Wander off to Ruby Valley
Ruby Valley Trek!
Ruby Valley is one of the shortest, easiest, and most unexplored trek destinations in central Nepal.
Sandwiched between Manaslu Conservation Area and Langtang National Park, Ruby Valley boasts one of the most scenic mountain views, quaint villages, and hospitable people.
The trek passes through the lowland terraced farms on the foothills to ethnic Tamang villages on higher altitudes.
On the way, you’ll be greeted with splendid views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu Mountain Range, and other majestic peaks.
However, the crème de la crème of this trek is the Pangsang pass which also happens to be the point of highest altitude on this trek.
Ruby Valley Trek
There are multiple routes that one can opt for while embarking on this trek and depending on the route you choose the duration of the trek can be plus or minus 3 to 4 days.
The trek can be started from Syabrubesi which is about a 150 km drive from Kathmandu Syabrubesi also happens to be the gateway to Langtang Valley Trek.
Alternatively, the trek can also be started from Dundre Khola via Dhading Besi. Similarly, the trek can also begin from Bhalche in Nuwakot going through the Sing La Pass.
However, we recommend the route via Syabrubesi. After a seven-hour bus ride from Kathmandu, you’ll arrive in the town of Syabrubesi depending on how much daylight is left and how bus-lagged you are you can either rest at Syabrubesi for the day or trek on to Gatlang.
An hour into the trek, the hustle, and bustle of Syabrubesi will have already faded into the background. And soon you’ll find yourself on a snaking trekking trail with mesmerizing views of Ganesh Himal.
Once you’ve crossed a tributary of Budhi Gandaki the trail goes through a forest and soon you’ll arrive at Ghatlang, a traditional Tamang Village, and your stop for the night.
At the village, you’ll find many hospitable people who will happily share the stories of their past, their village, and their ancestors.
The next day you’re off the village to visit Parvati Kunda, a lake just outside the village named after the Hindu goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
Parvati Kunda is a freshwater lake situated at an altitude of 2,550m above sea level which also happens to serve as a source of drinking water for the locals.
However, another attraction near the lake is the ruins of an old palace which the locals say once belonged to a Ghale King.
There on from Ghatlang, your next pit stop will be Somdang, another Tamang village. And there you’ll realize why this valley is named Ruby Valley.
Not so long ago the villagers used to mine the land for ruby. And even though mining activities have ceased, that practice has left an indelible mark on the surrounding landscape thus earning the name Ruby Valley.
After staying for the night at Somdang, you’ll want to leave early the next morning as majestic views await at Pangsang La.
.jpg)
Roughly after four hours of trekking, you’ll reach Pangsang La pass situated at an altitude of 3,850 meters.
The pass will leave you in awe with breathtaking views of rolling hills and mountains such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and more.
You can soak in the mesmerizing views and tranquility of the moment as there won’t be too many people there at that particular time, another benefit of leaving early in the morning.
After crossing the Pangsang La pass you’ll have officially entered Ruby Valley. And nearly after descending for three hours from the pass, you’ll reach Laptung on heading further one will reach Tipling your stop for the fourth night.
The following morning, on leaving Tipling, the village of Chalish will come into sight which is mostly a Gurung Village.
If you’re trekking through Ruby Valley during the winter season you will also get the chance to witness the ethnic diversity that the valley boasts. Every year, on Lhosar (Gurung’s New Year's Day) there is a huge Gurung gathering along with Maruni Dance.
However, the ideal time for this trek is during the Autumn season. The entire trek can be completed within a week if you make Syabrubesi your starting point.
