Tamang Heritage Trail Trek - 10 days

DETAIL ITINERARY 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Altitude: 1,300 m

We will pick you from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,300 m), where you will land. Our staff will transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You will get some rest and freshen up at your hotel. We will welcome you with a wonderful traditional Nepali dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant in the evening. We will enjoy live music and cultural show after dinner. 

Day 02: City tour and trek preparation

We will go for sightseeing today. Kathmandu is a major sightseeing destination with countless of places to visit. We will go to some cultural landmarks including the Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa and the Pashupatinath temple. In the evening we will shop for trek essentials and get information about the trek tomorrow. 

Day 03: Drive to Syabrubesi

Altitude: 1,420 m/4,658 ft

Time: 7-8 hours

We wake up early, have breakfast and head for Syabrubesi (1,420 m). The drive takes 7-8 hours normally and provides a wonderful view of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. We drive along the bank of Trishuli river for most part of our journey. We have two options to travel to Syabrubesi - one via Kakani in the north of Kathmandu and another via Galchhi in the southwest. Both roads meet at a place called Trishuli Bazaar in Nuwakot district. Syabrubesi is also known as the gateway to Langtang Valley. We rest at Syabrubesi village overnight.

Day 04: Trek to Gatlang

Altitude: 2,238 m/7,342 ft

Time: 5-6 hours

Our trek starts early today and leads us to Gatlang (2,238 m) - a small Tamang village made up of stone houses. We climb up to Ronga Bhanjyang and enjoy the beautiful view of the Ganesh, Shishapangma and Langtang mountains. We descend to Gollijung valley from here, the highlight of the valley being being the picturesque Gollijung village. We spend our evening at the homestays in Gatlang, which provides us a wonderful opportunity to experience the tradition and culture of the Tamang people. 

Day 05: Trek to Tatopani

Altitude: 2,380 m/7,808 ft

Time: 5-6 hours

We will trek to Tatopani today. Tatopani is famous for its natural hot water springs. We will walk downhill up to Thangbuchet, near the Chilime village. There is a Hydropower plant on the Bhote Koshi river at the place. We will cross the river from a steel hanging bridge. Most of our journey provides a wonderful view of the mountains in the Langtang region. We will reach Tatopani (2,380 m) after a trek of nearly six hours. Bathing at the natural hot water springs of Tatopani is believed to be a cure for skin diseases and other health problems. 

Day 06: Trek to Thuman

Altitude: 2,238 m/7,342 ft

Time: 5-6 hours

We will trek to Thuman today. The first major stop on the way is the Nagthali (3,165 m) hilltop. Nagthali is a lush green hill that provides a wonderful view of the Ganesh mountain, mountains in the Langtang range and the peaks of Sanjen range. Nagthali is also a popular meditation center of the Buddhist monks. After enjoying a wonderful time at Nagthali, we head for the village of Thuman. Thuman is a Tamang village with people following Tibetan culture and tradition. There is an ancient Buddhist monastery in Thuman. We will spend our night in the homestays in Thuman. 

Day 07: Trek to Briddim

Altitude: 2,239 m/7,345 ft

Time: 4-5 hours

Briddim (2,239 m) is a Tamang village of about 50 houses. The beautiful Dukchu monastery lies in Briddim. The road from Thuman to Briddim is mostly Rhododendron woods. The road we will take today is part of the ancient trade route with Tibet. The border of Tibet is only a couple of hours walk from Thuman. We will enjoy a wonderful night with the very hospitable Briddim people at their community managed homestays and learn about their age old culture and practices. The whole community is part of the homestay service and unlike hotels run by a few people with capital and knowledge, the entire community benefits from the proceeds of homestay. 

Day 08: Trek to Syabrubesi

Altitude: 1,420 m/4,658 ft

Time: 4-5 hours

We will leave Briddim behind and join the pathway of fellow trekkers on the Langtang Valley trek today. Travelling along lush green and deep forests, we arrive at Lama hotel, the resting spot of travelers in Langtang Valley Trek. We will spend sometime here and make our way downhill to Syabrubesi - the place we started our trek. The trek is short and easy today. We will mostly be going downhill. We will have enough time for rest when we reach Syabrubesi. You can also buy locally made handicraft goods at shops in Syabrubesi. 

Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu

Altitude: 1,300 m/4,264 ft

Time: 8-9 hours

We will drive back to Kathmandu today. We have two options for returning back to Kathmandu - one via Kakani and another via Galchhi. The drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu takes about 8-9 hours on average. We will enjoy musical and cultural show following our dinner. You will rest in your hotel room after enjoying musical and cultural show for sometime. 

Day 10: Departure or trip extension

Altitude: 2,340 m/ 7,677 ft

We will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport - following a small traditional Nepali ceremony marking your departure. You will board a flight back to your destination from here. You also have the option of extending your trip and taking part in other treks. 

List of recommended gears for trekking in Nepal. These gear list can be different depending on route, season etc. Some items are only recommended for high altitude treks.

Head:

Sun hat, scarf, light balaclava or warm fleece hat. Sunglasses (real ones, with true UV protection).

Lower Body:

Undergarments, comfortable hiking shorts, lightweight cotton long pants, light and expedition weight thermal bottoms, fleece or wool pants (seasonal), Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants.

Feet:

Thin and lightweight inner socks, thick and warm wool hiking socks, hiking boots with spare laces, sandals (flip-flops for use after trekking and to go to the bathroom & washroom), gaiters (For high altitude trekking and crossing passes).

Upper Body:

T-shirts, light and expedition weight thermal tops, fleece jacket or pullover, gloves, fleece wind-stopper jacket (optional), waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket, down vest and/or jacket.

Accessories:

One microfiber towel (most guesthouses on the trek do not give towels; quick-dry), sleeping bag rated to zero degree centigrade, DSLR / digital camera with spare batteries, Headlamp [e.g. Petzl Zoom] with spare bulbs and batteries, trekking bag with rain cover / duffel bag, comfortable day pack, trekking poles, water bottle, ear plug (rooms are divided by thin woods so better to avoid noise from other rooms).

Toiletries:

Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable), deodorants, nail clippers, sun block / face and body moisturizer, Tooth brush / toothpaste (preferably biodegradable), feminine hygiene products, small mirror.

Personal Hygiene:

Wet wipes (baby wipes), tissue / toilet rolls, anti-bacterial hands wash, water purifier (Better than using mineral water to keep the mountains clean).

Extras / Luxuries:

Adapters (Nepal - two prong, 220 volt plug; or an international, universal adapter), multi tool (Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman tool), personal snacks (candy bars & cookies can also be bought in Kathmandu, Pokhara or at every guesthouse), sewing kit (sometime it’s very useful), superglue, books for reading on free time, cell / mobile phone, trail map / guide book, Ipod / walkman / Mp3 player / Mp4 player, pens / pencils and small notebooks, games i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards etc.