Ruby Valley Trekking – 8 Days

Syabrubensi being our start point, we inaugurate our first day on the trail. Climbing to the west and passing through rural villages and terraced fields we get great scenic views of nature. Trekking at the off beaten path, with our pace, the scenery is indeed peaceful and spectacular. Gatlang is an idyllic settlement inhabited mainly by people of the Tamang and Gurung ethnicity. The homes are closely connected. Above the village, we can take a side-tour to visit a cheese production center and nearby pond that is considered sacred by locals and a festival site for Hindu pilgrims and the location offers a marvelous panorama.

From the royal Gatlang, we lead above the village to a pilgrimage area with a pond and Hindu shrine. This sacred area is known as Parvati Kund and is especially busy during festivals. Our serene trail then passes through rhododendron (Nepal’s national flower) and pine forest with occasional open pastures. The forests are often seen to be more colorful and scenic during spring and summer. We then further trek to Khurpu Bhanjyang pass where the views are truly spectacular. Descending down into the valley to the west, through a more serene and remote forested area, we eventually cross the Somdang River which is the border between the Dhadingand Rasuwa districts. We finally reach Dhading. Up the valley is a former mining compound that is no longer in operation. The collection of riverside lodges a few minutes down from the bridge is our destination.

From the small settlement of Somdang, we have a climb through more scenic terrain with dense jungle on the way up to a large pasture that is known as Pangsang Kharka. This pass has a wide-open meadow and affords great views of the surrounding territory including the Annapurnas, Manaslu and mighty Ganesh Himal, and more. We then make our way down through more thick jungle as we descend with a broad perspective of the lush valley that we are entering. Eventually, we reach Tipliing, a large settlement of mostly Tamang people with Buddhist monasteries and Christian churches as well. The locals are very friendly and we will get an insight into their Tibetan influenced culture.

The trek today will be a short and relaxed day as we trek our way to the sister villages of Shertung and Chalis Gaon. First, we descend down through the serene jungle and cross a tributary and then make a contour to the splendid village of Chalish Gaon which is an idyllic setting. About 100 m above Chailsh Gaon is Shertung village and both magnificent settlements leave a lot to explore, or just relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery of surrounding fields and lush valley below. Shertung and Chalish Gaon are inhabited mainly by Gurung, Tamang and Dalit people.

Today, we take a day away from trekking to acclimatize and also to truly relax and enjoy the surroundings. We have optional hikes to nearby natural hot springs across the valley with built-up, riverside pools where we can soak our cares away. Another option is a hike up to a spectacular viewpoint above the villages. Or, just sit back and take in the village life, perhaps interacting with the local people and observing their typical daily schedule. The local people will perform their traditional and cultural dances as a form of entertainment for us.

A final day before we leave back to Kathmandu, we enjoy all the wonderments of this trail. After a pleasant breakfast, We hike further ahead to Bortang village then descend to Lishne Khola from Borang. where we will find a local jeep to take us back. Through a curvy road, we head towards Dhading Besi. Traversing through Ankhu Khola and Kimdang Phedi Village, we will enjoy the drive back home. As we return, we see the increasing settlements, which will make us nostalgic for the peace we immersed in the trail.

We take another bus from Dhading to Kathmandu from where we will escort you back to your hotel. We can manage a tour around the city as per your request. You can visit several world heritage sites around the city. As beautiful as the mountains, the culture around the city is a must-see before you call it an end to your vacation.