Just a few hours away from Kathmandu by car, this 9-day Tamang Heritage Trail is a gem of a short trek that boasts stupendous views of the Himalayas, and lovely walks through scented forests of rhododendron, pine, fir and bamboo. It also offers unique insight into the rich culture and traditions of the Tamangs, a Buddhistic people of Tibetan origins, as you hike from one picturesque village to another. Whether you are a seasoned Nepal hiker or a curious traveller, this relatively quiet trail promises a memorable holiday filled with scenic splendours and enriching cultural encounters.
Travellers hoping to get a bit closer to the many majestic Himalayan peaks in the vicinity can consider adding the visually stunning Langtang valley to their itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Nepal’s bustling capital of Kathmandu
The vast majority of visitors from around the world fly into Kathmandu, a sprawling city of more than 1.6 million people. As you step out of Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide or a company representative who will drive you to your hotel. After finalising your itinerary with your guide at the hotel and answering any remaining questions you might have, you are free to go explore the warrens of colourful alleyways and tourist attractions in downtown Kathmandu. Restaurants, bars and shops open till late during peak tourist seasons.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1460m)
A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1460m/4790ft), passing terraced hillsides, forests, and local villages. After crossing Trishuli River and enjoying mountain scenery along the way, you arrive at the quiet village of Syabrubesi, gateway to Langtang National Park and trailhead of the Tamang Heritage Trail.
Day 3: Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238m)
Ascend from Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238m/7343ft) through lush rhododendron forests, fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls, and Tamang villages. Look out for great views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal range and surrounding peaks. In the evening, consider visiting the freshwater lake of Parvati Kund high above Gatlang or an ancient Tamang Buddhist monastery at the village.
Day 4: Gatlang to Tatopani (2607m)
Today, we start the trek from Gatlang to Tatopani (2607m/8553ft) with a gentle descent through forests, crossing suspension bridges over mountain streams, walking through terraced fields. We will also pass by Tibetan Buddhist chortens (as stupas are called in Nepal), streams of prayer flags, and walls of rocks and stones inscribed with Buddhist mantras. The trail then turns uphill past more villages before you arrive at Tatopani, a village steeped in Tamang culture. The village was once famous for its natural hot springs, but they have largely disappeared following the 2015 magnitude-7.8 Nepal earthquake.
Day 5: Tatopani to Nagthali (3165m)
From Tatopani we head towards Nagthali Ghyang (3165m/10384ft), passing through dense alpine forests. You emerge onto a grassy plateau around lunch-time with breath-taking views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. Some groups choose to descend after lunch and stay at the village of Thuman on the same day, missing out on a rare chance to sample rare panoramic vistas. This is also the elevation where trekkers may start to feel the altitude, so we advise travellers to take it easy for the rest of the day in Nagthali. Due to the open landscape, evenings will be chilly.
Day 6: Nagthali to Taruche viewpoint and back to Nagthali (3165m)
Head uphill after a delicious breakfast to Taruche viewpoint (3726m/12343ft), arguably the jewel in the crown on the Tamang Heritage Trail, offering grand views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu and beyond on a clear day, rivalling the panoramas seen on the summit of Poon Hill in the Annapurnas further west. Look in the other direction, and one could peer into Tibet. Pencil in 4-5 hours for this side trip. Lunch at Nagthali. One can either overnight in Nagthali or descend to Thuman (2200m/7218ft) for the night.
Day 7: Nagthali to Briddim (2229m)
After a hearty breakfast, we descend to Thuman, where you can explore an old Tibetan Buddhist monastery and a yak cheese factory. Then through lush forests, we reach Briddim (2229m/7313ft), walking along terraced hillsides and passing by more stone chortens and mani walls. Beautiful forests of fir and pine will be your companion today before you arrive at Briddim, a pretty village renowned for its Tamang traditions and festivals. There is a monastery you can visit before a well-deserved dinner.
Day 8: Briddim to Syabrubesi, then to Kathmandu
Say goodbye to the lovely Tamang hillside villages today as you trek back to Syabrubesi, where we drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 9: Goodbye - for now
Bid farewell to your guide or even travel mates as you are being driven to the airport for your departure from Nepal. We look forward to your return some day!
START/END Kathmandu
LODGINGS Hotel/teahouse/homestay
MEALS All inclusive
TRANSPORTATION Private vehicle
BEST SEASON Year round except June to mid-September
TRIP DURATION 9 days
TREK GRADING Moderate
TOP ELEVATION 3726m/12224ft
How Big is Your Trekking Party?
Just myself……….$1,370
Two people……….$941 each
Three people……$909 each
Four people………$813 each
For larger groups, just ask us!
TRIP INCLUDES
Pick up from airport on day of arrival
Hotel stay in Kathmandu for 2 nights
Private vehicle from Kathmandu to trek start point and back
All meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) en route and during trek, and 3 hot beverages each day of your choice
Stay at teahouses and homestays during trek
English-speaking and government-trained guide
Porters to carry your luggage (ratio of 1 porter to 2 guests)
All necessary paperwork, trekking permits and local taxes
TRIP EXCLUDES
Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast at hotel)
Visa fees and cost of international travel to and from Kathmandu
Personal expenses
Tips for guide, porter(s) and driver(s)