Tamang Heritage, Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda & Helambu Trek

Introduction

RP Adventures presents a scenic and cultural journey through the Tamang Heritage Trail, Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, and Helambu, specially organized for those wishing to undertake a long trek in Langtang National Park. This trek stands out as quite different and most exciting, with a touch of adventure reaching Nagthali, the highest hill point of the trek. It offers a perfect short adventure and country walk for people who enjoy trekking off the beaten path. Away from the main routes of other popular Himalayan destinations, the Tamang Heritage Trail is an exceptional trek.

In comparison to various adventures around the Nepal Himalayas, this trek takes you from one charming village to another, populated by the ancient and indigenous Tamang tribe communities. The Tamang, originating from Inner Mongolia, drifted to Nepal via Tibet more than five thousand years ago. Heavily spread around the Kathmandu valley rim, as well as in Mid-East and Mid-West Nepal, extending as far as the East and Western regions.

Currently, as the country’s fourth most populous tribe, they follow the Mahayana Buddhism of the Nyingma sects, similar to their Tibetan predecessors. The Tamang also practice the ancient cult known as Bon, a pre-Buddhist religion that worships nature and mountain spirits, as well as Shamanism, which involves part-time religious specialists or witch doctors healing sickness and driving away evil spirits.

The trek offers an enjoyable experience on a well-defined trail with views of the Ganesh and Langtang Himalayas as you reach Gatlang, the largest village en route and a great place to experience the Tamang’s immense culture and age-old heritage. The walk continues towards the Tatopani and Thuman villages, crossing a high ridge at Nagthali. Enjoy the superb panorama of Himalayan peaks before descending to the Briddim and Syabrubesi villages.

After completing this marvelous short adventure, you’ll take a drive back to Kathmandu, concluding the wonderful Tamang Heritage Trail Trek after a great experience in the hills of the Ganesh and Langtang Himalayas.

Best time for this trek

The best times to undertake the Tamang Heritage Trail, Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, and Helambu treks are during the autumn (September to December) and spring (March to May) seasons. These periods are widely regarded as the most favorable for trekking in this region due to several factors that contribute to an enjoyable and memorable hiking experience.

Autumn (September to December)

Autumn is one of the most popular trekking seasons in Nepal, including for the Tamang Heritage Trail and its extensions into the Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, and Helambu. The weather during this time is generally stable and dry, offering clear skies and excellent visibility. The monsoon rains from the summer months wash away the dust and pollution, leaving the air fresh and the landscapes vibrant. Temperatures are comfortable during the day for hiking, although nights can be cool, especially at higher elevations. Additionally, this season showcases Nepal in its festive mood, with major festivals like Dashain and Tihar occurring, offering trekkers a unique cultural experience.

Spring (March to May):

Spring is another fantastic season for trekking in the Langtang region. This time of the year is characterized by warmer weather and longer days, which are ideal for trekking. The trails and forests come alive with the blooming of flowers, most notably the rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower, which paints the hills in various vibrant colors. The snow from the winter months starts to melt, making higher passes more accessible. Visibility is generally good, offering stunning views of the mountains, although it can be slightly hazy at lower altitudes due to dust before the monsoon rains.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and pickup to hotel. 1,300m
Day 02: Kathmandu Day Sightseeing – 1,300m
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Ghatalang 2,200m – 08 hrs
Day 04: Trek to Tatopani 2,500m – 08 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Naghthali 3100m – 05 hrs
Day 06: Rest day in Naghathalai hike to Tara view point 4,200m – 04 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Thuman 2,200m – 04 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Bridham 2,200m – 06 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Lama hotel 2,500m – 07 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Guba gaou 3,000m – 07 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Khanjena gompa 3,750m – 05 hrs
Day 12: Rest day 3,750m
Day 13: Trek to Lama hotel 2,300m – 07 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Thulo Syabrubesi 2,200m – 07 hrs
Day 15: Trek to Sing Gompa 3,100m – 05 hrs
Day 16: Trek to Gosainkunda lake 4,380m – 06 hrs
Day 17: Trek to Phadi 3,500m – 05 hrs
Day 18: Trek to Thadaipati 3,700m – 06 hrs
Day 19: Trek to Melamchi gaou 3,000m – 05 hrs
Day 20: Trek to Sermathang 2,900m – 06 hrs
Day 21: Trek to Melamchi 1,200m – 07 hrs
Day 22: Drive to Kathmandu 1,300m – 04 hrs