Ruby Valley Trek — 7 Days

Early morning drive from Kathmandu northwest through Trishuli Bazar and Arughat Bazar (600m) — the last main town — continuing on rough road to the trailhead at Khahare (1,050m). Begin walking through terraced farmland and subtropical forest.

Trek through Gurung and Tamang villages, terraced rice fields, and dense subtropical jungle. The trail follows the Tadi Khola river valley upward to Bunkot (1,340m). Very few other trekkers on this remote route.

Climb steeply through oak and rhododendron forest, gaining significant altitude to reach Tipling (2,330m), a remote Tamang village with traditional stone houses and stunning views back down the valley.

Trek through high-altitude meadows and alpine scrub, passing mani walls and prayer flags to Chhap (2,155m). The landscape is raw and unspoiled — yaks graze on open hillsides and eagles circle overhead.

Trek up to Somdang (3,253m), the remote settlement above which lie Nepal's famous ruby gemstone mines. Visit the artisanal ruby and garnet extraction sites — miners work small pits in the hillside, and rubies of varying quality are found in the rocky soil. A unique highlight unlike any other trek in Nepal.

Trek east and downhill past alpine lakes and pastoral meadows to Gatlang (2,238m), a large and beautiful Tamang village on the Tamang Heritage Trail. The village's red-painted gompa and panoramic Ganesh Himal views are superb.

Short morning trek down to Syabrubesi (1,550m) where the vehicle awaits. Long but scenic drive back to Kathmandu through the Trishuli gorge.