The ‘Tamang Heritage Trail Trek‘ is one of the closest trekking destinations from Kathmandu, developed by the “Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program.”
The “Tamang Heritage Trail” is a newly developed and off-the-beaten-path experience, which highlights an ancient lifestyle while also featuring picturesque scenery and healing baths in natural hot springs.
This area is connected to Tibet, and traders from Tibet used the trails in this area to sell salt and chyangra (mountain goat) meat for goods from the south. Traditional Tamang villages, unspoiled and nearly undisturbed culture, life, crafts, and wildlife will be explored throughout the Tamang Heritage Trail hike through unbeaten routes, providing a total wilderness experience.
While the huge 2015 Nepal earthquakes severely damaged most of the Langtang region, the Tamang area escaped relatively unharmed and was one of the first regions to reopen to trekkers. This trail is well worth a trekker’s time, with abundance of mountain panoramas, endless cultural interactions, and warm homestays in picturesque communities.
The Tamang Heritage Trail is well worth the time and effort for trekkers in Nepal, whether as a short walk out of Kathmandu and return or as a warm-up before the lengthier Langtang Trail.
Things to do on Tamang Heritage Trip:
The welcome and friendly atmosphere of the Tamang people will stay with us forever. Also worth viewing is the ceremonial performance, notably the shamanic approach.
The Tamangs of Rashuwa district have been heavily influenced by Tibetan culture, although they continue to observe significant Nepalese holidays in the same manner.
The major culture of their village is Tabu Shyakla or Ghoda Naach, which tells the story of the Tibetan-Nepal war. The Ghoda Naach is mimicked, with strange make-up and attire. Two other Tamang dances from this region are Deer Dance and Khampa Dance.
The viewpoint at Bahundanda nearby gives a panoramic picture of Langtang and Kerung. Nepal’s Ganesh Himal and Sanjen Himal mountain ranges are two of the country’s most famous. Gatlang is a lovely hilltop village with a Tamang monastery and a beautiful Parvatikunda lake.
On the road from Gatlang to Chilime, bathing in the hot, healing water of Tatopani’s natural spring is a fantastic experience. Visitors to Briddam can sample the local culture in a community-run guesthouse.
The goal of the home stay concept in this region is to provide tourists with an authentic Tamang lifestyle by allowing them to live with villagers and eat their meals prepared in their own kitchen.
A committee of locally elected social mobilizers has been constituted to oversee overall management and tourist development.
The Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, and Sanjen mountain ranges can all be seen from Nagthali. Nagthali was previously a popular meditation spot for local monks and priests.
The shamanic rituals of Thuman are well-known. Timure is the name of an old trade route that led to Tibet. The Rasuwagadhi fort near Timure serves as a historical reminder of Nepal’s long-standing link with Tibet.
Here, a suspension bridge connects Nepal with Tibet. The Tamang Heritage Trail Route’s purpose is to provide a true, original Tamang/Tibetan cultural experience, which includes their lifestyles, habits, food, and so on. Arak (local booze), Mustang coffee (a combination of local booze, coffee, and sugar that is combined and boiled), and Jhwain (local liquor with butter and burned rice) are all must-trys on the Tamang Heritage Trail.
Tamang Heritage Treks Itinerary:
- Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu – Altitude: 1350/4428 ft.
- Day 02: Cultural Tour of Kathmandu City UNESCO Heritage Sites – Altitude: 1350/4428 ft.
- Day 03: Drive to Syabrubesi – Altitude: 1,420m/4,658ft | Drive: 8/9 hrs.
- Day 04: Trek to Gatlang – Altitude: 2238m/7342ft | Trek: 5/6 hrs
- Day 05: Trek to Tatopani – Altitude: 2380m/7808ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs.
- Day 06: Trek to Thuman – Altitude: 2238m/7342ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 07: Trek to Briddim – Altitude: 2239m/7345ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 08: Trek to Syabrubesi – Altitude: 1460m/4790ft. | Trek: 3/4 hrs.
- Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu – Altitude: 1350m/4428ft. | Trek 8-9 hrs.
- Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu – Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft.
Tamang Heritage Trek Difficulty:
This trek is categorized as easy to moderate in difficulty. Even if this is your first journey, with appropriate planning, you can easily complete it. This trip does not necessitate any technical knowledge; it only necessitates physical activity.
Cycling, short walks, and other activities are good places to start. However, a healthy physique and attitude are essential before embarking on this journey. While trekking at high altitudes, altitude sickness has always been a serious issue. But that isn’t something you need to consider on your journey.
This journey takes place at a lower altitude, thus there are few chances of getting altitude sickness. The body, on the other hand, needs to be hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and move slowly.
How To Prepare For Tamang Heritage Trek?
Participating in physical activities prior to hiking is also a good idea. Trekking does not necessitate being in top physical condition.
A moderate level of physical activity can help to make the travel less stressful. Trekking with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be extremely inconvenient. This is unlikely to happen if you work out beforehand. Start exercising at least a month before the hike.
Running, jogging, biking, cycling, and swimming are examples of aerobic exercises. Bring a tiny backpack to help you get used to it. Working out at a gym is also a viable option. If you’re going on a small walk, you don’t need to be in great shape.
However, exercising beforehand is always a good idea. You’ll simply make your journey more enjoyable.
When to Trek the Tamang Heritage Trail/Trek?
The Tamang Heritage Trail was developed by Nepali NGOs who collaborated with local people to improve local paths, resulting in an easy-to-follow route through stunning mountain scenery.
The route was created to highlight the Tamang culture and is best enjoyed in conjunction with one of the many Buddhist festivals that take place throughout the year.
As a result, the route is suitable for use at any time of year! Despite the fact that it is very damp and humid during the rains! The trek’s highest point, at 3600 meters, is also appropriate for individuals who are prone to altitude sickness but still wish to see panoramic Himalayan views.
The finest months for views are November to January, when the air is clean and the Tibetan mountains can be viewed well, but be prepared for cold evenings! Several small trekking groups visit throughout the main trekking seasons (both pre- and post-monsoon), but the location is most popular with independent trekkers looking for something unusual.
The Tamang people’s openhearted friendliness makes any welcome unique, especially if you visit during festivals.
Accommodation and Permits for the Tamang Heritage Trail / Trek
The Tamang Heritage Trail runs alongside the Langtang National Park, however there are no permits required. The checkpoint at Dunche, however, may require you to pay the National Park entry charge.
Try to grin and explain that you will not be visiting the park! Everything is simple and tailored for Nepali trekking tourists, thus everything is fairly cheap, making this an excellent hike for anyone looking for a cheap mountain fix.
In some communities, local guides and porters can be hired. However, be wary of asking random people along the trail for instructions because there are so many options that it’s easy to get lost!
What to Pack For Tamang Heritage Trail/Trek?
Below are few essentials not to forget while on a trek to Tamang Heritage Site:
- Light hiking daypack to carry all gear.
- A summer sleeping bag for cold nights (throughout the year).
- Two hiking shirts, two pairs hiking socks, two pair quick-dry underwear (one set for daytime wear while hiking, the other for evenings in the guesthouse).
- Quality trekking boots (though you could get by on this route with mid-ankle boots as long as there’s no snow).
- Camera, batteries, and memory cards.
- Kindle (books are heavy!) and charger, or a mobile phone’s Kindle app
- Langtang Trekking Map (easily purchased in Kathmandu)
- Nepalese Rupees