Tamang heritage trail

The new Tamang Heitage Trails offers peek at the Himlalayan life style and culture. The Trauil takes you to verdant midlands of Nepal

The new Tamang Heritage Trails offers peek at the Himlalayan life style and culture. The Trauil takes you to verdant midlands of Nepal experiencing the beauty of the mountain region and the culture of the people who live here. The trail passes through traditional Tamang villages where life, culture, and crafts have remained unchanged since the begining of the settlement. Warm traditional welcome hosted by the locals, their elaborate costumes, rish architecture of their mountain houses and the ancient monasteries and places of pyayer add color to the experience of this trail. In addition to cultural expereince the trek also offers wilderness experience through beautiful landscapes of alpine terrain. flat meadows and rhdoeedndron forests.The trail start either from Dhunche or Syabrubesi and passes through Goljung, Gatlang, Chilime, Thurman, Timure and Briddim. The trail may end back in Syabrubesi or follow and Langtang trek from Briddim village via Khamjim.

Day From To Activities Overnight

  1. Kathmandu Dhunche-Syabru Drive Kathmandu-Rasuwa via Trisuli, Nuwakot (8 hrs) Syabru Hotel
  2. Syabru Gojung-Gatlang Drive /Trek Syabru-Goljung-Gatlang (4 hrs) Gatlang (Community lodge)
  3. Gatlang Tatopani Trek Gatlang-Tatopani (6 hrs) hot bath in the
    natural spring of Tatopani Tatopani lodge
  4. Tatopani Nagthali-Thuman Trek Tatopani-Nagthali via Vridndang (5 hrs) Thuman (Home Stay)
  5. Thuman Timure_Rasuwagadhi-Timure Trek-Thuman to Timure and visit nearby historical fort at Tibetan border (5 hrs) Timure Lodge
  6. Timure Briddim Trek Timure-Briddim (6 hrs) Observe local culture and Hote stay experience Briddim Home stay
  7. Briddim Khamjim-Syabru Trek Briddim-Khamjim-Syabrubesi (5 hrs) Syabru (Hotel)
  8. Saybrubesi Dhunche-Kathmandu Drive Dhunche-Kathmandu (8 hrs) Extension Trip to Kyanzing Gompa Hotel at Kathmandu
  9. Briddim Lama Hotel Trek Briddim – Lama hotel (6 hrs) Lama Hotel
  10. Lama Hotel Langtang Village Trek Lama Hotel-Langtang (5 hrs) Langtang
  11. Langtan Kyanzing Trek Lantang -Kyanzing (3 hrs) Kyangzing
  12. Kyanzing Lama Hotel Trek Kyanzing-Lama Hotel (6 hrs) Lama Hotel
  13. Lama Hotel Syabru Trek Lama Hotel -syabru (5 hrs) Syabru
  14. Syabru Kathmandu Drive Syabru-Kathmandu (8 hrs) Kathmandu

HOME STAY AT BRIDDIM:
Briddim (2,229m) is a small and beautiful Tamang village. It offers Himalayan cultural experience in the form of accommodation. Here visitors are accommodated as house guests and are able to have first hand experience of the age old culture and hospitality of the Tamang community. The accommodation and tourism package is managed by home stay Tourism Management Committee in the village. Briddim home stay was awarded 2nd Mountain Development Prize at the International Mountain Day programmed held in Kathmandu December 2005.

PEOPLE & CULTURE
The inhabitants of the Lantang Valley are thought to be descendants of Tibetan from Kerung who intermingled with Tamangs from the Helambu area. The inhabitants of Briddim, Thuman, Timure and Langtang are of the Tamang ethnic group but a marked influence of Tibetan culture and tradition is noticed in their lifestyle closely resembling that of most Tibetan villages. They are mainly sheep and yak herders, but grow some
hardy grains and vegetables. The daily life of the villagers includes raising livestock, agriculture and trade with Kerung in Tibet. Wheat, maize, potato, soybean and millet are their staple food.

In addition, visitor can also observe Syabru dance, Khampa dance, Shaman performance and other colorful performances during major festivals like Lhosa (Feb) Chhiju (Dec) Baisakh Purnima (Apr-May) and as per visitor’s request.

HOT SPRINGS
At Totopani which literally means “HOT WATER” you can cleanse yourself spiritually in natural hot springs with bathing areas in the lap of the mountains. Locals believe that the waters have a healing quality that ease away your aches and pains.

NATURAL EXPERIENCE
The trail is equally a pleasure for natural experiences. The unique landscape around Goljung Bhanjyang, Thuman and Briddim, pristine forest between Tatopani and Nagthali, Thuman and Kaleidoscopic view of the Langtang mountains. Sanjen range, Ganesh Himal, Kerung and Gosaikunda range along the way give a wholesome experience of Himalayan landscape and vegetation.

GOSAIKUNDA TREK (FROZEN LAKE)
An additional 4-5 days trek to Holy Gosaikunda Lake (4,300 m) can be either from Rimiche, Syabrubesi or Dhunche. The trek offers perfect combination of natural and cultural Buddhists. About 25 to 30 thousand pilgrims visit this area during Janai Purninma festival which falls during the full moon time of August.

FURTHER AFIELD
Visitors can extend their stay in Langtang to trek to Kyangjin and explore the upper valley to Langshisa and beyond. Tilman’s Col, a difficult crossing named after H>W Tilman the first Westerner to visit Langtang in 1949, leads east toward Panch Pokhari, Ganja La Pass (5,120 m) often covered by snow and clouds, leads south to Heleambu and the Kathmandu Valley.

Gosaikund circuit trek

Gosaikunda lies north of Kathmandu. The Gosaikunda loop is quite remote and thinly populated area. Gosaikunda, a glacier lake

Gosaikunda lies north of Kathmandu. The Gosaikunda loop is quite remote and thinly populated area. Gosaikunda, a glacier lake, is the most famous one with several others glacier lakes adjoining it. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lakes during a full- moon festival in August and Hindu people believe that the god Mahadev (Shiva), intoxicated by grief due to his wife’s (Pārbati) death, felt thirsty so he hit the stone with his holy stick, thus creating the lakes. In the same place Lake Gosaikunda originates and Hindu people believe that the image of Mahadev can be seen in the middle surface of the water. The lake is also scared to Buddhists.

This is a journey with numerous highlights, stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna massif as far as you can see. The Tamang and Sherpa people living here, physically and culturally resemble the Tibet inhabitants and their unique lifestyle is still thriving under their traditional attitude. Abundant wildlife, intense forest teaming with wild flowers and animal species, adds interest to this trek for nature lovers.

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu
On your arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by our representative who will take you to the hotel for the night. O /N at hotel

Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour
After having breakfast you take a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You will visit many Buddhist and Hindu temples which reflect the local culture and tradition of Nepalese society. In the afternoon you will be taken back to your Hotel. O/N at hotel

Day 03: Kathmandu to Dhunche & Syabru (117km)
Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche by local bus, there is a descent to the Trisuli river which is reached within half an hour. From the river bed there is a steep climb to Dovan. Right from here a track to Gosainkund leaves the main train to Rasuwa Ghari and the Langtang Valley. From Dovan there is a gentle climb to 6,400ft. and Barku village is reached. From Bharku, traversing up and down after crossing a suspension bridge over the Langtang river, the village of Syabrubesi is reached. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Dhunche to Sing Gompa (3330m)
The trail from Dhunche crosses the river and heads through the forest. The trail climbs uphill most of the way until it reaches Sing Gompa. O/N in Sing Gompa Lodge.

Day 05: Sing Gompa to Laurebina Yak (3920m)
From Sing Gompa the trail climbs gradually up and reaches Chalang pati (3650m) where you have a splendid view of Langtang Lirung, Tibetan mountains and the forest filled with beautiful rhododendron and pine. The trail ascends to Laurebina Yak. O/N in Laurebina Yak Lodge.

Day 06: Laurebina Yak to Gasainkunda (4460m)
The route ascends up to a small temple with a statue of Sakyamuni and further climbing you can see good views of Saraswati kunda (lake). After trekking some while you will have excellent views of Bhairav Kunda (lake) and climbing gently you will reach to Gosaikund. O/n inLodge

Day 07: Gosainkunda to Gopte (3440m)
The trail leads to the northern side of Gosaikunda Lake, crosses a moraine, passing three more small lakes; you will reach Laurebina La (4610m). The trail descends to a National Park Post at Bhera Goth (4240m) and to Phedi (3740m). From Phedi the route drops and climbs through scrub bamboo to Dupichaur (3630m) and descends finally to Ghopte. O/N at Lodge

Day 08: Gopte to Tharepati (3640m)
Descending from Ghopte the trail makes several ups and down across moraines, then makes a final ascent to Tharepati observing the fine scenery along the path. O/N at Tharepati Lodge.

Day 09: Tharepati to Gul Bhanjyang (2140m)
From Tharepati the trail precedes passing through forests, to Magen Goth (3420m) and to Panghu. The trail descends through fir and rhododendron forest observing the view of beautiful and glittering peaks on its way to Khutumsang (2450m). Finally the trail descends to the delightful hill village of Gul Bhanjyang. O/N at Gul Bhanjyang Lodge.

Day 10: Gul Bhanjyang to Chisopani (2134m)
The trek continues along the forested ridge climbing to Thodang Betini (2260m) and to Chipling (2170m). Making a very steep descent the trail heads to Pati Bhanjyang (1860m), a Brahman and Chhetri village. Then the trail proceeds to Chisopani where you can see the mountain views and the sunrise on the Himalaya. O/N at Chisopani Lodge.

Day 11: Chisopani to Sundari jal (1300m)
From Chisopani the route goes forward through the forest of oak and rhododendron, and brings you to Borlang Bhanjyang (2440m). After a while you will get to the Army check post where your Shivapuri entrance permit is checked, then to Mulkharka (1800m) from where you will have a spectacular view of Kathmandu valley. Descending through the forest you will reach to Sundarijal where there is a large water project. then take a local taxi to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Departure
Transfer to Airport for your onward destination

Langtang Trek

Langtang is an interesting Tibetan Style village with stone-walls enclosing houses and fields where you just might

Langtang is an interesting Tibetan Style village with stone-walls enclosing houses and fields where you just might see your first yaks. The Langtang National Park headquarters is also located here. Trekking to Lantang is just another amazing trip in Nepal.

Lantang National Park was once the nearest national park from Kathmandu before the Shivapuri National Park was gazetted in 2002. The area extends from 32 km north of Kathmandu to the Nepal-China (Tibet) border. Langtang was designated as the first Himalayan national park in 1970-71. and was gezetted in March 1976. While the main reason for declaring the area as a national park was to preserve natural environment, an equally important goal is to allow local people to follow traditional land use practices that are compatible with resource protection.

Though there are different trekking trails in the Langtang region, the most of the popular landmarks in the region in just eight days. The best time to start Langtang Valley Trek is from mid-Oct to Mid-Dec and from Mid-Feb until Mid-April to Mid-June, It is warm but oftern cloudy with thunder showers. Summer monsoon lasts until the beginning of Oct. During winter months, daytime temperatures are low and chances of snowfall become high.

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu
On your arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by our representative who will take you to the hotel for the night. O/N at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour
After having breakfast you take a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You will visit many Buddhist and Hindu temples which reflect the local culture and tradition of Nepalese society. In the afternoon you will be taken back to your Hotel. O/N at Kathmandu

Day 03: Kathmandu to Dhunche
Looking at a map, Langtang seemquite close to Kathmandu, but in realiity you still have to endure a jarring 8 hour ride in a wheezing bus to get to Dhunche. the district headquarters of Rasuwa. About 45 minutes out of Kathmandu, you pass through the town of Kakani which offers great views of Mustang, a grouping of peaks only partially visible from Kathmandu and Trishuli, a busy bazzar town, often called Trishuli Bazzar. The river, which flows southwest, is very popular for rafting. For may years, this was the start of the Langtang trek, but there is now rough road to Dhunche that bypasses the old trail and cuts the number of days necessary for this trek. The road is rough and often closed during winter due to landslides. For part of the way, the road clings to the edge of a steep mountain. Dhunche is an attractive village with large stone houses. You have to pay national park entry fee at the office of Langtang National Park at Dhunche and show your TIM’s card at the counter of Trekking Agencies Association office. This is more or less the “Gateway” to the essentially long, narrow valley running parallel to the Tibetan border and hemmed in by high, snow-capped peaks. From your tents, excellent views of Gheng and Langtang Lirung to the north and Ganesh to the west are visible.

Day 04: Dhunche to Syabru
The trek descends to Trisuli River until Thulo Barkhu and then climb up to ridge through the pine woods. From here, you can enjoy fine views up the valley towards the Tibetan border – about 20 km away. The trail after Bharkhu climbs a steep slope to the top of a ridge which is a good place for birding. You have now entered the Langtang Valley and you can see Mustang to the west, Tibet to the north, and Langtang Lirung in the east. You will also be able to see, on a ridge top below you, the village of Syabru. The trail contours aound the ridge at first before descending a short steep slope into Syabru.

Day 05: Syabru to Lama Hotel.
The trail starts meandering through the cool deciduous forests of oak and maple that cover the lower sections of the valley and climbs through massive stands of spruce, fir and blue pine. Towering walls close in and your paths will skirt precipitous drops, which fall into a silt-laden river below. It’s a classic transition from temperate lowland forest to high altitude Himalayan valley. Descend through the village of Syabru and continue down the ridge until you come to a trail to the east that drops sharply off the ridge and through a dense forest. Cross a bridge over a tributary of the Langtang Khola and then climb a short distance. The trails follows the south bank of the river through a deep gorge with no views of the mountains, crossing another tributary in about an hour. In another hour frojm this tributary, cross yet another bridge to the north bank Langtang Khola. The trails begins climbing up from the river at this point and in an hour, shortly after the trails levels off, you join the old Langtang trail from Syarpagaon and Syabrubensi. Another hour from this trails junction brings you to the Lama Hotel in the tiny village of Chongong. At this point you start to become aware of the firm control the government exercises over the parks – with results that are oftern good, but sometimes questionable. On one hand, there are strict controls on tree felling, and the park has remained mercifully free from the satellite dishes that dominate some over trekked parts of Nepal.

Day 06: Lama Hotel to Langtang Valley
A day further on the forest peters out and tantalizing glimpses of snow-capped peaks starts appearing. From the Lama Hotel, the trails climbs steadily to Ghora Tabela with glimpses of Langtang Lirung through the trees. At times, the trails becomes very steep but only for short distance. Gradually the air becomes thinner and the climate colder. At Ghora Tabela, the trails leaves the forest and a spectacular view of Langtang Lirung appears. Once a Tibetan resettlement camp, It is now an Ary post. There is a good lodge to stop by for lunch. Continue up the valley, leaving the forests behind, the trail ascends steadily up to the Langtang village, passing below a monastery. After Langtang, you can see a community of typical flat-roofed Tibetan house and open pasture. This is perfect for raising yaks, and you’ll see these imposing beasts everywhere.

Day 07: Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3870m)
You may notice that the valley above this point is U-shaped. Below Langtang, the valley has the characteristic V-shaped of a rivercarved valley. Leaving Langtang, you ascend gradually to a chorten (a small Tibetan Buddhist Stupa) behind which is a very long mani wall. The trail passes two small villages and the village widens. You cross several streams and a moraine before arriving at Kyanjin Gompa, the views just get better and you will see Yansa Tsenji and Kimshun to the north and the Langtang Himal to the northwest. Since you will probably arrive before lunch, you will have time to do som exploring in the afternoon, though you may be experiencing some sidcomfort from the altitude. Alternatively, take a good rest and allow your body to acclimatize with the high altitude as much as possible to be fully prepared for more ascending duirng the next day.

Day 08: Kyanjin Gompa.
A day hike further up the valley past the airstrip will provide more spectacular views that include Langtang Lirung, Ganchenpo, Langshisa Ri, Dorje Lakpa, Lenpo Gang and Urkinmang. A four hour walk to the east of Kyanjin Gompa from the village will take you to Tsergo Ri. If you start early in the moring and are well acclimatized, you should bee able to climb this peak and return to Kyanjin Gompa in just one day. The reward for climbing to the prayer flags on its summit is a magnificent view of the Langtang Lirung, the mountain that dominates the valley. There are numerous alternatives slide trips. The surrounding area, especially to the north, is vast and has many smaller, uninhabited valleys – ideal for high altitude, backcountry trekking. Several of the more moderate local peaks are quite climbable and provide breathtaking panoramic views of mountains is Tibet, including the Xixa Pangma (Shisapangma). If you have the inclination and the right equipment, the upper Langtang Valley can be used as a base for glacier exploration.

Day 09: Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel
Since you will be acclimatized and will be sescending, you should be able to reach the Lama Hotel in a day’s walk (Approx 6 Hours) from Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 10: Lama Hotel to Syabru
From Lama Hotel you shold be able to reach Syabru in another 6 hours descending. Keep retracing your steps. Buses to Kathmandu are available from Syabru.

Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Airport for your onward journey.