On this moderate seven-day trek just North of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, get up close with the Tamang people while trekking amid green valleys and snow-capped mountains. The Tamang Heritage trail has the added benefit of providing sustainable economic benefit to the local community.
Leave Kathmandu early for the seven-hour drive to the entrance of the Langtang Valley. While the Tamang Heritage Trail is not so far from Kathmandu, the road is hilly and winding (though spectacular), climbing high and providing us with superb panoramic views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region. The road then plunges down to the Trisuli River valley, which it follows for most of the day’s drive.
Syabrubesi is the common starting point for the Langtang Valley trek as well as the Gosainkund trek, but instead of heading in these directions, ascend a view point for an hour and a half for a fantastic view of Ganesh Himal, the Gosainkund range, and the Goljang Valley. Head down to the Goljang Valley (about an hour’s walk) and stop there for lunch. In the afternoon, trek for about three hours to reach Gatlang, a beautiful Tamang village.
Today’s walk begins by descending to Thangbuchet, by a lovely river. After lunch, the trail heads up again, across a hanging bridge and climbing to Tatopani, your stop for the night. The town’s name literally means ‘hot water’ in Nepali, and there are towns of this name all over Nepal. Unsurprisingly, here you can enjoy the natural hot springs, with water that comes straight out of the ground. Locals believe that the waters have a healing quality, and it will certainly ease away any aches and pains from the trek.
Today’s walk begins by descending to Thangbuchet, by a lovely river. After lunch, the trail heads up again, across a hanging bridge and climbing to Tatopani, your stop for the night. The town’s name literally means ‘hot water’ in Nepali, and there are towns of this name all over Nepal. Unsurprisingly, here you can enjoy the natural hot springs, with water that comes straight out of the ground. Locals believe that the waters have a healing quality, and it will certainly ease away any aches and pains from the trek.
Today, the trail ascends to Nagthali Danda (3,300 m./ 10,826 ft.), a high, open grassland with amazing views of the Himalayas. Stop at the delightful Brimdang village for lunch en route, then continue up to Nagthali Danda. On arrival, stop for a masala chiya (tea), prepared by the gompa’s caretaker. Then, continue down to Thuman, a Tamang village with friendly people who love to sing and dance. You might even be invited to join in!
Today’s walk begins along a flatter section of trail, then descends to Timure. It follows part of the old trade route to Tibet, and in fact, Tibet is not far away—just three hours’ walk. However, it’s not possible to walk across the border these days, and there’s a heavy police presence along the roads in this area. After lunch, the trail continues to Briddim, another Tamang village, where you’ll stay in a local home for a truly unique experience. All accommodation, lodgings, and food are offered at local houses on a rotational basis, so you can be sure that your stay is benefitting the whole community and not just one or two enterprising families (as is sometimes the case with hotels and lodges).
Today is an easy three-hour walk back down to Syabrubesi. Have lunch there, and then spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring. Syabrubesi is a small town, and there are some shops selling local handicrafts made by women, such as colorful aprons and shawls in the local style.
Drive back to Kathmandu while enjoying the mountain scenery en route.
Say farewell to Nepal and its amazing people, mountains and nature. Until the next time!
