Trip Introduction
Tamang Heritage Trek allows you to know about the indigenous inhabitants of the Himalayan regions of Nepal called Tamang and their ancestral land is called Tamsaling. They are the aborigines of Yambu or Kathmandu Valley, the traditionally Buddhist Tamang are the largest Tibeto-Burman ethnic group within Nepal, constituting 18% of the national population. Moreover, their languages are third most spoken in Nepal (Note all Tamang languages are very mutually intelligible). Ethnic tourism provides opportunities to ethnic minorities to showcase their culture, customs and heritage. Tamang rituals, beautiful Tamang culture, festivals, traditional architecture, custom, local syabru and sello dances make the exposure to this culture very unique.
Tamang heritage trail as a Pro-Environment, Pro – Community, and Pro-women project. In addition, the trail follows the row of Chhorten (small stupa) from Gatlang to Timure along the old trade route to Tibet. Furthermore, Tamang Heritage Trek is highly traditional and culture combine trek which is Langtang Valley with extra days. The area is north of Kathmandu. The journey to the trailhead (and back to Kathmandu) takes about a whole day. You will make an interesting trek through the Tamang area. They are descendants of Tibet and have hardly seen any tourists. However, people have virtually left their culture untouched.
There are still bears, leopards, red panda and musk deer that however are no danger. In March and April, the Rhododendron forests have many different species of trees, birds and butterflies. Furthermore, you can discover the rough history of the Tibetan ancestors in Tamang Heritage Trek. Their descendants are now Buddhists and living on agriculture and trade. Besides that, They dress colourful and their houses are adorned with beautiful wood carvings.
What's included
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Four nights accommodation in a three star Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast. This will be for the two nights before trek Two nights after trek.
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Private Jeep Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and Syabrubesi to Kathmandu.
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All accommodation whilst on trek.
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You are able to choose any food, any tea and coffee from menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Return transport to the beginning and end of the trek to Kathmandu.
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Trekking Permits.
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Langtang National park permit is also required for this area.
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Trekking leader, guides accommodation and food.
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Porter accommodation and wages while on trek.
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Trekking Leader, guides and porters insurance.
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An English speaking tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing.
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Sightseeing entrance fee and guide fee.
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Private transportation in Kathmandu including all airport arrivals and departures. This is also for the sightseeing tours.
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All government texes and Service Charge.
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Medical supplies (Frist aid kit).
What's excluded
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Flights to and from Nepal.
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Visa to Nepal. (Available when you land).
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Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
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Extra night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure.
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Personal expenses( bar bills, coke, beer, bottle of water, phone call, laundry service etc.
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All the hotel accommodation or meals in Kathmandu.( in the case return early from trek due to any reason).
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Tip for Guides and Porters.
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Your Insurance.
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive into Kathmandu. You will be met by a member of Top of the World Treks and after a 45 minute bus journey to the heart of the city and check into the hotel there is time for a cup of tea, shower and then a chance to see the tourist district of Kathmandu by night as we go for dinner before an early night!
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Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
A day in Kathmandu where we will take you to Swayambhunath which is a Buddhist stupa and Monastery, which is over 2000 years old and one of the oldest in the world. Here is a great chance to see across the valleys, see some monkeys and begin to learn about this fascinating country.The afternoon will be spent getting for the trek and some time to relax and make sure all the kit and packing is complete. Also the first time you can go shopping which in Thamel is an adventure in itself!
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Day 3
Kathmandu –Syabrubesi (1467m)
Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1467 m.) via Trishuli (Nuwakot) which takes about eight hours. You stay overnight at hotel in Syabrubesi. You head north out of Kathmandu driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Syabru Besi passing through Dhunche. While passing along the road at the bank of Trishuli river you catch a glimpse of Ganesh Himal, terraces and green hills. As you pass through Dhunche you feel as if you are heading towards deep land. At the same time, you notice that the road after Betrawati is still under construction.
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Day 4
Syabrubesi to Gatlang Trekking time 6 to 7 hours.(2238m)
Trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238m.) via Goljung and it takes about six hours. While trekking you experience of the Tamang culture. You can see scenery from view point. This day you walk through village. The cultural show at Goljung and Gatlang makes your trekking a memorable one. Gatlang set high on a hillside among terraced fields is a Tamang settlement. One can visit a Tamang monastery and beautiful Parvatikunda Lake at Gatlang.
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Day 5
Gatlang to Tatopani Trekking time 5 to 6 hours.(2607m)
Trek from Gatlang to Tatopani (2607m.) and it takes about three hours. On the way you enjoy sightseeing of Langtang range and Ganesh Himal. At Tatopani which naturally signifies 'hot water', you can take hot bath in natural hot springs with bathing areas in the lap of the mountains. It is believed that taking a dip into this spring would heal you from your aches and pains. This day's trekking provides you an opportunity to experience of the Tamang culture.
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Day 6
Tatopani to Thuman Trekking time 5 to 6 hours.(2338m)
Trek from Tatopani to Thuman (2338m.) via Nagthali (3165m.) and it takes about five hours. You trek via Bimthang. En route you can encounter animals like monkeys and deer. The panoramic view of Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, Sanjen ranges can be distinctly experienced from Nagthali. Nagthali used to be a popular meditation center for the local monks and priests. Another cultural village Thuman is popular for its Shamanic performances and beautiful view of Langtang. Beautiful view of the mountains can be seen from every house in Thuman.
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Day 7
Thuman to Briddim Trekking time 5 to 6 Hours.(2229m)
Trek from Thuman to Briddim (2229m.) via Lingling which takes about seven hours. This day you can observe Tibeto Burman Tamang culture on the way. You can experience village life of Briddim. Moreover you can enjoy cultural show performed by community members. You can also experience of home stay and Tamang culture. To mention about Briddim is a Tibetan Buddhist village in the bosom of Langtang Himal. Around 43 houses are spread in Z shape. Most of the houses are made up of stone and have roofs of splitshake. As direct descendant of ancient Tibetan immigrants, the culture and tradition of Briddim closely resembles that of nearly Tibetan villages.
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Day 8
Briddim to Lama Hotel Trekking time 6 to 7 hours (2470m)
Trek from Briddim to Lama Hotel (2470m.) and it takes about six hours. You walk through Briddim village while observing the local lifestyle and culture and interacting with the locals. Later on you find that the settlement of Lama Hotel is located on the banks of Langtang River and surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
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Day 9
Lama Hotel to Langtang Trekking time 5 – 6 hours.
Today the route follows Gumanechok at Ghoda Tabela which literally means the Horse Stable. After this the trail climbs gradually to the beautiful valley with yaks and other wildlife. Langtang is a typical village and one of the oldest along this trekking route. The views of the mountains are spectacular and become closer the further we trek.We spend the night at Langtang (3430m).
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Day 10:
Lang tang to Kyanjin Gompa Trekking time 4 -5 hours.
It is shorter walk today, but this is good in order to help with the acclimatization. We will see many things today including a cheese factory! As we continue through this beautiful valley we will have specutalar views of the Langtang Lirung. This is the highest mountian in the Langtang range. (7290m) We will spend the night in Kyanjin Gompa (3840m)
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Day 11:
Acclimatisation Day at Kyanjin Gompa
Today we will stay in Kyanjin Gompa in order to explore the area. We have two options dependng on the group and that they are either to walk up to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Tsergo Ri (5,033m) which is the highest point of this trek, directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.
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Day 12:
Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel Trekking time 5 -6 hours.
Today we will retrace our steps as we walk back down the valley to the Lama Hotel where we will stay overnight.
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Day 13:
Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi Trekking time 5 – 6 Hours.
Today we begin our walk with a gentle descend down to Bambo through to the foresty and lunch at Landslide (Pahiro) and then fallow the bank of Langtang river and get syabrubesi on time and preparing for the Last day party with all trekking staff.
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Day 14:
Drive Syabrubesi to Kathmandu 7 hours.
Early in the morning, we drive from Syabru Besi to Kathmandu which takes about 7 hours by private transportation. We will travel through scenic foothills to Kathmandu passing Dhunche. We will get to see a glimpse of Ganesh Himal mountain range after driving along the Trishuli river. It is a beautiful if not bumpy and windy road and in Nepal the bus journeys are always part of the adventure. We get Kathmandu on time and will have plenty time for walking tourist district at Thame before Dinner.
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Day 15:
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Today after a leisurely start we will continue the tour of Kathmandu by visiting the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Boudhanath stupa is a world heritage site and a place which is an amazing place to see Buddhism and understand more about not onlythe religion but the Nepali culture.A group dinner will be had in the evening to celebrate the end of the trek.
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Day 16:
Depart for home
Extra days are available at your own cost but we will be happy to arrange this for you.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Please be aware that your safety while in Nepal is our number one propriety. All itineraries are subject to change if there are safety concerns, health concerns of people in the group and/or weather concerns. This will be decided by the trek leader but we will always discuss the options with the group where possible to ensure peoples wises are taken into account, however the Treks leader decision is final.
Book our fixed departures
Equipments
Equipment Check – List
What clothing and equipment to take is one of the things that people worry the most about! We can advise you and help you and it does, of course, depend on the time of year, the area, the altitude and how many days you are trekking/climbing. When you arrive in Kathmandu we will go through all your equipment to ensure that it is correct for your trip. In Thamel (the tourist area of Kathmandu where you will be staying) there is an abundance of shops selling equipment and clothing so if anything is forgotten it can easily be sourced. It is also possible to hire climbing equipment and also items such as down jackets, and sleeping bags saving you a large purchase.
The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both camping and tea house treks. Use this list as a guideline. The basic checklist should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag should weigh no more than 15kg. Please remember this is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below.
GENERAL CHECKLIST
The following basic checklist should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag should weigh no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision.
-Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
-Fleece jacket or pullover.
-fleece wind –stopper Jacket (optional)
-Waterproof shell jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
-Lightweight thermal gloves.
-Underwear (4)
-Shorts (2)
-Lightweight cotton long trousers/pants.
-Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms.
-Sun hat or Scarf.
-Warm fleece hat or light balaclava.
-T-shirt (2)
-Thin, lightweight (inner socks) (4).
-Sunglasses with UV protection.
-Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees ¾ season
-Headlamp (eg Petzl) Spare bulbs and batteries.
-Small padlock to lock trek bag.
-Basic first aid kit(see First aid medicine bellow)
-Plastic bags –for keeping items dry inside trek bag.
-Daypack ( 35 to 40 litters/ 2500 to 3000 cubic inches.)
-Camping mattress, eg Thermarest pad.
-water bottles.
-Toiletries.
-Small wash towel.
-Footwear, appropriate to the trip.
-Waterproof shell trousers/pants. (Preferably breathable fabric)
TREKKING CHECKLIST
In addition to the items listed in our general checklist you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:
-Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer.
-Down vest and/ or jacket (optional).
-Fleece or wool trousers/ pants.
-Trekking/ hiking boots with spare laces.
-Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
– Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and /or sandals.
-Gaiters (optional).
-Telescopic trekking/ ski poles (optional)
MOUNTAINEERING / CLIMBING CHECKLIST
In addition to the checklists for general trekking equipment above, and depending on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:
-Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step – in bindings ) with front points.
-Mountaineering Safety harness.
-Mountaineering Ice axe(60 to 75 cms long – depending on your height and personal preference).
-120 cms (4ft) climbing sling and to locking and unlocking caravans.
-Telescopic ski – sticks (optional).
-Prussik loops.
-Climbing helmet (optional).
-Jumper (Ascender & Descender).
-Pocket Knife.
-Headlamp.
-Mattress.
-Rope and Snow bars.
-Ice crew.
-High altimeter.
Most if not all of this equipment will be needed for any trip that crosses steep, snow-covered ground, or which includes sections of glacier travel. Our recommendation that you take no more than fifteen kilos of trekking equipment dose not include your plastic boots, ice axe, Crampons otherness/carabiners. During the trek, climbing hard wear will be carried separately from your trek bag, in group bags until needed.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
To minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use again, equipment rental and buying is possible in Kathmandu. You find them a lot cheaper than you find in Europe and the USA. Shops in Thamel offer a wide range of equipment available for rent and buy. Here is some cost which gives you an idea of the cost to rent in Kathmandu.
-Sleeping bags.
-Down Jackets.
-All-purpose mountaineering Ice axe (60 – 70 cms)
-Ice hummer.
-Climbing Harness.
-2 looking Carabiners, Climbing Sling.
-12 – point Crampons.
-Plastic Climbing boots.
-Helmet.
FIRST AID MEDICINE
-Bandage for Sprains.
-Plaster/ Band-aids.
-Iodine or Water filter(optional)
-Moleskin/ Second skin – for blisters.
-Antiseptic ointment for cuts.
-Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
-Aspirin/ paracetamol- general painkiller.
-Oral rehydration salts.
-Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin).
-Anti – diarrhoea medication (antibiotic).
-Diarrhoea stopper (Imodium – optional).
-Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria.
-Diamox (Altitude sickness – can be bought in Kathmandu.
-Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution).
– For more details please see our staying healthy topic.