Wake up bright and early and drive northwest through Thamel. 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 kilometers (31 miles) to Dhunche and then another 15 kilometers (9 miles) to Syabrubesi. Tonight’s accommodation is a basic teahouse
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 meters). 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Acclimatize this evening with a short climb above the village for great views of the surrounding valley.
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.
After breakfast, head back down the trail via Langtang and Ghoretabela to Lama Hotel. Today’s trekking will take around 7 hours, descending 1600 meters. The long descent will be rewarded with a ‘mountain cold’ Sherpa beer (subject to availability).
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.
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.
We will drive you back to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled flight to your destination.
ACCOMMODATION
In a standard category hotel (base: double room) in Kathmandu and Pokhara, during the rest of the trip in a tent (3-person tents for 2 people) or in a lodge depending on the trip. The lodges in Nepal are very comfortable random. In general, conditions are quite good around the Annapurnas and the Everest region. On the other hand, in Mustang, in the Manaslu, Tsum valley, and in the region of Kangchanjung or Makalu, they can be very rudimentary to the point of being a dormitory sometimes even a kitchen. lodges can look like a refuge or sometimes a bed and breakfast from home. Most of the time it is a family house with double, triple, or dormitory rooms. Toilets and showers are always separate.
MEAL
In the cities, many restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine. Meat is scarce in the high mountain, the Nepalese are generally vegetarians. The basic ingredients are rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, and vegetables. Snacks are included during the trek (cereal bars, dried fruits, etc.).
For camping trek accommodation: during the trek, breakfasts and evening meals are prepared by the kitchen team. They are taken under the mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day’s walk and/or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics.
For tea house trek accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken in the dining room. Here is a typical one-day menu:
breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
lunch: the main course, tea or coffee.
dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
NB: Hindus and Buddhists are most often vegetarians. We, therefore, eat very little meat or fish. The dishes are pasta, rice, potatoes, lentils, etc.
DRINKS: during the trek, tea is served with meals (two cups of tea per meal). Additional cups of tea and other beverages, including mineral water, are the responsibility of the participants. You can fill your gourds with water in the lodges, but it is essential to treat them with purifying tablets.
SIMILAR TRIPS
Tamang Heritage & Langtang valley Trek
Langtang valley is often described as the most beautiful valley in the world and our trip includes an amazing initial few days reaching the valley via the Tamang Heritage Trail. The Tamang trail is relatively young having been opened in 2004. The Tamang Heritage Trail is more secret than the better-known Langtang Valley of our trek, meaning you’ll meet far fewer trekkers. During the initial few days on the Tamang trail, the infrastructure isn’t as well established as in the main valley or the Annapurna or Khumbu regions, but if you want an authentic experience with raw natural beauty whilst spending time with the local communities, then this trek is the perfect blend of both old and new and the adventure for you!
Langtang valley Itinerary
Langtang valley This twelve-day trek from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu includes ten days of trekking in the stunning Langtang region of Nepal, which is the closest National Park to Kathmandu. The area is renowned for its beautiful cedar forests and flowers and jaw-dropping views of rais Himalayan peaks including Shishapangma 8000-metre peaks in Tibet, Manaslu Range, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal.
Langtang valley is a more peaceful trek, less demanding but still with the history, culture, and scenic beauty that Nepal is famous for. It has an air of remoteness and visitors frequently mention this mixture of adventure and mystery, culture and there’s lots of wildlife to see. You do not need to be super-fit for the Langtang trek section however the Tamang Heritage Trail section does have some moderately challenging ascent sections, though short-lived. The entire trek has mostly 6 hours days of sustained walking with a light backpack – your main pack goes by porter.