Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek

Discover the untouched beauty of the Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley Trek, an off-the-beaten-path trek through remote villages, terraced fields, and stunning Himalayan views. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and authentic rural Nepal.

Ruby Valley Trek: Explore the Untouched Trails of Ganesh Himal

Nestled between the Manaslu and Langtang regions, Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley remains one of Nepal’s least-explored trekking destinations. Starting from the historic villages of Barpak and Laprak—famous for their rich Gurung culture and warm hospitality—this trek leads you through a quiet, low-altitude region that few trekkers have discovered. It offers an authentic glimpse into rural Nepal, far from the crowds of the popular trails

Stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu & Langtang
Remote and peaceful off-the-beaten-path trek
Authentic homestay experience in rural villages
Starts from Barpak–Laprak and ends in Gatlang

Overview

Ganesh Himal Circuit: Ruby Valley Cultural Trek

Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley Trek, As you move along the route, a diverse tapestry of landscapes unfolds: Shining Himalayan peaks, terraced hillsides, dense forests, and clusters of traditional villages. In the distance, the Ganesh Himal range rises like a majestic wall of jagged, sparkling summits, creating a stunning backdrop throughout the journey.

Traditional homes scattered across the hills reflect centuries-old craftsmanship, with thatched roofs and beautifully painted exteriors. Lower in the valleys, terraced rice fields stretch along the slopes, where oxen and cows plow the land and provide milk, preserving the timeless rhythm of agricultural life.

Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley trek ends in Gatlang village, a beautiful Tamang village known for its unique architecture, vibrant culture, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

This journey is ideal for travelers seeking natural beauty, cultural immersion, and peaceful trails—an authentic Himalayan experience from Barpak–Laprak to Gatlang.

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a team member will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for rest. After a briefing on the hike and its progress, you will have free time. If you arrive in the morning, the whole day is yours to relax or explore the area freely, enjoy local cuisine, and experience Nepalese culture.

  • Transport: Private vehicle
  • Driving time: 30 minutes
  • Altitude: 1,300 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – not included | Lunch – not included | Dinner – not included
  • Accommodation: Hotel

We depart early toward Gorkha and continue to Barpak, following the Daraudi Khola river. The route winds through lush tropical landscapes before turning into a steep, dusty off-road trail. Barpak is a charming Gurung village with beautiful terraced fields and vibrant gardens filled with vegetables and colorful flowers.

  • Driving time: 5 hours
  • Altitude: 1,920 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

A morning jeep ride takes us to Laprak, a traditional Gurung village. From here, we trek towards Singla. A long staircase descent leads to the Sherpu Khola, followed by a gradual ascent through forests blooming with orchids, anemones, and geraniums. Enjoy superb views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal (7,400 m), and Buddha Himal (6,670 m). In Singla, we enjoy a warm welcome and a cultural program in the evening.

  • Jeep drive: 2 hours
  • Trekking time: 5 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: +570 m / -485 m
  • Altitude: 2,200 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

We follow a hillside trail under the impressive Ganesh Himal. After crossing a final ridge, the trail descends steeply via stone steps toward the Budhi Gandaki River. The path offers occasional panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and the Machha Khola valley. Farmers work in their fields, and dense vegetation covers the slopes.

  • Trekking time: 6 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: +120 m / -1,020 m
  • Altitude: 930 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

We begin the day walking through terraced fields of millet, corn, and soybeans. After crossing the Richet Khola, we climb steadily to reach Kashigaon, a beautiful Gurung village of around 200 houses with rewarding views of Manaslu and Buddha Himal.

  • Trekking time: 5 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: +1,230 m / -170 m
  • Altitude: 1,920 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

A scenic day on undulating “Nepali flat” trails with wide views of the southern Manaslu range. After crossing the Richet Khola again, we ascend through a forest to reach our camp below the Myangal Pass.

  • Trekking time: 7 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: +1,390 m / -350 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

Today we cross two moderate passes (below 3,000 m) before descending through dense forest to the large village of Lapagaon.

  • Trekking time: 6 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: +450 m / -1,300 m
  • Altitude: 1,800 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

We begin with a descent along the Lapa Khola to its confluence with the Akhu Khola. Then, a steep terraced ascent leads us to the balcony trail connecting Borang to Sertung. You may also visit Phyangchet Gompa (2,210 m), which adds about 2 hours to the day.

  • Trekking time: 6 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -800 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

We continue toward the final pass of the trek. We pass through villages such as Kamigaon (home to Kami blacksmiths) and Tipling (a Christian community). Beyond Tipling, we follow an important trade route used to carry supplies from Kathmandu and the China border. Camp is set in a grassy clearing near Pangsang Bhanjyang.

  • Trekking time: 6 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: +1,200 m / -200 m
  • Altitude: 3,060 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

We cross a wide, scenic pass offering incredible views of Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and the Langtang range. The trail then descends through forest to reach Somdang.

  • Trekking time: 6 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -600 m
  • Altitude: 3,200 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge or tent

We descend by bus or Jeep to Syabrubensi. If the track is blocked or unsuitable, part or all of the descent may be done on foot.

  • Travel/trekking time: 6 hours
  • Elevation loss: -1,700 m
  • Altitude: 1,500 m
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge or tent

Drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying views of rural valleys and small settlements along the way.

  • Transport: Private vehicle
  • Driving time: 8 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Enjoy a free morning in Kathmandu for shopping or visiting heritage sites. Depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport for your journey back to Europe. Some flights may depart in the evening.

  • Transport: Private vehicle
  • Driving time: 1 hour
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel + plane

Everest Very High altitude Note:

If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.

Plan a Private Trip

Included & Excluded

Included Points

AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 2 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis.
WELCOME DINNER : 1 Complementary Welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural program in Kathmandu.
PERMITS : All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit and TIMS Card entry fee.
STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP : Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley Trekking map.
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : Land Transportation: Kathmandu - Gorkha, while returning - Kathmandu (by private Jeep/bus, as per itinerary)
MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek, carried by porters.
FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation on a sharing basis in a tea house/camp during the trek.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT : All necessary camping equipment during the Rupina la trek
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff and porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food, and clothing.
TREKKING GUIDE LEADER : Local government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
ASSISTANT GUIDE : Supports the leader and helps clients on the trail and sets the camp.
COOK : Prepares all meals on camping treks.
KITCHEN BOYS : Assists the cook with food prep and carries kitchen equipment.
PORTER : 2 trekkers:1 porter during trek. Carries trekking gear and supplies.

Excluded Points

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical, and emergency evacuation.
PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.
TIPS : Tipping is a culture in Nepal and is expected by your staff (guides, porters, drivers)
EXTRA : Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

Trip Information

Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley trek

Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often, your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.


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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:

  • The Guide Leader (Sirdar)  is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
  • The Assistant Guide:  is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp. 
  • The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.

(from 4 people of the group of trekkers: we will provide 1 Leader Guide, 1 Assistant Guide, And 2 porters ). Nepalese teams depend on the Number of Clients and Area of trekking 

Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person:

For Lodge (tea house) Accommodations Trek:15 kg maximum;

Tent Camping Trek: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. 

Additionally, the Alpinist Club ensures that insurance is provided for the guide and porters. They are also equipped with specific gear for crossing high-altitude passes.

Accommodations in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:

  • Hotel Himalayan Suite: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
  • Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and  Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Meal in Kathmandu: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is provided on the first evening. Similarly, upon return from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided. In the cities, many small (or large) restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine.


Accommodation and Meals during the Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley trek

For accommodation: during the Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley trek, you will stay in the lodge and a tent.

for Trekking  Meals: for this trek Meals are prepared by the Kitchen cook and served in the dining Tent.

Here is a typical one-day menu for example: 

  • Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
  • Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
  • Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee. During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
  • Water: We provide water purification tablets. and recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.


Physical level in the Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley trek

This program is designed for those who exercise regularly, especially in endurance activities. You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. The trek lasts 8 days, with daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours and altitude changes between 400 m and 1,350 m. The  Tsergo Ri 4984m  often has snow later in the season.

Preparation for the Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley trek

Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.

Medical check-up

Being in good health is essential to enjoy your Alpinist Club trip fully. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.

Acute Mountain Sickness

This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.

Safety During The Ganesh Himal Ruby Valley Trek

Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication gear. so, nothing to worry about on the trip.

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