Star EBC Trek You are well taken care of right from landing in Nepal to departing. The route is well thought out and the experience is great. Our guide Ram and our porter Gurung were both phenomenal and really made the trip. Would highly reccomend for anyone interested in accomplishing EBC!sifat r2024-02-15EBC trek during monsoon For a clumsy solo trekker like me, Sofiji, my guide, was perfect. A mighty, smiling, cute and hearty young fellow, who was very worried seeing me suffering from high altitude sickness and telling me, 'please don't die!' 😁😁 Trekkers usually don't choose monsoon for EBC trek but I am glad that I chose monsoon for going there. Though completing the trek in 9 days was exhausting and tiresome, I will cherish my memories of those 9 days as long as I live.Jenny P2024-02-14Wonderful trek in the ABC We had wonderful experiences trekking in the ABC! Many thanks to our warm-hearted guide Sofi Tamang and porter Anil Gurung, who kindly lent us their crampons!
Hayley2024-04-10would absolutely recommend this company to do your trekking with in Nepal. From the moment we messaged simbir, he was so helpful with any questions/worries we had. Everything was so smooth from the moment we landed in Kathmandu. Our guide Ram was amazing on our trek to EBC, always making sure we were happy. Will definitely use again when we return to Nepal, thank you for everything guys✨✨Shermel2024-03-18Embarked on a 9 days EBC trek with Sofi and Jivan, our guide and porter. They were both very reliable during the course of the trek and kept the atmosphere lively even when we were high up in the mountains. Highly recommended!Olga Poltavskaya2024-01-05We used the services of a porter guide from the company on the Annapurna base camp trek. Rahul was truly amazing! so helpful and easy! We really appreciated his looking after us, helping pick the best accommodation and break spots along the way, making sure we are warm and positive. Would strongly recommend Rahul for those trekkers who look for a devoted and switched on porter guide.Mateusz Malzacher2023-12-19We had a fantastic 3 passes hike thanks to the guidance, expertise and professionalism of Bishal Rai. He was a great trip partner, providing local knowledge and a sense of humor along the way. He even pointed out all the peak names to us many times due to our forgetfulness. Thank you and highly recommend Himalaya View Treks and guide, Bishal Rai.Alejandro Espigares2023-12-01Realicé el trek del Campo Base Everest y todo fue increíble. Yo lo hice en solitario junto a mi guía Suraj y lo recomiendo 100%, muy atento y es un experto del terreno, sabe en todo momento como actuar si te encuentras mal o cansado y buscar una nueva ruta. La agencia me dio mucha seguridad en todo momento y me sentí acompañado en todo momento. Lo volvería a contratar una y mil veces. Gracias!!!A Expen5ive2023-11-22Our Guide Rahul made sure that it was a pleasant Trek from start to finish. Very knowledgeable about the areas and always puts the safety and wellbeing of us first. When you book your Trek make sure you ask for Rahul.Patrick Thumm2023-11-21Meine Frau und ich haben uns für eine „kurze“ Tour im Himalaya interessiert. Über das Internet sind wir auf Himalayan View Treks gestoßen. Sie haben die 8 Tage Annapurna Short Trek Tour angeboten. Die Kommunikation im Vorfeld per Mail mit Simbir lief super. Er konnte uns vorab alle Informationen geben. Auch eine individuelle Anpassung der Tour (z. B. per Flugzeug zurück) wäre möglich gewesen. Obwohl wir zunächst ein paar Tage in Kathmandu verbracht haben, wurden wir bei Ankunft von unserem Guide abgeholt und zum Hotel gebracht. So sind wir entspannt angekommen. An Tag 1 der Tour wurden wir früh morgens vom Hotel von unserem Guide (D. B.) und unserem Porter (Manoj) abgeholt. Tag 2-7 sind wir von Chame über Pisang, Manang, Ledar, High Camp über den Thorong La Pass nach Muktinath gewandert. Insgesamt waren es ca. 80km, 4.100m nach oben und 3.100m nach unten zu wandern. Tag 8 ging dann per Jeep zurück nach Pokhara. Trotz der für unsere Verhältnisse langen Strecke ging die Tour super zu laufen. Das lag vor allem auch an unserem Guide und Porter! D. B. hat sich stets nach unserem Wohlbefinden erkundet. Jeden Abend gab es einen kurzen Tagesrückblick und Lagebesprechung für den kommenden Tag. So konnten wir währenddessen noch entscheiden, ob wir an einem Tag etwas weiter laufen, um am darauffolgenden Tag etwas weniger machen müssen. Er ging da sehr gut auf uns ein. Manoj hat unseren schweren Rucksack getragen und wir konnten uns so ganz aufs Trekking konzentrieren. Darüber waren wir sehr dankbar. Auch er hat sich immer um uns gekümmert (are you ok? 😉) D.B. hat uns über den gesamten Trek viel Wissen über das Land und die Berge vermittelt. Außerdem konnte er uns viele interessante Bergsteiger Geschichten erzählen. Wir hatten 8 unbeschreibliche Tage! Unsere anfänglich Angst und Sorge, es nicht zu schaffen wurde uns durch den professionellen Umgang komplett genommen. Vielen Dank dafür!Daniel Weller2023-10-17Just returned home from a fantastic adventure holiday on the EBC trek. Himalaya View Treks couldn't of been more helpful from choosing and booking our trek before we arrived through to dropping us back to the airport once we had finished , nothing was too much trouble. Before coming to Nepal me and my dad was unsure if we needed a guide however we are now so pleased that we decided to get one. Sobit our guide made the experience so much better as he took care of all the arrangements and organising leaving us to concentrate on the trek and enjoy the scenery without any stress. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Himalaya View Treks and would request Sobit as a guide as he was brilliant!!!!Patrik Penzeš2023-10-05Great experience! Our guide Bishal became our friend in short time and made the trekking easier. I am grateful to both Bishal and Simbir for this experience. I strogly recommend Manaslu circuit trek with Bishal from himalaya view treks!
