This is a superb introduction to trekking in Nepal among some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole country, with rich tamang culture. Many years ago Nepal, fought with Tibet for 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.
The trail starts either from Dhunche or Syabrubesi and passes through Goljung, Gatlang, Chilime, Thuman, Timure and Briddim. The trail may end back in Syabrubesi or follow the Langtang trek from Briddim village via Khanjim. Goljung and Gatlang are traditional Tamang villages. While Goljung has ancient monastery, Gatlang set high on a hillside among terraced fields is the Tamang settlement. One can also visit a Tamang monastery and the beautiful Parvatikunda Lake at Gatlang. From the viewpoint at Bahundanda near these settlements, one can also see a panoramic view of Lantang, Kerung, and the Ganesh Himal, Sanjen Himal ranges.
After the trek of several days, bathing in the hot, healing waters of the natural spring at Tatopani en route from Gatlang to Chilime is an exhiliarating experience. Brimdang offers cultural experience at community-run home-stay, while Nagathali in Thuman VDC is surrounded by beautiful views of Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal and Sanjen Himal ranges. Nagthali used to be a popular meditation center for the local monks and priests. Next is Timure on the old trade route to Tibet. A fort at Rasuwagadi in Timure is a historical reminder of the Nepal-Tibet relations that has existed for many centuries. A suspension bridge here links Nepal and Tibet.
The trail ends at Briddim which lies on the lap of Langtang Himal. Briddim offers warm Tamang hospitality at the home-stays run by community members. In addition, visitors can also visit local monasteries of Dukchu Gomba (monastery) chosen as sacred site by the great Tibetan Lama -Guru Rinpoche and Chukla Khnaga Gomba.
Route (Getting There)
Langtang region predominantly lies in Rasuwa district of Bagmati zone.
A 6 to 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche in Rasuwa district is the most convenient approach to Langtang. From Dhunche it is about three days trekking up the gorge of the Trisuli River (or the Bhote Kosi as it is known above Dhunche) to Langtang Valley. The spectacular track up this gorge once formed an important trade route to the Tibetan fort at Kerung, just over the Chinese border at Rasuwagadi. The trail passes through a dense forest of oak, birch and pine, hung with Spanish moss and hosting delicate orchids. Further on, the valley opens out into alpine meadows and yak pastures. The Park is also accessible from Sundarijal toward the north east of Kathmandu and from Melamchi Bazar, about 3-hour drive from Kathmandu.
Service for Tourists
Tourist facilities are available in Dhunche and Syabru. Established accommodation facilities are available in Langtang route and Gosainkunda route. Tourist facilities have also been developed in the Tamang Heritage Trail. A community lodge offers accommodation at Gatlang. Home-stay houses offer accommodation facilities at Brimdang (Chilime) and Briddim. Normal hotel, lodge and individual home-stay are available in the remaining villages where meals are also offered with accommodation. Cooked with special attention on food safety, the simple yet nutritious meals are an adventure for the palate. Trained guides and porters are also available in the villages.
Further details about the Langtang region and the surrounding areas will be easily available in other travel books about Nepal.
Travel Details
Name of the tour : Tamang Heritage Trek
Length of the trip : 8 days
Seasons or months to visit the place : April-May and September-December
Type of accommodation : Home stay, Camping, Lodge
Target : families, groups, individuals
Recommended seasons : April-May and September-December
Entrance fee to National Park area : Rs. 1,000
1.Age of Everest:
Everest was formed about 60 million years ago.
2.Elevation:
29,035 (8850m)-found to be 6\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\' higher in 1999.
3.Name in Nepal:
Sagarmatha (means: goddess of the sky).
4.In Tibet:
Chomolungma: (means: mother goddess of the universe).
