Ruby Valley Trek – 7 Days

Our destination for today is a small Tamang village called Gatlang. We follow a narrow and twisty trail to Bahun Dada Pass and then descend to reach Gatlang. We stop at Chawatar for lunch. The food is amazingly delicious here as most of the vegetables are freshly picked and locally grown. As we pass through this magnificent Tamang village, we witness the richness of their culture and tradition. We stay at Gatlang with the Tamang people. Their hospitality and food, without a doubt, will prove to be one of the best experiences you will ever get.

We begin the hike from Gatlang to Parvati Kunda, a natural alpine freshwater lake. Named after the famous Hindu Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, this beautiful lake is also considered sacred by the local people. As you trek further ahead, the habitat and lodges decrease. However, you might come across very few tourists. We continue the trail through lush pine and rhododendron forest to Yuri Kharka. After a delicious meal at Yuri Kharka, we hike towards the Somdang via Khurphu Bhanjyang. There is a shutdown mine, a few hours' walk from Somdang. Though the mine has not functioned for years, you can still take a look around and explore its astonishing beauty. In the past, this mine used to produce zinc, copper, tin, and crystals (including rubies).  We will spend the night at Somdang Valley. The valley is so remote and silent you will literally find out what silence looks like.

After waking up at Somdang, we enjoy a delicious breakfast. On this day, you will be passing through the Pangsang La Pass, which is a demanding, yet exciting trek. While appreciating the stunning mountains and spectacular landscapes, we head to the southwest of Somdang Village to reach Pangsang Kharka. Pasang Kharka is a large meadow that lies in Pangsang Pass.   From Pasang Kharka, you can witness the panoramic views of Mount Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range. As one of the lesser-traveled trekking routes, there are relatively fewer homestays here. Then, we descend to Laptung village, passing through dense fir and rhododendron forests until we arrive at Tipling after a long trek. 

Today's trek will be a short and relaxing one as we trek our way to the sister villages of Shertung and Chalish Gaon. First, we descend through the serene jungle, cross a tributary and reach Chalish Gaon, which lies in an idyllic setting. About 100m, above Chailsh Gaon, is Shertung village, and both of these settlements have a lot to explore. However, you can just choose to relax and enjoy the spectacular surrounding fields and lush valley below. Shertung and Chalish Gaon are inhabited mainly by Gurungs, Tamangs, and Dalits.

A final day before you return to Kathmandu, you will enjoy all the wonderments of this trail. After a pleasant breakfast, we will hike further to Borang village then descend to Lishne Khola from Borang. From Borang, we take a local jeep to take us through a curvy road past Ankhu Khola and Kimdang Phedi Villages to Dhading Besi. As you return, you will see several peaceful settlements, which will make you nostalgic. We will be staying at Dhading Besi for the night.

We take another bus from Dhading Besi to Kathmandu back to your hotel. If you want, we can arrange a Kathmandu city tour taking you to several world heritage sites. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains, the culture in and around Kathmandu City is a must-see before you call it an end to your vacation.