Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley Trek
- Duration
- 13 days
- Max altitude
- 4,100 m
- Difficulty
-
Moderate
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $985.00
Overview
The Ruby Valley, north-west of Kathmandu and almost empty of trekkers. Camping and homestays rather than a lodge every two hours, in country where Tamang and Gurung villages still farm the way they always have.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- The Ruby Valley, rarely walked
- Camping and village homestays
- Ganesh Himal and Manaslu views
- Close to Kathmandu, far from the crowds
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu Hotel
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and explain the program further. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
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Day 2: Trek preparation and Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour Hotel
Touring the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley that includes: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
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Day 3: Kathmandu to Betrawati (850m) 850 m 5 hrs Camp
We will drive from Kathmandu to Betrawati Bazaar passing through Trishuli Bazaar en route, which is a shopping hub for local people. Our campsite will be arranged near Sole Bazaar, on the bank of the Trishuli River, where we can enjoy wonderful views of farm fields, small villages, and terraced slopes set against a background of the Ganesh Himal range. Overnight stay at tented camp.
-
Day 4: Betrawati to Kispang (1600m) 1,600 m 5 hrs Camp
An easy, gentle trek today through farmland and local villages until we reach Kispang, a small village inhabited by Tamang people who depend on farming for their livelihood. Overnight stay at tented camp.
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Day 5: Kispang to Thulo Chaur (2200m) 2,200 m 5 hrs Camp
A gentle ascent passing through more local villages where you will see the Tamang people practising a traditional lifestyle. We will see local schools, monasteries and some pretty waterfalls along our way today. Overnight stay at tented camp.
-
Day 6: Thulo Chaur to Gonga (2900m) 2,900 m 4 hrs Camp
We ascend steadily through a deep, mixed forest of rhododendron and pine, and hopefully you will spot some of the wildlife as we trek. Deer, langur monkeys and wild boar, among others, all call this place home. On reaching Gonga, get your camera out for some wonderful views of the Ganesh Himal range. Overnight stay at tented camp.
-
Day 7: Gonga to Rupchet (3635m) 3,635 m 4 hrs Camp
We continue through the thick forest, gaining altitude as we go, enjoying spectacular views of the Great Himalayan chain and the Tibetan mountain range. Overnight stay at tented camp.
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Day 8: Rupchet to Kharka (2500m) via the Shing La pass (4100m) 4,100 m 7 hrs Camp
A steep climb up to the Shing La pass. A tiring feat, but one rewarded with stupendous views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu and the surrounding Himalaya. After soaking up the alpine atmosphere on the pass, we head down, descending steeply for about 4 hours to Kharka. Overnight stay at tented camp.
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Day 9: Kharka to Borang (1800m) 1,800 m 7 hrs Camp
The journey today is steeply downhill through terraced farmland and some quaint villages. Borang is another typical Tamang village where you will be offered a warm welcome and have the chance to enjoy some beautiful mountain vistas. Overnight stay at tented camp.
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Day 10: Borang to Jharlang (1700m) 1,700 m 6 hrs Camp
A lot of Nepali flat today, a little bit up and a little bit down, as we hike past the perfectly terraced fields that the local villagers farm. We reach the Tamang village of Jharlang in the afternoon where we will set up camp. Overnight stay at tented camp.
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Day 11: Jharlang to Kintang Phedi (1200m) 1,200 m 6 hrs Camp
A steep descent through local villages where you will find mixed cultures living side by side. Some pretty countryside views with a stunning mountain backdrop are to be had as we make our way to Kintang Phedi. Overnight stay at tented camp.
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Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu by private jeep 8-9 hrs Hotel
Scenic drive back to Kathmandu by jeep. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
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Day 13: Farewell
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, our representative will take you to the airport.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $1,180.00 | Comfortfrom $1,392.40 | Luxuryfrom $1,711.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Included: Twin-sharing tented accommodation during the trek
- Included: Safe drinking water, boiled/iodine tablets
- Included: All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
- Included: All necessary permits during the trek
- Included: Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu including tour guide, entry fees, and vehicle
- Included: Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipment during the trek) duffle bag, down jacket, and sleeping bag during the trek
- Included: First aid medical kit bag
- Included: All government and local taxes
- Included: Office service charge
Not included
- Not included: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Not included: Travel insurance
- Not included: International airfare
- Not included: Nepal entry visa
- Not included: All cold drinks such as alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc
- Not included: Personal shopping and laundry
- Not included: Personal trekking equipment
- Not included: Tips for trekking crews
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $1,180.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $985.00 | $195.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $925.00 | $255.00 |
| 7 or more | $865.00 | $315.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Why book with us
Every trail, one licensed team
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