Tamang Heritage Trail

Himalayan that offers travelers a peek into the every day lives of the Tamang people who are Nepalese mountain Region

"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."

Overview

Lying north of the Kathmandu Valley, the Tamang Heritage Trail is perhaps the most accessible trekking region in Nepal. Here, you can experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country—terraced green farmland, thick forests, and the peaks of the Langtang Himalayas, close to the Tibetan border. An added bonus to the natural features is the chance to trek through Tamang villages.

The Tamang people originally came from Tibet as horse traders and settled in hilly parts of Nepal (usually within close proximity of the Kathmandu Valley) several hundred years ago. They have retained a distinct identity with Tibetan roots, as well as their own language. They have historically been one of the most marginalized ethnic groups in Nepal. Sadly, they were among the worst-affected groups during the 2015 earthquake, as their homes tended to be in vulnerable areas cut off from help. Trekking the Tamang Heritage Trail helps bring a source of income to the Tamang people in this area.

Highlights

Experience a cultural trek in which you can learn about one of Nepal’s Tibetan-influenced hill tribes, and directly contribute to their rural economy
Luxuriate in the hot spring waters at Tatopani
Stay in a local homestay in Briddim, to learn more about the Tamang people and their way of life
Enjoy spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, the Langtang Himalayas, and the Gosainkund range

Variations

The Tamang Heritage Trail can be combined with the Langtang Valley trek and/or the Gosainkund trek. For the Langtang Valley trek, instead of returning from Briddim to Syabrubesi, continue on to Lama Hotel. This takes you into the entrance of the valley, then continue to Kyanjin Gompa at the end of the valley. This trek has spectacular, expansive views of the Langtang Himalayas from a wide valley. Return by backtracking, stopping at Thulo Syabru and then Syabrubesi. This would add about three or four days on to the trek.

The Gosainkund Trek is another excellent (and more challenging trek) in this area, which is often combined with the Langtang Valley trek, and can thus be added to the Tamang Heritage Trail for an extended adventure. Because of the altitude of Lake Gosainkund (4,379 m./ 14,370 ft.), the ascent up to here should only be attempted on the return trip from Langtang, not on the way, to aid acclimatization. Trekking to Gosainkunda will add a further three days onto the trek.

Food and accommodation

Most accommodation on the Tamang Heritage Trail will be in small local teahouses, which provide a warm comfortable bed and healthy, filling food. In Briddim, stay at a local homestay, which will also offer comfortable standards but may be a bit more basic.

Food along the Tamang Heritage Trail is much like it is elsewhere in Nepal, with a heavy reliance on rice, lentils and vegetable curries. Momos in this area tend to be a bit different from what you may have tried in Kathmandu. Instead of small, bite-size dumplings, momos here are larger pies that look more like Latin American empanadas, or British pasties. Also, try dhendo, a staple and alternative to rice in many villages of Nepal—cooked maize flour that is mashed up, looking somewhat like refried beans (though tasting quite different!)

Best season

As in most places in Nepal, the best seasons to do the Tamang Heritage Trail are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Because the altitudes on this trek aren’t especially high, it is also a comfortable trek for the winter, and views are likely to be good at this time. Just bring some warm layers.

Getting there and away

The only way to reach the start of this trek is to travel overland from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. Crowded public buses ply the route daily, but take much longer than they need to because they stop frequently to pick up people (and deliveries) along the way. Alternatively, buses also travel daily Dhunche, a few kilometers before Syabrubesi, from where you can make a private or public connection the rest of the way. A private four-wheel drive is much more comfortable, however.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Nepal New Generation who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest or visit Nepal New Generation’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture.

Included meals:Dinner

Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Glacier briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,550m/5,100ft): 8-9 hours

We leave Kathmandu in the morning for Syabrubesi, a village which is also a starting point for treks into the Langtang valley. Our journey will be on a winding road through frequent switchbacks. On a clear day we get to enjoy outstanding views of Manaslu, Annapurna and Ganesh Himal. We continue until we descend to the small village of Syabrubesi, the starting point of our trek. Overnight in Syabrubesi.