Tamang Heritage Trek

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Himalayan Wander Walkers. You will be checked into your hotel. You will meet our trekking operator for a briefing about the entire trek on this day. You can either rest or hang out around a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel.

Overnight at the hotel set with BB plan. 

There’s an early morning departure today, as we join the road that heads northwest through Balaju. SyabruBesi is the initial point for trekking in Langtang valley. It takes about 7 to 8 hours’ drive to cover 117 km from Kathmandu to SyabruBesi. En route, we can enjoy the scenic views of the mountain and rice terrains. Syabrubesi bazaar is cramped with lodges and hotels.

Overnight at teahouse.
Meal: Full-board, three times a day.

Hope you had a good 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.

Overnight at teahouse.
Meal: Full-board, three times a day.

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-meters 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).

Overnight at teahouse.
Meal: Full-board, three times a day.

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 to 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 to the east. The ridgeline ends atop the open grasslands of Nagthali Hill, approximately 45 minutes from Brimdang.

Overnight at teahouse.
Meal: Full-board, three times a day.

After your breakfast, hike to Taruche where you will see 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 for 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-meters 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. 

Overnight at teahouse.
Meal: Full-board, three times a day.

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 over 2 hours of uphill walking. Briddim marks the end of the Tamang Heritage Trail and is often a highlight for many of our travelers. Here you will get to experience a homestay with a local family, sleeping overnight in their comfortable wooden home. You’ll get a richer understanding of the culture here and share stories with your host.

Overnight at teahouse.
Meal: Full-board, three times a day.

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 down through a pine forest and bushes lead toward Syabrubesi.

Overnight at teahouse.
Meal: Full-board, three times a day.

Seven hours of driving through the serpentine road enjoying the pleasant views of Majestic Mountain, cascading waterfalls, paddy fields, and woods will take us to Kathmandu. We will be conveyed back to our hotel where we will enjoy the evening dinner and head towards our comforting beds.

Overnight at the hotel set with BB plan. 

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.