The Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s hidden gems among thousands of trekking routes, offering an untouched, off-the-beaten-path adventure. This newly explored trekking route takes you through the true rural side of Nepal offering mesmerizing Himalayan views, and Tamang culture, providing a truly authentic experience of Nepal's natural beauty and diversity.
This scenic rural route was first explored in 2012 by a 32-member TAAN team, led by our managing director, Mr. Saroj Neupane.
As the pioneers of this trek, we take pride in introducing travelers to its breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and unspoiled beauty. Experience an authentic Himalayan journey with the experts who first discovered it!
This Trek lies between popular treks like the Manasalu circuit trek and the Langtang Valley trek, north-central from Kathmandu -- the capital city of Nepal. This trek through the Himalayan foothills beneath the soaring summits of the snow-capped Ganesh Himal. According to Hindus, Ganesh Himal is a holy mountain peak known as the son of Shiva. Unlike most Himalayan treks that generally follow north/south river valleys, this route travels up and over many ridges in a generally east/west direction. As a result, it involves more climbs and descents.
The rewards, however, are well worth the effort. Ruby Valley Trek will take you to places rarely visited by other tourists, including remote villages, high and scenic passes, less-established trails, friendly local people of many different cultures, and a sense of traveling back in time to traditions and lifestyles mostly untouched by modern development.
This Trek also offers outstanding views of major Himalayan ranges, including the Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu Manaslu, sharinghimal, Himal chuli, and distant Annapurna Himal. It is home to magnificent stands of old-growth hemlock trees that provide excellent quality wood for timbers and roof shingles in many local villages. It is also blessed with an abundance of herbal plants that are transported by foot or yaks over the Himalayas to China (Tibet) and exchanged for salt, wool, turquoise, and livestock.
The people of Ruby Valley Trek reflect a rich mix of different cultures. Starting in Langtang Valley to the east, we encounter the Tamang people. They are primarily Bon Po or Buddhists…although some also embrace Christianity…who originally migrated here from the north (Mongolia/China/Tibet) and speak a Tibetan dialect. Trekking westward, we meet Gurung and Lama people, also mostly Buddhists whose culture and language are Tibetan-based but different from Tamang since people from the south influence them. Below the Ganga Jamuna area in the west, there are Chettri, Brahmin, Ghale, Kami, Damai, and Magar people, who are primarily Hindu and reflect the appearances and cultures of people from the southern lowlands and the Indian subcontinent. Most cultures in Ruby Valley, however, also recognize and practice shamanism and animism…especially during festivals, on auspicious and sacred days, and when a person needs healing.
As the team that first explored and introduced this trek, Beyond the Limits Treks and Expedition ensures a safe, well-organized, and unforgettable journey. Whether you're an experienced trekker or looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley Trek is a perfect choice for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
You will be arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where the representative from Beyond the Limits Treks & Expedition will warmly receive and greet you. They will then transfer you to a private vehicle that will take you to the hotel. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will be provided with a briefing on the detailed itinerary. This will give you all the necessary information about your upcoming adventure and help you prepare for the journey. You will be spending the night at the hotel and will be provided with a bed and breakfast. This will give you time to rest and experience the warm hospitality of Nepal.
Take a Private jeep (option for an extra charge) or local bus early in the morning journey from Kathmandu Tamang settlement of Gatlang, a cornerstone village on the Tamang Heritage Trail. Mesmerizing scenic driving and passing through Trisuli Bazaar, Ramche Gaon, and Dhunche Bazaar make scenic driving. Narrow and bit adventurous zig zags road but amazing landscapes along the way driving will make you a good start day drive of the trek. Above lies Parvati Kund, popular during Janai Purnima when thousands of pilgrims are attracted to the sacred pond and nearby temple.
The trail ascends through pine and rhododendron forests to a lunch point of Yuri Kharka before continuing to Khurphu Bhanjyang and then dropping down to the Somdang River, border between Rasuwaa and Dhading districts.
A sprawling mining compound, no longer functioning but it seems locals appealing government to revive it, lies a few hours to the north upriver. The hike passes through a scenic valley featuring the 200 m Chukarma Waterfall. The former mine leaves a lotto be explored and is the site of a 1.4 km tunnel bored into the mountain to extract zinc, copper, tin, crystal and even highly-prized rubies.
Pang sang Kharka is a viewpoint southwest of Somdang village with a broad panorama of the surrounding terrain. To the north are the soaring peaks of Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range. The large meadow is graced with a giant entry gateway and is a sensational location for camping and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The whole Ganesh Himal region is blessed with abundant herbal plants. Previously, herbs were taken to Tibet along an ancient trade route and exchanged for salt, livestock, wool, and turquoise. Locals are initiating to building of a basic lodge accommodation the right pass of the Pang Sang but has not been built yet so trekkers are recommended to take their own Tipling village tent for the night camp or just pass their night sheltering in poor yak hut. Dry fruits or food are highly recommended to take for your dinner.
Hindung is a Tamang village of around 550 inhabitants. Crystals and rubies are harvested in areas to the north and Yarsagumba is hunted, too, in the surrounding highlands.
Thulo Dhunga is a campsite with views of waterfalls tumbling down across the valley. Flora and fauna abound in the Ganesh Himal region. Wildlife includes musk deer, jharal a type of goat, wild boar, langur, leopard, pheasant, and partridge. Vegetation includes bamboo, rhododendron, and juniper among abundant wildflowers.
The trail continues steeply with occasional jaw-dropping views of the snowy peaks. Continue through seasonal grazing areas to eventually drop into an immense green meadow and splendid camp site known as Nojet Kharka.
A climb to the ridge to the northeast, Dobra Danda, is rewarded with a supreme viewpoint of towering Ganesh Himal. The mesmerizing sight is unforgettable. Two small lakes shimmer below at the foot of the Himalayas. Kalo Kunda (black lake) has waters that mirror the awe-inspiring surroundings and the smaller Seto Kunda (white lake) has a seasonal pasture nearby. These lakes are said to have mystical powers that will bless visitors but anybody who misbehaves will be punished with poor weather and difficult travels.
Trek from Base camp to Hindung (Gomba Danda) will be almost the same way back you have done way up however its stunning mountain views, surrounding landscape of mother nature and jungle down hill walking make you full of fun walking of the day.
Follow the Tatopani (Hot Spring) River south to a built-up riverside hot springs with a bathing pool and 3 taps. Relax and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. The trail onward follows stone steps built by the Kadoorie Agri Aid Association and British Gurkhas of Nepal. Both organizations are active in this area and responsible for building many water taps, bridges, and improved trails. Pass through Tir on the way to welcome Racyat and Kapur villages.
Pass through Lapchyat gaon which is a charming Gurung village with nearly 30 homes. Cross the Lapa Khola on a box bridge and ascend along a trail surrounded by fields to the walled compound of a newly built hospital of the large town of Lapa gaon with over 400 homes.
Above Lapa gaon is Khading the largest Gurung village of the area. The residents have a welcoming spirit, and the people are enthusiastic to perform cultural dances with traditional music.
Steeply up the hill to the west in a tall, blue pine forest with rambling rhododendrons is Magne Goth, and nearby is a large boulder, the location of ruby extraction.
Enter Gorkha District on the descent to cross the Chote Khola before ascending through lush forest and descending into a valley with excellent panoramas including Manaslu, soaring in the western horizon.
Pass through the scenic villages of Dhonjet, Kartunje and Manbu and re-enter Dhading District to reach the magnificently located Laphu Danda, chiefly a Brahmin village with a large school in an area with luxuriant vegetation, surrounded by bountiful fields. Take in views of snow-clad Himalchuli and Shringi peaks with a section of the Ganesh Range.
The Ganesh Himal region and surrounding territory offers cultural and natural splendor and has religious significance, too, for pilgrims attracted to its sacred mountains and lakes. The area is filled with rare and exotic wildlife, wildflowers, herbal plants, yarsagumba, waterfalls, hills and peaks and hospitable, openhearted local people.
While magnificent scenery graces every step, the residents of the beautiful landscape welcome visitors to their extraordinary land. The region has something to bring travelers to Nepal and bring them back to Nepal on a repeat visit.
This trek is camping and Homestay or Tea House Trek. This Trek is a new exploration Trekking route by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal TAAN. The leadership of Saroj Neupane an executive member of Taan from 2011 to 2013. we can depart as per your request. for this email to our expert
