Ruby Valley and Ganesh Himal Trek

6,788 Reviews

Region

Remote Area Trek

Duration

14 Days

Max Altitude

3842m

Best Season

Feb, Mar, April, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.

Activity Per Day

4-6 Hrs Walking

Transportation

Tourist Bus, Private Car

Grade

2 moderate

Min Group Size

2 people

Overview

Want to experience the remote area trekking of Nepal's Himalayas, but don't have enough time? Then this Ganesh Himal- Gorkha Trek could be for you, with dramatic nature passing through a number of unspoiled villages, unbelievable culture and magnificent mountain view. 

Ganesh Himal- Gorkha trek and Ruby Valley trek, which we call nature trek, lies on the central region of Nepal and Northern side of Kathmandu. This treks offer breathtaking views, pristine natural splendor, and the opportunity to interact with numerous ethnic groups.

 

Route to Ruby Valley and Ganesh Himal Trek

The trek begins after driving to Syabrubensi from Katmandu. It crosses foothills and lowland terraces through higher elevated ethnic Tamang villages.

The hike offers magnificent views over the Himalayan Ganesh, Langtang, Buddha Himal, Juncku and other Central Himalayan peaks along the trail.

The Pangsang Pass is at 3850 m, the highest elevation in this trek. This pass is also one of the best points of view on the hike. Ganesh Himal Trek and Ruby Valley is a fully homestay trek. The trip ends when you return to your hotel in Kathmandu.

 

Highlights of Ruby Valley and Ganesh Himal Trek

  • Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city
  • Scenic drive to Betrawati
  • Magnificient Ganesh Himal Range, Manasalu Range
  • Can see real nepali lifestyle and culture
  • Tradirional Gatlang village 
  • Natural hotspring in Chalish

Outline Itinerary ( 14 Days )

  • 1

    Arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer to Hotel

    Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, representative will be picked up from airport then you will be transferred to a hotel for check in. Overnight stay at Himalayan Suite hotel. (B)

    Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
    Meal: Dinner
    Activity: Orientation Program

  • 2

    Full day Kathmandu Sightseeing tour

    Kathmandu sightseeing (Swoyambunath Stupa, Pashupati Nath Temple, Bouddhanath and Patan Durbar Square). Overnight at Himalayan Suite Hotel. (B)

    Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
    Meal: Breakfast
    Activity: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

  • 3

    Kathmandu to ShyabruBesi 1503M ,8-9 hrs drive

    Taking local bus early in the morning or a private four wheel drive journey from Kathmandu reaches Shyabru Besi, gateway to the Langtang Valley at the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Langtang Rivers. Mesmerizing scenic driving and passing through Trisuli Bazaar, Ramche Gaon and Dhunche Bazaar makes you full of fun driving. Narrow and bit adventurous zig zags road but amazing landscape along the way driving will make you good start day drive of the trek. Overnigth at Guest House (B.L.D)

    Accommodation: Guest House
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Drive 8-9 hrs
    Altitude: 1503m

  • 4

    Shyabru Besi to Chawatar (lunch) to Gatlang 2337M, 5- 6 hrs hike

    A dirt track zig-zags to the west up to Bahun Danda Pass and then down to the Tamang settlement of Gatlang, a cornerstone village on the Tamang Heritage Trail or hike to Gatlang by way of Chawatar. Gatlang is a Tamang village with unique customs and craftsmanship in a magnificent setting. Above lies Parvati Kund, popular during Janai Purnima when thousands of pilgrims are attracted to the sacred pond and nearby temple. Overnight at  Guest  House (B.L.D)

    Accommodation: Guest house
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 2337m

  • 5

    Gatlang to Parvati Kunda, Yuri Kharka (lunch) to Somdang 6-7 hrs

    The trail ascends through pine and rhododendron forest to a lunch point of Yuri Kharka before continuing to Khurphu Bhanjyang and then dropping down to the Somdang River, border between Rasuwaa and Dhading districts. A sprawling mining compound, no longer functioning but seem locals appealing government to revive it, lies a few hours to the north upriver. The hike passes through a scenic valley featuring the 200 m Chukarma Waterfall. The former mine leaves a lot be explored and is the site of a 1.4 km tunnel bored into the mountain to extract zinc, copper, tin, crystal and even highly-prized rubies. Overnight at Family House (B.L.D)

    Accommodation: Family House
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 6-7 Hours
    Altitude: 3271m

  • 6

    Somdang to Pangsang (aka, Pangsang) Pass (La) 3842M, 3 ½ hrs

    Pangsang Kharka is a viewpoint southwest of Somdang village with a broad panorama of the surrounding terrain. To the north are the soaring peaks of Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range. The large meadow is graced with a giant entry gateway and is a sensational location for camping and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The whole Ganesh Himal region is blessed with abundant herbal plants. Previously, herbs were taken to Tibet along an ancient trade route and exchanged for salt, livestock, wool and turquoise. This hill/danda/pass is known as one of the most beautiful and the best magnificent mountain views point almost in 270 degrees Langtang ragnes, Ganesh Himal ranges, Manaslu ranges and bit of Annapurna ranges mountain view point. So far tea house has not developed yet so highly recommended to have own tent however local yak hut can be used as a service shelter can be used for a night but again dry fruits/food is recommended for a night. Overnight at Family House (B.L.D)

    Accommodation: Family House
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 3842m

  • 7

    Pangsang Pass to Tipling (lunch) – Shertung /Chalish 1875M, 5-6 hrs

    Descend to Tipling, a large village that hosts two Buddhist gombas and both a Protestant and Catholic church. Along a ridge top to the east is a gomba and cremation ground for both Buddhists and Christians lined with colorful flags. Descend to cross the Adha Khola on a box bridge and ascend to the sister villages of Shertung and Chalish, regally overlooking the fertile river valley and abundant fields. Shertung is inhabited mainly by Tamang. The name Shertung means 'place of gold'. According to a legend , two brothers in search of gold were led here by a dream and thus the settlement was born. Chalish is inhabited primarily by Gurung, Ghale and Kami. There used to be Newar people too but they have migrated to Kathmandu city. Overnight at Family House (B.L.D)

    Accommodation: Family House
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 1875m

  • 8

    Chalish to Hindung lunch and Neber Gaon 2220m , 6 hrs

    After breakfast say goodbye to locals and trek down to Khar Khola and then trek gently up to Pasabar danda taking about an hour walk. View of Tribeni river (mixed of three rivers and Hindus and both Buddhist believe as a holy river site) just down in the valley where Lord Shiva's statue with little one stoned shrine has built. Specially in Makarsankranti festival local gather and celebrate singing, dancing and meeting friends and relatives as well as neighbors village kith and ken. From Pasabar danda trek gently uphill hill and reach at Kalbarang (just the small kharka name but no village at all) trek continue to hill edge walk and dense jungle ( there is a chance rock fall from top of the hill due to inhabitant of wildlife so careful walking with your trek guide or helper is highly recommended) and finally reach at Hindung village where huge number of Tamang people live. It is a Tamang village of around 550 inhabitants. Crystals and rubies are harvested in areas to the north and yarsagumba is hunted, too, in the surrounding highlands. Take lunch in Hindung and trek down to Hindung Khola and then trek uphill to Neber Gaon walking about 2 ½ hours. Over night at Family House (B.L.D).

    Accommodation: Family House
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 2220m

  • 9

    Neber to hot springs to Kupchyat 2066m/ 5 hrs

    Trek down hill to Tatopani (hot srpings0 where enjoy your half day bath and then the trail onward follows stone steps built by Kadoorie Agri Aid Association and British Gurkhas of Nepal. Both organizations are active in this area and responsible for building many water taps, bridges and improved trails. Pass through Tir on the way to welcoming Racyat and Kapur villages. Finally arrive in Kupchyat village .Overnight at Family House (B L D)

    Accommodation: Family House
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 2066m

  • 10

    Kupchyat to Khading – Lapa Gaon 2025m/ 6660 Ft 4-5 hrs

    Trek to Khading village where you will see the big community of Gurung people having their own beautiful culture. While you will be waiting your lunch explore Khading gaon and after lunch trek down to Lapa Gaon which is a big Tamang village of the area where you will enjoy having Tamang culture.Overnight at Family House (B L D)

    Accommodation: Chawatar
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 4-5 Hours
    Altitude: 2025m

  • 11

    Lapa Gaon – Borang (lunch) - Jharlang (Ungul) 3000M, 5-6 hrs

    After breakfast trek down to Ankhu khola having its beautiful water fall and then trek continue bit uphill to Borang village where stop for lunch and then trek continue to to Ukhum for lunch. After lunch trek continue to Lishne jungle, cross suspension bridge, passing through Chhapchyat village you finally get to Jharlang village (Ungul). One of the best and panoramic mountain view point of the area. This is Tamang village and belongs nearly 200 houses. Overnight at Family House (B L D)

    Accommodation: Family House
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 3000m

  • 12

    Jharlang (Ungul) – Kuri lunch – Khaniyabas 1785m/ 7-8 hrs

    Take breakfast at the same place and trek all the way down Jharlang Pahiro (Jharlang landslide) where takes about an hour to cross. It used to be dangerous but not only seasonal specially in monsoon you have to be very careful and in both season cross this landslide with your experience local trek guide porter. Continue trek don hill to Dungre Khola about 1 ½ hours down hill walking. cross suspension bridge and uphill walking about 2 ½ hours to get to Kuri Village. This is also a Tamang village lies right on the top of the hill from where you will see the beautiful surrounding landscape. There is no village or tea shops in between camp point to Kuri village so some snacks or dry fruits will be very useful to carry with you. A bottle of boiled water will be very useful. From the river uphill walking will be in the thick jungle so local guide or experience trek guide is highly recommended. After lunch trek continued having mesmerizing surrounding landscape, Brichet village and finally arrive at Khaniyabas Village which is known from the its VDC Satya Devi. Its about 2 ½ hours walk from lunch spot and Satya Devi has several local lodge/tea shops for local and trekkers. On the clear weather day you will have the best and breath taking sun set views. Ankhu river views and Todke hill in horizon gives you magnificent landscape. Tamang, Bhramin and Dalit people live in Khaniyabas. On the clear weather day Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges will be viewed in panaromic way. Overnight at Family House (B L D)

    Accommodation: Chawatar
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
    Altitude: 1875m

  • 13

    Khaniyabas to Kathmandu via Dhading Bensi/ 6-7 hrs drive

    After breakfast drive back to Dhadning besi via off road enjoing scenic drive and after Lunch back to Kathmandu and enjoy spa (Sauna, Steam, Jacuzzi ). Overnight at Himalayan Suite Hotel (B)

    Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
    Meal: Breakfast
    Activity: 6-7hrs

  • 14

    International Departure or join other trip

    After breakfast transfer to airpoirt for your Departure or join other trip

    Meal: Breakfast

Include

  • Airport pick up and drop
  • Three star catagory hotel in Kathmandu( Himalayan Suite Hotel or similar category) in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
  • Fooding, lodging, insurance and other expenses of trekking crew
  • All meals (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner ) and lodging for the clients in trek days
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • Necessary equipments ( Jackets sleeping bag and trekking pole) during the trek.
  • Necessary permits for the trek (TIMS Card and National park fee)
  • Transportation by sharing jeep or bus (KTM-Sebubensi-Khaniyabas-KTM)
  • Thirty minute special massage in Himalayan Suite Spa

Exclude

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. (Meal costs about 5$ - 8$ dollar per item depending on the place where you eat)
  • Personal equipment and clothing
  • International flight ticket (We can help you to book)
  • Your travel insurance (Compulsory)
  • City sightseeing monuments entrance fee (NPR 250+400+1000+1000)

Departures Dates

Trip Dates Trip Costs Actions

Travel and Transportation Modes

On Land: Touring to and from city destinations is done on a private vehicle such as a car, jeep or microbus. Luxury tourist buses, which are only hired by the company for the most part, make the long distance travel. You will may have to take a public bus on some trip, but you do not need to worry about your protection or comfort because you ride with our guides and support staff in a group.

This Tour with HSJ

Guides and Porters

Our local Nepali team is one of the most experienced, hospitable and respected trekking outfits in Nepal. The team is fully licensed and affiliated with the Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Tourism Board, Govt. of Nepal, Sustainable Tourism Network, Himalayan Rescue Association and Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project. You will be provided with the professional and an experienced English speaking trekking guide with the good knowledge of the place and the trek. The trekking crew is skilled with the experience of over 10 years, well-trained, friendly guide and, courteous and helpful porters, assured of a wonderfully memorable experience.

For the trek, we'll have one porter for two people as per group size. The porter will carry 12-15 kg per person luggage during the trek. You need to carry your day pack to keep your personal belongings such as wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snack, headlight, gadgets, etc. The safety and concerns of our porters is our collective responsibility. We take our responsibilities towards them and their safety concerns strictly. On your part, please carry only things that are of absolute necessities.

Other Programs and complimentary services with this trip

• Welcome and Farewell dinner

• Yoga Classes

• Spa services

How do we make sure you get the best experience of this trek?

We are your completely flexible travel partner. Want to follow different route? We have you covered. Have extra time in Nepal? Excellent! We have more add-on tours like Chitwan Jungle Safari, Cable Car ride to Chandragiri hills, Cooking and Yoga classes in Kathmandu and so on. Would like to customize the trip? Well, why not? Give us your ideas and we will prepare complete itinerary for you. Do you want to use different standard of accommodations than provided in the itineraries? Of course! You absolutely can. From your arrival until you departure, your wishes are our command. Feel free to make the request.

Last minute booking

It is best to book in advance but for those who cannot, for whatever reason, make a last minute reservation special arrangement for Himalayan Social Journey. In the case of last minute reservation, 100% tour payment will be approved within 24 hours. We try to operate a trek at any time but we are not liable for the delay in case of last-minute reservation, because of uncontrolled changes such as weather and the availability of accommodation.

Feedbacks

Throughout the years of business, we have always put the customers feedback as our inspiration towards making our company great travel partner. With many ups and downs, and good and not so good feedbacks we have reached where we are now. At the end of the trek, while you are with the crew during farewell dinner, we would appreciate if you give us your valuable feedback, account of good and bad experiences, recommendations and also your honest rating to our trip advisor page.

Important Information

Difficulty Level of the trek

You should not have to go through this unexplored region during your first few days of trekking. You will, however, have to cross Pangsang La Pass at an altitude of 3,850 meters above sea level during your third trek day. you will be saddened by altitude. 

The route is not that difficult after passing Pangsang La. You have to go up and down several hills along the way. This walk should also be graded as mildly difficult.

Lodging and foods

Twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu is organized on the BB Plan, except the additional cost of the single supplement (in accordance with the availability of the rooms) in accordance with the hotel standard before and after the trek. Accommodation will be arranged during the excursion in home stays with unheated rooms with twin share of wooden beds and foam mattresses. The trekkers would share toilet facilities and washrooms. If you are a solo traveler you will have to share a room with the same-sex trekker.

Basic food options of Nepali style will be available. Both resting camps have tea houses that serve simple food so you don't have to go hungry. But you will not have a menu that you want to choose a variety of cuisines. Tea House serves simple foods such as 'Dal Bhat' and fried rice, chow mein, and eggs. Ask the owner of the tea house for a selection of food and you will have to pick a small option. You can bring frozen or dried foods if you have specific dietary requirements.

Network and communication while on trek

The lodges will have some extra service for the use of the internet service. When we reach a high altitude, the connection should be done via the telephone for safety. You will contact your family and friends through the lodge. We will contact Our representative to know if all of our valued clients know that  all well, happy and safe at least once a day to make sure you 're okay.

For every type of help during the walk, you are always connected with the HSJ office.Depending on the type of network that you use, and not very strong as you reach high altitude.Wi-Fi connection are not reliable and would incur extra cost wherever available to access it.

Electricity and Charging Options on the trail

The hiking path is easily controlled by electricity. Some towns have electric cables for several hours a day, while the others have solar lights (although there are very few areas to power their devices). Headlights are definitely useful. You can charge your devices at the places you spend overnight. 

Drinking water on the trek

Drinking directly from natural sources is not of any issue for local residents and members of the team. Before drinking, we recommend using a water filter or purification tablets.

Bottled water is available to buy, but it is not eco safe and too costly. You can fill your bottle with plenty of water re-supplies.

We advise you to carry additional water bottle for cold and warm water. Daytime in the tea houses, you will fill your glass with cold or warm water. In both camps there are many places to replenish your drink.

Obtaining Trekking Permits

TIMS and Permits required for the treks will be obtained by the company for all the clients. 

Insuring your security

A little proactive and reactive preparedness is needed for trekking in all himalayan region of Nepal. The high mountains are not an place for a casual tour, because dangerous diseases and other accidents can arise accidental. Before you start the trek, make sure that you insured against this incident. Travel insurance is also a part of a Himalayan Social Journey reservation agreement. A comprehensive travel insurance policy is a minimum required in order to join the Ganesh Himal and Ruby Valley trek, including for helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses for high-altitude trekkers, to cover medical and emergence repatriation.

Luggage limit per person

Often this depends on the trek and the maximum altitude gain. Each porter carries between 15 and 30 kg on average in the mountain region for trekking. There is up to 40 kg of a camping pack. We usually assign one porter to our two trekkers.  15 kg of luggage is allowed per person on the trek. The health of our porter crew is strictly guaranteed.

Best time to do this trek

As every other road in Nepal, it is the perfect time to travel to theRuby Valley and Ganesh Himal trek in autumn-September- October-November and spring-March-May. The air is open and the temperatures cool for both seasons.

Spring is hot and sunny, and snowfall is often heavy. You should normally encounter snow and ice on high passes. And with breathtaking mountain scenery, much of the sky is dark. The temperature begins to increase as the summer approaches. The full bloom of wildflowers and rhododendron flowers arrives in countless colours: this season is filled in greenery.

List of Equipments you will need for trek

Clothing

  • Trekking boots
  • Short-sleeved Trekking shirts
  •  Trekking pants and jackets
  •  Thermals underwear
  •  Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
  • Insulating down jackets
  • Woolen cap
  • Trekking Gloves
  •  Raincoats

 

First Aid

  • Diamox tablets
  • Sanitary pads / Tampons
  • Anti-nausea Medicines
  • Band-aids
  • Mosquito and insect repellents

 

Toiletries

  • Soap
  • Toilet Paper
  • Shampoo
  • Sunscreen
  • Moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer

 

Accessories

  •  Sunglasses
  •  Sleeping bag
  • Cameras
  • Batteries
  •  Water Bottle
  • Solar Chargers
  •  Hot water Thermos
  •  

Important Documents

  • Passport
  • Travel Permits

Yes, Himalayan Social Journey is flexible travel partner. It is possible to organize the private trip or private group trip to Manaslu. The minimum people for the group is 2 however supplementary charge will be applicable for the solo traveler wanting to do private trip.

Supplementary charge will be applicable for the solo traveler wanting to do private trip. You will also have the option to share the room with another solo traveler depending on your and their consent and interest. Even if you pay supplementary charge for the single room, it is possible that during peak seasons you will end up sharing rooms due to lack of availability of the room.

No, the company does not provide trekking poles, you will have to manage it on your own or our guide can help you buy it when you are in Nepal. The pair of trekking poles cost from $10-$15.

Yes, we do provide sleeping bags. The sleeping bags we provide are of good quality. They help you sustain the colder climate in Nepali mountains up to -25 degree Celsius of temperature. However if you need the one of your own, you can buy one here. Your guide shall assist you to get it here. Keep the track of the weather forecast of the area and pack your clothes accordingly. This would help you be prepared for the type of weather Nepali Mountains are accustomed to.

FAQ's

There are three ways to get a visa for Nepal

  • Visa on arrival: You can get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or other designated entry points. The visa fee is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days.
  • Online application: You can apply for a visa online through the Nepal Immigration website. https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np .The visa fee is the same as for visa on arrival.
  • Nepalese Embassy or Consulate: You can also apply for a visa at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa fee may be different, so check with the embassy or consulate.

Visa requirements

  • Passport valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Nepal.
  • Visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo (Bring 4 )

Gratis Visa (Visa for Free)

Gratis Visa is issued free of cost in case of following categories of Visa applicants:

  • Children below 10 years except US citizens
  • Up to 30 days for SAARC Citizen - Bangladesh , Bhutan, India , Maldives , Pakistan , Sri-Lanka  (except Afghanistan) visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa Year. Afghan citizen are eligible for Gratis Visa on Arrival only upon the recommendation of Department of Immigration. If you are an Afghan citizen, you can request concerned institution inviting you to Nepal for necessary paperwork with Department of Immigration to get you Gratis Visa 'On Arrival'.
  • Non Residential Nepalese(NRN) card holder ( issued by MoFA /Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad)
  • Chinese Nationals for 150 days

Nationals of following countries are requested to acquire Visa prior their arrival from their nearby Diplomatic missions (Embassies/consulates) of Nepal Government.

  1. NigeriaGhana
  2. Zimbabwe
  3. Swaziland
  4. Cameroon
  5. Somalia
  6. Liberia
  7. Ethiopia
  8. Iraq
  9. Palestine
  10. Afghanistan
  11. Syria
  12. Refugees with travel document

If your passport is not valid for at least six months, you will need to renew your passport before you travel to Nepal. You can renew your passport at your local passport office. The process of renewing your passport can take several weeks, so it is important to start the process early.

By air:

Nepal has Three international airports: Kathmandu, Bhairawa, and Pokhara. Currently, Pokhara airport does not handle international flights. However, there are a few flights to Bhairawa from few countries. The main international airport in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), located in Kathmandu. You can search TIA airport to book your International flight.

By land: There are multiple land entry points along the borders of Nepal, India, and China. These entry points include Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, and Kerung(china boarder)

If you've booked a multiday tour or trekking package with Himalayan Social Journey, we'll pick you up from the airport. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be there to greet you with a sign displaying your name and our company's name. We'll then take you to your pre-booked hotel.

To make the pick-up process smooth, kindly share your flight details, including flight number and arrival time. If there are any changes to your arrival plans, please inform us as soon as possible so we can arrange your pick-up accordingly. Travel with us for a hassle-free experience!

Please keep this thing in your mind that there are some airport touts and scam artists who take advantage of tourists. They might offer to carry your luggage and they want a large amount of money. Sometimes they intimidate our drivers and even take away their signs. Anyway...if you want someone to help you with your luggage you can give them NOT MORE THAN 1 - 2 DOLLARS. This is a small hassle that tourists sometimes face upon arrival at the airport. Do not stress about this but just be aware not to give more than a few dollars for their luggage handling if you choose to take someone's services. Nepalese in general are very kind and hospitable people.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Major foreign currencies such as USD, AUD, and EURO are accepted for VISA.

There are plenty of ATMs in these major cities, so you can easily withdraw cash from your foreign currency bank account. Credit cards are also accepted in some shops and restaurants, but they are not as widely accepted as cash.

On the trek, you will only need to use Nepali rupees. You can exchange your foreign currency for Nepali rupees at your hotel, money exchanges, or the airport. Himalayan Social Journey representatives will also be happy to help you exchange money.

If you have booked a trekking or multi-day tour with Himalayan Social Journey, the orientation meeting usually happens at your Kathmandu hotel around 4 or 5 pm. Our team will provide you with the specific details upon your arrival.

If you're arriving early or leaving late, please ensure to arrange extra hotel accommodations by contacting reser[email protected]. Let us know if you'll be extending your stay in Nepal, and we'll book your additional nights. Also, kindly share your flight details with us to facilitate a smooth pick-up and drop process.

When you book a trip with us, the standard accommodation arrangement is on a twin-sharing basis. This means two people will be staying in each room throughout the trip. However, if you prefer to have a room to yourself or if you're traveling alone, you can choose the "single supplement" option. By selecting this option, you'll have a private room during the trip, but please note that there will be an additional cost for the single room arrangement according to tour / trek.

For each tour date, there will be several separate groups, each with a maximum of 14 people and their own experienced English-speaking guide. During the trek, there will be a suitable number of porters available to carry your luggage. Additionally, if you prefer to do a private tour or trek with your own group, that is also possible. 

Nepal has five main seasons: summer, monsoon, spring, autumn, and winter. Each season offers unique experiences and weather conditions.

Winter (Late Dec - Feb): Cold temperatures, great for festival tours and special highlights.

Spring (Mar - May): Magical rhododendron blooms, ideal for trekking and peak climbing.

Monsoon (Jun - Aug): Low season with rain, but perfect for nature lovers and discounts on hotels.

Autumn (Sep - Nov): Peak season, clear weather, and popular trekking regions fill up fast.

You can check the live weather condition via this website https://www.accuweather.com

The hotel in Kathmandu where you'll stay during the trip offers complimentary storage services. You can leave your luggage and extra clothing that you won't need for the trekking / tour. Rest assured, you can collect them once the trek and tour are over.

Don't forget to bring both TWO and THREE-pin travel adapters! If you don't have them, you can purchase them at supermarkets or electronic shops in Kathmandu. Our guide will be there to assist you if needed. You can get information about plug and voltage in below link.

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/nepal/

Most places in Nepal are covered by mobile network providers, especially Ncell and Nepal Telecom. You can use data services for communication. You can buy a SIM card at the airport counter. There are also free and paid Wi-Fi services in most tea houses in Nepal during trek.

Here are some tips for staying connected while you are in Nepal:

  • Buy a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Nepal. This will give you access to data services and allow you to make calls and send text messages.
  • Check the coverage map of your mobile network provider before you travel. This will help you to know where you can expect to have good reception.
  • If you are planning on visiting remote areas and need to be in connected on Internet , you may want to consider renting a satellite phone. This will give you access to communication even in areas with no mobile network coverage.
  • There are many free and paid Wi-Fi hotspots in Nepal. You can find these at hotels, tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and even some temples.

If you would like to book extra activities such as Paragliding, Bungy jump, Mountain flight, Heli Tour , Bhaktapur Sightseeing many more programs. You can find updated price and program detail in this link: https://hsj.com.np/tourtype/daytours. You can book by contacting us at [email protected] For longer excursions such as Bhutan, Tibet, India, and any other treks also, we can help but please contact us immediately at [email protected]

If you have purchased a voucher from any deal company, please come in contact with us with the voucher code (redemption code) so that the voucher can be redeemed on time. Since we need time to purchase your domestic air ticket and make other arrangements, kindly confirm your spot with your suitable date at-least 2 months prior to the commencement of the tour. Your booking on a particular tour date is subject to availability of spots. You can redeem you voucher through this link too : https://hsj.com.np/voucher-redemption

A typical suggestion for tipping is to allocate around USD 50-60 for the guide and porter if you're happy with their service. However, the amount you decide to tip is entirely up to you, and you can give whatever you feel is appropriate based on the excellent service they provided during your tour / trek

Packing List for Tour:

Pack appropriate clothing for the weather conditions during your visit. Include comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don't forget essential travel documents, a camera, and any necessary medications.

Packing List for Trekking

Hiking

  • Trekking Poles - 1
  • Daypack - 1
  • Backpack - 1
  • Packcover
  • Water Reservoir - 1

Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag - HSJ will provide
  • sleeping bag liner

Clothes

  • Underwear - 3
  • Socks - 3
  • Bra - 3
  • base Layers pant - 1
  • Trekking Tshirt - 3
  • Trekking Pants - 2
  • Rain Pants - 1
  • Hiking Shoes/ Boots - 1
  • Gloves - 1
  • Hat - 1
  • Down Jacket - 1
  • Wind Breaker - 1
  • Sandles -1

Miscellaneous

  • Sunglasses - 1
  • Books or E-reader (optional)

Hygene/Saftey

  • Microfiber towel - 1
  • Toothbrush - 1
  • Toothpaste - 1
  • First aid kit - 1
  • Medicine kit -1
  • sunscreen -1
  • sewing kit -1
  • Soap/shampoo - 1
  • Comb or brush - 1
  • Period supplies - 1
  • Toilet paper - 1
  • sanitising gel - 1

Electronices

  • Camera
  • Phone
  • Extranel Hardrive (optional )
  • Head touch
  • Power bank for charging Phone

Packing List for Climbing:

Clothing

  • Trekking boots
  • Short-sleeved trekking shirts
  • Trekking pants and jackets
  • Thermals underwear
  • Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
  • Insulating down jackets
  • Woolen cap
  • Trekking Gloves
  • Raincoats

First Aid

  • Diamox tablets
  • Sanitary pads and tampons
  • Anti-nausea Medicines
  • Band-aids
  • Mosquito and insect repellents

Toiletries

  • Soap
  • Toilet Paper
  • Shampoo
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cameras
  • Batteries
  • Water Bottle
  • Solar Chargers
  • Hot water thermos

Important Documents

  • Passport
  • Travel Permits

Peak climbing gears (HSJ will provide)

  • Climbing Helmet: Choose a good-quality climbing helmet. Make sure your warm cap fits under your helmet.
  • Climbing Boots: High-altitude, insulated, stiff-soled climbing boots.
  • Crampons: C2 crampons that fit the climbing boots.
  • Climbing Harness: Good-quality climbing harness.
  • Ascending device or Jumar
  • Descending or belay device
  • Tape sling: UIAA tested a 220cm open tape sling or a 2 x 120 cm closed tape sling.
  • Carabiners: 2 x lockable carabiners. 2 x non-locking carabiners
  • Prusik loop: Best quality Prusik loop
  • Ice ax: An ice ax with a wrist strap for climbing

 

If you cancel the trip for any reason, the 20% deposit amount will not be refunded. If you have paid the full trip amount and need to cancel, you will receive your money back, but a cancellation charge of 20% will still apply.

For voucher holders who purchased vouchers from deal companies, we must adhere to their cancellation policy. However, under both circumstances, we are flexible and can reschedule your trip for a later date. To cancel any trip, please make sure to provide written notification of your cancellation.

Sometimes travellers are unable to finish the scheduled trek/tour due to the various reasons or they ended up not completing the trek/tour for health or personal reasons. In this case please realize that we cannot offer you any refunds for unused days on the tour. You have to understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides , porters, drivers for the time they have committed.

Our commitment is to offer you an unforgettable journey with the best services. We take our responsibilities seriously and conduct all programs in Nepal according to the rules and regulations of Nepal Goverement. If needed, we can provide alternative itineraries for a delightful holiday experience. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We're here to help!