Ganesh Himal Base Camp Ruby Valley Trek

The Ganesh Himal region is in central Nepal, located between Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area, a day’s drive from Kathmandu. Blessed with geographical, cultural and biological diversity, in this area there are not only hundreds of species of precious medicinal herbs, colourful wildflowers, and more than 200 species of birds, but it is a mining area for rubies and crystals. Nepal’s well-kept secret, this area is less-trekked than some other areas.

Passing through four districts of Nepal, the route crosses Gorkha, the birthplace of modern Nepal. Here was the seat of King Prithivi Narayan Shah (1723 – 1775), who fought many wars to unify the country. This is also the homeland to the original Gurkhas. Today the area known as Ganesh Himal is home to a variety of peoples, mainly, Tamang, Gurung and Ghale in the north and Brahmin, Chhetri, Dalit, Newar and Chepang in the low elevation south.

The trek takes in two passes as well as the Thulo Dhunga Base Camp from where waterfalls, rhododendron and juniper forests and lush vegetation can be seen.

From the nearby Dobra Danda, the sight of the magnificent Ganesh Himal is spectacular and the small lakes of Kalo Kunda and Seto Kunda are unforgettable. Rubies are mined around the area of these lakes. The lakes themselves are thought to have mystical powers – being able to either bless or punish visitors.

At the third, and holy lake of Ganesh Kunda, shamans gather in large numbers during September. The views from the passes include Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges, thus combining mountain vistas with passing through culturally different villages and perhaps being entertaining with traditional music from the friendly peoples.

The wildlife in this area is outstanding: musk deer, Jharal goats, wild boars, Langur monkeys, pheasants, and partridges included. And not forgetting the strange, reportedly, aphrodisiac, caterpillar-fungus, yarshagumba, which is harvested in the nearby highlands.

The Ganesh Himal Base Camp Ruby Valley trek has a little of everything but a lot of adventure and unforgettable moments!

Ganesh Himal Base Camp Ruby Valley Itinerary

Includes

Ganesh Himal Base Camp Ruby Valley Trek Map

Location of the Ganesh Himal Base Camp Ruby Valley Trek

The Ganesh Himal region is located in a remote area between Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area.  As you can imagine, the landscape of this little-visited area is quite stunning. 

Being only a day’s drive from the capital city of Kathmandu, you will be trekking through four different districts of Nepal, namely  Gorkha, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Rasuwa, and meeting quite a variety of different peoples. The communities you will pass through on this trek consist of Tamangs, Gurungs and Ghales in the north, all of whom practice Buddhism, and Chhetri, Dalit, Newar and Chepang in the lower south, who are Hindu.

The Ruby Valley itself  falls within Dhading and Rasuwa districts.

Required Experience for the Ganesh Himal Base Camp  Ruby Valley Trek

This trek is considered to be a moderate trek.  But that is not to say there are not challenging days and portions of the trail.  Although not a particularly high altitude trek (the highest elevation you will reach is at Ganesh Himal Base Camp at 3,691 m / 12,109 ft), there are a lot of ascents and descents to challenge your body.  

It is preferable therefore if you have some trekking experience and be of good general health.  If you have done ‘wilderness’ camping before, you will enjoy this trek more as you will know what to expect.

Physical Fitness – What You Need to Know

Good general fitness is required for the majority of treks in Nepal, and this one is no different.  You should be able to hike for six hours plus per day under conditions that could be slippery scree and moraine, as well as in weather which is changeable as you rise and fall in elevation.

Unless you have done ‘wilderness’ camping before, you may find it a little hard to adjust to the basic amenities.  But we know most people get used to the simple life on the trail quite quickly.

You will be sleeping at altitudes over 3,000 m / 9842.5 ft on five nights, which could prove difficult for some due to the altitude.  Staying well hydrated, and hiking slowly, with lots of short breaks, are the basic rules when traveling or sleeping at over 3,000 m / 9,842.5 ft.

Overall, you should have a good level of fitness, stamina, and be able to persevere at the times when the trek gets tougher. 

What you need to do in advance of coming to Nepal is prepare your body through increased exercise, particularly cardio and legs.

What to Expect on a Typical Day on the Trek

Your day will start early with a cup of hot tea.  After breakfast you will leave the campsite – usually around 8am – to start the hike for the day.

You will be provided with drinking water and a packed lunch to eat on the trail.

The trail will vary from day to day but will include rhododendron and pine forests, loose rocks underfoot, lush grazing pastures, dry landscapes, and beautiful waterfalls.  Yes, it is a very varied landscape in this area.

There may be wildlife to see.  Such as monkeys (at lower levels), yaks, blue sheep, and the more exotic and rare animals such wild yaks and Himalayan bears at the higher elevations.   

Lunch will be taken on the trail – your guide knows the spots with the best views where you can rest and eat. 

Once you reach the overnight campsite you will be served snacks and more hot tea while you have a chance to relax before dinner.  Bedtime is always quite early on a camping trek, but there is always time for a bit of star gazing and conversation.

What You Will See and Learn on This Trek

This area is full of history, culture and interesting things to see.  For example, the fact you can find precious stones here.  Here are some more interesting facts:

Ruby Valley: As you can imagine, the valley gets its name from the precious stones found here.  Lead and zinc are also mined in this location, but the mining is low-key. 

Holy lakes and river: There are three holy lakes in the Ruby Valley – Kalo Kunda, Seto Kunda and Ganesh Kunda.  Ankhu River flows from these lakes and the snow melt of the Ganesh Himal.  All the lakes are considered sacred and have the power to bless or curse!

Mountains:  The main mountain range you will see is the Ganesh Himals while you will also see peaks in the Langtang and Manaslu ranges.

History of the Gurkhas:  Gurkhas originate from the Gurung communities in the ancient Gorkha Kingdom which now lies in Gorkha district.  The area itself has an amazing history as it was from here Prithvi Narayan Shah (the last ruler of the Gorkha Kingdom) unified the various kingdoms into the Kingdom of Nepal in 1768.  Prithvi Narayan Shah was then the first monarch of Nepal, and you can see his statue in many locations.  From that same area, the men have a reputation of being loyal soldiers and have been recruited into the British and Indian armies, as well as the Nepal army.   Today many Gurkhas are also among the UN Peacekeeping force.

History of the Tamangs: The Tamang people reportedly migrated from Tibet hundreds of years ago.  In fact, the word Tamang consists of ‘Ta’ which means horse in Tibetan, and ‘Mang’ meaning trader.  Thus, it is believed, with a lot of more recent evidence, they were originally horse traders (and traders of other things) from Tibet who travelled along the ancient salt route through Nepal. 

Minimum Number of Trekkers for this Trek

For a camping trek in Nepal, we require a minimum of two (2) trekkers to make it viable. It is also more enjoyable for you if there are more in your group.

However, if you are one person traveling alone we will endeavor, if possible,  to put you with other trekkers who wish to do this trek.

Camping Trek – Remote and Different

Although there are some basic trekking lodges at various village on this trek, we prefer to be self-sufficient in remote areas where accommodation is not guaranteed and not guaranteed to be suitable for our guests.

At our campsites we will provide you with a comfortable tent and sleeping mat, a toilet tent and dining tent. A kitchen tent is provided where the camp chef makes delicious food and boil drinking water.

We will be carrying everything we need with us – from the tents to the food.  This is not a luxury camping experience but one which reflects the countryside you will be passing through – rustic yet beautiful, and more than adequate for your needs.

Food While Camping

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinner are made by our talented camp chef.

Breakfast will be getting underway when you wake up, lunch will be taken on the trail, and afternoon snacks will be available at the next campsite while the crew set up the camp and the chef prepares dinner.

As there is no electricity at the campsites the cooking is done on a kerosene stove which the camping crew will bring with them. 

Hint: do bring some of your own favorite snacks such as chocolate or power bars, dried fruits and nuts. These will provide an energy boost when needed and a taste of home.

Possible Menu While Camping:

Food on the trek will be simple, yet filling and tasty.  We cater to Western tastes as well as to clients who may be from India or other parts of Asia.  We will provide you with food we think you will enjoy!  Do let us know if you have any allergies or simple do not like a certain food.

Breakfast may be porridge with bread (probably roti – a Nepali flatbread)

Lunch and dinner can be pasta, noodles, dal bhat (Nepali vegetable curry), pizza, etc.  

Afternoon snacks may consist of fried potatoes and popcorn.

We will not attempt to buy meat on the trail as it may not be fresh but will bring some canned meat / tuna fish. 

There will be vegetarian food available at every meal. 

Tea/ coffee/ hot water is available in unlimited quantities. Powdered milk and sugar are available for your tea and coffee.

We do not carry alcohol on camping treks as it is heavy to carry and is not the best idea to consume at altitude.

Drinking Water While Camping

The kitchen tent will provide you with boiled water for drinking.  If you come across a mountain spring, as long as you add purifying drops or tablets to it you can drink that water.  When in doubt ask the guide.  A Lifestraw, or similar, will filters out some, not all, larger bacteria.

What You Need to Bring for a Camping Trek

Take a look at our list of trekking equipment / gear  you need on any trek.  We suggest a few additional items for a camping trek, such as:

 Portable solar panel (one which hooks onto your day pack) to recharge equipment.

• Headtorch with batteries and extra batteries.
• Medicines – any ones you take regularly plus items such as headache tablets, stomach tablets etc.  A small first aid kit.
• Four-season sleeping bag. This can be rented in Kathmandu.
• Toiletries in small, travel sized containers.
• Items for blisters and a few bandages in case of sprains.
• Nepali rupees in case there is something you wish to buy on the trek. 
• Your favorite snacks.

Keeping Your Gear Down to the Essentials

While you should bring enough correct gear to last you the duration of the trek, please be considerate of those who will be actually carrying your bag!

Porters will be carrying the tents, kitchen equipment and food for your camping trek.  They can also carry your pack but please keep your gear down to a sensible weight! 

Best Time to do the Ganesh Himal Base Camp Ruby Valley Trek

Like the majority of treks in Nepal, the best time to visit Ganesh Himal Base Camp is during the spring or autumn.  Since this is not a heavily trekked area, there are not too many other trekkers on the route, regardless of the time of year.

In the spring (March to May)  the rhododendrons will be in bloom at lower altitudes and the skies will be clear.   

In the autumn (Sept to Nov), the weather is similar to spring in that it is not too warm (at lower altitudes) and not too cold (at higher altitudes).

During the monsoon (June to Sept)  there will be rain, and the paths will be slippery and muddy.  Camping is not at its best when it is raining either! 

Winter (December to March) is not generally recommended for trekking in Nepal as there will be snow at higher altitudes and it will be cold.  If this is the only time you can make this trip, please talk to us. 

Before the Trek

Your First Days in Nepal

We can meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival, saving you time and effort.  Just let us know on the booking form but please note there is a charge for pick up. 

Hotels in Kathmandu

Booking.com and hostelworld.com will give you a selection of hotels in Kathmandu.  We suggest you stay in Thamel which is geared up for tourists with lively cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. Our office is also located in Thamel. 

Explore Kathmandu

There is plenty to see and do in Kathmandu and how you do it will depend on your available time.  If you have plenty of time you can do a combination of self-exploration and guided city tours.  If you are short on time, we recommend a city tour to see the main highlights.

And the main highlights not to be missed are: Boudhanath (Tibetan area with a huge stupa), Swayambhunath (another Buddhist stupa), and Pashupatinath (Hindu temples and ghats). These are on everyone’s ‘must see’ list and are just three of the seven UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.

There are three Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley as there were three kingdoms in the past.  The easiest to explore yourself is the Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur) which is a very short walk from Thamel. There you will also find the home of the Living Goddess (a prepubescent girl who is chosen to be a goddess until puberty).  Over in Patan they have their own Durbar Square which is the smallest of the three and houses a very interesting museum which is worth seeing. Again, you can easily do this one by taxi.   

The best of the Durbar Squares is at Bhaktapur.  This is an area which is traffic free and is still very much alive with artisans and locals making and selling their wares.   Definitely you should have a guide for this one.   If you have the time to overnight here we suggest you might want to do that.  It is also on route to the hill top town of Nagarkot, which has marvelous mountain views.  Make it a weekend – one night in Bhaktapur and one night in Nagarkot. 

We are very happy to provide you with information of our city tours and make recommendations.  Just ask us.

Visa for Nepal

Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s on-line site.   Complete the form, print it out and bring it with you.  Bring USD cash (exact money) to make payment on arrival at the airport. 

Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days or 3 months and costs: 

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Trekking Permit You Need for this Trek  

Langtang National Park Entrance Fee

Cost:  

• USD25 per person
• SAAC Nationals Nrs 1,500 per person
• Children under 10 – FOC

Your fee goes towards the upkeep of the national park.

**We will have the entranced fee permit issued on your behalf.**

Safety on the Trek 

Altitude: Although this is not a particularly high altitude trek, there are days when you will be trekking and sleeping at over 3,000 m / 9,842.5 ft so you should pay attention to your body.

Our guides are trained in first aid and in recognising signs of altitude so do not hesitate to inform them if you are feeling unwell. Symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, and headaches.

Getting lost: Getting lost is easy in the mountains as the trails are never as straight forward as they seem.  In remote areas there are very few signs showing the location of the next settlement.  Do not head off without informing your guide.

Water: Only drink the water provided by the kitchen tent or from clear springs which you can treat yourself.  If in doubt, ask your guide. An upset stomach will ruin your trek.

Tips for Safety on the Trek:

Some basic tips on safety are:

• Bring trekking poles for stabilizing yourself on risky /  slippery / steep trails.
• Do not go off on your own at the rest/ overnight stops without telling your guide.
• Drink at least 4 ltrs of water per day so as to stay hydrated.
• Do not skip meals as you need to keep your energy up.  Energy boosting bars or nuts are handy for the times when you feel you want to skip lunch.   
• Do tell your guide if you feel at all unwell. 
• Have the correct insurance – purchased before you come.
• Wear the correct gear. Bring waterproof gear in case of rain or snowfall even when it’s not forecast as the weather is unpredictable in the mountains.
• Bring your own regular medicines and a medical kit.
• Pay attention to the guide in tricky or dangerous areas. 
• Don’t provoke the animals – including yaks and/ or mules carrying goods.

Expenses You Should Calculate For

Included in the cost of the trek is the accommodation, the transport, your guide, your camp chef, the porters, and your food.   You have nothing else to pay to us on the trail.  You may wish to have a few rupees with you for daily use, and of course you will need money to tip the trekking crew and guide.

There may be monasteries / gompas you wish to visit.  It is normal to make a donation when visiting, say between Rs200-500 per visit.

There are not many places to purchase items on this trek.  We suggest you do bring a few Nepali rupees for things like soft drinks, tea or snacks if there is anywhere to buy them. Around USD 5 – 10 per day in Nepali rupees is enough.  

What is Included and Not Included in the Cost of Your Trek

Transport: Public transport to the starting point and public transport on the return journey at the end of your trek.  

Accommodation: Tents, and sleeping mats are provided.

Food: At the camp site you will get breakfast, dinner,  and afternoon snacks.  You will also get a packed lunch to eat on the trail.

Permits: The permit required for this trek is included in the cost of your trip.

Tips: Tips are not included in the cost of your trek.  Please calculate the tips for your guide and porters.  Tips can be in Nepali rupees or other currencies.

Before you come expenses:  .

• Trekking / camping gear, good  trekking boots.
• Flight ticket, visa fee, and insurance. 

Tipping the Guide, Chef and Porters

It is the norm to tip your guide and porters on treks to show your appreciation of the amazing people who help make your trek enjoyable and comfortable. 

Please be aware,  100% of your tips go to the staff. 

We suggest the following:

• Tip the guide 10% of your trip cost. 
• For the porters  it is normal to tip around a total of USD150  for each porter.
• For the chef, please tip USD200.

The tips for the guide and crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip i.e. if you are three trekkers, then you pay USD50 each per porter. 

Transport Options

Included in the price of your trek is transport by public bus.

Should you wish to travel by private jeep please ask us about the cost. 

Traveling by private jeep is more comfortable, quicker and enables you to make stops at the places you want to stop at. 

Why Book with Magical Nepal

Diversity – Equality – Inclusion: Keys to a Great Experience

We at Magical Nepal are a team of highly trained travel enthusiasts.  

We started Magical Nepal in 2015 and pride ourselves in growing a great team. From our climbing guides, trek guides, and liaison staff to our camp staff, porters and camp chef, we all love to explore and travel in the Nepal Himalayas. We also love to introduce our beautiful country to our clients.

We are committed to human dignity, security, and safety for all – for our clients and for the communities we visit. We are also committed to the environmental sustainability of the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas.

We also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and a price guarantee – if you can find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it – guaranteed.

Please check the reviews from our past clients to see what they say about us.

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