Monday, October 4, 2010

Tamang Heritage Trail in Rasuwa (8 days)

This trekking area is located about 30 kilometers toward the north of Kathmandu. Trekking along this unbeaten trail is a new experience even for the trekkers who have experienced the beauty of this mountain region with its culture of local people before. You trek through Tamang villages with its 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, architecture of their mountain houses, and ancient monasteries. It offers you a breathtaking 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 grow some hardy grains and vegetables. Their daily life activities include raising livestock, agriculture and trade 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, and Briddim. Goljung and Gatlang are traditional Tamang villages teeming with traditional cultural features. The visit to a beautiful local Tamang monastery and the holy Parvatikunda Lake at Gatlang adds exhilaration to your trekking.


Facts of the Trek

Duration: 8 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 Syabru Besi 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, which takes about six hours. While trekking you experience of the Tamang culture. You can see scenery from view point. This day you walk through village. The cultural show at Goljung and Gatlang makes your trek an even more memorable one. Gatlang, set high on a hillside among terraced fields is, a Tamang settlement. One can visit a Tamang monastery, and the 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 views of the mountains can be seen from every house in Thuman. Camping at Thuman.

Day 05 :
   

Trek from Thuman to Timure (1762 m) which takes about five hours. While trekking from Thuman to Timure you can visit nearby historical Rasuwagadi. This day's trekking grants you an opportunity to observe Tibeto Burman Tamang culture on the two villages on the way. Timure is on the old trade route to Tibet. A fort here is a historical reminder of the Nepal Tibetan relations that has existed for many centuries. A suspension bridge here links Nepal and Tibet.

Day 06 :
   

Trek from Timure to Briddim (2229 m) which takes about six hours. You can experience the village life of Briddim. Moreover you can enjoy cultural a show performed by community members. 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 split shake. As direct descendant of ancient Tibean immigrants, the culture and tradition of Briddim closely resembles that of nearly Tibetan villages. Camping at Briddim.

Day 07 :
   

Trek from Briddim to Syabrubesi (1467 m) which takes three hours. You trek from Briddim to Syabrubesi via Wangel. Today the trail descends gently, passing through villages, terraces, and magnificent views of surrounded hills. Camping at Syabrubesi.

Day 08 :
   

Trek from Syabrubesi to Dhunche (1965 m) and drive back to Kathmandu which takes approximately three 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, and from there you begin to follow a narrow, well-paved road. Trek ends upon arrival to Kathmandu.
   

Services Include:

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, 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     
        + 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817          
             +977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855

E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com

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