Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek

You’ve arrived! Meet your group leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 2 pm. After the briefing you’ll have a free afternoon and evening, but the tour leader will usually organize an optional evening dinner at one of the Kathmandu’s great restaurants. Arrived early with time to spare? Check out some of the Urban Adventures on offer in this incredible city.

Wake up bright and early and drive northwest through Balaju. Make a steady climb to the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, eventually arriving at the pass at Kakani. As we wind ever upwards to the Trisuli bazaar you’ll get views of the Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal. Prepare yourselves for a few humps and bumps, because the road from Trisuli onwards begins to deteriorate. You’ll be driving in these conditions for around 50 kilometres (31 miles) to Dhunche and then another 15 kilometres (9 miles) to Syabrubesi. Tonight’s accommodation is a basic teahouse.

Hope you had a good night’s sleep, because today starts with a 2-hour ascent via a slew of switchbacks that mark the beginning of the trail. It’s all worth it when you reach a vantage point with views of Ganesh Himal, the Gosainkunda range and Langtang Lirung. Along the trail you’ll see numerous Buddhist Chortens and mani walls, which all add another dimension to this picturesque landscape. After descending for around 45 minutes, arrive at the little Tamang village of Goljung for a lunch break. Continue trekking for 2.5 hours to another Tamang village called Gatlang (2238 metres). Besides its obvious cultural richness and stunning location, Gatlang also boasts a 100-year-old Tamang monastery and the secret lake, Parvati Kunda. Legend has it that this lake was discovered in ancient times while the King of Gatlang was on his way to find a missing hunting dog. It is now revered by women for its apparent power to increase fertility. You’ll reach each of these landmarks after a 45-minute uphill walk.

Are you ready? Today is widely considered the toughest day of the trek. But the rewards far outweigh the gruelling part. Descend gradually along a ridge to the Bamdang Khola, which turns north along the Chilime Khola until you reach the town of Chilime (around 2 hours). After crossing a suspension bridge (always fun) you’ll begin an arduous climb of around 450-metres to the village of Gongang. It’ll take around 1.5 hours of steep uphill climbing but there’s a lunch break on arrival. The next section is much less physically strenuous, as you continue the ascent for around 2 hours until you reach Tatopani (2607 metres).

Pass through an incredible rhododendron forest clinging to the side of the mountain, where vines and moss-covered trees may be filled with troops of gray langur monkeys. Pass through village of Brimdang then continue up the side of the highest and steepest part of the trail. One ridge after another offers better and better views of Ganesh Himal to the west and the Langtang range on the east. The ridgeline ends atop the open grasslands of Nagthali Hill (3210 metres), approximately 45 minutes from Brimdang. All of a sudden you are surrounded by jaw-dropping views of Langtang Lirung, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma on the Tibetan side, with the Sanjen Ranges before you. Spend time taking in the views, visit the Monastery and enjoy the sense of accomplishment, before an approximately 900-metre descent through deep woodlands to Thuman, which faces the Shisapangma and Langtang Lirung peaks (about 45 minutes). A distinct Tibetan influence can be felt in the village, with its Shamanistic beliefs, ancient monasteries and houses covered in woodcarvings.

Descend through deep woodlands, which faces the Shisapangma and Langtang Lirung peaks (about 45 minutes). A distinct Tibetan influence can be felt in the village, with its Shamanistic beliefs, ancient monasteries and houses covered in woodcarvings. Pass through rhododendron forests and meadows to reach the Tamang village of Briddim, located in the heart of the Langtang Himal. It will take just over 2 hours of uphill walking. Briddim marks the end of the Tamang Heritage Trail and is often a highlight for many of our travellers. Here you will get to experience a teahouse owned by a local family, sleeping overnight in their comfortable wooden rooms. You’ll get a richer understanding of the culture here plus the chance to share stories with your host.

Continue along the trail through the hilly region of Khangjim and Sherpagoan, learning about the rich culture of the Tamang and Sherpa communities along the way. After trekking for around 7 hours, reach tonight’s guesthouse. Lama Hotel is the name of a collection of guesthouses that marks the start of the Langtang Valley. The standard of accommodation in Lama Hotel is slightly below the usual standard on this trip, but still comfortable.

Ascend through Langtang National Park via Gumnachowk and Ghotatabela, finally reaching the village of Langtang (approximately 5–7 hours). Langtang National Park was established in 1976 to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region. Rhododendron, Nepalese alder and oak forest thrive here due to the temperate conditions. The park is also home to red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards and more than 250 species of birds. Spend the evening at a newly built guesthouse. Don't forget to refill your water bottles tonight at the newly installed water purifier, installed as part of a joint World Wildlife Fund–Intrepid project.

In the morning, follow the trail towards the rebuilt village of Kyanjin. Both sides of the path are flanked by stunning views of distant snow-capped mountains. Today we’ll encounter Tamang and Sherpa inhabitants along the trail as they go about their daily lives. Today’s hiking is between 4– 5 hours. Acclimatise this evening with a short climb above the village for great views of the surrounding valley.

You can choose how to spend your time today. After breakfast, go for an optional walk to Kyanjin Ri (4600 metres) for a stunning mountains view. It’s a tough, 2-hours hike up a switch back trail in the dark, gaining about 750 metres of elevation along the way. If you’d prefer, sleep in, and have a relaxing breakfast before heading out to explore the village and learn more about the lifestyles of the Tamang and Sherpa community or even visit a local cheese factory to taste Nak cheese. Yes, you heard it right, not Yak cheese, it’s Nak cheese (Yak is male). Keep your eyes peeled for the German Bakery! You could also take a short hike up to the glacier or try one of several interesting walks around the village.

Its a big downhill walk back to Lama Hotel tomorrow.

After breakfast, head back down the trail via Langtang and Ghoretabela to Lama Hotel. Today’s trekking will take around 7 hours, descending 1600 metres. The long descent will be rewarded with a ‘mountain cold’ Sherpa beer (subject to availability).

Embrace another early start and, after breakfast, descend the trail through corn fields. Cross the Trisuli River via suspension bridge. Follow the river for around 5 hours until we reach our lodge in Thulo Syabru.

After breakfast, walk approximately 3 hours to Thulo Bharku (Dhunche), then transfer to Nuwakot via private vehicle. Our charming accommodation is set on an idyllic organic farm. In the evening you will accompany your leader to the old Nuwakot Durbar (Palace).

Rise early today for breakfast then hop in a private vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. Spend some further time exploring Kathmandu before joining with our group for an optional dinner tonight. (B)

The trip ends today, and you are free to depart at any time after check out. If you plan on spending more time in Kathmandu, let your booking agent know and they can organise more accommodation for you (subject to availability).