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.
