THE TAMANG HERITAGE TREKKING CIRCUIT

Difficulty:

Hiking days: 10 days

Season: Autumn / Spring

Highlights of the trek

The Tamang Heritage Trek explores the western part of Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu. This cultural circuit takes you to meet the Tamang people, of Tibetan-Burmese origin, through traditional villages, ancient trade routes and spectacular Himalayan landscapes. Between 1,550 m and 3,200 m above sea level, the trek offers an authentic immersion in Tamang culture, in the heart of forests, meadows and habitats of the red panda and snow leopard.

The trek is easy (moderate altitude and no climbing) and follows well-marked trails. The best seasons for this trek are from October to December or from March to April. Even in winter, it is possible to do this trek, but visibility and weather are not always guaranteed. Accommodation is provided in lodges along the trail, which also serve meals. There may also be opportunities for occasional stays with host families. In Kathmandu, accommodation is provided in hotels.

Trekking itinerary Tamang Heritage

Details of the circuit

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to rest after your long flight. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu: city tour and trek preparation

After breakfast, we offer a guided tour of two sites of your choice from among Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual attractions, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can choose between the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist sanctuary (Bouddhanath), which is also home to one of the largest stupas in the world.

In the afternoon, a trek preparation meeting will allow you to meet your trek leader and the other members of the team. Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will inform you of the details of your trek and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about our upcoming adventure. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,400 m): approximately 5 hours by road

Leaving Kathmandu and heading north by jeep or bus, the road winds through picturesque foothills offering breathtaking views of the ridge line. You will pass through Dhunche, which feels like the gateway to a secluded territory. As you travel along the banks of the Trishuli River, you will see Ganesh Himal, agricultural terraces and green hills. As the journey progresses, especially after Betrawati, the road deteriorates as it is still under construction. You will spend the night in Syabrubesi.

Day 4: Syabrubesi to Ghatlang (2,238 m): 5/6 hours of walking

Leaving Syabrubesi, you begin the trek and pass through local villages where you discover some of the most interesting aspects of Tamang culture and the dynamic lifestyle of this ethnic group. Cultural performances are offered in Goljung and Ghatlang. This village is located on a hillside among terraced fields. You can visit a Tamang monastery in this village and the beautiful Parvatikunda pond. You will spend the night in Ghatlang.

Day 5: From Ghatlang to Tatopani (2,607 m) 6/7 hours of walking

During this day, the trail you take offers views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. In Tatopani, you can take a dip in the natural hot springs. The bathing area is located in the heart of the mountains. It is said that bathing in the spring cures your aches and pains. You will spend the night in Tatopani.

Day 6: From Tatopani to Thuman (2,300 m) via Nagthali (3,165 m): 6 hours of walking.

On the way to Thuman, you may encounter animals such as monkeys and deer. The panoramic view of the Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal and Sanjen ranges can be seen from Nagthali, which was a popular meditation centre for local monks and priests. From there, the trail is characterised by steep ascents and descents.

You will finally reach the village of Thuman with its rich cultural heritage. It is renowned for its shamanic performances. The people of Thuman will entertain you with singing and dancing, and you are welcome to join in. You will soon feel at home and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Thuman is also famous for its magnificent views of the Lantang peaks. These mountains are visible from every house in Thuman. You will spend the night in Thuman.

Day 7: from Thuman to Briddim (2,229 m): 5/6 hours of walking

The steep ascents and descents continue. After leaving Thuman, you arrive in Briddim where you can enjoy a cultural show performed by members of the community. You have the option of staying with a host family to discover the Tamang culture and lifestyle first-hand.

Briddim is a Tibetan Buddhist village in the centre of the Langtang Himal. About 43 houses are spread out in a Z-shape. Most of the houses are made of stone and have roofs made of split stone tiles. The inhabitants of Briddim are direct descendants of ancient Tibetan immigrants, and as a result, the culture and traditions of Briddim are those of typical Tibetan villages. You will spend the night in Briddim.

Day 8: Briddim to Syabrubesi (1,400m): 3 hours walking

You walk from Briddim to Syabrubesi via Wangal, following a gently descending trail through villages and terraced fields, offering magnificent views of the surrounding hills. You spend the night in Syabrubesi.

Day 9: Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (1,300 m): 6-hour drive

The return to Kathmandu by jeep or bus is enhanced by splendid views of hills, mountains, terraces and villages. Your vehicle will take the unpaved track to Betrawati, where it joins a narrow but well-paved road. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can freshen up and rest at your hotel. You can visit Thamel at night to relax a little. We plan a farewell dinner with Nepalese cuisine in Thamel. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Day 10: Last day (departure)

After breakfast on your last day in Kathmandu, a representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will be ready to take you to the international airport, where you should arrive three hours before your scheduled return flight. Have a safe journey! We hope to see you again someday.

Useful information:

Difficulty: Facile