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Tamang Heritage Trail

Nepal

Starting From

$1,799/person

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Book this tour through our partner: World Expeditions

Experience the seldom visited Tamang region on this stunning short trek in the Tibetan borderlands

Itinerary

Join Kathmandu

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members.Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Free day in Kathmandu

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.

Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, drive approx. 7-8 hrs (depending upon road conditions)

After an early breakfast we drive north from Kathmandu to Syabu Besi. Parts of the road are unsealed and the condition of the road often depends upon the monsoon season. We will travel via Trisuli Bazaar where the dam and hydroelectric project was completed by the Indian Technical Mission. Finally we drive on to Syabrubesi where we will make our first camp and final preparations for our trek.Developed by the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program, the "Tamang Heritage Trail" is newly developed and an off the beaten track experience. This area is connected to Tibet and the trails in this region were used by traders from Tibet bartering in salt and mountain goats for meat (changra) with foodstuffs from the south. The people of this region are mostly Tibetans who came from Kerung in Tibet across the border and settled in Nepal. In earlier days, the citizenship of Nepal would not be offered to real Tibetans, so they changed their ethnicity to Tamang, which is what they still write till date. The culture and traditions of these people are similar to Tibet just across the border. This region offers a wilderness experience with beautiful landscapes of alpine terrain, flat meadows and rhododendron forests. There are still bears, leopards, red panda and musk deer. During the months of March and April the Rhododendron forests are in full bloom and have many different species of trees, birds and butterflies.

Trek to Gatlang (2238m). Walk approx. 7-8 hrs

Syabrubesi is a commercial area and it is the starting point for treks in the region. It is the main junction towards Kerung Border and Langtang, Tamang Heritage and Gosainkund Lakes trek. Today we will walk uphill where we get to a view point where we gain fantastic views of the Ganesh Himal, Gosainkund range and Langtang Range. We then walk through a pine forest with gravel road from where we get good views of Goljang which is a major village. We will then walk further for an hour to our lunch stop. Today we walk through small villages and along the trails there are numerous Buddhist chortens and mani walls. Gatlang is a beautiful Tamang village that is set high on a hillside among terraced fields.

To Tatopani (2607m). Walk approx. 5-6 hrs

Our walk today begins by descending to Thangbuchet (near Chilime village) by the Bhotekoshi River. Chilime Hydropower dam is situated here. After Chilime, we start to ascend first by crossing a small hanging bridge and continue until we reach our campsite. Enroute, we have excellent vies of the Langtang Range and Ganesh Himal. Tatopani means 'hot water' in Nepali, and this was previously the site of hot springs prior to the earthquake of April 2015.

Trek to Nagthali (3165m). Walk approx. 4hrs & Rest Day

This morning we ascend to Nagthali, which was once used as a popular meditation center for the local monks and priests. Nagthali Danda (3300m), the highest pass of the area, lies in a high open grassland and offers outstanding panoramic views of snow covered Langtang Lirung, Kerung, Ganesh Himal and Sanjen Ranges. Today is our highest campsite of this trip. From this campsite an excellent day hike can be made north towards the Tibet/Nepal border.

Trek to Thuman (2338m). Walk approx. 3-4 hrs

We begin with an easy flat trails which descends to Thuman en route to the old trade route to Tibet. If we are lucky, we might come across large troops of Nepal Gray Langur Monkeys. The ancient monasteries and houses adorned with rich wood engravings here are an unforgettable experience

Trek to Briddim (2239m) Walk approx. 5-6 hrs

Passing through rhododendron forests and meadows we head towards Briddim, another Tibetan influenced Tamang village located in the heart of the Langtang Himal. We can visit a meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche today, revered as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Please note this village was extensively damaged during the earthquake of 2015. Work is getting underway by the locals to rebuild this village where they have been living for many generations.

Return trek to Syabrubesi. Walk Approx. 4hrs

We follow the Bhote Kosi River on the left side of the valley to the north and then return on the opposite side. Passing through paddy and corn fields we finally descend to our campsite at Syabrubesi.

Return drive to Kathmandu (approx 7 hours)

The drive back to Kathmandu should take approximately 7 hours, depending on road conditions. On arrival the rest of the day at leisure.

Trip concludes in Kathmandu.

Arrangements cease after breakfast unless further arrangements have been made. Those travelling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport.

Additional Information

The 'Tamang Heritage Trail' is an exciting trekking route located between Langtang and the Ganesh Himal. A culturally rich region steeped in Tibetan tradition, the local Tamang people are some of the warmest and most welcoming people in Nepal. Within easy access of Kathmandu we ascend the road north towards the Tibetan borderlands and enjoy a circuit trek through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and peaceful valleys where few trekkers venture. Continuing north towards Tibet we soak up the heritage and appreciate a local fort, monastery and exquisite local architecture of the Tamang homes. We take a rest day in Briddim to observe the construction of the new monastery and discover more about the local traditions of this wonderful region. Away from the main tourist trail, Tamang is a rewarding Himalayan region to visit. Please note that the condition of the trails in this region have changed since the earthquake of 2015. Trekkers should be prepared for a few sections of less defined trails, with some steeper and longer climbs and some longer trekking days. Some of the villages, including Briddim and Thuman, were damaged by the earthquake. We use the same trails as those used by the locals who live here, and you will observe first-hand the rebuilding and regeneration that is taking place here following the 2015 earthquake.

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Starting From

$1,799/person

Book Now

Details

Duration

12 Days

Starts

Nepal

Group Size

6-16

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