Tamang Heritage Trail

Tamang Heritage Trail is an iconic cultural trail in Langtang region. It offers splendid natural and cultural experiences in the pristine settlements.

Trip Facts

duration Duration 14 days
trip-difficulty Trip Difficulty Moderate
trip-code Trip Code THT
trip-code Start Point Kathmandu
trip-start-point Trip End Point Kathmandu
trip-accomodation Accomodation As Mentioned
trip-meals Meals As mentioned
transportation Transportation As mentioned

Trip Highlights

  • Spectacular Himalayan Vistas including Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Sanjel Himal Ranges. 
  • The impeccable cultural attractions of Tamangs.
  • Awe-inspiring Langtang Valley and lush surroundings. 
  • Natural and Cultural attractions throughout the trek. 
  • A comprehensive peek into the remote life of people, their culture and natural landscapes.

Trip Overview

Most travelers who visit Nepal are able to enjoy Everest, the Annapurna circuit and high-altitude treks in the Kathmandu Valley. Others come for the non-trekking experiences in the Himalayan kingdom. The Tamang Heritage Trail Trek was designed for people who have less time to spend than long offbeat treks but still want to ‘do it all’. During the trek, you'll have every opportunity to explore several ‘must sees’ of the Himalayan kingdom: Langtang, Kerung, and the Ganesh Himal, Sanjen Himal ranges. You'll also get a chance to check out numerous waterfalls and beautiful meadows. The high-altitude forests on this trek are thick with Rhododendrons and Blueberry bushes.

The Tamang Heritage Trail in Nepal is an incredible trekking area for nature and culture explorers. It is a walking trail that features the lifestyle of the Tamang people who live in the Himalayan ranges of Northern Nepal. This trail is designed to give the tourist a richer and more culturally enlightening experience. Along the way, travelers will learn about the Tamang culture and experience a variety of natural landscapes and beautiful scenery.

The Tamang people are an indigenous ethnic group living in Nepal. They call themselves ‘Tamang’ which means ‘people of the mountains’. The Tamangs have retained their traditional lifestyle, including attire, food and customs for centu­ries. 

Along the way, tourists will be able to visit hot water springs, sacred sites for Hindus and Buddhists, the highest peaks in Nepal as well as cultural villages. The path also passes by Langtang National Park and some wetlands.

Tamang Heritage Trail provides a glimpse into Himalayan culture and way of life. The Trail introduces you to the lush central belt of Nepal, allowing you to admire the natural beauty of the mountains and learn about the inhabitants' culture. Traditional Tamang villages, whose life, culture, and crafts have not altered much since the settlement's origin, are traversed by the trail. The magnificent grandeur of the locals' mountain homes, their ornate attire, and the historic monasteries and places of worship provide richness to the experience of this trail. The journey gives a wilderness experience in addition to cultural exposure through stunning alpine terrain, meadows, and wonderful rhododendron forests.

Tamang Heritage Trek Facts

Trip Name

Tamang Heritage Trail Trek

Trip Type

Trekking

Duration

14 Days

Highest Elevation

3860 M

Start/Finish

Kathmandu

Difficulty 

Strenuous

Total Trekking Distance

140-200 KM

Best Time to Trek

  • Spring (March, April and  May)

  • Autumn (September, October and November)

Accommodation

Teahouse and Lodge

Average trekking per day

6-7 Hours

Permits Required

National Park Entry Permit, TIMS

Route: Kathmandu - Syabrubesi - Gatlang - Tatopani - Thuman - Briddim - Lama Hotel- Langtang village - Lama Hotel - Syabrubesi - Kathmandu

 

What is Tamang Heritage Trail?

Either Dhunche or Syabrubosi serves as the trail's starting points. The route then travels via Goljung, Gatlang, Chilime, Thuman, Timure, and Briddim. Following the Langtang trip from Briddim hamlet via Khamjim, the track may conclude back in Syabrubesi. Traditional Tamang settlements can be found at Goljung and Gatlang. There is a historic monastery in Goljung. One can get a panoramic picture of the Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, and Sanjen Himal ranges from the viewpoint at Bahundanda, which is close by.

The Tamang community of Gatlang is located high up on a mountainside amidst terraced fields. Gatlang has the lovely Parvatikunda Lake and a Tamang monastery that may be visited. It is a thrilling experience to take a bath in the warm, therapeutic waters of the natural spring at Tatopani while travelling from Gatlang to Chilime. In a community-run homestay, Brimdang offers a cultural experience whereas Nagthali provides an incredible view of spectacular Himalayan ranges. 

From Nagthali, it is possible to clearly see the Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, and Sanjen ranges. Visitors who are interested can spend one extra night in Nagthali at the recently constructed hotel lodge. The monks and priests of the area used to frequent Nagthali as a place for meditation. After Nagthali, Thuman is the next cultural village. Shamanic performances and a stunning view of Langtang are two of Thuman's most well-known attractions. Every home in Thuman offers a stunning view of the mountains. Next is Timure, which is located on the former trade route to Tibet. The long-standing links between Nepal and Tibet are commemorated historically by the fort at Rasuwagadhi near Timure. Here, a suspension bridge connects Tibet with Nepal. 

Briddim Village

Briddim, a small but picturesque Tamang village, is situated at an elevation of 2,229 meters. It offers accommodations that provide access to Himalayan cultural experiences. Here, travellers are hosted as house guests so they can directly experience the traditional culture and hospitality of the Tamang people. The village’s home-stay tourism management committee oversees the lodging and travel package. At the International Mountain Day event held in Kathmandu in December 2005, Briddim Home-Stay received the second Mountain Development Prize. This village is also one of the most beautiful villages where you can cherish the incredible beauty of cultural and natural attractions. 

Culture and Lifestyle of People

It is believed that the people of the Langtang Valley are descended from Tibetans from Kerung who mixed with Tamangs from the Helambu region. Although the people who live in Briddim, Thuman, Timure, and Langtang are of the Tamang ethnic group, Tibetan culture and tradition can be clearly seen in their lifestyle, which is very similar to that of the majority of Tibetan villages. They primarily raise sheep and yaks, but they also cultivate certain hardy cereals and vegetables.

The residents' daily activities include farming, rearing livestock, and trading with Kerung in Tibet. Their major foods are millet, wheat, corn, potatoes, and soybeans. Additionally, during important festivals like Lhosar (February), Chhiju (December), and Baisakh Purnima (April/May), tourists can see Syabru dance, Khampa dance, Shaman performances, and other vibrant acts. 

Natural Hot Springs

In the naturally occurring hot springs with bathing areas in the foothills of the Alps at Tatopani, which literally means ‘hot water’, you can purify your soul. The waters, in accordance with local belief, offer a curative nature that relieves your aches and pains.

Langtang Valley and National Park

Since it was made a national park in 1976, the Langtang Valley, which is home to some 1,710 square kilometers, has remained Nepal's second-largest park. It has a high level of biodiversity, with 15 different forest types, 3,000 varieties of blooming plants, such as oaks, fir, blue pine, and spruce, as well as more than 10 different species of rhododendron. It stretches all the way up to the Tibetan border. Additionally, there are several therapeutic plants in the Park. Approximately 46 species of mammals and 283 species of birds, including musk deer, snow leopards, red pandas, wild dogs, Himalayan black bears, and clouded leopards, can be found in the region’s extensive forests and diverse flora types. 

Gosainkunda Trek

From Rimiche, Syabrubesi, or Dhunche, it takes an additional 4-5 days to hike to the holy Gosainkunda Lake (4,300 m.). The walk provides the ideal fusion of natural and cultural heritage. Both Hindus and Buddhists revere the lake known as Gosaikunda. During the Janai Purnima festival, which takes place in August during the full moon, between 25 and 30 thousand pilgrims travel to this region.

Visitors can prolong their stay in Langtang by going on a trip to Kyangjin and then exploring the upper valley all the way to Langshisa and beyond. Tilman's Col, a treacherous crossing that heads east toward Panchpokhari and is named after H.W. Tilman, the first Westerner to visit Langtang in 1949. Leading south to Helambu and the Kathmandu Valley is Ganja La pass (5,120 m), which is frequently shrouded in snow and clouds can be explored. 

Related Trip: Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek

Accommodation Facilities

Gatlang has a community lodge that provides lodging. At Briddim, lodging is available as packaged services of homestay. In the remaining settlements, meals are provided along with lodging in addition to the usual hotel, lodge, and private homestay options. The straightforward yet filling meals are a culinary adventure because they are prepared with special attention to food safety. There are also trained porters and guides available in the villages. 

Difficulty

Tamang Heritage Trail is a moderately difficult trek. One of the aspects to consider when tramping through a trail is the terrain. Having elevations beneath 4000 m, The trek offers magnificent mountain experiences to the visitors. The chances of altitude sickness are comparatively lower than in other high-elevation trekking areas. Another key aspect to consider while trekking in the mountains is the availability of accommodation facilities. Most of the places that you will be stopping for overnight stays have some sort of accommodation facilities. The teahouses, homestays and small lodges are mostly available in the trekking area. So, in terms of the stay facility, this is one of the moderate treks in Nepal. 

Another aspect to consider during the trek is the ability of the terrain to bear weight. For instance, if you trek through a trail that has a lot of loose stones and rocks, it is important for you to be physically fit as this can often result in injury or difficulty. Some parts of the trail may have bumps, however, the trail is mostly in beautiful terrain, allowing you to explore the most beautiful mountain vistas in the Langtang area.

A person with modest physical fitness and endurance can easily complete the trek and enjoy the natural scenery. The culture and lifestyle of locals are the major attractions of the trek which you can explore thoroughly throughout the trek.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Tamang Heritage Trail is during the Spring and Autumn seasons. You can explore a wide range of climatic variations and the trekking atmosphere while trekking in this area. Seasoned locals will tell you that the best time to visit Tamang Heritage Trail is during the dry winter months- December through March. Though there are many benefits to visiting during any season, these dry months offer a more moderate climate with cooler days and warmer nights as well as access to less crowded trails and routes. This also means abundant water sources in addition to fewer bugs and biting animals. So, visiting the Tamang Heritage trail during the spring and Autumn months can be rewarding with picturesque views and an uninterrupted trekking experience. 

The wet seasons such as Summer and Winter can be harsh with unpredictable snowfall and gloomy weather. However, trekking can still be possible by looking after the weather forecast. 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01

Kathmandu Arrival | Welcome to Nepal!

Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you in typical Nepali style at Kathmandu airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will meet at the hotel for a coffee talk and brief you on the details of your upcoming program. 

Extra activity that you can participate in Kathmandu during your Cultural Tour, let us know your preference in advance so you can schedule the program accordingly and book as needed.   

  • Everest Mountain Flight (It is a 1-hour flight (scheduled at 6:30 AM) with a breathtaking view of the mountain range.) (USD 250 Per Person)

  • Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu. (USD 300 PP)

  • Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu with Kala Patthar Landing. (USD 1100 PP)

ascent 1350 M
trip-accomodation Nepali Ghar
trip-meals N/A
Day 02

Kathmandu Cultural Sightseeing.

At. 08:30 AM: Have your morning meal and get ready for your cultural tour, you will devote your full day to cultural sightseeing inside Kathmandu valley. Explore the Pashupatinath Temple devoted to Lord Shiva which is famous for its awe-spiring and amazing pagoda architecture. Visit Boudhanath stupa, where you will be welcomed by the divine smell of incense and the cooing and grunting of pigeons. After arriving at the Boudhanath stupa the divine aura will declare peace among people's souls. You can also enjoy the rooftop view of the entire place while sipping aromatic coffee and yummy food.

Pay a visit to the ancient Buddhist complex Swayambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey temple. At last, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the ancient palace of the Malla kingdom. Kasthamandap, Gaddi Baithak, Kaal Bhairav Statue, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, and several other Pagodas are the things to explore around durbar square. If you need anything for your upcoming trek you can go shopping at Thamel. You will be dropped back at your hotel in a private vehicle.

ascent 1350 M
trip-accomodation Nepali Ghar
trip-meals B
transportation Car
Day 03

Kathmandu - Dhunche - Syabru drive

At. 08:00 AM: After breakfast at the hotel, you will begin your journey towards Syabrubesi. A six-hour overland journey from the hotel to Syabrubesi village passes through the Dhunche, the headquarters town of Rasuwa district and the Langtang Himal area. The journey begins in the early morning with vistas of snow-capped peaks along the way. 

The distance between Kathmandu and Dhunche is about 110 KM. It takes 6-7 hours to go by Jeep from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, a distance of 122 kilometres, as the Jeep must carefully navigate a lengthy, one-lane hillside route and the traveller’s identification is frequently checked. You will stay overnight in Syabrubesi. You will begin trekking towards Gatlang village in the early morning the next day. 

ascent 2380 M
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
transportation Jeep
Day 04

Trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang.

At 08:00 AM: After breakfast, you will depart Syabrubesi and continue walking till you arrive at a prime place from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Ganesh Himal, the Gosainkunda range, and the Goljang Valley. You can learn more about Tamang culture and way of life by travelling through this Tamang valley. You'll eventually reach Gatlang village after taking in the stunning Himalayan surroundings. It is perched high among the terraced fields on a hillside. Visit Tamang Monastery, Parvati-Kund Lake, and other attractions while exploring this lovely Tamang hamlet.

duration 5-6 Hours
descent 2238 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 05

Gatlang -Tatopani via Thambuchet

At 08:00 AM: You'll travel from Gatlang to Tatopani today after eating breakfast with stunning views of the Langtang mountain and Ganesh Himal. You can enjoy a nice bath in the natural hot springs in Tatopani. It is thought that soaking in this warm natural spring will relieve your body's aches and pains. 

Trekking from Gatlang to Tatopani takes 12.3 km (7.6 mi). Trekking Tatopani takes about 5 to 6 hours from Gatlang. Tatopani settlement is located 2607 meters above sea level. Before arriving at Tatopani and enjoying the hot springs, the trek passes through Thambuchet (1768m), Chilime Dam (1762m), and Gonggang (2225m).

duration 5-6 Hours
ascent 2607 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 06

Tatopani - Brimdang - Nagthali - Thuman.

Today, you will be visiting the fascinating community of Thuman. Ascending to Nagthali village, a well-known destination for Buddhist monks and followers to meditate will mark the start of your journey. From Nagthali, one can see the Sanjen, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang ranges, each of which offers breathtaking views. Continue hiking until you reach Thuman, another Tamang village, where you will see Tibetan culture has had a significant impact on the local Tamang inhabitants. You can also visit a historic monastery in this village. 

Trekking from Tatopani to Thuman is 9.2 kilometres (5.7 miles) long. Depending on walking speed, it takes 5 to 6 hours to travel by foot through the uphill trail through the forest from Tatopani to Thuman. Thuman settlement is located 2338 meters above sea level. To get to Thuman Nepal, the trek passes past fields of crops, Mani walls, Brimdang (2846 meters), and Nagthali Ghyang (3165 meters). You'll spend the night in Thuman village.

duration 5-6 Hours
descent 2338 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 07

Thuman to Briddim.

You'll make the trek to the Tamang settlement of Briddim today. As you move along the flat valley trail, the day is fairly enjoyable. You'll continue your stroll through the lovely rhododendron forest while taking in the village life.

You'll arrive in Briddim village after 6-7 hours of trekking. The homes are exquisitely constructed of stone and have split shake roofs. The sight is exquisite and the people are hospitable. 

Trekking from Thuman to Briddim is about 14.5 km. Depending on your level of endurance, the uphill walking track from Thuman to Briddim takes 5 to 6 hours to complete. Briddim village is located at 2229 meters above sea level.

duration 5-6 Hours
descent 2229 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 08

Briddim to Lamahotel.

It takes roughly six hours to hike from Briddim to Lama Hotel (2470m). As you go through Briddim village, you get a chance to meet the residents, observe their way of life, and learn about their culture. Meanwhile, as you approach nearer to the day's destination, you will see that the Lama Hotel village is encircled by mountains and lush forests, and it is situated on the banks of the Langtang River.

duration 5-6 Hours
ascent 2470 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 09

Lama Hotel - Langtang valley.

After breakfast, you will begin trekking towards Langtang village. On the way, Ghoretabla can be reached in three hours from there (Valley popular for Horses and Yaks). In Nepali, ‘Horse-Stable’ is referred to as Ghoretabla. After an hour in the alpine forest, the trek continues for a few hours to Langtang hamlet and its stunning valley. As soon as you cross a tiny brook, the tree line disappears. After an hour of steep walking from here, the trail improves with a few uphill and downhill sections until arriving at Langtang Village, where visitors can spend the night. Finally, you will arrive at the largest settlement in the Langtang valley. In addition to breathtaking vistas of the Langtang and Gonchompe mountains, this location has monasteries and health posts.

duration 5-6 Hours
ascent 3430 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 10

Langtang - Kyanjin Gompa.

As our walk proceeds farther east, the valley opens up and we walk on a grassy meadow with views of numerous snow-capped peaks in the distance. From this wonderful village, the journey goes uphill for the first few hours through the prickly Burberry and high alpine shrubs and encounters the ‘mani-prayer wall’ where walking in a clockwise direction is a positive way of respecting the local culture and religion. As we approach our destination at Kyanjin Gompa, the trek becomes more enjoyable and can even be strenuous due to the elevation gain.

duration 5-6 Hours
ascent 3860 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 11

Kyanjin Gompa-Lamahotel.

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will be heading towards the Lama Hotel. Walking from Kanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel takes 6 to 7 hours because it is mostly downhill. Following the river, the trail descends steeply through the woodland. Pass through the communities of the Tamang ethnic group, who share Tibetans’ religious and cultural customs.

duration 5-6 Hours
ascent 2470 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 12

Lamahotel-Syabrubesi.

You will go back to the way we came and leave the mountain panoramas in our trail before returning to Syabrubesi, where we first started. This marks the last day of trekking on the Tamang Heritage Trail. 

duration 5-6 Hours
descent 2380 M
trip-accomodation Teahouse
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 13

Syabrubesi - Kathmandu.

It takes roughly 6-7 hours to travel by Jeep from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu. To get to Kathmandu, you travel through picturesque hillsides and ridgeline views. Your journey from Trishuli to Kathmandu begins with a gravelly, bumpy road and ends with a well-paved road. As you get nearer to Kathmandu, you can witness the urbanity and hustle of the city. In the evening, explore the nightlife around the Thamel area. 

duration 5-6 Hours
descent 1350 M
trip-accomodation Nepali Ghar
trip-meals B,L,D
transportation Jeep
Day 14

Departure.

Looking after your departing time, we’ll transfer you to the Airport for boarding. This day, after collecting a lot of incredible memories in the mountains of Nepal, you will be returning to your next destination. 

trip-meals B

Trip Guide

The given information about the Tamang Heritage Trail is in-depth, feel free to contact us 24/7 for any kind of assistance. We will be available on WhatsApp to assist you instantly. You can write an email if this trip doesn't fit with your vacation schedule and requirements. We aim to offer the best possible travel experience to the customers. Depending on the needs of the visitors and the group size, we customize each vacation package. We will put together a bespoke itinerary just for your private group.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where is the Tamang Heritage trail?

    Tamang heritage trail is in the northern part of Nepal, near the Tibetan border. Most of the Tamang heritage trails lie in the Langtang region and offer a wonderful experience to the trekkers. Relatively unexplored and culturally enriched this trail is popular for its mind-blowing cultural and natural experiences. The trail generally starts right after you reach Syabrubesi and heads towards the beautiful ethnic and cultural villages of Gatlang, Tatopani, Thuman, Briddim, Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang valley. 

  • Do I need a restricted area permit for this trek?

    No, the Langtang region is not under a restricted area. You can obtain the necessary permits such as a TIMS card and National Park permit and enjoy the trek in this region. 

  • How difficult is the Tamang Heritage trek?

    The trek is moderate. Mostly, you will be trekking in an area below 4000 m. above sea level, so, there are less chances of altitude sickness and you can easily complete the trek. It is not physically demanding, however, we suggest you make your backpack as light as possible. 

  • What is a useful backpacking checklist for this trek?

    While trekking on the Tamang heritage trail, you can take the necessary items. We recommend you carry essential items only as you will not be needing heavy equipment and gear. A light backpack is very helpful during the trekking journey. For the backpacking checklist, please visit our Nepal Trekking Gear Checklist

  • What are the major attractions of the Tamang Heritage Trail?

    The major attractions of the Tamang heritage trail are the beautiful waterfall, lush valleys, Langtang National Park, the culture and traditions of Tamangs and the Tibetan influence on the culture of the locals. Besides that, the beautiful natural landscapes and mountain sceneries are widely admired. The Langtang valley extension in the Tamang heritage trail also makes the experience wonderful as you can explore the most astonishing vistas. 

Services Includes

  • Kathmandu airport transfer on arrival and departure.

  • Private vehicle with A/C for all mentioned sightseeing and transfers.

  • All (11 nights) hotel accommodations at the mentioned hotels and resorts/ teahouses at respective places. 

  • Daily breakfast at the hotel/tea houses from the next day of your arrival.

  • Lunch and Dinner as mentioned in the itinerary during your trek trip. 

  • English-speaking professional and government-licensed tour guide during your sightseeing at Kathmandu.

  • All necessary paperwork. (National Park Permit and TIMS Card)

  • Professional and experienced trekking guide during your trekking trip.

  • Guide’s salary, food and accommodation during the trip.

  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveler’s insurance company.

  • All mentioned sightseeing entrance fees and permits. 

  • One local SIM card (returnable, if required) during your stay.

  • All government and local taxes.

  • Farewell Nepali cultural dinner on your last night in Nepal.

Services Excludes

  • Personal expenses.

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.

  • Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport-size photos and 30 USD)

  • International flight ticket.

  • Travel health insurance. (Recommended)

  • Tips for the guide, porter and driver.

  • Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.

  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

  • Hot shower/batteries charge/heater during the trek.

14 Days from US$ 1630
USD 1600 / Person

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