Tamang Heritage Trekking - 12 days

On the first day of our journey, we leave Kathmandu and drive for about 8 to 9 hours in order to reach Syabrubesi. Syabrubesi is a small village which is located on the north-western parts of Nepal. It is a gateway to Lang tang valley. Our journey will be on a winding road through frequent switchbacks. While passing along the road at the bank of Trishuli River you catch a glimpse of Manaslu, Annapurna and Ganesh Himal on a clear day, terraces, rustic villages and green hills. As you pass through Dhunche you feel as if you are heading towards deep land. At the same time, the road winds up and down. We check into the hotel upon reaching Syabrubesi and stay overnight.

On this day, we wake up early and after having breakfast we start our trek to Goljung, destination of the day. Ascending from Syabrubesi after few hours we reach the view point from where we can see the fantastic views of Mountains including: Ganesh Himal, Gosainkunda range, Sishapangma, Langtang Lirung and the Goljung Valley. Here the Tamang, the indigenous people of the region, grow corn, potatoes, berries, and varied grains. Everything is cooked over an open fire. Their drafty houses are build out of stone and wood and during the snows of winter their only reliable source of heat is body heat. Descending down from the view point, we trek down to Goljung valley for our overnight stay.

The trail today is very short and pleasant. Gatlang is a small beautiful village and the origin of Tamang ethnic people in Nepal. You can experience a warm hospitality and culture of Tamangs. Upon arrival the guests will be welcomed by “Khada” (white scarf) and the home made local drinks “Rakshi” accompanied by the cultural song. Get refreshed and enjoy the local Syabru dance. You can particularly view that most of the houses are made up of stones and woods. You can closely observe their day-to-day life. Their days are filled with activities such as gathering/chopping wood, collecting water, gathering/storing food, planting crops, weaving baskets to store the food in, as well as, needed clothing and blankets and so on. Overnight at Gatlang

On the following day, we trek ahead towards Tatopani. Literally, Tatopani means “Hot Water” which best describes the place as there is a natural hot spring. We begin today’s trek with a descent to Thangbuche by the Bhote Koshi River and soak-in magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang Ranges along the way. Then we will pass by the Chilime Hydropower dam and ascend until Tatopani. We take a dip into the natural hot water and relax our tired muscles.  After completing 6/7 hours of strenuous trek, we will reach Tatopani. You can take a bath in the hot spring in the lap of the mountains. Locals believe that these water have a healing quality that eases away your aches and pains. Overnight stay at local guest house.

Commencing trek from Tatopani, we pass through the dense alpine forest until we reach a small typical Tamang settlement of Brimdang. After having a close mountain view and observing the village life, we ascend to the high open grassland we reach Nagthali Danda which is about 3300 meters above sea level, where you can have mesmerizing views of snow covered Himalayas like: of Langtang, Sanjen, Kerung and Ganesh Himal. The hill is quite rich in biodiversity and is also a suitable place to have spectacular view of mountains. Nagthali is regarded as the popular meditation center for local monks. After spending some time at the top accompanied by tea prepared by the care taker of the Gompa, we descend down to Thuman via forest trail where you may encounter wildlife such as deer and monkeys. Thuman is another cultural village which is famous for its Shamanic performances. This place also offers the beautiful views of Langtang. The people here are very friendly and are influenced by Tibetan culture. At evening, you will observe Tamang cultural show and spend overnight in one of the lodges of Thuman.

Today, after breakfast we trek to Briddim via Lingling. Briddim is a Tibetan Buddhist village with ancient Tibetan immigrants, ideally located on the lap of the Langtang Himal. Houses of this place are build up of stones and offers the wonderful cultural and traditional scenario to us. You can also visit the Dukchu Gomba monastery. Inhabitants of this place are originally from Tibet. Thus, this place resembles a typical Tibetan village on this side of Tibet.

After closely observing Tibetan culture in Briddim, we move forward to Lama Hotel which is a 5/6 hours walk from Briddim. At beginning, our trail descends to Ghopche Khola. Passing through the small stream, our trail then ascend through Rimche before reaching Lama Hotel. Rimche has the best sun set view. It takes further 30 minutes to reach Lama Hotel from Rimche. Lama Hotel is located on the banks of the Langtang River and surrounded by lush forests and amazing mountain vista. Overnight in Lama Hotel.

After breakfast, we embark on our trip to the Langtang Village. The trail winds through oak and rhododendron forests. You can also have a watch for different kinds of birds.  After climbing up steadily through the valley, we leave the tree line behind us. On the way, we also enjoy the marvelous views of Langtang Lirung framed by the trees. We then pass by water mills, prayer wheels and chortens adorned with sacred mounds of rocks with inscriptions carved on them. At Ghora Tabela (3000 m) the trail comes out from the forest. The trail continues to climb gently and the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who brings their livestock to graze in the high pastures during the summer months.  There is a monastery which can be visited shortly before arriving at the village of Lantang. Lang tang is the headquarter of Lang tang National Park. Stay overnight at a lodge.

On this day, we will be having the shortest trek of the whole trek. We walk through yak pastures and pass the largest mani wall in Nepal which is made from stone with prayers written on them. It is believed that the prayers on the mani wall spreads around by blowing winds. We cross several wooden bridges before reaching Kyanjin Gompa which is beautifully surrounded by the mighty Himalayas all around.

As we will reach Kyanjin Gompa by the noon, we can take a walk around the place enjoying astounding views of glaciers, icefalls, birds and yaks. You can explore some popular cheese factories in this beautiful valley situated at the lap of Langtang Lirung and get an opportunity to sample the tasty local yak cheese. You can walk up the valley part of the way to the grazing grounds of Langshisha Kharka surrounded by glaciers. Alternatively it is possible to climb the peak of Kyanjin Ri (4600m) with a fine view over the entire Langtang valley. We stay overnight at a guesthouse.

We trek back to the Lama Hotel. Since the trek is only downhill, it will only take us around 4 to 5 hours to reach our destination. It is a downhill trek through forests and alongside a beautiful mountain river. On the way we pass through the ethnic settlements of the Tamang people whose religious and cultural practices similar to the Tibetans. Overnight at Lama Hotel.

On the last day of our trek, we will be enjoying the easy trail mostly downhill. Crossing the Lang tang River, the trail passes through the lush green vegetation, terraced fields, forests of oak and maple. The forest is alive with wildlife, mainly birds and small animals. You may see the occasional group of monkeys.

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu you can spend the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. Or else you could stroll in the streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub for some souvenir shopping. Overnight at Kathmandu.