Tamang Heritage Trail
The ‘Tamang Heritage Trail’, once used by Tibetan traders, is a recently developed tourism product initiated by the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program. This off the beaten track trail highlights an ancient lifestyle combined with picturesque scenery and natural hot springs.The people of this region are mainly Tibetans who arrived from Kerung, just across the border, and settled in Nepal. At this time, citizenship of Nepal was not offered to Tibetans, so to circumvent this rule they changed their ethnicity to Tamang. The culture and traditions of the Tamang people remain very similar to the Tibetans.
The Langtang Region, Nepal’s third most popular trekking destination, takes just 8 hours to reach from the capital, Kathmandu. The trail is a 7-day trek and includes a wealth of traditional architecture, culture and breathtaking scenery.
Kathmandu Day 1
Today is arrival day in Kathmandu! A member of the soicaltours.com travel & socialtreks.com adventures team will meet you at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening a trip briefing will take place to make sure you are all set to go.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Day 2
Today we offer a short heritage tour of the Kathmandu Valley. This tour includes the UNESCO World Heritage Monument of Kathmandu Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the Old Town; Swayambhunath temple often more affectionately known as ‘Monkey Temple’, due to the troop of monkeys that call it home; Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most important temple situated to the east of the city on the banks of the holy Bagmati Koshi (river) and lastly one of the world’s largest stupas in the Tibetan district of Bodhnath.
The evening is left free for any last minute preparations before setting off tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (2720m) Day 3
It’s an early start today as the drive to Syabrubesi takes around 8 hours. On the way the road winds through many beautiful villages in the foothills of the Langtang mountain range until we reach the village of Syabrubesi where our journey begins.
Accommodation: Teahouse in the village of Syabrubesi.
Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238m) Day 4
This morning we start our day with an 1 1/ 2-hour ascent to reach a viewpoint from where we can see the Ganesh Himal and Gosaikunda mountain ranges and the Goljang Valley. After taking in this spectacular view we head down into the Goljang Valley where we stop for lunch, about an hour walk. From here we trek for a further 3 hours until we reach the beautiful Tamang village of Gatlang. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by Khada (a white scarf place around the neck), Rakshi (a homemade local drink) and the traditional welcome song, sang in the local language. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy the local Syabru dance.
Accommodation: Tamang Community lodge in the village of Gatlang.
Gatlang to Tatopani (2607m) Day 5
Today is the longest day of the entire trip and will take about 7 hours. We start the day by descending to Thangbuchet, near the village of Chilime. Here we stop for our lunch, alongside the Bhote Koshi and next to the Chilime Hydropower dam. After lunch we follow the trail up towards the hanging bridge crossing. Our climb continues until we reach the village of Tatopani, literally meaning 'hot water', were we stop for the night. This gives you plenty of time to wallow in the village’s natural hot springs! Locals believe the springs have healing qualities and will eases away the day’s aches and pains.
Accommodation: Local teahouse in the village of Tatopani.
Tatopani to Thuman (2338m) Day 6
his morning starts with a 2 to 3 hour walk towards the village of Brimdang were we stop for lunch. After lunch we continue our ascent to the viewpoint of Nagthali Danda (3165m), a high open grassland with amazing views of snow covered Himalayas. Whilst taking in the views we take time to stop for a cup of tea prepared by the caretaker of the Gompa (monastery). Our trek continues down to the Tamang village of Thuman, a 2 to 3 hour downhill trek, were we will be welcomed by the friendly people who love to sing and dance! The ancient monasteries and houses adorned with rich wood engravings of the village is an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Local teahouse in the village of Thuman.
Thuman to Briddhim (2229m) Day 7
We start the day with a nice flat piece of trail and then descend to the village of Timure, just 3 hours walk south of the Tibetan border. Here we stop for lunch. After lunch we follow the trail for around 3 hours till we reach the Tamang village of Briddim. Tonight’s accommodation is with one of the 24 families who participate in the villages home stay scheme. This is truly a unique experience! Each host family provides a clean bed, toilet and a family dining room. You will get to enjoy an evening with the host family, eating traditional foods, observe the local indoor rituals and cultural practices. After dinner the locals gather in their traditional costume to perform cultural songs and dances, welcoming the visitors. The host family will guide you, explaining the special features of the village, showing the live craftsmanship and giving you an opportunity to buy traditional handicraft.
Accommodation: Tamang homestay in the village of Briddim.
Briddim to Syabrubesi (2720m) Day 8
After breakfast, we follow the trail down to the village of Syabrubesi, just a 3-hour walk from Briddim. Here we have lunch and rest of the day is free.
Accommodation: Local teahouse in the village of Syabrubesi.
Syabrubesi to Kathmandu Day 9
Today it’s an early morning breakfast followed by our drive back to Kathmandu.
ccommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Day 10
Free until departure to airport.
Contact Information:
Sahara Worldwide Travel &Tours (www.saharatraveltours.com) &
Kathmandu Office
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Telephone: +977 1 4215965.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Contact: Raj Gyawali
