Tamang Heritage Trek - 10 Days

One of our team will greet you at the airport for the transfer to your Hotel where there is time to relax. Your guide will meet everyone in the hotel reception for a welcome meeting at a convenient time depending on arrival times. For those that wish, there is the chance to go out together as a group for dinner afterwards something we like to do with new guests. There are no other activities planned for today. Depending on your arrival schedule you will have time to get around the bustling bazaar; the hotels we use are normally situated in the lively Thamel area. There is a feast of outdoor gear, souvenir shops, great bookshops and a huge variety of restaurants, it's a great place to wander through and get your bearings.

Free day for final trekking preparation and enjoy in cultural diversity Kathmandu valley.

We leave Kathmandu early for the drive to the entrance of the Langtang Valley. While the Tamang Heritage Trail is not that far from Kathmandu as the crow flies, its remote location means a longish journey. The road is hilly and winding as we drive higher through spectacular scenery. There are some superb panoramic views of the Annapurnas, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu along with the peaks of the Langtang region on the way. The road then plunges steeply down to the Trisuli River Valley which it follows for most of the day’s drive. We take lunch at Trisuli before taking a mountain road with many switchbacks up to the District Headquarters of Dhunche and then on down for a while to our overnight stop in the charming village of Syabrubensi.

Syabrubensi is the common starting point for both the Langtang Valley trek as well the trek to The Sacred Lakes of Gosainkunda. We take a different trail for around an hour and a half through mustard and buckwheat fields then up stone steps to a wonderful view point where there is a fantastic view of Ganesh Himal, the Gosainkunda range and the Goljang Valley. From here we head down into the Goljang Valley for lunch. In the afternoon, trek for around three hours on a level trail to reach Gatlang, a beautiful Tamang village where houses have wooden shutters with carved, colorful Tibetan decorations.

Today’s walk is a long one; it begins by descending to Thangbuchet situated on the banks of a lovely river. The valley narrows as we follow a path paved with stone steps, skirting Chilime village (1762m) the trail leads into the Chilime Valley. There are many chortens and Mani walls (walls of stone with carved and painted mantras) today. Ahead, far above the clouds, the lofty Langtang peak, over 7000 meters high comes into view. After lunch we head up again crossing the Chilime River on a suspension bridge before starting a long and pretty exhausting hike towards Tatopani village. On the way we take lunch at Cherka hamlet (2038m) and then climb steeply to Gonggang village (2227m). It’s a beautiful day through a traditional rural landscape, dotted with authentic households and plots of agricultural land. From Gonggang it is up all the way to Tatopani village (2607m). The town’s name literally means ‘hot water’ in Nepali. It may be possible to enjoy the natural hot springs which unfortunately were affected by the 2015 earthquake, if so a bath in the water that comes straight out of the ground, will certainly ease away any aches and pains from the days trek.

Today we set off on a trail that ascends to Nagthali Danda (3,300 m) on the way there is an impressive subtropical forest with climbing plants rich in wildlife to negotiate. A stop is made at the delightful Brimdang village for lunch en route, and then continues up to Nagthali Danda, the highest point of the trek (3,300 m). Nagthali Danda is a high, open piece of grassland with a gumpa and some amazing views of the Himalayas. On arrival there is often a chance for a Masala Chiya (tea), prepared by the Gumpa’s caretaker before the trek down to Thuman along a paved route with stone steps. The village with its traditional houses and decorated wooden balconies makes it a lovely place to rest up for the night. With lots of smiling children and friendly people who are proud of their singing and dancing. You might even be invited to join in!

Today commences with a walk along a flatter section of the trail that follows part of the old trade route to Tibet, just three hours’ trek away. We follow a trail that leads down to the Bhote Koshi River Valley next to a suspension bridge, then a climb up to Lingling village (1737m) for lunch. Leaving the village on another trail of stone steps we move up to a pass surrounded by prayer flags for another array of sensational mountain views. From the pass there is a steep descent into a valley full of waterfalls then a hike up to Briddhim village (2229m). We are greeted by water mills spinning prayer wheels clockwise and women making woolen bags on looms. It’s a perfect overnight stop.

Today is an easy three-hour walk or so back down to Syabrubesi, look out for the monkeys in the trees and if we are lucky a spotted deer. We take lunch in Syabrubensi with the afternoon free to relax and explore. Syabrubesi is a small town with shops selling local handicrafts made by the local women, check out the colourful aprons and shawls made in the local style.

Today it is goodbye to the mountains for the drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. In the evening we often arrange a farewell meal depending on group requirements.

Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.