Tamang heritage trail combined with Langtang trail (11 days)

This trekking area is located about 30 kilometers north of Kathmandu. Trekking along this unbeaten trail will be a new experience even for the trekkers who have experienced the beauty of this mountain region and the culture of the local people before. You trek through Tamang villages with their native life, culture, and crafts, which have remained untouched since the beginning of the settlement. The trekkers will receive hearty felicitation by the locals, rich in their distinct costumes, culture, and architecture of their mountain houses and ancient monasteries. It offers you a wilderness experience through beautiful landscapes of alpine terrain, flat meadows, and rhododendron forests.


The main inhabitants of this area are believed to be the descendants of Tibetans from Kerung who intermingled with Tamang of the Helambu area. Tamang communities are generally found on higher elevations with the peasants, engaging in shifting cultivation and extraction of forest products. They are mainly sheep and yak herders, but also grow some hardy grains and vegetables. Their daily life activities include raising livestock, agricultural chores, and trading with Kerung in Tibet. They also make baskets and mats from mountain bamboo.

During this trek you can enjoy the dramatic views of Langtang Lirung (7245 m), Langtang Kerung, Chimse Danda ridge crossed by Ganjala Pass (5122 m), Dorje Lakpa (6989 m), Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, Paldor peak, Shringi Himal, Manaslu and Sanjen Himal ranges. In addition you find over 70 glaciers of varying sizes and high altitude lakes including Gosainkunda, Pravatikunda, Bhairavkunda and Dudhkunda.


The trail starts either from Dhunche or Syabrubesi and passes through Goljung, Gatlang, Thuman, Timure, Briddim, Lama Hotel, Langtang valley and Kyangjin Gompa. Goljung, Gatlang and Langtang are traditional Tamang villages filled with interesting cultural features. The visit to beautiful local Tamang monastery and the holy Parvatikunda Lake at Gatlang adds exhilaration to your trekking.

Facts of the Trek

Duration: 11 Days
Trek type: Camping
   

Minimum Pax: 1 +
Mode of travel: Land
Grade: Strenuous

   

Itinerary in Detail

Day 01 :
   

Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1467 m) via Trishuli (Nuwakot), which takes about eight hours.  You head north out of Kathmandu driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Syabrubesi passing through Dhunche. While passing along the road at the bank of Trishuli river you catch a glimpse of Ganesh Himal, terraces and green hills. As you pass through Dhunche you feel as if you are heading towards deep land. At the same time, you notice that the road after Betrawati is still under construction. You stay overnight at hotel in Syabrubesi.

Day 02 :
   

Trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238 m) via Goljung and it takes about six hours. While trekking you experience of the Tamang culture. You can see beautiful scenery from view points. Today you walk through a village. The cultural show at Goljung and Gatlang also makes your trekking a memorable one. Gatlang set high on a hillside among terraced fields is a Tamang settlement. One can visit a Tamang monastery and beautiful Parvatikunda Lake at Gatlang. Camping at Gatlang.

Day 03 :
   

Trek from Gatlang to Tatopani (2607 m), which takes about three hours. On the way you enjoy sightseeing of Langtang range and Ganesh Himal. At Tatopani, which naturally signifies 'hot water,' you can take a nice hot bath in natural hot springs with bathing areas in the lap of the mountains. It is believed that taking a dip into this spring would heal you from your aches and pains. This day's trekking provides you an opportunity to experience more of the Tamang culture. Camping at Tatopani.

Day 04 :
   

Trek from Tatopani to Thuman (2338 m) via Nagthali (3165 m), which takes about five hours. You trek via Bimthang. En route you can encounter animals such monkeys, deer, and more. The panoramic view of Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, and Sanjen ranges can be distinctly experienced from Nagthali. Nagthali used to be a popular meditation center for the local monks and priests. Another cultural village Thuman is popular for its Shamanic performances and beautiful view of Langtang. Beautiful view of the mountains can be seen from every house in Thuman. Camping at Thuman.

Day 05 :
   

Trek from Thuman to Briddim (2229 m) via Lingling which takes about seven hours. This day you can observe Tibeto Burman Tamang culture on the way. You can experience village life of Briddim. Moreover you can enjoy cultural show performed by community members. You can also experience of home stay and Tamang culture. To mention about Briddim is a Tibetan Buddhist village in the bosom of Langtang Himal. Around 43 houses are spread in Z shape. Most of the houses are made up of stone and have roofs of splitshake. As direct descendant of ancient Tibetan immigrants, the culture and tradition of Briddim closely resembles that of nearly Tibetan villages. Caming at Briddim.

Day 06 :
   

Trek from Briddim to Lama Hotel (2470 m) and it takes about six hours. You walk through Briddim village while observing the local lifestyle and culture, and interacting with the locals. Later on, you find that the settlement of Lama Hotel is located on the banks of Langtang River and surrounded by lush forests and mountains. Stay overnight at Lama Hotel.

Day 07 :
   

Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang (3430 m), which takes about five hours. En route you are quite mesmerized by the beautiful views of the Langtang range. You can also experience and make observation of Tibetan settlements. Camping in Langtang.

Day 08 :
   

Trek from Langtang to Kyangjin (3870 m), which takes about three hours. To day you can see the glaciated valley of Kyangjin on the lap of Langtang Lirung. It is surrounded by snowy mountains and also the world's nearest settlements to glaciers. If you happen to visit during the monsoon season, you can find various wild Himalayan flowers. Camping at Kyangjin.

Day 09 :
   

Trek from Kyangjin to Lama Hotel (2470 m) which takes about six hours. From Kyangjin you retrace your route, following the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. After lunch you continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel. Overnight stay at Lama Hotel.

Day 10 :
   

Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi, Wichita takes about five hours. The upper part of the trail is more beautiful for the panoramic view of mountains and green hill views. This path is broader and remains sunny through the different Shepra and Tamang villages. The first half part of the trail is gradually down and then the trail does steeply descent to the Syabru Besi (1600 m.) There was run a project called Chilime Power Plant. The main inhabitants belong to a Tamang community and they have adopted Tibetan lifestyle. Camping in Syabrubesi.

Day 11 :
   

Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu, which it takes about eight hours. It is a pleasant drive back to Kathmandu, with splendid views of hills, mountains, terraces, and villages. You drive along the unpaved road until Betrawati, when you begin to follow narrow well-paved road. Trek ends upon arrival to Kathmandu.
   

Services Included

National Park entry permit, Trekking permit, Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day, A guide & required number of porter(s), Essential equipment.

Services Exclude:

Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency evacuation by Helicopter (if necessary), Alternative transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide, strike, road blockade etc.


Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056

Tel : + 977-1-4417343     
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E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
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