Ruby Valley Trek

Ruby valley trek located in Northern central Nepal, between Langtang and Manaslu regions, Ruby valley is a unique overland trek through the Himalayan foothills beneath the soaring summits of snow-capped Ganesh Parbat. 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 (about 12500m of total vertical gain and loss), requiring strong legs, stamina and determination.

The rewards, however, are well worth the effort. Our ruby valley trek will take you places rarely visited by other tourists, including remote villages, high and scenic passes, less established trails, friendly local people of many different culture and a sense of travelling back to time to traditions and lifestyle mostly untouched by modern development. Ruby valley also offers outstanding view of major Himalayan ranges, including the Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu and distant Annapurna Himal. It is home to magnificent stands of old growth hemlock tree which provide excellent quality wood for timber and roof shingles in many local villages.It is also blessed with an abundance of herbal plants which are transported by yak or foot over the Himalayas to China and exchanged forsalt,wool, turquoise and livestock.

The people of ruby valley reflect a rich mix of different cultures. Starting in langtang valley to the east, we encounter tamang people. They are primarily bonpo or Buddhists although some also embrace Christianity who originally migrated here from the north and speak a Tibetan dialect. Trekking west ward, we meet gurung and lam people, also mostly Buddhists whose culture and language are Tibetan based , but different from tamang since they are more influenced by the people from the south. Below the Phulkharka area in the west are chhetri, brhmin, ghale kami, damai and magar people who are primarily hindus and reflect the appearance and culture of the people from the southern lowlands and Indian subcontinent. All most all culture, in the ruby valley, however, also recognize and practice shamanism and animism especially during festivals, on auspicious and sacred days and when a person is in a need of healing. The terk has rated the difficulty level of this terk as demanding.