Ruby Valley Trek Difficulty Level and Fitness Requirements
The Ruby Valley Trek is rated as a moderate trek, making it suitable for those with a reasonable level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience. It’s perfect for adventurers who seek a bit of a challenge while enjoying stunning Himalayan scenery and authentic cultural encounters.
This 7 to 9-day trek covers varied terrain, including dense forests, terraced farmlands, and rugged mountain ridges. Certain sections feature steep and uneven trails, which may be tough for first-time trekkers. You should be prepared to hike 5 to 7 hours daily at high elevations.
With proper training and preparation, even beginners can complete the Ruby Valley Trek. Activities such as hiking, swimming, cycling, or jogging several weeks before your trek can help improve your stamina and endurance for this incredible journey.
Ruby Valley Trek Temperature
The Ruby Valley Trek has different temperatures throughout the year. In autumn (September to November), daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, and nights are colder at 0°C to 10°C.
Winter (December to February) is very cold, with daytime highs of -5°C to 12°C and nights dropping to -10°C to 0°C. Spring (March to May) is milder, with daytime temperatures of 10°C to 25°C and nighttime temperatures of 5°C to 16°C.
The monsoon season (June to August) is warmer and wetter, with daytime temperatures of 15°C to 28°C and nights between 10°C and 19°C. Temperature is affected by altitude, dropping about 6°C for every 1,000 meters gained.
Sun exposure can make daytime trekking feel warmer, but it gets very cold after sunset or in shaded valleys. Some passes, like Pangsang La, may be extremely cold or even impassable in winter due to snow.
Ruby Valley Trek Packing List
Footwear:
- Walking boots. A pair of water-repellent boots with ankle support.
- Walking socks.
- Yaktrax
- Trainers or trail shoes. Can be used in and around the lodge in the afternoons/evenings.
Clothing:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex or similar).
- Trekking trousers.
- Long sleeve shirts (not cotton).
- Mid to heavyweight fleece.
- Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
- Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
- Fleece pants.
- Medium weight down jacket (e.g.: Nuptse jacket by The North Face).
Hand wear:
- Fleece gloves.
- Warms mittens and/or gloves.
Headwear:
- Wool or fleece hat.
- Sun hat.
- Bandana or scarf.
- Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
- Sunglasses.
Personal Equipment:
- Day pack (you’ll need during the day, such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, snacks, and a personal first aid kit. Keep your daypack under 5 kg. A porter will transport the rest of your personal gear in a duffel or kit bag, which should not exceed 15 kg per trekker. Clearly mark your bag to help identify it easily.)
- Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized.
- Water bottles (Nalgene wide-mouth bottles are the best).
- Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF.
- Water purification tablets (Aqua Tab, Chlorine dioxide).
- Favourite snack food.
- Trekking poles (optional).
- Sleeping bag ( available for rental in Kathmandu approx.@ US$1.5/day)
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
- Insurance certificate.
- Flash Light
- Earplugs (optional).
- Hand sanitizer
- Face Mask
- Spare cash for extra expenses like hot shower, boiled water, gadget charging during trek
Traveling:
- Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.
- Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu.
- Toiletry bags include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.
- Quick dry towel
Personal first aid kit: Note: Nepal Sanctuary Treks provides a comprehensive group first aid kit, but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly.
Accommodation and Meals during Ruby Valley Trek
Accommodation on the Ruby Valley Trek is a mix of basic teahouses, lodges, and homestays. Since this is a remote, off-the-beaten-path route, facilities are simpler than in popular trekking areas like Annapurna or Everest. Homestays, common in villages such as Darkha, Jharlang, Borang, Sertung, Chalish, and Gatlang, provide an authentic cultural experience with local Tamang and Gurung families.
Teahouses and lodges in larger villages like Syabrubesi, Gatlang, and Somdang offer simple rooms with basic amenities. Rooms usually include a bed, mattress, pillow, and blanket, though bringing a sleeping bag is recommended, especially at higher altitudes.
Bathrooms are generally shared squat-style toilets. Hot showers are often available for an extra fee of around $2–$4 USD.
Teahouses also feature a communal dining hall, which is often heated by a wood-burning stove in the evenings. This hall serves as the main social space and is usually the only place to charge devices for an additional fee.
Food on the Ruby Valley Trek is simple, hearty, and locally sourced, primarily served in homestays and lodges. Menus are smaller than on popular trekking routes, focusing on traditional Nepali dishes with some Tibetan and basic international options.
Breakfast and dinner are usually provided at your lodge, while lunch is eaten at trail-side restaurants. Breakfast typically includes porridge, pancakes, Tibetan bread, chapati, and eggs, while lunch and dinner often feature fried noodles (chow mein), noodle soup (thukpa), pasta, vegetable momos, potato dishes, and fried rice with vegetables and eggs.
The staple dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and vegetable curry) and other local dishes are highly recommended.
To avoid stomach issues, it is best to skip meat dishes, use hand sanitizer when handling money, and pay separately for items not included in the set menu.
Electricity during Ruby Valley Trek
Most villages on the Ruby Valley Trek have electricity, but reliability drops at higher altitudes. Lower villages like Syabrubesi, Gatlang, and Sertung are connected to the grid, while places like Somdang and Pangsang La Pass rely on solar power, so charging can be tricky in cloudy or snowy weather.
Homestays and teahouses usually have central charging points, not in-room sockets, with a small fee of NPR 150 to 500 ($1 to $4 USD). Nepal uses Type C and Type D/M plugs, so bring a universal adapter.
Cold temperatures drain batteries fast, so carry a high-capacity power bank and a headlamp with spare batteries. Save power by lowering screen brightness, switching off GPS and Wi-Fi, and keep devices warm in your backpack or jacket pockets when not in use.
Communication on Ruby Valley Trek
Communication on the Ruby Valley Trek is possible through mobile networks and Wi-Fi at teahouses, although connectivity is more limited than on popular trekking routes. Nepal Telecom (NTC) provides the most reliable coverage in remote areas and most lower- and mid-elevation villages, while Ncell works better in urban areas but is patchy at higher altitudes.
It is recommended to purchase an NTC SIM card with a data package in Kathmandu, which requires a passport and photo.
Network availability depends on location and weather, and some high-altitude areas, such as Pangsang La Pass, may have no signal. Many teahouses and homestays offer Wi-Fi for a fee of $1 to $5 USD per hour, but speeds are generally slow and suitable only for basic messaging or email. Both Wi-Fi and charging often rely on solar power, which can be inconsistent on cloudy days.
Altitude:
3,870m/12,697ft
Difficulty:
Moderate
