Introduction to Tamang Heritage Trek
The Tamang Heritage Trek starts by driving from Kathmandu to Syafru Beshi and runs through the beautiful and lush Langtang Valley with breathtaking views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal.
Villages on the route are occupied by Tamang people, closely related to Tibetans, and so the culture is Buddhist with a good scattering of prayer wheels, chortens, prayer flags, and mani stones along the trails.
Although situated in a district badly hit by the April 2015 earthquake, this heritage trail was hardly affected at all and reopened to visitors three months after the quake and remains an area of outstanding beauty and culture.
The Tamang Heritage Trek starts by driving from Kathmandu to Syafru Beshi and runs through the beautiful and lush Langtang Valley with breathtaking views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal.
Villages on the route are occupied by Tamang people, closely related to Tibetans, and so the culture is Buddhist with a good scattering of prayer wheels, chortens, prayer flags, and mani stones along the trails.
Although situated in a district badly hit by the April 2015 earthquake, this heritage trail was hardly affected at all and reopened to visitors three months after the quake and remains an area of outstanding beauty and culture.
However, the trek takes in Tatopani (literally ‘hot water in Nepali) where there used to be warming hot springs. The hot springs have sadly disappeared after the earthquake.
The Tamang Heritage Trail lies in what was previously a restricted area near the Tibet border and was opened up to visitors lately.
The people in this area have a culture, tradition, and religion that goes back hundreds of years, and the craftsmanship, dress, and stone-mud houses are testimony of this ancient background.
So, too is Kyanjin Gompa where the atmosphere is serene as only a Buddhist monastery can be, and where the stunning mountain views cannot help but add immensely to the experience!
For those interested in anthropology as well as trekking, this is the perfect trip.
Tamang Heritage Trek Highlights
Why Book with Magical Nepal
Tamang Heritage Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Syabrubesi – 1460 m / 4,790 ft 7-8 hrs
After breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the bus station where you will board a bus to Syabrubesi.
Although the location of the Tamang Heritage Trek in Langtang is the nearest multi-day trekking area to Kathmandu, it still takes a whole day to get there and adds to the other-world feeling.
The highway follows the Bhote Koshi River for part of the way. If your timing is just right you may be able to see whitewater rafters enjoying their own adventure. You will actually come to the confluence of the Bhote Koshi River and the Trisuli River at Trisuli Bazaar where you may stop for a break.
From this busy bazaar several mountains come into range including Langtang, Ganesh, and Jungal Himal. Driving on, you come to Dhunche and then it’s a short distance to Syabrubesi – however these sections of the road are very bumpy.
Syabrubesi
Day 2: Syabrubesi to Gatlang
Gatlang – 2238 m / 7343 ft – 5 hrs
This is your first exciting day on the Tamang Heritage Trail. What an introduction to this beautiful landscape and warm people.
You trek through yak pastures (yak cheese is made in the Langtang region!), through lush forests and past fast flowing rivers with stunning waterfalls.
Ganesh Himal is the mountain which is most vibrant today as you walk the trail through this land so rich in Tamang heritage.
Gatlang
Day 3: Gatlang to Tatopani
Tatopani – 2600 m / 8,530 ft 6 to 7 hrs
Breathtaking scenery and overhead the Langtang mountain range and Ganesh Himal are what you will experience today.
Descend through the forests to the village of Chilime before crossing the Chilime Hydropower Project Dam which is situated on the Trisuli River.
After crossing the damn, ascend to the settlement of Gonggang. All these villages are seeped in Tamang culture and heritage. Eventually you come to Tatopani. The name means ‘hot water’ because there used to be natural hot springs there. Sadly, they dried up during the 2015 earthquake never to reappear.
Tatopani
Day 4: Tatopani to Thuman
Thuman – 2340 m / 7677 ft- 5 to 6 hrs
The trail takes you up through forests and past cultivated land, and mani walls (Buddhist mantras carved into stones) as you approach the wonderfully interesting village of Thuman.
Mainly inhabited by the Tamang ethnic group, the architecture in Thuman is traditional stone and wood Tamang style. Being closely related to their Tibetan neighbors, artifacts of Tibetan Buddhism are everywhere – from the prayer flags to the dress, music and dance.
Here you can really learn something about Tamang and Tibetan culture, their daily lives and customs.
Thuman
Day 5: Thuman to Briddim
Lingling Pass – 2500 m / 8202 -5 to 6 hrs
Although there are many ups and downs today, the trail starts off with a descent through forests, with the Bhote Koshi River below you. After crossing the Bhote Koshi the trail ascends to Pelpung village and on to Briddim.
Briddim is another village heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and is quite a large village with around 50 houses and is set in lovely surroundings.
There is plenty of time to explore Briddim before dinner.
Briddim
Day 6: Briddim to Lama Hotel
Lama Hotel – 2480 m / 8136 ft – 5 to 6 hrs
Today not only will you see beautiful mountains, and the now familiar lush forests, but you will see the Langtang River.
After breakfast descend down from Briddim through forests with plenty of birdlife until you reach Ghopche Khola (river) which you cross by a bridge. Then the trail ascends back up to Lama Hotel.
Lama Hotel is quite famous both within the trekking fraternity and music lovers as it appears in a music video of a popular Nepali band! Overnight at Lama Hotel – teahouse.
Lama Hotel
Day 7: Lama Hotel to Langtang village
Langtang village – 3430 m / 11253 – 6 to 7 hrs
Today you are rising more than 1,000 m / 3,280.8 ft in altitude so a lot of care should be taken to ensure you stay hydrated as well as taking many short breaks on the way. Should you feel any headaches or dizziness you must inform your guide. In this way you can continue to have a great trekking experience.
Leave Lama Hotel after breakfast and hike through forests to the village of Ghoretable or ‘horse stables’. Continue throughout the day to Langtang village.
Having been destroyed by the 2015 earthquake, Langtang village is slowly coming back to its former self with a community health post, school, markets and monasteries that serve the surrounding area as well.
From here there are wonderful views of the Langtang mountain range.
Langtang Village
Day 8: Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa
Kyanjing Gompa – 3870 m / 12697 ft – 4 hrs
Thankfully this is a short day on the trail as you make your way upstream of the Langtang River. It’s a gradual climb up to Kyanjin Gompa (monastery) and you should also take plenty of breaks today.
This area is famous among trekkers as it has wonderful views of the mountains as well as a rich Buddhist culture.
There is varying information about the age of Kyanjin Gompa ranging from 300 to 700 years old, but no one really knows as there is no written record. But whatever its age, it is worth spending a bit of time checking it out.
Kyanjin Gompa
Day 9: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel
Lama Hotel – 2480 m / 8136 ft – 6 hrs
Today retrace your steps to Langtang Village and on to Lama Hotel. On the way you will pass through Mundu village with its mani walls and on to Ghora Tabela (horse stables) where you might stop for lunch.
The trail continues along the river, with views of the Langtang Lirung mountain range in the distance until you come to Ghoretable again where you might stop for lunch. Further along the trail you come to Gumnachowk village, after which the trail becomes relatively flat.
Today you trek back down in altitude, making breathing so much easier and giving an overall feeling of lightness. Your final destination today is Lama Hotel.
Day 10: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi
Syabrubesi – 1460 m / 4790 ft 4 hrs
After breakfast start your last hiking day of the trek as you descend along the Langtang River, and through the lush forests again.
With Syabrubesi being the gateway to Langtang National Park, you are about to leave the national park and re-enter a livelier world. Syabrubesi itself is a busy market town where you will meet other trekkers and plenty of locals going about their business.
Tonight, you can celebrate your trek and remember the wonderful scenery, mountains and culture you discovered.
Day 11: Syabrubesi to Kathmandu ( Drive )
Kathmandu – 1380 m / 4572 ft 8 – 9 hrs
Sadly, you board a bus back to Kathmandu and follow the same route you did at the beginning of your trek. Fondly you remember the people you met and places you saw as you wind your way back up into the Kathmandu Valley.
But there is still plenty to do in Kathmandu and Nepal and we hope to see you again on one of our other adventures!
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Includes
Veg
Wide variety of Vegeterian food is available on the trek
Vegan
Wide variety of Vegan food is available on the trek
Packing List
Items | Details | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Underwear | Underwear Breathable synthetic | 3 |
Socks | Wool BYO | 3 |
Bra | Sports BYO | |
Base layers – Pants | Merino wool BYO | 1 |
Trekking shirt | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase it in Kathmandu | 2 |
Rain pants | Synthetic lightweight Frogg Toggs are excellent | 1 |
Trekking pants | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase in Ktm | 2 |
Hiking Shoes/Boots | BYO Salmon Quest 4D or Xultra 3 or 4 | 1 |
Camp shoes | Down booties BYO or purchase in Ktm | 1 |
Gloves | One pair of thin merino wool. 2nd pair thick insulated | 2 |
Hat | Sun hat or peak cap with neck protection. BYO | 1 |
Down Jacket | BYO | 1 |
Wind Breaker | BYO | 1 |
Note: Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu, while all other trekking equipment can be easily purchased. We at Magical Nepal will assist you in getting all your essentials sorted, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.
Read Before your book Tamang Heritage Trek
To help you determine if the Tamang Heritage Trek is right for you, we’ve provided detailed information on key aspects such as flight details, trek difficulty, and the best times to visit. Each section also includes a video explanation to guide you in planning your trip smoothly.
If you’re still unsure whether this trek is the perfect choice for you, feel free to reach out to us via email or WhatsApp. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to answer any additional questions.
Within a day’s drive from the capital city of Kathmandu, you will enter the Langtang National Park and the Tamang Heritage Trek. Be surrounded by the beauty of the Langtang Himalayan mountains and learn something about the fascinating people – the Tamangs.
With forests to wander through, high yak pastures to see with their yak inhabitants, rivers to follow, waterfalls to be mesmerized by friendly villagers to meet, this is truly a wonderful trek.
Bordered by Tibet to the North, specifically the Qomolangma National Park, the Langtang National Park is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife including the rare red panda.
Its close proximity to Tibet and the fact many of the inhabitants of this area originated in Tibet and migrated to Nepal, either relatively recently or over past centuries, and no wonder this is such a fascinating heritage trail.
The Tamang Heritage Trek is considered a moderate trek in Nepal. While it does not reach extreme altitudes like the Everest Base Camp Trek, it still involves steep ascents, long walking hours, and remote trails. This trek is ideal for those looking for a cultural trekking experience combined with stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Factors Affecting the Difficulty of the Tamang Heritage Trek
1. Altitude and Acclimatization
The highest point on this trek is Nagthali (3,165m / 10,383ft). Since this is not considered extreme altitude, the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) is low. However, some trekkers may experience mild symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Tips:
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine at high altitudes
- Walk at a steady pace to allow your body to adjust
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
2. Trekking Distance and Walking Hours
Trekkers cover approximately 10 to 15 km (6 to 9 miles) per day, with an average walking time of 5 to 7 hours. The trails include steep ascents and descents, making some sections physically demanding. The climb to Nagthali Viewpoint is one of the most challenging parts of the trek.
Tips:
- Train with regular walks, hikes, and cardio exercises before the trek
- Take small breaks and avoid rushing, especially on steep sections
3. Trail Conditions and Terrain
The trek includes a variety of terrains, including forests, stone-paved paths, terraced fields, and suspension bridges. Most of the trail is well-marked, but some sections are rocky and uneven, requiring careful footing.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable and durable trekking boots to prevent blisters and injuries
- Use trekking poles for better stability on uneven paths
4. Weather and Seasonal Challenges
The best time to do the Tamang Heritage Trek is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear.
Challenges by Season:
- Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures and possible snowfall at higher altitudes
- Monsoon (June-August): Heavy rainfall makes the trails muddy and slippery
Tips:
- Check the weather forecast before starting the trek
- Pack layered clothing to adjust to temperature changes
5. Fitness Level Required
This trek does not require prior trekking experience, but a good fitness level is necessary. The steep ascents, long walking hours, and changing elevations can be physically demanding.
Recommended Training Plan:
- Cardio workouts: Running, cycling, or swimming at least 3-4 times a week
- Leg strengthening: Squats, lunges, and stair climbing
- Endurance training: Long walks (5-10 km) with a backpack
Is the Tamang Heritage Trek Suitable for Beginners?
Yes, the Tamang Heritage Trek is beginner-friendly, but it does require a reasonable level of fitness. It is an excellent option for those looking for a trek that is not too strenuous but still offers a rewarding experience.
Best for:
- First-time trekkers looking for a moderate challenge
- Those interested in Tamang culture and Himalayan landscapes
- Trekkers who want an off-the-beaten-path experience
This trek is mainly to introduce you to Tamang / Tibetan culture as it exists in the beautiful Langtang Valley. Between the mountains, the unique flora and fauna, and the wonderful friendly Buddhist people, this is a fabulous trek suitable for most people.
Daily you will walk through forests, pastures and through villages while the mountains in the Langtang Range towers overhead.
Being a less busy trekking area, the accommodation is quite basic with simple sleeping rooms, mainly local cuisine and often shared bathroom facilities. You will stay at Lama Hotel, quite a famous teahouse/ lodge, and also in Kyanjin Gompa which is a Buddhist monastery where you can attend a puja (spiritual ritual) and have tea with the monks.
Wake up early for breakfast then head out onto the trail around 8am. There are forests to walk through or perhaps the trail will be rough, with loose stones in places. You will have bridges to enable you to cross the rivers, and streams and waterfalls to view.
At the higher altitudes you may break for water/ tea more frequently, but definitely you will break for lunch daily along the trail. Take every opportunity to refresh yourself.
When you reach your next overnight teahouse, it is a good idea to order dinner straight away if the teahouse is busy. If you have a large group with you, it might be a good idea to come to a consensus on what to eat. Ordering the same items makes it easier and faster in the kitchen. We only mention that because bedtime comes around fast on a trek. No one stays up late even though the conversation around the dining table may be fascinating.
You will be spending two days at higher altitude so you should monitor your body for altitude related problems. Headaches, dizziness or being unable to coordinate your movements are just some of the things to look out for. Your guide will also be keeping a discrete eye on you.
Take care on the trail – some places will be rough underfoot or perhaps even muddy. A fall can ruin your trek. Trekking poles are a great idea on any trek in Nepal. Although our guides are trained in first aid to deal with most eventualities, you will be far from immediate medical help, so tread carefully.
Do not go ‘off trail’ without telling the guide! Tempting as it might be to explore a village on your own, do let the guide know what your plans are. Livestock can also be wandering around and a butt from a long horned goat or yak would not be nice!
On the trail itself, always listen to the guide and take his advice. Your safety is his job!
- Ideal trekking weather: clear skies and blooming rhododendrons
- Forests are lush and colorful
- Mild temperatures at both lower and higher elevations
- Great for photography and cultural interaction
- Best season: stable weather and excellent mountain views
- Clear skies and dry trails
- Peak time for trekkers, so lodges may be fuller
- Cool nights, pleasant days
- Not recommended due to heavy rainfall
- Trails can be muddy and slippery
- High leech activity in forested areas
- Landslides may disrupt travel and transportation
- Very cold, especially at higher villages
- Fewer trekkers and peaceful trails
- Some lodges may close due to low tourist flow
- Snow possible in upper areas, requiring extra gear
Spring: (March to May) Spring is definitely a great time to trek in Nepal, and the Langtang Valley is no exception. With the Tamang Heritage Trek taking you into the Langtang Valley, you will experience clear skies and good temperatures. Overall, in April and May it will be a good temperature for hiking, although March may still be a little cold at the higher altitudes.
Autumn: (September to November) Autumn is probably the most popular season for this trek. The weather is similar to spring, even a bit better! The first half of September may still see some light rain and slippery trails, but they will dry up through October.
Monsoon: (June – September) Monsoon can bring heavy rain. Moderate rain can spoil your trek too and no one really likes hiking while wet! Trails may be muddy and slippery and so it is not the best time for the Tamang Heritage Trail.
Winter: (December – February) Although this is not a particularly high-altitude trek, there may be snowfall on some days. It can be very atmospheric and if you only have this time of year free to come, please talk to us about it.
- Get your permit at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or at the Dhunche/Syabrubesi checkpoint
- Bring passport and two photos
- Carry the permit with you at all times—checkpoints will ask for it
- While not mandatory, hiring a guide is highly recommended and often required for permit issuance under new rules
Langtang National Park Permit: Everyone needs this permit. The fees from this go to maintain the conservation of the national park.
Cost for the permits:
- USD25 per person
- SAAC Nationals Nrs 1,500 per person
- Children under 10 – FOC
Note: We will have the permit issued on your behalf.
Porridge
Tibetan bread
Eggs
Pancakes
Toast
Muesli
Omelette
Coffee/tea
Nepali Dal Bhat
Rice, lentils & veggies
Fried Noodles
Vegetables, egg & chicken
Mo Mo
steamed dumplings
Chowmein
Fried noodles
Fried Rice
With egg or vegetables
Soups
Vegetable, garlic, Mushroom
Chapati with Curry
potato or mixed vegetable curry
Sherpa Stew
thick, hearty soup with noodles, potatoes, and vegetables
Tea
Coffee
Soft drinks
fruit juice
beer
water
hot chocolate
What is Included
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included in the price of your trek.
Tea and coffee are also included with breakfast and dinner. Other things such as soft drinks, alcohol, drinking water and snacks are not included. Please pay directly to the teahouse.
Breakfast and dinner are taken in the teahouse you sleep in. Simple, but tasty food.
Lunches are eaten in smaller teahouses/ teashops on the trail. There may be times when you will get a packed lunch.
Breakfast on the trek can be something like this:
- Porridge
- Eggs
- Toast
- Pancakes
- Homemade bread like Tibetan bread or roti
- Cereal
- Yak curd (yogurt)
- Rice dishes
- Noodles dishes
- Tea/ coffee
Dinner on the trek can be something like this:
- Soup
- Thukpa (Tibetan soup with flat noodles)
- Nepali Dal Bhat (vegetable curry and rice)
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Momos (Nepali steamed dumplings)
- Tingmo (a plain Tibetan item like a cross between bread and momo)
- Potatoes cooked in different ways
- There may be some dessert/ sweet items such as banana pancakes, hot drinking chocolate, and yak curd (yogurt).
Lunch items on the trail are simple affairs:
Momos, dal bhat, or noodles.
Drinks on the Tamang Heritage Trek
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, and water are available in the teahouse. In addition, you will find sea buckthorn juice in this area made from a locally sourced berry. Salted butter tea, a Tibetan tea closely resembling a salty soup, will also be available. Please note the cost of drinks, including extra teas and coffees are not included in the price of your trek.
Dietary restrictions:
Vegetarians will love the varieties when trekking. But even if you eat meat/ chicken normally, we suggest you go vegetarian while trekking in Nepal.
Let us know if you have any food allergies so we can tell your guide.
Bring your own snacks such as dried fruit and nuts, cookies, and chocolate bars. These are often extremely welcome on a trek even if you don’t normally eat them at home! Any left overs can be given to children at the end of the trek. (Normally we say please do not give money etc to children along the trail as this encourages begging, but a few chocolate bars to the children in the last teahouse would be a nice gesture.)
Tips on Food:
- Buy snacks in Kathmandu – maybe nothing is available on the trail.
- Be careful with spicy food!
- There may be yak cheese on the menu (and for sale) in this area. It is good!
Water on the Trek
Do not drink tap or spring water until you treat it with purifying drops or tablets.
Buying water on the trail can become very expensive, but not as expensive as having a bad stomach ruin your trek so please be careful. Teahouses will provide boiled drinking water which you will have to pay for. This is preferable to buying bottled water (if available) as it is better for the environment.
A Lifestraw also is great on a trek as it will filter out most bacteria. Bring your own stainless steel bottles with you so you can put boiled water them. Two or three is a good idea so you have a good supply of clean water throughout the day.
Tips on Water:
- Never drink unfiltered/ unpurified water. Even if that stream looks clear and fresh, who knows what is upstream!
- To avoid dehydration drink plenty of water every day.
Teahouses are basic affairs. A sleeping room will consist of two beds and not much more. There is no heating or charging sockets in the sleeping rooms. Bring your sleeping bag year round. Bathroom facilities might be shared and could well be outside the main building. Be prepared!
Hot showers are available if you pay for them!
Tips on Accommodation:
- When staying in Kyanjin Gompa be respectful and quiet if there is a puja going on. Dress appropriately – not hard when it’s cold outside!
- No heating or electrical sockets in the sleeping rooms.
- Dining rooms are heated. Enjoy socializing here in the evenings.
- Charge your devices in the dining rooms, which you will have to pay for.
- You will be sharing toilets and showers with other trekkers.
- Do not enter the kitchen.
- You need to pay for hot water for the shower (which may come in a bucket).
- There is currently little WiFi in much of the Langtang National Park area. So do not be surprised if there is none at your teahouse.
- Order dinner as soon as you arrive at the teahouse as it takes time for the kitchen to prepare meals. Meals are freshly made each time.
Keen hikers or those with experience and great fitness might want to spend another day on the Tamang Heritage trail and head up to Tsergo Ri (5,000m /16404 ft) while visiting Kyanjin Gompa. This is a 10 hour round trip, departing the gompa in the early morning, and returning there again after climbing this fabulous view point. From Tsergo Ri you can see 20 mountain peaks, frozen lakes and the whole Langtang Valley.
Another extension to your visit to the Langtang National Park would be to trek to Gosaikunda Lake. This would add two or three days to your trek. Gosaikunda Lake is held sacred by Buddhists and Hindus and said to be the home of Hindu gods Shiva and Gauri.
Please discuss these options with us if you would like to stay longer in the Langtang area.
Before your boots hit the trails of the Tamang Heritage region, your adventure kicks off with a road trip through Nepal’s twisting hills and river valleys. The gateway? Syabrubesi—a humble, lively village nestled along the banks of the Bhote Koshi River, and the starting point of your cultural trek.
The Local Way – For the True Explorer
Hop on a local bus from Kathmandu’s Gongabu Bus Park and settle in for a scenic (and slightly bumpy) ride. Over 7 to 9 hours, you’ll pass terraced hillsides, roaring rivers, and scattered villages—perfect snapshots of rural Nepal. It’s raw, real, and easy on your wallet.
The Jeep Ride – For the Comfort Seeker
Want fewer bumps and more comfort? A private jeep offers the ultimate flexibility, leave on your own schedule, stop for photos or tea, and enjoy a faster, smoother journey. Perfect for groups or trekkers who want to save energy for the mountains ahead.
Shared Jeep – The Middle Ground
Budget-friendly but more comfortable than the bus, shared jeeps leave from Machhapokhari in Kathmandu. They fill up early and leave when full, just the right balance for solo travelers who want a taste of adventure with a dash of ease.
The Route Itself
Whether you go by bus or jeep, the road to Syabrubesi winds through the Trishuli River valley, up switchbacks, and across hillside settlements with jaw-dropping views of Ganesh Himal. It’s not just transportation, it’s the prologue to your Himalayan story.
Tips: Book your return ride in advance while in Syabrubesi, especially during peak season. Your guide or local lodge will be happy to help arrange it.
History tells that the Tamang ethnic group originated in Tibet. With their name being ‘Ta’ or horse, and ‘Mang’ being traders, it is assumed they were once horse traders. Many Gorkha rulers fought against the Tamangs and eventually their traditional lands in Nepal were given to the Gorkhas, the most famous of whom is Prithvi Narayan Shah, who went on to unify what is modern Nepal (around about 1769).
When exactly they migrated from Tibet to Nepal, and also Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong in India, as well as some areas of Bhutan, is not known. What is known is that they follow the Buddhist Chinese lunar calendar and 90% of them are Buddhist. They have a distinctive dance and music style and celebrate Sonam Lhosar in Feb/ March as their new year. This is usually around the same time as the Tibetan New Year.
We can collect you from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu should you request it on the booking form. There will be a small charge for this, but it will help you so you don’t have to organize a taxi to take you to your hotel.
Hotels in Kathmandu:
There are many excellent hotels in Kathmandu on booking.com or hostelworld.com. You suggest you have a look at these and in particular look at the tourist area of Thamel. In this area you will find shops, restaurants, bars, cafes etc all geared towards you, the visitor! Our office is also located in Thamel.
For something more on the quiet side there are hotels around 15 minutes’ walk away in the Lazimpat area. For those looking for a Proud certified hotel, there is Nomad Hotel in Lazimpat and the Marriott chain (Kathmandu Marriott, Aloft, Fairfield), which are also nearby.
What to do in Kathmandu before / after your trek:
There is so much to do in Kathmandu we hope you have the time to explore something of this wonderful city! There are seven UNESCO Heritage Sites and dozens of temples, shrines and stunning architecture sites to visit. So much history is hidden away here.
If you would like us to organise a tour for you, please let us know.
Nightlife after the temples: Thamel and Jhamsikhel (around 20 minutes taxi ride from Thamel) have vibrant music scenes as well as great restaurants.
Entertaining children? Unfortunately, Kathmandu is not known for great activities for children, but you could try Jump KTM (trampolines) or Bhukutimandap Fun Park. The Garden of Dreams at the entrance of Thamel also has enough space for small children to run around in a lovely, safe setting. The International Club (20 minutes taxi ride away) has a garden setting with coffee shops, Fire and Ice Pizza restaurant and other restaurants. Several of the large hotels have pay by the day pools. In Thamel the Aloft Hotel has an indoor pool. We can recommend the Shankar Hotel on Lazimpat for its great outdoor pool and large garden.
We can also recommend you places outside of Kathmandu, such as Chitwan National Park or other wildlife reserves, to visit. Please ask us!
Visa for Nepal
Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s online site. Please complete the form online, print it out and bring it with you. Bring exact USD cash to make payment on arrival at the airport.
Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days, or 3 months and costs:
- 15 Days – 30 USD
- 30 Days – 50 USD
- 90 Days – 125 USD
Landscapes: The Tamang Heritage Trek takes you through Langtang National Park with its abundant and unique flora and fauna. There are still places where it is very clear how much damage was done in 2015 by the Nepal earthquake but it is coming back to its full former glory. The mountains are still stunning. Lakpa (6,990m / 22,933 ft), Langtang Ri (6,370m / 20,898 ft), and Langtang Lirung (7,245m / 23,769 ft) are still rising overhead. The mountain paths still bring beautiful surprises around every corner.
Wildlife: Himalayan pheasants, including Nepal’s national bird, the Himalayan monal, (Danphe in Nepali) can be seen in this area. You will notice how the male Danphe is the one showing off his multi-coloured plumage! Deer, monkeys, bears and the rare red panda live in this region also.
Peoples: The people you will see on this trek are mostly from the Tamang ethnic group. They are closely related to Tibetans and follow a similar Buddhist culture. They also dress and build their homes in a similar manner.
Bank cards do not work on the trails of Nepal! Foreign currency is also not accepted in the villages. Please exchange your foreign currency for Nepali rupees before you go on your trek. ATM machines in Kathmandu and the other big towns will dispense Nepali rupees.
For tipping your guide and porter (if you have one) you can use foreign currency or Nepali rupees.
Transport on the trek: Public bus transport is included in the cost of the trek. Should you wish to hire a private vehicle to get you to the starting point, or pick you up after your trek, please let us know. There is an extra charge for that.
Food on the trek: Three meals a day and tea/ coffee at breakfast and dinner are included in your trek cost. Anything extra, such as cold drinks, need to be paid directly by you to the teahouse.
Things you might need to pay for in the teahouse: In addition to any extra food and drink, the teahouses will charge you for hot water for showers, electricity to charge your devices and drinking water.
Don’t forget to tip your guide and porter: Tips for your guide and porter can be paid in dollars or other currencies. The normal rate for the guide is around USD200 (divided by the number of people on your trek) and your personal porter is around USD150 (paid by yourself).
Things to buy on the trail: Yak cheese is made in this area! Cheese is not something commonly eaten by Nepalis but in the past a Swiss project introduced cheese making in this area. It’s a bit harder than cow cheese, but worth trying and buying! There may be some handicrafts for sale on this trek you may be interested in.
When visiting a monastery (gompa) it is normal to pay a small donation as the locals do. Around Nrs100-500 is fine, depending on the size of the monastery. If you light oil lamps in the monastery in memory of friends etc, you should pay around Rs100 per lamp.
How much to bring in total: that will depend on how many cold drinks and packets of cheese you are buying! But overall, we can recommend you bring around USD 12-15 per day, in Nepali rupees, plus the tips for the guide and porter. You can easily spend what you don’t use on the trek back in Kathmandu.
Before you come expenses:
You need to buy travel insurance, a flight ticket and bring money for the Nepal visa fee. Those are for sure. But you might also want to buy new trekking gear and toiletries for your trip.
Extra Expenses on the Trek
Food, accommodation, transport and the guide are already included in the trek’s price.
There are some other items you should budget for.
Even if a teahouse has phone and WiFi access, bad weather and altitude can interfere with the signal. Do not be surprised if there is no WiFi in places on your trek.
Tips for Communication
Tell loved ones at home you will be out of range for the duration of your trek. That means they won’t be worried when you are not on line 24/7 and pleasantly surprised if you are!
You can buy a NTC or NCELL sim card when you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport for data internet for WiFi. No guarantee those will work along your trekking route.
The answer to that depends on you – are you travelling alone or with a small group of family or friends? And on the season – in the busy season, if you are traveling solo, it may be hard to get one guide for one client.
A group trek is where you will be with a few other trekkers, who you do not know, who wish to do the Tamang Heritage Trek at the same time as you.
A private trek is where you and your friend(s) are the only ones on the trek. This works best when you are traveling with your family or 3 or 4 friends. As mentioned, it is more difficult if you are alone or traveling with only one other person. It is not impossible, however, so do ask us about this.
The price for a private trek or a group trek is the same. The only difference being when it comes to either hiring a private vehicle (the cost of which is divided between the number of trekkers) and the tips for your guide, which is also divided between the number of trekkers on the trek.
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