Authentic Ruby Valley Ridge Traverse
- 9 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you through remote Ganesh Himal ridges and Tamang settlements on this nine-day off-the-beaten-path route.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead this nine-day journey through the remote ridges of the Ganesh Himal, connecting the Langtang and Manaslu conservation areas via high passes and traditional Tamang settlements. This route sees very few international trekkers compared to adjacent valleys, offering an authentic look at rural hill life in Nepal.
Our path takes us through Gatlang, Somdang, Tipling, and Sertung before finishing in Tawal. We cross Pangsang Pass at 3,800 m, which provides expansive views toward Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and the Manaslu range. Accommodation alternates between basic local lodges and community-run homestays, directly supporting the villagers who host us.
This trek suits hikers with previous high-altitude experience who are comfortable with long daily walking hours, basic facilities, and uneven mountain terrain. We manage the logistics with experienced local guides born in these exact valleys, ensuring safe navigation and meaningful cultural exchange throughout the route.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Pangsang Pass Panorama
We stand at 3,800 m on the wide pastures of Pangsang Pass, viewing Ganesh Himal and surrounding peaks.
Tamang Culture
We spend our nights in traditional villages like Gatlang and Tipling, sharing meals and daily life with local families.
Off-the-Beaten Path
We walk quiet trails far removed from the crowded tea house routes of the main commercial regions.
Parvati Kunda
We visit this high-altitude sacred lake nestled in the forest on the approach to Somdang village.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Drive from Kathmandu to Syaprubeshi
Meals: B
Day 1
Drive from Kathmandu to Syaprubeshi
Meals: B
Our team picks you up early for the drive north out of the Kathmandu Valley. We travel on winding paved and unpaved roads following the Trishuli River before climbing toward Syaprubeshi at 1,530 m.
Day 2
Trek from Syaprubeshi to Gatlang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Trek from Syaprubeshi to Gatlang
Meals: B / L / D
We begin our walking journey by crossing suspension bridges and climbing terraced hillsides. Our trail reaches Gatlang at 2,337 m, a traditional Tamang village built of stone and timber.
Day 3
Trek from Gatlang to Somdang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Trek from Gatlang to Somdang
Meals: B / L / D
Our route leads us past the alpine waters of Parvati Kunda and through the open grazing meadows of Yuri Kharka. We descend into Somdang at 3,271 m, known for its historical mineral mines.
Day 4
Trek from Somdang to Tipling Village via Pangsang Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Somdang to Tipling Village via Pangsang Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Today we climb steadily to our highest elevation at Pangsang Pass (3,800 m). We pause for mountain views before descending through alpine pastures to Tipling village.
Day 5
Trek from Tipling to Sertung Village
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek from Tipling to Sertung Village
Meals: B / L / D
We contour along hillside paths crossing local streams and suspension bridges. Our walk concludes in Sertung at 2,500 m, another prominent Tamang settlement.
Day 6
Trek from Sertung to Tawal Village
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek from Sertung to Tawal Village
Meals: B / L / D
We descend further through lower agricultural terraces and forested ridges. Our team camps or stays in community accommodation in Tawal village at 1,420 m, the birthplace of our founder.
Day 7
Rest and Village Exploration in Tawal
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Rest and Village Exploration in Tawal
Meals: B / L / D
We spend a day exploring Tawal village, visiting local schools and agricultural terraces. This day allows us to rest our legs and engage deeper with the community projects supported by our team.
Day 8
Trek to Lower Trailhead and Drive to Dhading Besi
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek to Lower Trailhead and Drive to Dhading Besi
Meals: B / L / D
Our final morning of walking brings us to the road head where our vehicle waits. We drive down to Dhading Besi at 610 m for our overnight stop.
Day 9
Drive from Dhading Besi to Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 9
Drive from Dhading Besi to Kathmandu
Meals: B
We board our shared vehicle for the final return drive along the highway back to Kathmandu, concluding our trek.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off service
- Langtang National Park Permit and TIMS card
- Kathmandu to Syaprubeshi and return transport
- Government-registered expert trekking guide
- Teahouse and homestay accommodation on trek
- Three daily meals during the trek
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- Hotels in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, and battery charging
- Tips for guide and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Accommodation on trek
We arrange stays in simple local lodges and community homestays along the Ruby Valley. Facilities are basic, featuring twin-share rooms with shared toilet facilities outside.
Meals and water
Our meal plan includes three standard meals daily, featuring dal bhat, noodles, and local variations. We advise treating all drinking water with purification tablets or drops.
Altitude considerations
We reach a maximum altitude of 3,800 m at Pangsang Pass. Our itinerary is paced to allow gradual adjustment, but personal fitness and prior altitude experience remain essential.
Permits and regulations
We secure all necessary conservation area entry permits and TIMS cards prior to departure. Carrying your original passport is mandatory at checkpoint stations along the trail.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle support is necessary for uneven stone steps and dirt trails.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for cold mornings and evenings above 3,000 m.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Essential for treating tap and stream water along the homestay route.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -10°C for unheated rooms in higher elevation villages.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Helpful for knee protection during long descents from Pangsang Pass.
Valid passport and permitsEssential
Documents
Must be kept accessible for checkpoint controls.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms for cold alpine sections.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Necessary for early morning starts and navigating unlit lodge hallways.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Langtang National Park Permit
PermitRequired for entering the protected area boundaries during the initial days.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for route registration.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How high do we climb on the Ruby Valley Trek?
Our maximum altitude is 3,800 m when we cross Pangsang Pass on day four.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
We stay in basic local lodges and community-run homestays with twin-share rooms and shared toilet facilities.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Yes, we recommend prior multi-day hiking experience due to the remote terrain, basic facilities, and walking days of six to nine hours.
Are permits included in the package?
We include the Langtang National Park permit and your TIMS card in our package cost.
What are the best months for this trek?
We run this trek during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for stable weather and clear mountain views.
How do we travel to the trailhead?
We travel by local bus or shared jeep from Kathmandu to Syaprubeshi to begin the walking route.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 9 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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