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Tamang Heritage Trekking Trail

Tamang Heritage Trail is perhaps Nepal’s easiest trekking region, situated to the north of Kathmandu Valley. Aside from the beautiful scenery, you’ll also get to Trek through multiple Tamang villages, which offer beautiful views of green farmland, thick forests, and the Langtang Himalayas, which are close to the Tibetan border during the Tamang Heritage Trek.

As horse traders, the Tamang people came from Tibet several hundred years ago and settled in hilly regions of Nepal (usually within easy distance of the Kathmandu Valley). They have retained an identity distinct from others rooted in Tibetan culture and their own language as a community. However, they have historically been one of Nepal’s most marginalized ethnic groups. During the 2015 earthquake, the Tamang were among the worst-affected groups due to the fact that their homes were located in remote areas cut off from help. Trekking the Tamang Heritage Trail provides a source of income for the Tamang in this region.

Trekking the Tamang Heritage Trek is a great way to explore the vast Tamang culture in the Langtang Region. It is a remote area close to the border with Tibet, the “Kerong.” There are several places to explore on the Trail, such as its picturesque landscapes, white peaks, and antique villages. This peaceful trip can also be used to explore the nomadic lifestyle at its heavenly Shangri-La.

About the Region

Rasuwa, the host of the Trek, is a small district located north of Kathmandu, which is about 124km away from the capital. The Nepalese Government introduced the Tamang Heritage Trail Trek as part of the tourism initiative for eradicating poverty in rural areas. The bus and Tata Sumo jeep services leave Kathmandu daily for Syabrubesi, the starting point of the Tamang heritage trek from Langtang valley.

This Trek, joining with Langtang from Lama hotel, is in the northern region of Kathmandu. Langtang is also the region where you’ll find ancient Buddhist monasteries, rhododendron forests, bamboo forests, waterfalls, and the snow-capped Himalayas.

In the Langtang Valley, you will find the most breathtaking landscapes, authentic culture, and heartwarming hospitality that will make your trip one to remember. As mentioned earlier, the valley is only an hour or so from Kathmandu and is one of Nepal’s most beautiful regions, so getting there won’t be much of a hassle. 

Necessary Permits and Accommodations

As a foreigner, you’ll need a TIMS card in order to trek to the Tamang Heritage Trail near the Langtang area. TIMS cards can be obtained from the Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu, located at Pradarshani Marg, Bhrikutimandap.

There are well-managed hotels at the start of the Trek. However, as the Trail continues, it becomes more difficult to find hotels with well-appointed facilities. Most of the paths consist of homestays and small teahouses that the Tamang people run.

Preparing For the Tamang Heritage Trek

The highest elevation on the Trek lies around the 3,200 meters mark. This might not be much for regular explorers, but it still is quite an elevation. In addition, the Trek is quite long, and explorers must walk for a considerable period of time. Thus, people with lung disease or breathing problems should avoid such activities or take precautions beforehand since such high altitudes can be difficult to handle.

The Tamang Heritage Itinerary 

Initially, you need to acquire a Nepali visa if you’re not from Nepal and get to Kathmandu. When in Kathmandu, you need to either book a private vehicle or ride the local bus that’ll take you to Syabrubesi. From there, you can continue with the Trek.

Today, we trek for over eight hours. We begin our long journey at Nagthali village, which is popular with Buddhist devotees and priests as a meditation center. Next, we go across the Nagthali peak, one of the highest points in the area. The mesmerizing Ganesh Himal, Langtang range, and Sanjen range can be seen from Nagthali. Finally, we will slowly descend to Thuman, a traditional Tamang village with Tibetan influences. We spend the night here in a homestay.

The Trek on the third day is not as long as the previous day. First, trekking continues to Timure village along Tibet's ancient salt trade route. Then, after resting for a while, we hike around Rasuwagadhi, the historical border area with Tibet that is accessible after crossing the bridge, but we cannot cross. After that, we walked to Timure village and rested there for the night. 

Today, we walk through the rhododendron forest on our way down to Briddim, a village influenced by Tibetan culture and lifestyle. There is a monastery in Briddim called Dukchu monastery. Homestays flourish here, and you will have a splendid opportunity to learn about local customs and practices. We will spend the night at a local homestay.

In the morning, we trek back and descend through forests of rhododendrons to GhopcheKhola. From there, we trek to the Lama Hotel, perched on the bank of the Langtang Khola. We spend the evening and the night at a local homestay or a lodge.

After several days in the Langtang valley and Kyanjing, we're trekking back into Syabru village today. The Trek takes a different route than the one we took earlier to get to the Langtang valley. Our tour will introduce us to the unique cultural lifestyle of people living in the area and the beautiful natural surroundings of the area. We will spend the night at a local homestay.

After trekking for six days, we finished our trekking trip and reached Dhunche, a beautiful town at the end of the Trail. Some people can begin trekking to Langtang valley from Dhunche as well. We will pass through several ethnic mountain villages and natural wonders in Nepal during today's Trek before reaching Dhunche. We will spend our final night in a local homestay.

Our drive back to Kathmandu today takes us on the same road to Syabrubesi we took before our Trek began, providing another perspective on the mountain road. First, however, do remember to cherish the memories you made during the Trek.

Cost includes:

  • Arrival & Departure transport via private Car/Van/Bus.
  • Three meals per day throughout the Trip(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Accommodation during the trek.
  • Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
  • Guide and a porter with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara valley with a car and tour guide
  • First Aid kit.
  • Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
  • TIMS card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
  • All needed government tax/vat.

Cost excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days and US$ 30 for 15 days; you should get a visa open on your arrival)
  • Any kind of drinks, items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, missing meal, WIFI Porters, etc.
  • Tips for Guide and Porters

After you’ve enjoyed the thrilling and joyful experience, you can choose whether to visit other beautiful places in Nepal or head back home. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a fantastic time.

We can accommodate group tours for this trip; however, you may also opt for a private tour according to your liking. We can arrange private trips at any time of the year at any date of your choosing. Please let us know what your preferred travel dates are so that we can accommodate you.