Factor Influencing Ruby Valley Trekking Difficulty

Introduction of Ruby Valley Trek

The Ruby Valley Trekking Difficulty might be one of the main concerns when you start this trek. Still, with careful preparation, you’ll be ready to face the challenges ahead during your adventure.

If you’re up for the challenge, the Ruby Valley Trek in Nepal might be the perfect adventure. The Ruby Valley Trek is a gem hidden between Nepal’s stunning Manaslu and Langtang regions. It lies northwest of Kathmandu Valley, in Rasuwa and Dhading District. It is the base of the entire Ganesh Himal region.

Ruby Valley Trekking lies in the well-known Langtang and Manaslu trekking regions. Throughout the trek, you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes, scenic valleys, stunning waterfalls, and spectacular snow-capped mountains such as Paldor Peak, Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Dorje Lakpa, Manaslu, and the Ganesh Himal. It is also known for its wide range of minerals, including zinc and copper, and precious gemstones like crystal and ruby.

Ruby Valley offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, clean snow-melted lakes, charming villages, flowing villages, and towering mountains. The Gurung and Tamang communities can be seen, as can 14 different species of rhododendrons.

Highlights of Ruby Valley Trek Nepal

Along the trail at the foot of the Ganesh Himal range, you can discover a captivating combination of natural beauty and local culture.
You can see the diverse range of flora and fauna.
You will pass through the Langtang National Park.
The main highlights of the trek are the opportunities to explore and gain insight into the culture of the Gurung and Tamang communities.
You will enjoy nature’s beauty, including waterfalls, flowing rivers, and charming villages.
You can also enjoy the hot springs and the breathtaking views from the Pangsang Pass and the Pangsang viewpoint.

Cultural Background

Trekking Ruby Valley allows you to experience Nepal’s rural areas’ diverse cultures, religions, traditions, and way of life. Several ethnic groups live here, including Tamang, Gurung, and Ghale in the upper region and Brahmin, Chettri, Newar, and Chepang in the lower area.

You can also explore the region’s cultural and religious diversity. It includes 500-year-old Buddhist monasteries and 300-year-old Hindu temples.

Factors Influencing Ruby Valley Trekking Difficulty

The Ruby Valley trek is challenging. It requires moderate fitness and some trekking experience, and several factors make it quite tricky.

Moderate Altitude

The Ruby Valley Trekking can take you to an altitude of approximately 4000 meters. Although it is not as high as certain treks in Nepal, it is still important to be aware of the potential challenges of altitude and the importance of acclimatization.

Diverse Landscapes

The Ruby Valley trek in Nepal takes you through a captivating mix of landscapes. From lush forests and beautiful terraced farmlands to challenging rocky trails, this trek offers a truly immersive experience. So you should be ready for both uphill and downhill sections, walking on uneven terrain and navigating some steep areas.

Weather and Seasons

Weather in the Ruby Valley region of Nepal can be pretty unpredictable, especially during the monsoon season from June to August, when rainfall becomes more frequent. For the best trekking experience, you should plan your trip in the ideal season: spring and autumn. These seasons offer more stable and pleasant weather conditions.

Limited Facilities

The Ruby Valley trek has a few tea houses and lodges along the trail. You might have to stay in local homes. You can also find the accommodation and food options are a bit more basic, so it’s a good idea to prepare for this and bring some camping equipment and food supplies for certain parts of the trek.

Remote and Less Crowded

Exploring the Ruby Valley trek allows you to explore lesser-known corners of Nepal, far from the bustling tourist hotspots. Although the trek offers a distinct and less crowded experience, it is also less developed and lacks some facilities. It would be best if you prepared yourself for an off-the-beaten-path trekking experience.

Duration and Distance

The Ruby Valley trek typically takes about 7-10 days to complete, although the exact duration may vary depending on the itinerary. You might have to walk 10 to 20 kilometers daily, so you should be ready for several days of hiking.

Altitude Challenges

Ruby Valley Trekking is perfect for those who prefer a more comfortable hiking experience in Nepal. Most of the trek stays at an elevation below 3,000 meters. You will be hiking for about four to five hours each day, and the terrain in the Ruby Valley can be pretty steep and rocky.

Many treks in the Ruby Valley require climbing to the high-altitude mountain pass of Pangsang La, located at 3,842 meters. When hiking at high altitudes, hikers may experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. If this is the cause, you should descend from the high elevations.

Safety Measures and Precautions

You should be physically fit for the trek.
You should be aware of altitude sickness and acclimatize properly.
You should pack necessary items such as food, water, a first aid kit, and clothing.
It would be best if you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Before starting your trek, check the weather forecast and prepare for unpredictable weather.
You should hire a guide and porter as they provide you with valuable information and help.

What to Pack for Ruby Valley Trekking?

Hiking Boot

Get solid, water-resistant boots that fit correctly and aren’t heavy. You should break in your new boots and ensure they are comfortable before traveling to Nepal because you’ll be hiking for several hours each day.

Trekking shirts and trousers

As you ascend higher into the mountains, long sleeves are the best option for protecting yourself from the intense sun. You should also dress in lightweight clothing that will keep you warm and dry.

Personal toiletries and first aid

Bring some small toilet paper supplies and other personal hygiene items if you plan to spend time in the Ruby Valley’s wilderness. You should also bring the necessary first aid kit for your safety.

Sunglasses and Hats

A decent hat is essential whether you’re hiking in the summer or winter. It will provide you with warmth in the winter and shade in the summer. Similarly, polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from dazzling snow and sunlight.

Tips for the Trek

For the best experience, you should hike early to appreciate the beautiful weather and scenery fully.
You should be ready for sudden weather changes, as the environment can be unpredictable.
You should bring additional snacks and energy bars to keep you fueled throughout the hike.
It would be best if you have a map to stay on track.
You should pause and appreciate the stunning view as you make your way.

Permits Required and Cost

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Permit

A TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit is necessary for Ruby Valley trekking. It cost NPR 2000 for foreigners.

Langtang National Park Entrance Permit

To cross the Pangsang La pass, you must have a Langtang National Park entrance permit, which costs NPR 3000 for foreigners.

Trek Route

Your trek will start from the Syabru Beshi. There, you’ll ascend to BahunDanda before descending to Gatland at 2,330m for the first night. As you go along the trail, you’ll pass through the enchanting pine and rhododendron forests. It will lead you to a breathtaking alpine pasture at Yuri Kharka. From there, the path will take you down to a river before you ascend to the historic Somdang mine. You’ll spend your second night there.

After that, the route takes you to the trek’s highest point, Pangsang Pass, which is 3,800m. If you’re up for some climbing, you can go to Pangsang View Point at 4,250m. From there, you will see the most amazing views of the snow-capped mountains in the Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Langtang range, and Ganesh Himal range, as well as the surrounding scenery. After enjoying the view, you can descend to Tippling for another night.

Later, the trek takes you to the lower area of Borang Village for the night and ends at Dundure Kole, which is 1,050m. You can enjoy breathtaking views of local villages, a peaceful valley, and flowing rivers along the route.

On the final day, after a few hours of hiking, you return to Dading Besing, the district headquarters. You’ll then return to Kathmandu through the Prithvi Highway.

Accommodation

If you plan a trek to Ruby Valley, you’ll be pleased to know that lodging is available in Syabru Bensi. There is also a teahouse in Gatlang that offers delicious meals. However, aside from these options, limited teahouse accommodation is available. The Ruby Valley trek accommodations are not advanced like those for the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks.

You should consider staying in a homestay in one of the local villages. This will allow you to experience the warm hospitality of the locals and gain insight into their rural lifestyle, culture, and customs. You should bring essentials like a sleeping bag and toilet paper for the trek.

FAQs

Which is the highest level of trekking according to difficulty?

The highest level of trekking difficulty is grade 4, which is Alpine trekking. The challenging treks are at great altitudes and require you to cross high passes and snow-covered regions. The Himalayan mentor’s trekking teams will assist you in making the path. Trekking on Alpine trails requires high stamina and previous trekking experience.

What are the levels of trekking?

The levels of trekking are easy, moderate, strenuous, and very strenuous/challenging.

What is the difficulty of trekking?

The trek’s difficulty is determined by altitude, Himalayan geostructure, and duration. Trips are graded to provide more information about the routes. Knowing and understanding the trekking route is crucial before beginning your trek.

What is a level 3 trek?

Level 3 treks are strenuous treks. You must have physical fitness, stamina, and good health while trekking. These treks are adventure treks in which you must cross passes and walk for more than 7 hours. The altitude will typically be above 4800 meters to 5600 meters.

What is a level 2 trek?

Level 2 treks are moderate treks. They may be challenging for first-time trekkers, but you can complete them if you are physically fit and exercise consistently. This trek will have an average altitude of 3900-4800 meters.

Conclusion

Ruby Valley trekking can be quite challenging. It takes you through remote and isolated trails that are not well-marked and have multiple branching points. It’s crucial to stay on track during the trail to avoid getting lost, just like some independent trekkers have experienced.

Ruby Valley trek is a thrilling experience that offers you a blend of breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. It is ideal if you love to explore and truly immerse yourself in new cultures.

Tej Bahadur Gurung

With an experience of almost two decades, founder Mr. Tej Bahadur Gurung has established Nepal Alternative Treks as a widely recognized and reliable tourism operator. His degree in Tourism Studies and devotion to the sector has given him in-depth knowledge about trekking, climbing, cultural, and geological aspects of the country. He is a pioneer in introducing the concept of ‘off-beaten tracks’ and ‘alternative routes’ as well as treks and tour packages surrounding it.