Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek
Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek
Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek
15 Days
Visiting: Kathmandu, Syabrubesi, Gatlang, Tatopani, Nagthali Hill, Thuman, Briddim, Timure, Sherpagaon, Khangjim, Ghora Tabela, Langtang National Park, Kyangin Gompa, Langtang, Tsergo Ri, Langshisa Kharka, Lama Hotel, Thulu Syabru, Dhunche
Tour operator:
Tour code:
354
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
12-75
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This trek combines the quiet and little visited paths of the Tamang Heritage Trail, formerly a restricted area for trekkers, with the spectacular high mountain scenery of the Langang National Park.
Often overlooked, Langtang treks mountainous region to the north of Kathmandu provide some of Nepal's most spectacular scenery, and trekking in this area is as good as anywhere in the country. The soaring, snow-capped mountains at the head of the Langtang valley, and the rich cultural heartlands of the Tamang people in the lower foothills combine to make this a perfect trekking alternative to the better known Everest and Annapurnas treks.
You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free evening to explore this bustling city. There's also time for any last minute purchases to take on your trek.
Following the Trisuli River north out of Kathmandu, we drive you to Syabrubesi, a Sherpa village located at the very edge of the Langtang National Park where your trek begins and you spend the first night in a trekking lodge. Staying in lodges allows you to spend more time meeting and talking with other trekkers and guides in the evenings, as well as enjoying a little more comfort at the end of each day and contributing to the local economy.
From Syabrubesi, you spend the first leg of the trek following the quiet Tamang Heritage Trail through an area heavily influenced by Tibet which was a restricted area for trekkers until 2014. You'll see lush terraced farmland, tiny homesteads and villages and learn a lot about typical rural Nepali mountain life. The tour then heads up the Langtang valley, crossing the river several times as you travel up along the gorge-like, lower section of the valley. You pass through oak and rhododendron forests and trek across glacial moraine on your way to the village of Langtang which was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake.
A little further up the valley is Kyangin Gompa, where you spend 3 nights and have plenty of time to explore the local area. You can do several day-walks from here such as ascending Cherko Ri (4984m) for some amazing views, or continuing up the Langtang Khola to Langshisha Karka.
After backtracking down the valey, you then travel through Sing Gompa for some more spectacular views before finishing the trek and driving back to Kathmandu. Extensions are available to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, try some white-water rafting or perhaps even a home stay in a nearby Newari village.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kathmandu hotel
After being greeted at the airport you will be transferred to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu. Our Encounters Travel rep will not only welcome you but help you settle in and explain the agenda for the rest of your tour.
Day 2 : Kathmandu (1400M) To Syabrubesi (1462M)
Location: Kathmandu, Syabrubesi
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Syabrubesi trekking lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we travel for Kathmandu valley by private car/minivan - roughly 7 hours - with your trekking guide and porter(s). The journey will take us north through agricultural land and hills to the town of Syabrubesi - this is where your trek will begin. The town of Syabrubesi is located at the junction of the Trisuli Khola and Bhote Khosi, both known for white-water rafting.
Day 3 : Trek To Gatlang (2238M)
Location: Gatlang
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Gatlang trekking lodge
The day starts with a hike to a viewpoint from which you’ll be able to see beautiful views of the Gosainkund Range, Goljang Valley and also Ganesh Himal. We continue down into the Goljang Valley for approximately an hour before taking a break for lunch. Later the afternoon, you'll trek for a further three hours before reaching the traditional Tamang village of Gatlang. The first half of this trek will be on paths used by the local villagers and away from the main Langtang trekking route - the scenery is lush and green with lots of terraced farmland, tiny homesteads, and small villages. Over the next few days, you'll gain a great view and insight into rural Nepalese life in the hills, and your guide will talk to you about how the farming seasons and lifestyle change through the year.
Day 4 : Trek To Tatopani (2607M)
Location: Tatopani
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Tatopani trekking lodge
Today begins with a descent to Thangbuchet. After breaking for lunch in Thangbuchet, you continue through the valley, crossing a hanging bridge before making the ascent to Tatopani - you’ll be spending the night here, we recommend taking a dip and experiencing the healing qualities of the town's hot springs.
Day 5 : Trek To Nagthali Hill (3210M) And Thuman (2338M)
Location: Nagthali Hill, Thuman
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Thuman Lodge
The trail today ascends to Nagthali Hill - here you witness incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Later, the day's trekking ends with a descent into Thuman village - a Tibetan influenced Tamang settlement.
Day 6 : Trek To Briddim (2239M)
Location: Briddim, Timure
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Briddim homestay lodge
You start today's hike by walking along a flatter section of the trail which descends into Timure. After taking a break for lunch, the day ends in Briddim, which is another traditional Tamang village. Your accommodation in the village will be at one of a few homestays, where you'll experience real Tamang hospitality. The afternoon is yours to explore the village.
Day 7 : Trek To Sherpagaon (2490M)
Location: Sherpagaon, Khangjim
Accommodation Name: Sherpagaon trekking lodge
The first part of your trek starts with the Tamang hills and valleys. Later you'll enter the region of Khangjim and Sherpagoan - learning about the rich culture of the Tamang and Sherpa communities along the way.
Day 8 : Trek To Ghora Tabela (3035M)
Location: Ghora Tabela, Langtang National Park
Accommodation Name: Ghora Tabela trekking lodge
Today, we'll continue to pass through the Langtang National Park as you climb through lush forested areas to Ghora Tabela (3,005m), and get glimpses of Langtang Lirung. The Langtang National Park was founded in 1976 to help to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the area. Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, and Snow Leopards - they can all be found within the national park while chattering monkeys can be spotted in the tree while on the trek.
Day 9 : Trek To Kyangin Gompa (3849M)
Location: Kyangin Gompa, Langtang
Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge
You continue to ascend the valley today and will start to feel more of the effects of the altitude. On the way, you'll pass a mani wall - dry stone walls inlaid with Buddhist prayer slate - this is reputedly one of the longest in Nepal and you should follow Buddhist custom and walk to the left of the wall. During the day you'll trek pass the ruins of Langtang village which was very badly affected in the 2015 earthquake leaving buildings destroyed. As you continue to climb, you are rewarded with good views of the Langtang Lirung Glacier flow to your left and the ice fluted Gyangchempo ahead and to your right. The valley begins to widen as you cross-glacial moraine and finish in Kyangin Gompa (3,849m).
Day 10 : Kyangin Gompa. Optional Day Hike To Tsergo Ri (4984M)
Location: Kyangin Gompa, Tsergo Ri
Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge
Two days of rest can be expected f in Kyangin Gompa starting from today. You may choose to rest today, explore Kyangin, or perhaps an optional hike to the top of Tsergo Ri (4984m) - known for having the best viewpoints in the region. From the summit of Tsergo Ri its often possible to see Shishapangma, Gangchenpo and Langtang Lirung. Langtang (7227m) to the west, Yala peak (5500m) to the north and Dorje Lakpa (6966m) and Shisha Pangma (8027m) to the east. The hike up to the top isn't too difficult, though there are some boulders to cross and any snow and icy parts should be taken with care. There are easier things to do as well, including shorter hikes to the base of the Lirung Glacier, visits to the Gompa and cheese factory, and sampling the delights from the tasty German bakery.
Day 11 : Kyangin Gompa. Optional Day Hike To Langshisa Kharka (4060M)
Location: Kyangin Gompa, Langshisa Kharka
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge
You have the full day free to enjoy more optional treks or to just relax and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. One of the many options is a level walk further up the valley to the hidden valley of Nubamatang (3,940m) and Langshisha Kharka (4,285m) where the Salbachum, Lanshisha, and Langtang glacial moraines all converge. Langshisa Ri lies just ahead of you, but at 6,427m, she's not the highest peak in sight as numerous other snow-capped peaks can be seen all around, including Shisha Pangma, the only 8,000-meter peak in Tibet.
Day 12 : Trek To Lama Hotel (2500M)
Location: Lama Hotel
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Lama Hotel trekking lodge
Today will be a relatively easy trek with the journey mostly a steady downhill as you start retracing your steps, following the Langtang Khola to Lama Hotel. Along the way, you can enjoy the mountain views from a different aspect to your walk up the valley. Our route out of Kyangin Gompa takes us through the small village of Mundu which will give you some idea of how most houses in this region once looked.
Day 13 : Trek To Thulu Syabru (2260M)
Location: Thulu Syabru
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Thulu Syabru Lodge
Today we continue along the Langtang valley, covering new ground after passing the junction with the trail we descended on from Sherpagaon. Here we'll continue to follow the Langtang Khola along the base of the valley, passing by cornfields, before heading south and climbing up the side of the valley to the village of Thulo Syabru. If you wish, you could finish the trek today by continuing to Syabrubesi to spend the night there, before driving back to Kathmandu tomorrow. However, if you'd like to add more days, we suggest heading towards the start of the trek up to the Gosainkund lakes and enjoying more great views before finishing.
Day 14 : Descend To Dhunche (1960M) And Drive To Kathmandu
Location: Dhunche, Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kathmandu hotel
The trek ends today with a steep descent from Sing Gompa through Dimsa to Deurali and then on to Dhunche where we meet our vehicle and drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 15 : Kathmandu. Free Time, Departure Airport Transfer
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: N/A
Meals Included: Breakfast
You'll have some free time in Kathmandu today until being transferred to the airport for departure. Extensions are available if you'd like to do more trekking, try white water rafting, or add a visit to one of Nepal's national parks.
What's Included
What's Not Included
More Info
This Nepal trek combines the quiet and little travelled paths of the Tamang Heritage Trail with the spectacular high mountain scenery of the Langtang National Park - once known as a restricted area for trekkers. Langtang treks mountainous region provide some of Nepal's most breath-taking scenery and trekking in this area is a must for all outdoor enthusiasts. The soaring, snow-capped mountains at the head of the Langtang valley and the rich cultural heartlands of the Tamang people in the lower foothills combine to make this a perfect trekking alternative to the better-known Everest and Annapurna treks. On this tour, we kick off in Kathmandu with an introduction to your trekking guide and a walking tour of this bustling city - here you will also have some time for any last-minute purchases to take on your trek. Following the Trisuli River north out of Kathmandu, we drive to Syabrubesi - a Sherpa village located at the very edge of the Langtang National Park - this is where your trek begins and also where you'll spend the first night in a trekking lodge. The first leg of the trek will start from Syabrubesi followed by the quiet Tamang Heritage Trail through an area heavily influenced by Tibet which was a restricted area for trekkers until 2014 - here you can expect to see lush terraced farmland, tiny homesteads and villages, and where you'll learn a lot about typical rural Nepali mountain life. The tour then heads up the Langtang valley, crossing the river several times as you travel up along the gorge-like, lower section of the valley. You pass through oak and rhododendron forests and trek across glacial moraine on your way to the village of Langtang which was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake. We travel further up the valley is Kyangin Gompa spending three nights and where you'll have plenty of time to explore the local area. You will have the option to take on several day-walks such as ascending Cherko Ri (4984m) for spectacular views or continuing up the Langtang Khola to Langshisha Karka. After backtracking down the valley, you will travel through Sing Gompa for some more views before driving back to Kathmandu. The itinerary shown below is quite flexible and can be both shortened and extended depending on your available time. Options are also available to do a mountain flight up to view Mt. Everest, add extensions to the tour to try some white-water rafting, or visit Chitwan or Bardia National Park.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with an A/C car or minibus, and experience local culture with a ride on a local bus, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 3 nights in mid-range hotels and 13 nights in trekking lodges, providing a blend of modern amenities and rustic charm throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek?
The transportation during the Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek includes an air-conditioned car or minibus and local buses.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek?
Accommodation on the Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek includes boutique hotels in Kathmandu and trekking lodges during the trek.
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Are airport transfers included in the Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek?
Yes, a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included in the Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek.
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Is there an option to extend the Langtang and Tamang Heritage trek?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible and can be extended to include additional activities such as more trekking, white-water rafting, or visits to Nepal's national parks.
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What is the starting point of the trek?
The trek starts in the town of Syabrubesi, which is reached by a drive from Kathmandu.
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What are some of the optional activities available during the trek?
Optional activities during the trek include a day hike to Tsergo Ri for spectacular views, exploring Kyangin Gompa, and visiting the Langshisa Kharka.
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What cultural experiences are included in the trek?
The trek includes cultural experiences such as visiting traditional Tamang villages, learning about the Tamang and Sherpa communities, and staying in homestays to experience Tamang hospitality.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.