Ruby Valley Trek – 12 days

Trek Difficulty

The Ruby Valley Trek is considered a moderate trekking adventure. No technical climbing experience is required, but you must be ready to trek six to eight hours a day.

The route has uphill and downhill parts, as well as steep parts, particularly around the high pass. You will reach a maximum altitude of Pangsang La Pass at 3,842 meters.

You need to be relatively physically fit to have fun on the trek. Past knowledge of trekking experience is favorable but not mandatory.

Even first-time trekkers can complete the Ruby Valley Trek with proper preparation and a positive attitude. Slow pacing, sufficient water intake, and listening to your guide will make you cope with the trek effectively.

Porters can also take your heavier bag so that you walk with a small day pack. This trek is highly attainable with proper fitness and motivation.

Weather and Best Season

The best seasons for the Ruby Valley Trek are spring and autumn. In spring, between March and May, you will have fair weather, flowering trees, and mountains in clear sight.

The period between September and November also has favorable weather, dry trails, and good visibility. These are the seasons that are best to trek and explore the culture.

The region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which is between June and August. The trails might get dirty and wet, and landslides might take place.

This makes trekking more challenging during the monsoon season. The period between December and February is winter, which is cold, particularly in higher altitudes.

Pangsang Pass may be blocked by snow, and this makes the walk more difficult. But winter presents serene paths and clear skies to the advanced trekkers capable of enduring cold weather.

For the most comfortable and enjoyable experience, you are advised to plan your Ruby Valley Trek during spring or autumn.

Food & Drink

During the Ruby Valley Trek, you will be provided with three simple and filling meals each day. Teahouse families prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner with fresh and locally available ingredients.

Dal bhat is the most typical meal comprising rice, lentil soup, and vegetables. The meal is balanced and supplies sufficient energy in the case of long walks.

Other meals can consist of noodle soup, fried rice, flatbread with potato curry, and seasonal vegetables. In remote villages, meat is not common, and thus most of the meals are vegetarian.

In case you have food needs, you need to notify your guide prior to the trip. The hosts will attempt to adapt meals based on what they have locally.

You will also tend to take tea, either black tea or herbal tea. There can also be instant coffee. The supply of safe drinking water is boiled or filtered water. Alcohol should be avoided when on the trek because it would result in dehydration and adjustment to the altitude.

Accommodation & Lodging

Accommodation on the Ruby Valley Trek is mostly in village teahouses rather than standard lodges. You will be accommodated in local families with simple yet clean rooms.

Rooms can be shared, and bedding is basic. There are few facilities, and modern comforts like hot showers or western toilets are not to be expected. Toilets are the simplest, and bathing is performed by the use of a bucket of warm water when available.

Despite the simplicity of the facilities, teahouses can be a valuable experience. You will be taking meals with the host family, and you will be sitting frequently around the fire in the kitchen. This will enable you to live in rural Nepalese life.

Your accommodation in Kathmandu will be in a very comfortable hotel equipped with modern facilities like hot showers and internet.

It is recommended that you carry a warm sleeping bag to the trek, because the nights can be cold. Teahouses are very friendly and memorable to most trekkers.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is another thing you must be aware of on any trek that involves elevation. On the Ruby Valley Trek, the highest point reached is Pangsang Pass, and the highest villages are just above three thousand meters.

This compares to a relatively low risk since it is not as high as most of the popular treks in Nepal. Nevertheless, the response of every individual to altitude is different.

You can have mild symptoms like headache, drowsiness, or loss of appetite. The itinerary is created to gain altitude in small steps that assist the body in adapting.

You need to consume lots of water, eat good and avoid alcohol. It is important to walk slowly and listen to your body.

In case you are unwell, you are supposed to report to your guide. Your guide is trained to identify altitude issues and will take the necessary steps.

The road then falls continuously after passing the pass; this in itself lowers risk. Most trekkers adapt readily with the right care and awareness.

Preparation and Fitness

Preparing your body before the Ruby Valley Trek will help you enjoy the journey more comfortably. It is recommended that you perform regular walking, hiking, cycling, or jogging for several weeks before the trip.

Building up the strength of your legs and stamina will help you to tackle everyday trekking. It is good to be capable of carrying a light bag for between six and seven hours each day.

No climbing abilities are required, although stamina and patience are essential. It is also good to prepare mentally, as this is an adventure walk with simple amenities. You must be prepared to live simply.

Check that you break in your hiking boots and test your pack before the trek. By carrying only the essentials, you and your porter will have a light traveling time should you employ one.

A flexible mindset and good physical preparation will make you well prepared for the trek.

Visa and Permits

The majority of the travelers have been able to get a Nepal tourist visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at the land borders.

You will require a sound passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the visa fee. Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months before you travel.

For the Ruby Valley Trek, trekking permits depend on the chosen route. Some itineraries require a Langtang National Park entry permit, while others may not. A TIMS card is generally arranged by the trekking agency for documentation and safety purposes.

These permits are typically organised by Life Himalaya Trekking and come as part of the package. When you are walking on your own, you can get them in Kathmandu.

The Ruby Valley area is not limited, and no special permits are necessary. Always carry your permits and a copy of your passport when trekking.

Health & Safety

Your health and safety are very important during the Ruby Valley Trek. Prior to the trip, we advise you to have a basic medical checkup before traveling to make sure you are fit to go trekking. You should inform your guide at the start of the trek in case you have any medical conditions or allergies.

During the trek, you must obey your guide at any moment. The trails are sometimes not well marked or very thin, and it is important to stick with your group. Walk slowly and have breaks as necessary. Proper drinking of water and eating will help avoid exhaustion.

Your guide will have a simple first aid kit, and they are trained to treat simple health problems. Emergencies Evacuation can be planned in case of serious emergencies. This is why travel insurance is important. With vigilance and free communication, you will have a safe trekking experience.

Transportation

The Ruby Valley Trek involves both road travel and walking. Your trip will then start with a complete day’s drive between Kathmandu and Syabrubesi by jeep or local bus.

The trip occupies a number of hours and is made up of snaking mountainous routes. Road conditions may be the cause of delays, particularly during the rainy season.

All travelling is on foot during the trek. You will also walk through the villages with the hard-to-find valleys and forests. Most of the trekking path has no roads. When you are hiring a porter, they are going to carry your main bag, and you will be carrying just essentials.

The trek would conclude at Kathmandu through the road in the Satyadevi region. The journey back is also time-consuming. Flights are unnecessary, and it is a complete overland adventure across Nepal.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for the Ruby Valley Trek. You will also be walking in a remote region at an elevated level, and thus your insurance should cover trekking to up to four thousand meters. Emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation should be included as well.

Emergency evacuation costs may be extremely expensive in case of a serious illness or injury. Insurance brings a sense of security and security.

Looking at a policy carefully is essential when selecting one that covers the activities of trekking and the altitude limits.

Insurance should be bought in your home country, and then come to Nepal. After getting insurance, you need to give the details of the policy to your trekking agency or guide. Emergencies are uncommon, but insurance keeps you better prepared and safe during your journey.

Your Extra Expenses

Your Ruby Valley Trek package includes most essential services, but there are some extra costs you should plan for. Once you arrive, you will have to pay the Nepal visa fee. Outside breakfast, meals in Kathmandu are not included and therefore you ought to plan to eat out in the city.

Other foodstuffs, like snacks or bottled energy drinks, are also at your cost during the trek. There are teahouses that will even take a little sweat to have a hot water bath or charge electronic devices. To use these services, it is good to carry small amounts of cash.

Giving tips to the guides and porters is optional but welcome in case you are satisfied with the services. Other personal expenses, like souvenirs or additional equipment, are not included as well.

Travel insurance is bought independently. There is no ATM on the trek; therefore, you are advised to bring all the cash you require on the trek.

Language & Communication

The national language is Nepali, and the locals in Ruby Valley also speak local languages like Tamang. Not every village speaks English, particularly among the older residents. But your guide will communicate in English and Nepali and will assist you with communication.

It is good to learn some basic Nepali words, such as greetings and thank you, so as to establish friendly relationships. The locals are amiable and friendly, and even little gestures are significant.

Mobile phone coverage is very limited during the Ruby Valley Trek. You are not likely to be in touch with family for a few days. It is preferred that you tell your family beforehand. Communication will be under management in the case of an emergency.

This connectivity is limited and lets you experience the nature and village life to the fullest extent.

Mobile Network, Internet & Charging Facilities

During the Ruby Valley Trek, you should expect limited access to mobile networks and the internet. Phone signals are weak or non-existent after Syabrubesi.

There is no internet in teahouses, and therefore, you would spend most of your time off the internet throughout the trek.

Electricity is scarce and normally generated by solar. On certain nights, you can charge your phone/camera at a minimal fee. It is highly recommended that you carry a power bank so that your devices do not run out of charge.

This disconnection is an opportunity to get out of everyday internet life and listen to the tranquility. You will be able to share photos and updates after you reach Kathmandu, where full services will be offered.

Don’ts on this Trip

While on the Ruby Valley Trek, you should travel responsibly and respectfully. Littering on the trail and in villages is not allowed. Keep your garbage until you can dispose of it.

You must be respectful to the local culture and dress conservatively and seek permission before capturing the images of individuals and religious sites.

Do not hand out money and sweets to children. In case you want to contribute to the community, your guide can recommend the right methods.

You must not walk alone or drop out of the group without notifying your guide. Track marks are misleading, and safety first.

In case you are sick or extremely fatigued, notify your guide. Always obey safety precautions and treat wildlife and nature with respect.

Photography & Drone Rules

Photography is a wonderful way to capture memories of the Ruby Valley Trek. You can take pictures of scenic towns and everyday life.

Nevertheless, you must never take close pictures of people without asking their permission. Communication can be polite with the help of your guide.

Photography can be limited in monasteries or other religious locations. Always look prior to taking pictures. Respect allows the establishment of positive relationships with the local communities.

In Nepal, drones need to be officially approved for use. The use of a drone is prohibited without permits and can lead to issues. Although the drones are permitted, their use must be handled with care and should not be near the villages or wildlife.

Appreciate privacy and a peaceful environment. With these tips, you will make beautiful memories while being respectful of people and nature.