Tamang Heritage Trek 14 Days

Trip Facts

  • Destination Nepal

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
  • Cultural trek along Tamang Heritage Trail in Langtang Valley
  • Less-crowded trekking destination in Nepal
  • Centuries old monastery in Gatlang
  • Immerse in ethnic Tamang culture, life style
  • Up-close of view of gigantic Himalayan range including — Ganesh, Langtang, Gosainkunda
  • Biological diversity — wide varieties of flora, fauna
  • Exotic wildlife — troops of Grey Langur, threatened endangered Red panda
  • Homestay with local families to experience their daily lifestyles
  • Insight into remote lifestyle of people living in mountains
  • Trek as medium to support rural economy of local communities

Tamang Heritage Trek Overview

Tamang Heritage Trek is an experience of the culture of ethnic Tamang groups living in beautiful and picturesque villages throughout the diverse landscape on the lap of the Himalayas in the Langtang region. Tamang is one of the 101 ethnic groups in Nepal. The richness of Tamang culture and the hospitality they offer make the trek a unique experience.

The Tamang Heritage Trek provides the opportunity to experience the diversity of Tamang cultures. And heritage. Moreover, this 13-day trek also offers the opportunity to closely observe and explore nature, with the background of the Himalayas, hills, glaciers, rivers, lush vegetation, and wide varieties of flora and fauna in Langtang National Park.
The ancient religious monuments- Buddhist stupas, chortens, prayers wall, ancient Tamang monasteries, and prayer flags flapping in the wind — make the culturally rich and traditionally fascinating Tamang Heritage Trek a thrilling adventure near the Tibetan border.

Tamang Heritage Trek takes place in Langtang Valley, which is close to Kathmandu and extends to the Tibetan border in the north. Being the nearest Himalayan Park from Kathmandu, Langtang is the third most popular trekking destination among all protected areas in Nepal. From Kathmandu, the overland journey takes place through the hilly town of Dhunche to Syabrubesi. The drive offers a panorama of the country and farmlands with the background of Ganesh Himal. The foot trail begins from Syabrubesi, a beautiful village near the Trishuli River. From here, it takes six consecutive days of hiking from village to village to reach Langtang village, the core of the Tamang Heritage Trek. The entrance to each village is marked with prayer flags, chortens, and stupas.

Tamang Heritage Trek warms up with sightseeing at UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley. It is also an opportunity to experience the culture of local Newars in the valley. The centuries-old royal palace and temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square exhibit some of the finest examples of wood carving and devotion to Hindu deities. Gatlang is another Tamang village where you can explore the monastery and local houses. The Tamang Heritage Trek focuses on the experience of the unique cultures of the native Tamangs. 

The trekkers have options either to stay in a teahouse or a homestay. The trail on rough terrain wanders, passing by several villages, including, Thangbuchet and Chilime. There is also Tatopani (Natural hot spring). Taking a bath in the natural hot spring heals body aches and relieves muscular and joint pains. Moreover, it is beneficial for curing different skin diseases. After crossing Brimdang, an ascent to Nagthali at the height of 3,165m offers Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal in the background of green forests.

A Tamang settlement of Thuman is fascinating owing to its location surrounded by lush vegetation. On the way to Briddim, there is a famous historical fort ruin called 'Rasuwagadhi' near the border with China's Tibet. The trek permit does allow one to visit the site where the Sino-Nepalese War took place in 1792. The traditional stone houses and the fluttering prayer flags give a glimpse of Tibetan land. Staying with local families in Briddim offers insight into the lifestyle and culture of the Tamangs, who are the predominant inhabitants of the region. Witnessing the way of their life and local custom can be a lifetime experience.
The trail through the rhododendron forest passes by Khangjim village, Bhanjyang Gaon, Sherpa Gaon, Rimche village, and Lama Hotel. Most of the trek route in the Langtang region concurs at Lama Hotel, a popular stop. On the sixth day of the foot trail epic, the hiking continues passing by Ghoda Tabela (Horse Stable) to the Langtang Valley. The Langtang village is a unique and typical Tamang settlement enriched with traditional values and cultural heritage. The craftsmanship, dress, traditionally-built stone houses, and beautifully carved wooden porches reflect their rich Himalayan heritage.

The inhabitants of the Langtang Valley are thought to be descendants of Tibetans from Kyirong who intermingled with Tamangs from the Helambu area. People in this region are mainly sheep and yak herders, but they also grow some hardy grains and cultivate vegetables. The daily life of the villagers includes raising livestock, agriculture, and trade with Kyirong in Tibet. Wheat, maize, potato, soybean, and millet are their staple food. Kyangjin Gompa, the main monastery in the region, lies below the Langtang Lirung. Overnight stay in Kyangjin Gompa offers adequate time to explore local water mills, prayer wheels, chortens, and Mani wall, among other infrastructures.

With the exploration of the monastery, the Tamang Heritage Trek traces back through the beautiful rhododendron forest to Lama Hotel. The red panda on the IUCN red list of threatened species may be spotted in the park. The epic of the foot trail concludes at Syabrubesi. There is an overnight stay at Syabrubesi for the second time. The following day the overland journey takes one back to Kathmandu, where the Tamang Heritage Trek technically concludes.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nepal. A representative from the Adventure Club Trek will receive you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After going through your custom formalities (visa and so on), you will be driven to your respective hotel on Adventure Club Trek’s private vehicle. After you take a rest for some time at the hotel suite, you will be called for an orientation session with your trekking guide over a welcome dinner

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,300m/4,264f

After breakfast, our city guide will take you to the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath stupa, the famous Buddhist monkey temple is located on the hill from where you can get the picture of Kathmandu valley from a bird’s view. Pashupathinath temple, one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus, is located in the eastern part of the city. Likewise, Buddhanath is the largest spherical stupas in Asia. You will also visit the Kathmandu Durbar Squire, a centuries-old royal palace, now turned into national museums, temples, and other buildings, with the finest architectures, with fine cuts and wood carvings. In the afternoon, we get our equipment checked by our Trekking leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast.
  • Max. Altitude1,300m/4,264f

In the early morning, we take a drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. During the pleasant drive, you will get a glimpse of the countryside — the scenic views of the ridgeline and terraced farmlands. We get a stunning view of Ganesh Himal as we advance in a northward direction. We cross Dhunche, a small hilly town, along the bumpy road and reach Syabru Besi.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,550m/5,086ft

Syabrubesi is a beautiful village located in Langtang National Park. The village, also known as the gateway to the Langtang Valley, is popular for local festivals, culture, and tradition. Syabrubesi shares proximity with Trishuli River. Hiking along the trail we pass by Gatlang village located at the top of the hill. It is a great opportunity to experience Tamang culture and their way of living. The exploration of the monastery in the locality and local houses are the activities to be enjoyed in Gatlang

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,200m/7,218ft

In the morning, after breakfast at Gatlang, we hit the trail through the Tamang settlements and ascending stone steps that lead us to Thangbuchet and Chilime village. After a lunch break in Chilime before walking down to the river. We cross a suspension bridge and continue the trek till we reach Tatopani village. Tatopani stands for hot water in Nepali. We can have a natural hot spring bath in Tatopani. Scientifically, the bathe in a natural hot spring cures various skin diseases as well as heals from various muscular and joint pains. We stay overnight at a teahouse. We might as well opt for a homestay.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude(2607m/8,554ft

From Tatopani, the rugged trail leads us through the luxuriant forest. On the way, we pass by Brimdang then reach Nagthali. The viewpoint of Nagthali at 3,165m offers a vista of snow-capped Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal in the background of hills covered in lush vegetation and terraced forests. Gradually, we descend to Thuman, another fascinating Tamang settlement. Overnight stay in a teahouse or a homestay.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,400m/7,874ft

If we have adequate time, we may visit Rasuwagadhi, the historical fort ruin near the border with China's Tibet. The trekking permit allows one to visit the border and not to cross the bridge into Tibet. In Rasuwagadhi, a three-day battle had taken place during the second campaign of the Sino-Nepalese War in 1792. If it is not possible to manage that day, we further hike and by Lingling before getting to Briddim, a beautiful village with a homestay service. The traditional stone houses and fluttering prayer flags resemble cultural perfection and their spirituality. Here, we can stay with local families in homestay and experience their daily lifestyles.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,345m/7,694ft

After breakfast, we set a target to trek to Lama Hotel on this day. We hit the trail passing through the rhododendron forest. We pass by Khangjim village, Bhanjyang Gaon, Sherpa Gaon, and Rimche village before getting to the Lama Hotel. Routes of various treks that include Langtang Valley pass by the Lama Hotel. So, Lama Hotel is the sign that we will move next to Langtang village.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,470m/7,809ft

In the morning, we start the trek following the trail that gradually ascends towards the Langtang valley. We pass by Ghoda Tabela which means ‘Horse Stable’. As we climb up, we get the sight of beautiful sceneries comprising the green hills and picturesque Tamang villages. Little ahead, we reach Langtang village, a unique and typical Tamang settlement enriched with traditional values and cultural heritage. Tamang culture in Langtang village goes back hundreds of years.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3,430m/11,254ft

We have a short walk for this day, which is apt for acclimatization. On the way, we pass by some of the local cheese factories and several beautiful tiny ethnic settlements with cultural diversity before we reach Kyangjin Gompa, the main monastery in the region. Kyangjin Gompa lies below the Langtang Lirung. You may feel the vibe of this sacred monastery where locals and other spiritual devotees pay homage. Some other interesting ancient infrastructures and artifacts include water mills, prayer wheels, chortens, with sacred mounds of rocks with inscriptions carved on them. We also pass by the largest Mani wall in the country, made from stone with prayers written on them. In the afternoon we explore the Buddhist shrine at Kyangjin Gompa and nearby Tamang villages. The place offers marvelous views of the Himalayas

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3,870m/12,697ft

We leave for the Lama Hotel in the morning. We follow the rugged trail gradually descending and passing through the rhododendron forest. We halt to take a rest at Bamboo and continue the trek until we reach Lama Hotel.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,380m/7,809ft

This is the final epic of the foot trail from Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi. We hit the rugged trail passing through the rhododendron forest in the Langtang National Park. The red panda which is on the IUCN red list of threatened species may be spotted in the park. We advance forward with beautiful memories of the picturesque Tamang villages and the fantastic views of the Himalayas following the Langtang Khola to reach Syabrubesi, the place where we began the foot trail.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,550m/5,086ft

In the early morning, we take a drive back to Kathmandu. Once again, we cross Dhunche, the famous hill town, and a trading hub. The overland journey offers vistas of the ridgeline and terraced farmlands. In 8 hours, we reach Kathmandu. You will be transferred to your hotel. After you take a rest, you will be invited to the farewell dinner hosted by the Adventure Cub Trek in a typical Nepali restaurant.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,350m/4,429ft

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Arrival and Departure transfer by private tourist vehicle.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (3 Nights).
  • Best available twin sharing lodge for accommodation during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinner.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Kathmandu city tours, including, tour guide and private vehicle
  • Transportation from Kathmandu-Syabrubesi- Kathmandu by public Jeep /bus.
  • Government licensed; English speaking guide trained in wilderness first aid
  • Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Assistant trekking guides walking with the group to support as necessary (1 assistant guide for 4 trekkers)
  • Staff costs including their, food, salary, accommodation, transportation and medicine.
  • Insurance covering all staff, including porters as per state law.
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion).
  • All necessary paper work and permits (National Park permit, TIMS).
  • Complimentary Adventure Club Trek T-shirt, and trekking map
  • duffel bag for trekking
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • Travel and rescue arrangement (helicopter evacuation is available if needed - at an additional cost)
  • All Government and Local taxes

Price Excludes

  • Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days)
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • International air fares / flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon the request)
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks)
  • Personal travel insurance and medical bills
  • Insurance with helicopter evacuation
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)

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