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Map of Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek including Nepal

Trek wild terrain and be welcomed into tiny mountain villages

Sacred Tibetan culture permeates every inch of this 15-day Expedition, seemingly touching everything in its path. Venture deep into Tamang hinterland as you follow the quiet Tamang Heritage Trail (restricted until 2004) and explore the wilds of Langtang National Park on an unforgettable trekking adventure. Discover surprisingly verdant midlands and stay in villages to immerse yourself in Tamang culture and connect with locals. All this, and we haven’t even mentioned the soaring views of Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal. This trek is perfect for the adventurous and active traveller looking for something different that lies well off the tourist trail.

ALTERNATE ITINERARY:
Due to the nature of trekking in Nepal, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in the event of high-risk weather conditions.

Start
Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish
Kathmandu, Nepal
Destination
Nepal
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
HNXV
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?

  • We can’t overstate how important it is to have a high level of fitness to tackle this trek. You’ll be moving for up to 8 hours a day, at altitudes over 4000 metres. Training and preparation is an absolute must. Our training guide is a good start: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/trekking-training-guide-tips/

  • No matter how fit you are, altitude sickness can still affect you. Our leaders are trained to spot he symptoms, but it is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. You can find our guide here https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness.

  • On this trek you’ll be stepping off the typical tourist trail and into the Tamang hinterlands. This trip is ideal for those looking to experience something unique, where you won’t be surrounded by many other people.

  • You’ll be rewarded with hot showers and running water in Gatlang, Thuman, Briddim and Syabrubesi. In other places you’ll use a simple bucket shower. Most of the toilets are in local squat style and shared.

  • Due to the nature of outdoor travel, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions.

  • If you are looking for a trek on a more established route, check out our Everest Base Camp (code HNXE) or Annapurna Explorer (code HNXR) treks on our website.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas, as you trek through the Tamang & Langtang heritage trail
Trekking in Tamang and Langtang
Trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal
A group of Intrepid travellers with locals in Langtang, Nepal
The beautiful Himalayas in Nepal
The village of Kyanjin on the Tamang heritage & Langtang valley trek
Gatlang village on the Tamang heritage & Langtang valley trek

Itinerary
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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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Kathmandu - In Focus: Cook in Kathmandu Urban Adventure - USD93
  • Kathmandu - Kathmandu Living Urban Adventure - USD66
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight - USD240
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total driving time approximately 7 hours.

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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 6 hours.

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).
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 5.5 hours.

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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 6 hours.

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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 4.5 hours.

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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 7 hours.

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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 5–7 hours.

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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 4–5 hours.

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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 4 hours.

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).
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 7 hours.

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).
Accommodation
  • Farmhouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time approximately 3 hours.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time is approximately 4 hours

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).
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure - USD57
  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure - USD68
  • Kathmandu - Exploring Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure - USD97
  • Kathmandu - In Focus: Handmade Kathmandu - USD93
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

2 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus

Accommodation

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

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1. This trip begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm on Day 1.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement will only be included on Days 1,14 (Hotel) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Please bring TWO passport sized photographs for your trekking permit to the welcome meeting on Day 1.
4. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. The form can be obtained through your booking agent. The form will confirm your self-assessed ability to trek on hilly terrain for anywhere between 2–7 hours per day.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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