Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek

Name: Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek
Brand: Intrepid
SKU: 4458754
Price: 1424 AUD

Nepal

Departure dates

From 05/11/2022 to 18/11/2023

What's included

Discover rhododendrons forest filled with monkeys, stunning ice-capped peaks, plateaued grasslands and epic mountains in Nepal’s little-seen Tamang hinterland.

This trek follows trails that run through villages and local communities, instead of teahouses built for tourists, so you’ll gain real insight into life in these remote areas.

An overnight homestay with a family in Briddim allows you to share stories, experience some traditional home cooking and sleep overnight in a comfortable wooden home.

Hike to a 100-year-old monastery in the village of Gatlang then head out to find Parvati Kunda, a sacred lake that is revered for its apparent powers of fertility.

Learn about the Himalaya from your experienced local crew, and hike easier in the knowledge that we take the safety and ethical treatment of trekking guides seriously.

Breakfasts Included: 2.

Hotel (2 nights),Teahouse (11 nights),Farm House (1 night).

Private vehicle,Public bus.

Age: min 15.

Group Size: 1 - 12.

Itinerary / more information

Day 1 - Kathmandu You’ve arrived! Meet your group leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 2 pm. After the briefing you’ll have a free afternoon and evening, but the tour leader will usually organize an optional evening dinner at one of the Kathmandu’s great restaurants. Arrived early with time to spare? Check out some of the Urban Adventures on offer in this incredible city.
Day 2 - Syabrubesi (1460 m/4790 ft) 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 we wind ever 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 kilometres (31 miles) to Dhunche and then another 15 kilometres (9 miles) to Syabrubesi. Tonight’s accommodation is a basic teahouse.
Day 3 - Goljung – Gatlang (2238 m/7742 ft) Hope you had a good night’s sleep, because today starts with a 2-hour 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. Continue trekking for 2.5 hours to another Tamang village called Gatlang (2238 metres). Besides its obvious cultural richness and stunning 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 is now revered by women for its apparent power to increase fertility. You’ll reach each of these landmarks after a 45-minute uphill walk.
Day 4 - Gongang – Tatopani (2607 m/8553 ft) Are you ready? Today is widely considered the toughest day of the trek. But the rewards far outweigh the gruelling part. Descend gradually along a ridge to the Bamdang Khola, which turns north along the Chilime Khola until you reach the town of Chilime (around 2 hours). After crossing a suspension bridge (always fun) you’ll begin an arduous climb of around 450-metres to the village of Gongang. It’ll take around 1.5 hours of steep uphill climbing but there’s a lunch break on arrival. The next section is much less physically strenuous, as you continue the ascent for around 2 hours until you reach Tatopani (2607 metres).
Day 5 - Nagthali Hill – Thuman (2338 m/7670 ft) 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 metres), approximately 45 minutes from Brimdang. All of a sudden you are surrounded by jaw-dropping views of Langtang Lirung, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma on the Tibetan side, with the Sanjen Ranges before you. Spend time taking in the views and enjoying the sense of accomplishment, before an approximately 900-metre descent through deep woodlands to Thuman, which faces the Shisapangma and Langtang Lirung peaks (about 45 minutes). 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) Pass through rhododendron forests and meadows to reach the Tamang village of Briddim, located in the heart of the Langtang Himal. It will take just over 2 hours of uphill walking. Briddim marks the end of the Tamang Heritage Trail and is often a highlight for many of our travellers. Here you will 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) 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 trekking for around 7 hours, 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 still comfortable.
Day 8 - Langtang National Park (3500 m/11482 ft) Ascend through Langtang National Park via Gumnachowk and Ghotatabela, finally reaching the village of Langtang (approximately 5–7 hours). 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 comfortable, 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) In the morning, follow the trail towards the rebuilt village of Kyanjin. Both sides of the path are flanked by stunning views of distant snow-capped mountains. Today we’ll encounter Tamang and Sherpa inhabitants along the trail as they go about their daily lives. Today’s hiking is between 4– 5 hours. Acclimatise this evening with a short climb above the village for great views of the surrounding valley.
Day 10 - Kyanjin (3830 m/12560 ft) You can choose how to spend your time today. Maybe wake at 4.30 am this morning for an optional walk to Kyanjin Gompa (4800 metres) for a stunning sunrise. Its a tough, 1-hour hike up a switch back trail in the dark, gaining 1000 metres of elevation along the way. If you’d prefer, sleep in and have a relaxing breakfast before heading out to explore the village and learn more about the lifestyles of the Tamang and Sherpa communities. Keep your eyes peeled for the German Bakery! You could also take a short hike up to the glacier or try one of several interesting walks around the village. Its a big downhill walk back to Lama Hotel tomorrow.
Day 11 - Lama Hotel (2420 m/7939 ft) After breakfast, head back down the trail via Langtang and Ghoretabela to Lama Hotel. Today’s trekking will take around 7 hours, descending 1600 metres. The long descent will be rewarded with a ‘mountain cold’ Sherpa beer (subject to availability).
Day 12 - Thulo Syabru (2130 m/6988 ft) Embrace another early start and, after breakfast, descend the trail through corn fields. Cross the Trisuli River via suspension bridge. Follow the river for around 5 hours until we reach our lodge in Thulo Syabru.
Day 13 - Dhunche – Nuwakot After breakfast, walk approximately 3 hours to Thulo Bharku (Dhunche), then transfer to Nuwakot via private vehicle. Our charming accommodation is set on an idyllic organic farm. Optional activities you can take part in include picking vegetables and learning to make Nepalese cuisine with the help of the head cook. In the evening you will accompany your leader to the old Nuwakot Durbar (Palace).
Day 14 - Kathmandu 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 with our group for an optional dinner tonight.
Day 15 - Kathmandu The trip ends today, and you are 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 for you (subject to availability).

Terms & conditions / all prices subject to availability

The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
Prices quoted valid for sale until 16 August 2022 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes, surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date or flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.
Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY.
Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details).
These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details..