Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek
15 days from Kathmandu Valley to Kathmandu Valley
From $ 1420
Duration15 days
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Learn about sacred Tibetan culture as you walk the wild terrains of the Tamang Heritage Trail. Sacred Tibetan culture permeates every inch this expedition, seemingly touching everything in its path. The opening of the Tamang Heritage Trail, which was once an unexplored part of the Langtang National Park, allows you to venture deep into the Tamang hinterland. This trek takes you through the verdant midlands and into Tamang villages including Briddim and Gatlang, where you will have a chance to immerse yourself in local culture. The Tamang people were originally Tibetan horse traders who used to migrate back and forth between Tibet and the lowlands of Nepal. They are considered one of the oldest tribes of Nepal, with roots tracing back to the ancient people of Mongolia. Your trek takes you through alpine terrain, meadows and rhododendron forests, taking in soaring views of Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal. ALTERNATE ITINERARY: Due to the nature of outdoor travel, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 15 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Kathmandu Valley
    Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ends in: Kathmandu Valley
    Ages: 16+
Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Kathmandu

Start place: Kathmandu Valley

You’ve arrived! Meet your group leader and fellow travellers for a Welcome Meeting at 2pm. After the briefing, it’s a free afternoon and evening, but the tour leader will usually organize an optional evening dinner at one of the Kathmandu’s great restaurants.
Day 2: Syabrubesi (1460m / 4790 ft)
There’s an early morning departure today, as we join the road that heads northwest through Balaju. Together, we’ll make a steady climb to the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, eventually arriving at the pass at Kakani. As we wind ever upwards to the Trisuli bazaar you’ll get views of the Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal. Prepare yourselves for a few humps and bumps, because the road from Trisuli onwards begins to deteriorate. You’ll be driving in these conditions for around 50 kms (31mi) to Dhunche and then another 15 km (9mi) to Syabrubesi. Tonight’s accommodation is a basic teahouse.
Day 3: Goljung - Gatlang (2238m / 7742 ft)
Hope you had a good night’s sleep, because today is going to start with a long climb. For around 2 hours you’ll be ascending up a slew of switchbacks that mark the beginning of our foray into the trail. It’s all worth it when you reach a vantage point with views of Ganesh Himal, the Gosainkunda range and Langtang Lirung. Along the trail you’ll see numerous Buddhist Chortens and mani walls, which all add another dimension to this picturesque landscape. After descending for around 45 minutes we’ll reach the little Tamang village of Goljung, where we’ll stop for lunch. There’s still 2.5 hours until we reach today’s destination, another Tamang village called Gatlang (altitude of 2238m). Besides its obvious cultural richness and stunning location, Gatlang also boasts a 100-year-old Tamang monastery and the secret lake, Parvati Kunda. Legend has it that this lake was discovered in ancient times while the King of Gatlang was on his way to find a missing hunting dog. It is now revered by women for its apparent powers of fertility. You’ll reach each of these landmarks after a 45-minute uphill walk.
Day 4: Gongang - Tatopani (2607m / 8553ft)
Are you ready? Today is commonly known as “the toughest day of the trek”. But the rewards far outweigh the grueling bits. Descend gradually along the ridge to the Bamdang Khola, which turns north along the Chilime Khola until you reach the town of Chilime (around 2 hours walking). After crossing a suspension bridge (always fun) you’ll begin an arduous climb of around 450-metres to the village of Gongang. It’ll take around 1.5 hours of steep uphill climbing but there’s a lunch break on arrival. The next section is much less physically strenuous, as you continue the ascent for around 2 hours until you reach Tatopani (2607m).
Day 5: Nagthali Hill - Thuman (2338m / 7670ft)
As you pass through an incredible rhododendron forest clinging to the side of the mountain, the vines and moss-covered trees give your environment a real “prehistoric” feel. Although, instead of dinosaurs you’re more likely encounter troops of Grey Langur Monkeys. Further on, we reach the village of Brimdang, before continuing up the side of the highest and steepest part of the trail. One ridge after another offers better and better views of Ganesh Himal to the west and the Langtang range on the east. The ridgeline ends atop the open grasslands of Nagthali Hill (3210m), approximately 45 minutes from Brimdang. All of a sudden you are surrounded by jaw-dropping views of Langtang Lirung, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma on the Tibetan side; while before you the Sanjen Ranges open up. No wonder the hill served as a perfect place of meditation and contemplation for monks. Spend as long as you’d like here, taking in the views and enjoying the sense of accomplishment. Then it’s time to descend approximately 900-metres through deep woodlands to Thuman, which faces the Shisapangma and Langtang Lirung peak. A distinct Tibetan influence can be felt in the village, with its Shamanistic beliefs, ancient monasteries and houses covered in woodcarvings.
Day 6: Briddim (2239m / 7345ft )
Today we pass through rhododendron forests and meadows to reach the Tamang village of Briddim, located in the heart of the Langtang Himal. It will take just over 2 hours of uphill walking. Briddim marks the end of the Tamang Heritage Trail, and is often a highlight for many of our travellers. Here you will get to experience a teahouse owned by a local family, sleeping overnight in their comfortable wooden rooms. You’ll get a richer understanding of the culture here, and share stories with your host.
Day 7: Lama Hotel (2420m / 7939ft)
Continue along the trail through the hilly region of Khangjim and Sherpagoan, learning about the rich culture of the Tamang and Sherpa communities along the way. After trekking for around 7 hours, reach our friendly guesthouse. Lama Hotel is the name of a collection of guesthouses that marks the start of the Langtang Valley. The standard of accommodation in Lama Hotel is slightly below the usual standard on this trip, but still comfortable.
Day 8: Langtang National Park (3500m / 11482ft)
Ascend through Langtang National Park via Gumnachowk and Ghotatabela, finally reaching the village of Langtang. (Approx. 5-7 hours walking) Langtang National Park was established in 1976 to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region; rhododendron, Nepalese alder and oak forest thrive, due to the temperate conditions. The park is also home to red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards and more than 250 species of birds. Spend the evening at a comfortable, newly built guesthouse. Don't forget to refill your water bottles tonight at the newly installed WWF/Intrepid funded water purifier close by. 
Day 9: Kyanjin (3830m / 12560ft)
In the morning, take the trail up towards the rebuilt village of Kyanjin; both sides of the path are flanked by stunning views of distant snow-capped mountains. Today we’ll encounter Tamang and Sherpa inhabitants along the trail, as they go about their days. Todays hiking is between 4 and 5 hours. Acclimatise this evening with a short climb above the village for great views of the surrounding valley.
Day 10: Kyanjin (3830m / 12560ft)
Wake up early (4:30am) this morning for an optional walk to Kyanjin Gompa (4800m) for a stunning sunrise. Its a tough hour hike up a switch back trail in the dark where we gain 1000 metres. Or sleep in and have a relaxing breakfast before heading out to explore the village and learn more about the lifestyles of the Tamang and Sherpa communities. Keep your eyes peeled for the German Bakery! Otherwise take a short hike up to the glacier or one of several interesting walks around the village.
Its a big downhill walk back to Lama Hotel tomorrow.
Day 11: Lama Hotel (2420m / 7939ft)
After breakfast, head back down the trail, via Langtang and Ghoretabela to Lama Hotel. We’ll walk for around seven hours today, and will descend 1,600 metre. Its a long day of hiking but we are heading downhill all day but there should be a 'mountain cold' Sherpa beer waiting for you at the bottom.
Day 12: Thulo Syabru (2130m / 6988ft)
It’s an early start today. After breakfast, descend the trail through corn fields, then cross the Trisuli River via suspension bridge. Follow the river for around five hours until we reach our lodge in Thulo Syabru about 6 hours later.
Day 13: Dhunche - Nuwakot
After breakfast, walk arrpox 3 hours to Thulo Bharku/Dhunche, then transfer to Nuwakot via private vehicle. Our charming accommodation is set on an idyllic organic farm. Activities you can take part in include picking vegetables and learning to make Nepalese cuisine with the help of the head cook. In the evening you will accompany your leader to the old Nuwakot Durbar (Palace).
Day 14: Kathmandu
Rise early today for breakfast before we jump into our private vehicle and drive back to Kathmandu. We will spend some further time exploring Kathmandu before joining with our group for a final optional dinner tonight.
Meals: B
Day 15: Kathmandu
The trip ends today and you are free to depart at any time.

End place: Kathmandu Valley

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Public bus

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (2 nights), Teahouse (11 nights), Farm House (1 night)

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