Ruby valley Trek

Duration

16 Days

Difficulty

Strenuous

Max. altitude

4720 M

Group Size

2-12

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best season

March-June/September-November

Overview and Highlights

The Ruby valley or also often known as the Rupina La Pass Trek is a journey deep into nature, where you immerse yourself in the vast wilderness and experience the solitude far away from modernity. The trek traverses the 4720-meter-high pass called the Rupina La.

The Manasalu region of Nepal is one of the most mysterious places in Nepal. This region was cut off from the outside world for a long period. In recent years only it has only been made open to the general public. Due to this reason, there is still a lot to explore and a lot to see in it.

The Rupina La Trek takes place in the revered Manasalu region, and this trek will take you through the mysterious civilizations that are found here. The villages here have their ancient form of Nature Worshipping (Shamanism and Animism), Buddhism, and the silent hills & mountains that cover the horizon are something to admire. Observe the enigmatic Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, walk on the delightful chorten-laded trails, and mount the Rupina La pass to truly understand the meaning of thrill and adventure.

The journey to the 16-day Ruby valley Trek starts from Kathmandu, and after you indulge in a quick sightseeing tour of the valley, you find yourself on a bus that leads you to Barpak. This village was adversely affected by the 2015 earthquake, but in recent years, it has recovered from it. The trek now takes us to Gar Kharka, which is a grazing ground for the sheep. The route leads us along narrow paths and small streams. The green ambiance comes to life with the chirping of birds and the occasional hustle of wild animals. We take a quick break at Roshe Kharka, and after taking advice from the locals, we head to Rupina La Phedi. The trail sees a gradual rise in elevation, but we can mount it slowly and steadily. The road to high camp goes through Sanrung Kharka, and the next day, we cross the Rupina La, which sits at an altitude of 4720 meters above sea level.

The pass is slippery and windy, but can be crossed with supervision. From the summit, admire the gorgeous view of the snow-capped mountains like Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Then we will slowly move towards villages like Nyak, Philim, and Dobhan. Along the way, you can observe the ruins of the Khampa people who once inhabited these parts. We now enter the opening parts of the Manaslu region, and once we arrive at Maccha Khola, we can see the small settlements and observe the roaring Budi Gandaki River. An 8-9-hour ride from here will take you to Kathmandu via Arughat, and there, this journey will end.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

Transfer to Hotel

Driving: 30–45 minutes

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative of Cairn Nepal Trek & Expedition and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the lively streets of Thamel.

Accomodation: Hotel

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation

Sightseeing & Trek Preparation (1,350 m)

Spend the day visiting Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check.

Day 3: Drive to Barpak (1915 M)

Drive to Barpak (1,915 m)

Driving: 5-6hours

A scenic drive follows the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Rivers before climbing into the beautiful Gurung village of Barpak, famous for its traditional stone houses and panoramic Himalayan views.

Elevation Gain: +565 m
Elevation Loss:

Day 4: Trek to Gar Kharka (2900 M)

Trek to Gar Kharka (2,900 m)

Walking: 6–7 hours

The trail climbs steadily through forests of pine and rhododendron before emerging into alpine meadows. Magnificent views of Ganesh Himal and surrounding ridges accompany today’s walk.

Elevation Gain: +985 m
Elevation Loss: Approx. -100 m

Day 5: Trek to Roshe Kharka (3100 M)

Trek to Roshe Kharka (3,100 m)

Walking: 5–6 hours

Today’s route traverses beautiful high pastures, grazing lands, and scattered yak shelters. As the tree line fades, wide mountain panoramas become increasingly impressive.

Elevation Gain: +200 m
Elevation Loss: Approx. -50 m

Day 6: Trek to Rupina La Phedi (3440 M)

Trek to Rupina La Phedi (3,440 m)

Walking: 5–6 hours

Continue ascending through rugged alpine terrain toward the base camp of Rupina La Pass. The landscape becomes increasingly wild with spectacular views of Baudha Himal.

Elevation Gain: +340 m
Elevation Loss:

Day 7: Trek to Sanrung Kharka High Camp (3800 M)

Trek to Sanrung Kharka High Camp (3,800 m)

Walking: 4–5 hours

A shorter trekking day allows gradual acclimatization before crossing the pass. The afternoon offers time to rest and enjoy stunning alpine scenery.

Elevation Gain: +360 m
Elevation Loss:

Day 8: Trek to Baudha Himal Base Camp (3600 M) via Rupina La ( 4720 M)

Trek to Baudha Himal Base Camp (3,600 m) via Rupina La Pass (4,720 m)

Walking: 8–9 hours

Today is the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek. A steep climb reaches Rupina La Pass (4,720 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Baudha Himal, Ganesh Himal, and surrounding peaks. After celebrating at the summit, descend carefully over rocky slopes and alpine meadows to Baudha Himal Base Camp.

Elevation Gain: +920 m
Elevation Loss: -1,120 m

Day 9: Trek to Zhong Kharka (2960 M)

Trek to Zhong Kharka (2,960 m)

Walking: 6–7 hours

Descend through remote valleys, crossing streams and yak pastures before reaching the peaceful grazing settlement of Zhong Kharka.

Elevation Gain: Approx. +150 m
Elevation Loss: -790 m

Day 10: Trek to Nyak (2340 M)

Trek to Nyak (2,340 m)

Walking: 6 hours

The trail descends through dense forests of bamboo, pine, and rhododendron, eventually reaching the traditional village of Nyak along the Budhi Gandaki Valley.

Elevation Gain: Approx. +100 m
Elevation Loss: -720 m

Day 11: Trek to Philim (1570 M)

Trek to Philim (1,570 m)

Walking: 5–6 hours

Follow the Budhi Gandaki River through picturesque villages and cultivated terraces before arriving at the large Gurung village of Philim.

Elevation Gain: Approx. +150 m
Elevation Loss: -920 m

Day 12: Trek to Dobhan (1070 M)

Trek to Dobhan (1,070 m)

Walking: 6 hours

The trail continues downhill through lush forests, waterfalls, and suspension bridges before reaching the riverside settlement of Dobhan.

Elevation Gain: Approx. +100 m
Elevation Loss: -600 m

Day 13: Trek to Lapubesi (885M)

Trek to Lapubesi (885 m)

Walking: 5–6 hours

Enjoy an easier day following the Budhi Gandaki River through subtropical forests and terraced farmland to the charming village of Lapubesi.

Elevation Gain: Approx. +120 m
Elevation Loss: -305 m

Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M)

Drive to Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Driving: 5-6 hours

Leave the mountains behind and drive along the Budhi Gandaki and Trishuli Rivers back to Kathmandu. Celebrate the successful completion of your adventure in the evening.

Elevation Gain: +465 m
Elevation Loss: Minor

Day 15: Free day

Free Day in Kathmandu

Enjoy a leisurely day for shopping, relaxing, optional sightseeing, or exploring Kathmandu’s vibrant markets and cafés.

Day 16: Final Departure

Departure with unforgettable memories

INCLUSIVES

All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.

Domestic flights as described in the program.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast Bed & Breakfast.
Accommodation during the trek in comfortable teahouses/lodges as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea with biscuits is served upon arrival at each lodge whenever available.
An experienced English-speaking or French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide throughout the trip. A French-speaking guide is guaranteed for groups of four or more participants.
A complete trekking team, including a licensed guide, one assistant guide for groups of four or more participants, and one porter for every two trekkers.
Porter or animal services for transporting luggage during the trek where required.
Luggage transport 13 kg maximum par person during the trek
All necessary trekking permits, national park entry fees, and restricted area permits as applicable.
Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
Insurance coverage for all trekking staff.
All local and government taxes.

EXCLUSIVES

International flights.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal travel insurance, including medical expenses, emergency rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss.
Personal expenses, including drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and trekking equipment.
Sleeping bag rental available for approximately USD 1–2 per day if required.
Any services not specifically mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Airport transfers if you have arranged your international flights independently or if you arrive or depart on dates different from the rest of the group.

Personal Expenses at your own cost

Nepal tourist visa fee, payable upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu: approximately USD/EUR 5–10 per meal.
Optional sightseeing entrance fees for temples, monasteries, and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley: approximately USD/EUR 15–25 per person, depending on the sites visited.
Optional if someone rental horse for crossing high mountain passes with feeling difficulty: approximately USD 150, payable locally.
Hot showers in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per shower.
Wi-Fi and battery charging in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per use.
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.

Tips

Tipping is a long-standing tradition in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by the local trekking team. At the end of the trek, it is customary to offer a collective tip to the guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service. Our staff receive fair wages, so tipping is entirely voluntary and should reflect your level of satisfaction with the services provided. As a general guideline, we recommend allowing USD/EUR 40–60 per participant per week for tips. Before your trek begins, your guide will be happy to provide advice on how to distribute gratuities fairly among the team.