Experience a wonderful seven-day trek just north of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. You'll have the chance to meet the friendly Tamang people and walk through lush valleys with stunning snow-capped mountains around you. The Tamang Heritage trail not only offers a memorable journey but also helps support the local community's economy in a sustainable way.
Getting away to a Tamang Heritage Trail
The Tamang Heritage Trekking Trail is located north of the Kathmandu Valley and is one of the most accessible trekking regions in Nepal. It offers beautiful scenery, including terraced green farmland, thick forests, and views of the Langtang Himalayas near the Tibetan border. The area is known for its stunning cedar forests, colorful flowers, and breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Shishapangma, Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal.
The Tamang Heritage Trail is less crowded than the popular Langtang Valley trek, allowing you to experience a quieter and more authentic journey. During the initial days of the Tamang trail, the facilities may not be as developed as in other regions, but it provides a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and experience raw natural beauty.
To start the trek, you'll drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The trail passes through traditional Tamang villages like Gatlang, Langtang, and Kyangjin Gompa, offering cultural experiences and visits to monasteries and lakes. The Tamang Heritage Trail is located within Langtang National Park, and although you don't need permits, there might be an entry fee at the checkpoint in Dunchet.
The trek was affected by the 2015 earthquakes but has been fully reconstructed. Along the route, you'll find accommodations and meals in homestays and teahouses in every community. If you seek an adventure with a blend of nature, culture, and a chance to connect with local traditions, the Tamang Heritage Trek is a perfect choice.
Itinerary
Arrived in Kathmandu, we are greeted at the airport by our local team and transferred to the hotel, to take advantage of a time of rest, briefing of presentation of the progress of the trek, then free time. In case of arrival in the morning, free day: rest or the possibility of making free visits for those who wish. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse you in Nepalese culture,
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
As soon as you leave Kathmandu, the road rises and crosses a small pass at Kakani, 2145 meters above sea level. On a clear day, the panorama is superb: Annapurna II, Manaslu, and the Ganesh Himal massif. The road then plunges towards the wide valley of the Trisuli to arrive at the large town of Trisuli (548 m). Then it's the track to Shyabur Besi. In Kalikhastan, we enter the Langtang National Park.
6-hour drive
Final altitude: 1900m
Meal: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: NIght in the Lodge
Rough climb for this first day of warm-up. Gatlang is one of the first Tamang villages visited on our route.
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately2240m m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
Gatlang is mainly made up of the Tamang ethnic group, a people of Tibeto-Mongolian origin with their own language and culture. Along the way, it is not uncommon to see men and women in traditional costumes. After a descent through the terraced crops, we go up on the other side of the valley to reach Tatopani (“hot water” in Nepali). Splendid view of the Ganesh Himal chain, in particular the Paldor (5930 m).
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: 2610m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
If you wish, possibility of taking a morning bath in the large hot water basins with the Nepalese. We continue our climb to the Nagthali pass (3165 m) before reaching the charming village of Thuman. Passing the pass, we leave behind the chain of Ganesh Himal to find ourselves facing of Langtang. The summits of Langtang II (6560 m) and Langtang Lirung (7225 m) impose themselves on us for this day of walking.
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 2610m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
At the bottom of the valley, we cross the road linking Lhasa to Khatmandu, subsidized by Beijing and this wanting the counterpart of that passing further east of Khatmandu. Fortunately, the traffic is less there. We follow the Bhote Koshi river before climbing again towards the village of Briddim, in the middle of terraced fields and orchards.
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: 2230m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
The classic Langtang Valley route starts 600 meters below! We take the opportunity to stay level by taking a shepherd's path that takes us to the ridge leading to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda, another magnificent trek in Langtang. After the village of Sherpagaon and a clear and open landscape, we descend gently towards the forest in the direction of Changtang, called Lama Hotel.
7hrs of walking
Final altitude: 247m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
We climb gradually within the forest and some openings between the trees allow us to contemplate the clear blue river below. Then, at the bend of a clearing, the Langtang Lirung (7246 m) appears, majestic. The trail crosses a suspension bridge and then climbs through the middle of yaks meadows to Ghora Tabela, a pastoral village occupied mainly by Tibetans. The trail climbs steadily within the valley widening as we progress. We come across several typical Tamang houses, as well as the first manis, the prayer walls. The arrival in Langtang, a village recognizable by its flat-roofed Tibetan-style houses.
6hrs of walking
Final ALtitude:3500m
Meal: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: Night in the lodge
The path winds through the largest village in the valley and joins a ridge dominated by a large square chorten and its long prayer wall. From there, access to a small moraine allows you to contemplate the Kyanjin gompa: the site is magnificent. Then a short descent towards the lodges and the local cheese dairy.
6hrs of walking
Final ALtitude:3870m
Meal: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: Night in the lodge
In the afternoon, the possibility of making an excursion towards Kyanjin Ri (4773 m) which offers a remarkable point of view: Langtang Lirung (7227 m), Yala Peak (5050 m), Langshisha Ri (6560 m), massive of Urkeinmang Himal (6143 m), among many other peaks. If you do not wish to make this excursion, you can go up the wide Langtang valley, which rises very gently, towards the summer pastures of the yaks.
A day devoted to the discovery of the upper Langtang valley. The Tsergo Ri, from where the wide circular view imposes itself as a belvedere, offers a grandiose panorama: Langtang Lirung (7246 m), Naya Kanga (5846 m), Dorje Lakpa (6966 m), Langshisa Ri (6427 m), Ganchenpo (6378 m) and, in the distance, the summit of Shishapangma (8013 m). The round trip is a great day of effort. The terrain does not present any particular difficulties other than the altitude. The end of the route, among large boulders, is demanding.
Descent by the same route as on the outward journey.
7hrs of walking
Final ALtitude:2470m
Meal: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: Night in the lodge
Descent by the way of the outward journey following the Langtang Khola, until taking a small path on our left. The path is a little rough in the middle of the ferns. We come to a sumptuous belvedere. Sometime later, we arrive at a flat area and see the village of Thulo Shyabru. Suspended from a ridge with its white chorten at the entrance to the village, it is a beautiful belvedere over the foothills of Tibet. At nightfall, the changing colors of trees, hills and snow-capped peaks in the distance leave pleasant memories and delight photographers.
7hrs of walking
Final ALtitude:2200m
Meal: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: Night in the lodge
Return to the track with alternating coniferous forests and pastures. The last views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges follow one another before a long descent. Arrived at the road, a car awaits us to take us back to Kathmandu.
Have breakfast and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your trek on the Annapurna Circuit, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
Day tour
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in the hotel
free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you agan. Thank you and safe travels.
Trip Included
- Airport Pickup- drop transfers in private vehicles as mentioned in the program.
- 3-night hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
- Lodge accommodation as described in the program.
- Full board (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner) during the trek except in Kathmandu
- Transportation on private jeep
- Supervised by an English-speaking Nepalese guide throughout the trip.
- Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation, and local tax for guides and porters
- Ground Transportation Charge while returning back to Kathmandu from the trekking destination for Nepali staff
- All necessary staff with the experienced leader (guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
- All necessary paper works; trekking permits.
- All government taxes, VAT, and service charges
Trip Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Travel Insurance
- Any kind of Drinks and Liquors
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.)
- Optional trips for activities and sightseeing if extended
- All items not listed in Cost included a section
- Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Tips for Trekking Staff
Tipping is an integral part of the country's culture. This gesture of thanks, which varies according to the itinerary and the duration, has become an obligation. A tip is given at the end of the trip to the members of the team. However, it is important that the tip remains a gratuity, our teams being very well remunerated elsewhere. We invite you to distribute tips only if the service has met your expectations,
Notes: Costs may be subject to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days gets modified.
Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of foreseeable. your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team, and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow, and with insurance for alpine treks. Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Nepal Alpinist club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Tamang Heritage trek
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room. Here is a typical one-day menu:
breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydralazine, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Your Personal Trekking Gear
- woolen hat
- fleece hat
- T-shirt
- Thermal full t-shirt (base layer)
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- light insulating wear (mid layer)
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Thermal Trouser (base layer)
- Trekking trouser (flexible )
- down pant
- Gore-Tex pants
- Gore-Tex gloves
- thin / warm gloves
- Rain punch
- woolen shock (thick)
- sandal
- camp shoes (sports shoe)
- Trekking boot
- sun /glacier glass (uv protect )
- snow gaiter (also buy in Nepal )
- sleeping bags
- personal first aid
- pocket knife
- washing soap, towel, tooth pest/ brush
- sun lotion enough +30 /50 & lip guard
- Trekking poles (u can buy in Nepal as well)
- headlights, water bottles, Thermos
- books, a camera, playing car
