Nepal Trekking Area
Nepal Trekking Information
Trekking in Nepal >> Langtang Region Trekking >> Tamang Heritage Trail
About 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.
The people of this region are mostly Tibetans who came from Kerung in
Tibet across the border and settled in Nepal. In earlier days, the citizenship
of Nepal would not be offered to real Tibetans, so they changed their
ethnicity to Tamang, which is what they still write till date. The cultural
and traditions of these people are similar to the Tibetan across the
border.
This trekking destination is just a day long bus journey from the capital,
Kathmandu. The 11-days trekking tour provides varieties of experience.
Tamang rituals, Tibetan culture, festivals, traditional architecture,
costumes, local Syabru dances make the exposure to this culture very
unique. There is a view point at Goljung Pass, from where views of Langtang
and Kerung (Tibet) can be awe inspiring. Visitors will get an opportunity
to observe Syabru, Mane and other local dances at Goljung and Gatlang
VDCs. The villages also sell exclusive handicraft items like traditional
caps, mufflers and other items.Tourists can enjoy hot bath in the healing
hot-water spring at Tatopani before reaching Nagthali, where the stay
is a unique experience. The ancient monasteries and houses adorned with
rich wood engravings at Thuman is an unforgettable experience. At Briddim
one gets to experience the famous Tamang hospitality, where there is
home stay facility in 24 houses.
Langtang region trek route goes through traditional, ethnic villages and untouched forests on the way to the peaks of langtang-lirung. The highlights of this region include a visit to langtang valley, helambu region, Kyanjing gompa and the Langtang lirung Glacier. One can also climb the Langsisa peak and visit Gosainkunda Lake Which is one of the holiest Lake in Nepal.
The Langtang valley treks
The Langtang Valley lies closer to Kathmandu than other trekking regions, and is lesser used by both trekkers and local. The Langtang valley is aptly called the valley of glaciers here; mountains rise soaring toward the sky. The valley offers pine forest, swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow-caped peaks, grassy down and meadows strewn with daises and wild animals. In the upper part of the valley there are snow ridges spanning angry torrents, high passes enveloped in mist tiny lakes of crystalline brightness and glaciated mountain giants. Once you enter the Langtang valley you fluttering buddies prayer flags, brightly painted.
This trek is closer to Kathmandu than other trekking region. Just after the monsoon, this trek gives superb views of the great peak of Langtang Lirung (7246m) which dominates the upper valley and straddles the Tibetan border. In spring time it is an ideal place to spot birds and flowers of Nepal. According to a legend, a lama following a runaway yak discovered the valley, hence the name -Lang (Tibetan name for YAK), Tang (more currently "Dhang" means to follow). There are good opportunities for moderate climbing excursions here, you should allow some extra days for exploration of the extensive glacier system. Our return route takes us past the holy lakes of Gosainkunda, an important place of pilgrimage, and over a high pass that brings us almost to the edge of Kathmandu itself.
Trip Highlight
