Nepal: the Tamang Heritage Trail

17 days, heritage sightseeing, moderate trekking, jungle safari
from £ 675 per person

langtang3About 150 years ago, Nepal fought Tibet over salt, and some of the biggest areas where this war took place is in the Langtang Region of Nepal, wherein lies the third most popular trekking trail in Nepal. This area is connected to Tibet and the trails in this region were used by traders from Tibet bartering in Salt and mountain goats for meat (changra) with foodstuffs from the south. Developed by the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program, the "Tamang Heritage Trail" is the newly developed tourism product, off the beaten track, which highlights an ancient lifestyle combining it with picturesque scenery and healing baths in natural hot springs.

This trip will be preceded by a trip to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, as you come across from India into Nepal. Once the trek is over, we will take you to the famous Chitwan National Park for some game viewing and jungle activities including Elephant back safari. You will also visit a project on papermaking from Elephant dung.

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itinerary

Day 01: Collect from Sunauli Border. Drive to lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha. Overnight lumbini

Day 02: Walk around the Lumbini gardens and absorb the serene atmosphere surrounding this place of peace.

Day 03: Drive to Kathmandu. Welcome dinner at a theme Nepali Restaurant

Day 04: Heritage Tour of Kathmandu. We will visit the Heritage sites of Boudha, Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Later we will drive to Bhaktapur for a night stay

Day 05: Heritage Tour of Kathmandu Valley. Tour of Bhaktapur, Changunarayan Temple and Patan Durbar Square before returning to hotel in Kathmandu

Day 06: Early morning drive Kathmandu to Syabru besi (1982m) on bus. The road continues to the beautiful villages at the foot of the mountains where your journey begins from Syabrubesi. Overnight at Syabrubesi.

Day 07: Gatlang - After an hour and half of ascent from Syabrubesi we reach the view point from where we can see the fantastic view of Ganesh Himal, Gosaikunda range and the Goljang valley. Now we head down to Goljang valley for the Lunch which is an hour walking down hill from the the view point. Gatlang the beautiful Tamang village is another 3 hrs walk from Goljang. Upon arrival the guests will be welcomed by Khada (white scarfs) and the home made local drinks Rakshi accompanied by the welcome song in local language. Get refreshed and enjoy the local Syabru dance. Overnight at the community lodge.

Day 08: Tatopani - This would be the longest day of the entire trip and will take about 7 hours. The walk begins by descending to Thangbuchet (near Chilime village) by the Bhotekoshi River. Stop for the lunch here. Chilime Hydropower dam is situated here. After lunch the trail will be ascending up crossing the hanging bridge. Ascend continues until you get to Tatopani which literally means 'hot water', you can cleanse yourself in natural hot springs with bathing areas in the lap of the mountains. Locals believe that the waters have a healing quality that eases away your aches and pains.  Dinner and overnight stay at local tea house.

Day 09: Thuman - The trail ascends to Nagthali Danda (3300m) the high open grassland with amazing views of snow covered Himalayas. Stop for lunch at Brimdang village. After lunch the trek continues ascending to Nagthali Danda. One can enjoy the view and spend sometime at the top accompanied by tea prepared by the care taker of the Gompa.  Trek continues down to Thuman, Tibetan influenced Tamang village with friendly people who love to sing and dance.
Dinner and overnight at local tea house.

Day 10: Briddim - The trail begin with flatter trail in the beginning and descends to Timure en route to the old trade route to Tibet. Stop here for the lunch. Rasuwaghadi (Nepal-Tibet boarder) is just 3hrs walk from Timure lies on the bank of River. After lunch the trail continues for Briddim another Tibetan influenced Tamang village. Homestay at Briddim is a unique experience. All accommodations, lodgings and fooding are offered at the individual houses on a rotational basis. Each host family provides clean bed, toilet and a family dining room.

The visitor enjoys the evening with the host family, living with them,eating traditional foods and sleeping at their usual clean bed. Plain rice,Tibetan bread, Syakpa (Sherpa Stew), Potato, Tibetan tea, Briddim wine are the indigenous food offered. The visitor can also observe the local indoorrituals and cultural practices with the host family and go on village walks to see the lifestyle, traditions and customs of the people. Then the locals gather in the evening in their traditional costume, performing cultural songs and dances, welcoming the visitors. The host family guides the visitor, explaining the special features of the village, showing the live craftsmanship. The visitor also gets the opportunity to buy first handedly.

Day 11: After breakfast, the trek descends down to Syabrubesi which is just 3hrs walk from Briddim. Lunch and rest of the day is free. Dinner and overnight at Syabrubesi.

Day 12: Early morning breakfast and drive back to Kathmandu. 8-9hrs.

Day 13: Rest day in Kathmandu. Responsible shopping if interested.

Day 14: Drive to Chitwan National Park to start the Safari. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, the managers and naturalists will brief you on the activities they have planned. After lunch you will start your jungle activities such as elephant safaris for 2 hours deep into the jungle to experience the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park at close quarters or a bird watching tour will be organized. Dinner and overnight at the jungle lodge

Day 15: Wake up call will be at 5:30 AM. Tea / Coffee will be served and there will be either an elephant safari or a nature walk. After breakfast canoe ride or a bird watching tour. Lunch at the lodge and after lunch an elephant briefing at the Elephant stables where naturalists will give a lecture on the Asian Elephant. Here you will have an opportunity to witness and participate in the bathing of an elephant. Dinner and overnight at the jungle lodge.

Day 16:
Wake up call at 5:30 AM. After Tea/ Coffee there will be an early morning elephant safari or nature walk. After breakfast we visit the Elephant dung paper project which is also working with the local Tharu population to conserve Tharu culture. Evening back at lodge. Farewell dinner

Day 17: drive to either Nepalese border at Raxaul to catch a train to the next trip, or to Kathmandu to fly out, or to join the trip of HELP Tourism.

END OF TRIP

Why choose us?

We are a Nepali company and travel through this company makes a direct impact in the economy of Nepal. We also try to maximise its contribution to the local economy by hiring local guides and porters for these trips and staying in smaller lodges to spread the income.

The company does not vertically integrate and sub-contracts all support activities like transportation, lodging etc. so that the money gets spread in the economy. It conserves on paper minimising paperwork in the office and by giving out electronic brochures. When required, brochures are printed on both sides of the paper and are in a folder format so that only relevant inserts need be given.

We also have in place a development support system whereby 10% of its profits go to charities like the Joy Foundation Nepal who conduct free cataract eye camps in rural areas of Nepal and Antardristi Nepal, which is developing a fund to start an incest and rape care centre for minors. 10% of the company's profits also goes directly into employee benefits.

In the field, guides, porters and clients are all oriented in responsible travel. A zero litter policy is in place so that it minimises wastage in the region. We also only take out very small groups with a maximum of twelve participants per group. All trips also focus on culture.

route map

The following map has been constructed using Google maps. Please use the zoom and panning features to view details. It is not meant to be 100% accurate, but to give you a picture of where the trip takes you. Feel free to send us comments!

 


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