Weather and Best Season
While the Ruby Valley Trek can be done in any season, spring (March – May) and Fall (September – November) are the best. The weather for these months is generally nice and predictable with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and great mountain views. In spring, the rhododendron forests are beautifully in bloom and during the autumn season, new air and good visibility after the monsoon.
Winter is also a possibility for those who are experienced trekkers, though it is colder and snowy in higher areas close to Pangsang Pass (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). Lower trails will be muddy in the summer and there will be less view of the mountains due to the cloud cover.
Spring and autumn are the best times to hike in the Ruby Valley if you are planning your hike. This is also a great time to experience more of the local villages, mountain views and outdoor photography along the way.
Difficulty Level
The Ruby Valley Trek is rated as medium difficulty and is suitable for individuals who are moderately fit and have some hiking experience. The hikes are typically 5 to 7 hours a day, including some gentle ups and downs through forests, villages and mountain trails. The walk is not really challenging but there are some steep stretches where a steady pace is important.
The highest point of the trek is Pangsang Pass (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). The achievement of this altitude demands good pacing, frequent rest and adequate fluids. Using the outlined route, most trekkers can walk the route comfortably.
A properly planned out Ruby Valley Trek package can be enjoyed without haste. By walking at an easy pace and following your guides’ advice, you will make this trip a safe and pleasurable experience.
Altitude Sickness
While not to the extreme of Himalayan peaks, the Ruby Valley trek still may cause altitude sickness to some trekkers above (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). Common symptoms are headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness and insomnia. The majority of cases are not serious and get better with rest.
The summit of the hike is the Pangsang Pass (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). If you drink enough water, avoid alcohol, eat a balanced diet and walk slowly, you reduce the risk of altitude-related problems.
By following the suggested Ruby Valley Trek route, your body has enough time to adjust to the higher elevations. Your guide will check on you during the hike and will suggest stopping or going down if symptoms worsen.
Preparation and Fitness
With good preparation, the Ruby Valley Trek is more enjoyable and comfortable. This does not require extensive mountaineering experience but if you walk, hike, cycle or lightly jog for several weeks before your trip, you will be more fit. Tightening your legs and enhancing your balance can likewise make everyday trekking simpler.
Bring a comfortable pair of trekking boots, warm clothes and a waterproof jacket, sun cream, sunglasses and a water bottle. The weather can turn bad in a short period of time at the high elevations of the Pangsang Pass (3,850 m / 12,631 ft).
To prepare for your Ruby Valley Trek package, it is best to break in your trekking boots and bring a small backpack on practice hikes. It ensures you can enjoy landscapes and local culture with increased confidence and enjoyment given good physical preparation.
Food and Accommodation
On the Ruby Valley Trek, meals are provided at the local lodges and simple teahouses on the trek. Freshly cooked meals of locally grown produce, eggs, potatoes, vegetables, noodles, soups, dal bhat, etc. can be eaten. There is also a great choice of hot beverages, such as tea and coffee, available.
Accommodation is simple and comfortable. Most lodges offer clean twin-sharing rooms, blankets and a simple dining room, where trekkers sit in the evenings. In more remote areas like Somdang (3270m / 10728ft), the facilities are more basic but are adequate for trekking.
The whole wilderness experience of the Ruby Valley Trek is about accommodation and service by those who are clean and local, not fancy. Residing in village lodges likewise allows visitors to experience the traditions and daily life of the local community.
Transportation
The journey on the Ruby Valley Trek starts with a private jeep ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. This picturesque route winds through hills, rivers, terraced fields and authentic hamlets before arriving at the trailhead. On completion of the trek, a private jeep brings you back to Kathmandu.
Gravel road in certain mountain areas but private cars offer better flexibility and comfort than public transportation. Times are subject to changes with weather and road conditions.
If you are travelling through the Ruby Valley, bookings will likely be made that will include transport in the package, so you don’t have to worry. You can enjoy the hike without the need to worry about ground transportation, as 3A Adventure does everything necessary to take care of that.
Communication
Mobile coverage is available on most stretches of the Ruby Valley Trek but is weaker in more remote mountain areas and on remote trail sections. Nepal Telecom usually has greater coverage than others but the signal might not be present in all areas.
Some lodges offer Wi-Fi services for an additional charge, although the connection may be slow. It is generally possible to charge electronic devices in villages, sometimes for a small charge.
It’s helpful to tell your family during your trip in the Ruby Valley that there may be times when there is limited communication available. Your trekking guide is the primary point of contact for any communications needs that may arise while on the trekking trip and they can assist you with these.
Permit
Trekking permits must be obtained for the Ruby Valley. The trekker must normally be equipped with the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS Card (if applicable) as per current trekking regulations.
Your guide will have the relevant permits with him/her on the trek. During the trek, the permits may be checked at various checkpoints along the trek. When applying, it is important to have a valid passport copy and passport-size photographs with you.
For those who book a Ruby Valley Trek package, 3A Adventure will obtain the necessary permits before the trek. This enables you to begin the trip without the hassle of permit procedures.
Visa
Tourists from most of the countries require a tourist visa for Nepal to participate in the Ruby Valley Trek. Travelers can get the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or apply for it in the Nepalese Embassy in their country. The passport must have at least six months’ validity from the date of arrival.
Tourist visas will be issued for a variety of periods so that tourists can select the visa period that suits their tour programs. It is always advisable to know what the new immigration laws are before you travel.
When you’re planning your Ruby Valley Trek, check that your passport, visa and other travel documents are complete and readily available. Preparing all the documents in advance can facilitate the arrival and the hiking process.
Travel Insurance
The Ruby Valley Trek is strongly recommended to travel insurance. Policy requirements include trekking, emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation and personal belongings. All hiking trips can have emergency weather or medical conditions.
The maximum elevation is Pangsang Pass (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) but accidents or illnesses may happen at any altitude. Comprehensive insurance will give you financial help when you need it.
While making your Ruby Valley Trek package, please take some time to check your insurance coverage policy and make sure trekking in Nepal is covered. Bring paper and electronic copies of insurance papers with you.
Extra Expenses
In addition to the cost of the Ruby Valley Trek, you need to budget for travel expenses. This can include beverages, snacks, hot showers, battery charging, internet, laundry, guide/porter tips and even shopping in villages.
ATMs are not available along the trekking route, so cash is recommended. It is easier to carry enough Nepali currency with you before you leave Kathmandu, which will help you to do your daily activities while on the trek.
Your Ruby Valley Trek plan includes the bulk of the travel dates but you might need more or less personal ones based on your tastes. It will make it much easier to use extra cash to take advantage of additional services without any hassle.
Private and Group Trek
This Ruby Valley Trek may be taken as a private tour or as a group tour. A private trek provides flexible travel dates, a custom travel pace and added privacy for families, couples and groups of friends. It is suitable for those who want tailor-made services.
People travelling alone and those who like to meet foreigners are better suited to group treks. Everyone shares transportation, guides and experiences and has agreed upon a schedule.
You can go Ruby Valley trekking alone or with other people and 3A Adventure will provide expert guides and organized support along the way. These are both great ways to be able to enjoy the culture, scenery and quiet trails of the Ruby Valley but in a safe and fun manner.
