Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek
Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek
Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek
15 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu
Visiting: Kathmandu , Syabrubesi (1460 m/4790 ft), Goljung – Gatlang (2238 m/7742 ft), Gongang – Tatopani (2607 m/8553 ft), Thuman (2338 m/7670 ft), Briddim (2239 m/7345 ft), Lama Hotel (2420 m/7939 ft), Langtang National Park (3500 m/11482 ft), Kyanjin (3830 m/12560 ft), Thulo Syabru (2130 m/6988 ft), Dhunche – Nuwakot, Kathmandu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HNXV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Discover sacred culture and incredible natural landscapes as you venture deep into Tamang hinterland along the quiet Tamang Heritage Trail (restricted until 2004). On this 15-day trek, you’ll explore the wilds of Langtang National Park, uncover surprisingly verdant midlands and stay in villages that will teach you about the local culture. Connect with locals, share stories and fill your days with exhales (both in exhaustion and in awe). All this, paired with the soaring views of Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal. This trek is perfect for the adventurous and active traveller looking for something different well off the tourist trail. ALTERNATE ITINERARY: Due to the nature of trekking in Nepal, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in the event of high-risk weather conditions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Syabrubesi (1460 M/4790 Ft)
Location: Syabrubesi (1460 m/4790 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Day 3: Goljung – Gatlang (2238 M/7742 Ft)
Location: Goljung – Gatlang (2238 m/7742 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
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.
Day 4: Gongang – Tatopani (2607 M/8553 Ft)
Location: Gongang – Tatopani (2607 m/8553 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
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).
Day 5: Thuman (2338 M/7670 Ft)
Location: Thuman (2338 m/7670 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
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.
Day 6: Briddim (2239 M/7345 Ft)
Location: Briddim (2239 m/7345 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
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.
Day 7: Lama Hotel (2420 M/7939 Ft)
Location: Lama Hotel (2420 m/7939 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
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.
Day 8: Langtang National Park (3500 M/11482 Ft)
Location: Langtang National Park (3500 m/11482 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Ascend through Langtang National Park via Gumnachowk and Ghotatabela, 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.
Day 9: Kyanjin (3830 M/12560 Ft)
Location: Kyanjin (3830 m/12560 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
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.
Day 10: Kyanjin (3830 M/12560 Ft)
Location: Kyanjin (3830 m/12560 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
You can choose how to spend your time today. After breakfast, go for an optional walk to Kyanjin Ri (4600 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.
Day 11: Lama Hotel (2420 M/7939 Ft)
Location: Lama Hotel (2420 m/7939 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
After breakfast, head back down the trail via Langtang and Ghoretabela 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.
Day 12: Thulo Syabru (2130 M/6988 Ft)
Location: Thulo Syabru (2130 m/6988 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
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.
Day 13: Dhunche – Nuwakot
Location: Dhunche – Nuwakot
Accommodation: Farmhouse
After breakfast, walk a couple of hours to Thulo Bharku (Dhunche), then transfer to Nuwakot in a private vehicle. Your relaxing accommodation for tonight is set on an organic farm and in the evening, you’ll accompany your leader to the old Nuwakot Durbar (Palace) to explore.
Day 14: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Day 15: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
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.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
1 breakfasts
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
Transport
- LUGGAGE LIMITS:
- Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits - 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.
- TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
- On itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, past travellers have often decided to fly this route independently to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours). The flight takes around 35mins. Should you decide to fly, this will be at your own expense with no refunds for road travel available.
- ROAD TRAVEL:
- Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.
- MONSOON:
- The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
Accommodation
- TEAHOUSES:
- Accommodation at local lodges - better known as teahouses - are simple but comfortable. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, travellers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are limited number of teahouses, travellers may have to make do with dormitories. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity, depending on solar powered lighting instead. In more remote regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but occasionally a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, enough to wash your body. Electricity to charge devices as well as WiFi is usually for an additional fee when available.
Important Information
- 1. This trip begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm on Day 1.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room, the single supplement will only be included on Days 1 and 14 (Hotels) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. Please bring TWO passport sized photographs for your trekking permit to the welcome meeting on Day 1.
- 4. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. The form can be obtained through your booking agent. The form will confirm your self-assessed ability to trek on hilly terrain for anywhere between 2–7 hours per day.
- 5. Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.
Mode of Transport
- LUGGAGE LIMITS:
- Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits - 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.
- TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
- On itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, past travellers have often decided to fly this route independently to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours). The flight takes around 35mins. Should you decide to fly, this will be at your own expense with no refunds for road travel available.
- ROAD TRAVEL:
- Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.
- MONSOON:
- The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
We can’t overstate how important it is to have a high level of fitness to tackle this trek. You’ll be moving for up to 8 hours a day, at altitudes over 4000 m. Training and preparation is an absolute must. Our training guide is a good start: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/trekking-training-guide-tips/
No matter how fit you are, altitude sickness can still affect you. Our leaders are trained to spot he symptoms, but it is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. You can find our guide here https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness.
On this trek you’ll be stepping off the typical tourist trail and into the Tamang hinterlands. This trip is ideal for those looking to experience something unique, where you won’t be surrounded by many other people.
You’ll be rewarded with hot showers and running water in Gatlang, Thuman, Briddim and Syabrubesi. In other places you’ll use a simple bucket shower. Most of the toilets are in local squat style and shared.
Due to the nature of outdoor travel, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions.
If you are looking for a trek on a more established route, check out our Everest Base Camp (code HNXE) or Annapurna Explorer (code HNXR) treks. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions