Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu. This capital city is a mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and with its rich artistic and cultural heritage, it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats, and sacred cows. You’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 2 pm this afternoon. After, maybe head out with your group to one of the Kathmandu’s local restaurants.

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 you wind 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 km (31 mi) to Dhunche and then another 15 km (9 mi) to Syabrubesi. When you arrive at tonight’s teahouse, settle in and relax. (B)

Today starts early with an 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. Then, continue trekking to another Tamang village called Gatlang (2238 m). Besides the town’s cultural richness and scenic 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’s now revered by women for its apparent power to increase fertility.

Today will most likely be the toughest day of the trek, but the rewards far outweigh the gruelling journey! You’ll descend gradually along a ridge to the Bamdang Khola, which turns north along the Chilime Khola until you reach the town of Chilime. After crossing a suspension bridge (always fun) you’ll begin an arduous climb of around 450 m to the village of Gongang. It’ll take around 1.5 hours of steep uphill climbing, but there’s a lunch break when you arrive. The next section is much less physically strenuous, as you continue the ascent until you reach Tatopani (2607 m).

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 m), where you’ll be surrounded by jaw-dropping views of Langtang Lirung, Kerung, Ganesh Himal and 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 the 900 m descent through deep woodlands to Thuman, which faces the Shisapangma and Langtang Lirung peaks. A distinct Tibetan influence can be felt in the village, with its Shamanistic beliefs, ancient monasteries and houses covered in woodcarvings.

Today’s trek will see you descending through deep woodlands that face the Shisapangma and Langtang Lirung peaks. Pass through rhododendron forests and meadows to reach the Tamang village of Briddim, located in the heart of the Langtang Himal. Briddim marks the end of the Tamang Heritage Trail and is often a highlight for many travellers. Here, you’ll 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 several hours of trekking, you’ll 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 is still comfortable.

Ascend through Langtang National Park via Gumnachowk and Ghoda Tabela, finally reaching the village of Langtang. 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 gorgeous views of distant snow-capped mountains. Today, you’ll encounter Tamang and Sherpa inhabitants along the trail as they go about their daily lives. 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 (4700 m) for more mountain views. It’s a tough, 2-hour hike up a switch back trail in the dark, gaining about 750 m of elevation along the way. If you’d prefer, you can sleep in, have a relaxing breakfast, then head out to explore the village and learn more about the lifestyles of the Tamang and Sherpa community. Maybe visit a local cheese factory to taste Nak cheese. Yes, you heard it right, not Yak cheese, it’s Nak cheese (Yak is male!). If the mood arises, you could also take a short hike up to the glacier or try one of the several walks around the village. Tomorrow, it’s a big downhill walk back to Lama Hotel.

After breakfast, head back down the trail via Langtang and Ghoda Tabela to Lama Hotel. Take in the scenery as you go and enjoy the lack of ascent as you go. The long walk down will be rewarded with a ‘mountain cold’ Sherpa beer. Tonight is free to relax and rest your muscles.

Embrace another early start today and after breakfast, descend along the trail through corn fields. You’ll cross the Trisuli River via a suspension bridge, then follow the river until you reach your lodge in Thulo Syabru.

After breakfast, walk a couple of hours to Thulo Bharku (Dhunche), then transfer to Nuwakot in a private vehicle. You’ll accompany your leader to the old Nuwakot Durbar (Palace) to explore. Your relaxing accommodation for tonight is set on an organic farm and in the evening enjoy dinner at this heritage propery using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to support sustainable farming practices. (D)

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 up with the group for an optional dinner tonight. (B)

With no further activities planned, your trip ends today and you’re 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.