Trip Duration

12 Days Days

Group Sizes

2-14 People People

Transportation

Drive/Walk

Destination

Ruby Valley Trek

Max. Altitude

4600

Nature of Trip

Trekking,Cultural

Best Season

Mar-May, Oct-Nov

Activities

Trekking
Cultural
Wilderness

Difficulty

Moderate

Meals

Hotel/Teahouse Breakfast
Teahouse Lunch
Teahouse Dinner

Start & End Point

Kathmandu

Accommodation

Teahouse
Camping
Hotel

Overview of Ruby Valley Trek

The Ruby Valley Trek explores one of Nepal’s least-visited trekking corridors — the remote Tsum Valley highlands in Gorkha district, named for the rubies and garnets found in these mountains. The route crosses two high passes — Rupina La (4,600m) and Somdang La — and traverses pristine Gurung and Tamang villages through dense rhododendron forest with spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the Budhi Gandaki watershed. The region was connected to the outside world by road only recently and retains an authenticity rare in Nepal’s more popular trekking areas.

Cross the Rupina La pass (4,600m) with panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu
Trek through the rarely-visited Ruby/Somdang mining area of Gorkha district
Pristine Gurung and Tamang villages with minimal tourist influence
Exceptional rhododendron forests from 2,500m to the treeline in spring
Wildlife corridor connecting Langtang and Manaslu conservation areas
One of Nepal’s best-kept trekking secrets — virtually no crowds

Itinerary of Ruby Valley Trek

Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,460m)

Day 2: Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2,238m)

Day 3: Gatlang to Somdang (3,850m)

Day 4: Somdang Exploration and Rest Day

Day 5: Somdang to Rupina La Base Camp (4,200m)

Day 6: Cross Rupina La (4,600m) — Descend to Tipling (2,300m)

Day 7: Tipling to Tiru (1,800m)

Day 8: Tiru to Laprak (2,145m)

Day 9: Laprak to Barpak (2,164m)

Day 10: Barpak to Gorkha (1,070m)

Day 11: Drive Gorkha to Kathmandu

Day 12: Final Departure

Includes/Excludes

What's included?

11 nights accommodation (2 hotel Kathmandu, 9 teahouse/camping)
All ground transport Kathmandu–trailhead–Kathmandu
All meals on trek
Licensed English-speaking guide and porters
All required permits (Conservation Area + TIMS)
Camping equipment for high sections, first-aid kit

What's not included?

International airfare and Nepal visa fees
Travel and medical insurance (recommended)
Personal gear and clothing
Tips for guide and porter
Beverages and personal snacks

Ruby Valley Trek Altitude Chart

Trip Information - Good to Know

Best Time

March–May for rhododendron blooms; October–November for clearest mountain views. The Rupina La can be snowed in outside these windows.

Difficulty

Moderate. The Rupina La (4,600m) is the key challenge — a steep climb on a remote trail. Good fitness required.

Remoteness

Teahouses are basic above Gatlang. Camping gear is used for the high sections. Carry adequate food reserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called 'Ruby Valley'?

The Somdang area of the Gorkha highlands was historically mined for rubies and red garnets. While commercial mining has ceased, the name persists and the landscape does contain traces of these gemstones.

Is the Rupina La technically difficult?

No — it’s a steep but straightforward hike on a clear trail. No glacier crossing or rope work required. Good fitness and acclimatisation to 4,000m+ before the pass day is recommended.

How crowded is the Ruby Valley Trek?

Very few trekkers — perhaps a few hundred per year. You will likely have teahouses to yourself and rarely encounter other trekking groups above Gatlang.

Can this be combined with the Manaslu Circuit?

Yes — the approach shares the Syabrubesi-Gatlang section and the exit via Gorkha connects well. Ask Green Horizon Tours about combined itineraries.

What happened in Barpak in 2015?

Barpak village was the epicentre of Nepal’s 2015 earthquake and suffered devastating damage. The community has since rebuilt largely with traditional stone architecture, making it a powerful example of post-earthquake reconstruction.

Is this trek suitable for solo trekkers?

Solo trekkers should hire a guide as the trails above Somdang and across Rupina La are remote with no other trekkers or villages in case of emergency.

Trip Reviews

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   Green Horizon Tours & Travels - Thamel
   21 Tripadvisor reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dusan T 
 
 
 
 Verified Dream came true Thank you Bubo Nepal (green horizon tour & travel) for the amazing service. Everything you guys did was really superr. The serice you provided was top notch. Special thank you to Mr.Sachin (our nepal tour guide) and Mr.Sanket for e eryhing they did to make our tour perfect. Recommending them for anyone who is wishing to travel nepal
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Zlatica H 
 
 
 
 Verified Sachin is the star Thank you Bubo Nepál (Green horizont tours & tráve), it really was a amazing tour here in nepal with you guys. Špeciál Thank you to Sachin (our nepal tour guide) & Sanket for helping US with everything. You guys were amazing.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Eva P 
 
 
 
 Verified Lets goooooo Thank you sachin thank you sanket you guys are like sunshines person wakes up and is already exited to be with you and have an experience with you in beautiful nepal
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Armand v 
 
 
 
 Verified The best experience with arrangements so smoothly! It was the beste experience!I would pay the admission fee to go every single weekend if I could to have the experience we had!We only went 1 night and wish we could stay longer.The atmosphere was amazing!The crowd size was big but I loved seeing different people and cultures!The staff were so nice and we had good conversations with them!The best for me was to see the creation in the most astonishing way like never before!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Monika S 
 
 
 
 Verified Nepal vibe full of kind and friend people We enjoyed it so much. Itinerary was made according to ours Wishes. We made Mardi Himal Trek for five days, after that moved to Chitwan for Safari and finaly had yoga retreat. Everything with Private driver all the time. All details was managed and we had to time just enjoy every moment in Nepal. If you are looking for warming and friendly treatment, Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Václav P 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Amazing for thé 10 consecutive years for US i Have Been doping this for many years And they Are amazing. They Are Věry profesionál
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Nayen R 
 
 
 
 Verified More than better Green horizon made our October trek an unforgettable experience. The guides were professional friendly and knowledgeable and every detail from accommodation to meals was taken care of. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a smooth and enjoyable trek in nepal
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sightseer61184225127 
 
 
 
 Verified It’s very hard to say goodbye. We experienced something we had not expected at all. These guys were doing everything they could for us to enjoy Nepal even more. They are such nice and welcoming people. We had THE BEST time thanks to them! Hope to be back soon.????
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Pales 
 
 
 
 Verified Good team These guys helped me with tours in Káthmandu Chitwan and pokhara Along with the border and also hotel they put are super luxury and comfy everywhere. This is not the last time with them. Thanks Sanket and Shailesh and the whole team!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Branislav Jurčišin 
 
 
 
 Verified Best experience in Nepal - loved everything about this trip Flawless experience. I have only good things to say about this company. They were very helpful during the whole trek. These guys are locals and they know everything about Kathmandu and Himalayas. Bus was very luxorious, also the accomodation was cozy. They were very helpful and always asking if we need something. Basically they took really good care of us. If you are thinking about this trek - don´t hesitate to go with this company.