Tamang Heritage Trail - 7 days

Guide and Porter costs

As per the new trekking rule of April 2023, it is mandatory for all trekkers to hire a government-registered trek guide. Meanwhile, hiring a porter is optional but highly recommended. The guide helps to navigate the trails and ensure trekkers’ safety. Porters, on the other hand, help to relieve physical strain on trekkers by carrying heavy backpacks. Hence, when budgeting the costs of Tamang Heritage Trail, you need to include the guide and porter costs.

The cost of hiring a porter ranges from USD 20 to USD 30 per day. Similarly, the porter fees are around USD 15 to USD 25 per day. Trek season, duration, and services highly influence the costs. This cost includes all the expenses of the guide and porter except for tips. Tipping is not mandatory, but we highly suggest you do. It is a highly appreciated gesture and a token of your appreciation for their hard work and good service.

Transportation costs

The roadway is the only option for getting from Kathmandu to Syabruesi, the trek’s starting point. You can use local buses or hire a private jeep for transportation. The costs are as follows:

• Local buses: It takes around 10 hours of drive Kathmandu to reach Syabrubesi. They are the most affordable transportation mode, costing around USD 10 per person for a one-way drive.
• Tourist buses: They are more comfortable than local buses and are a little faster as well. It takes 9 to 10 hours to get there via tourist buses. The cost of traveling in a tourist bus is around USD 15 to USD 20 per person for a one-way drive.
• Private jeeps: It is the most luxurious and comfortable mode of transportation. Hiring a private jeep is expensive and ranges between USD 150 to USD 200 for a single trip. Similarly, it takes only around 8 hours of driving to get from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and vice-versa.

Permit costs

The permit costs for the Tamang Heritage Trail are as follows:

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card

• SAARC resident (Solo): NPR 600 per person
• SAARC resident (Group): NPR 300 per person
• Non-SAARC resident (Solo): NPR 1000 per person
• Non-SAARC resident (Group): NPR 2000 per person

Langtang National Park Entry Permit

• SAARC resident: NPR 1500 per person
• Non-SAARC resident: NPR 3000 per person
• Children under the age of ten years are eligible for free entry.

Tamang Heritage Trail Trek is an extraordinary journey and a rich cultural experience. Take a look at various attractions of the trek for your 2025 plan:

Syabrubesi

Get ready for a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The picturesque town of Syabrubesi is the starting point of the trek, which lies in the Rasuwa district. Syabrubesi is the gateway to trekking in the Langtang region. It is 122 km away from Kathmandu Valley and sits at an altitude of 1460 meters. The town is small but bustling with people. It is a charming Tamang village with various teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses. The town offers stunning views of the surrounding rivers, hills, traditional houses, and terrace farms.

Promotes Sustainable Tourism

Trekking on the Tamang Heritage Trail promotes sustainable tourism. By participating in the trek, you will contribute to the local economy. It also helps to support the guides and porters in the region and create employment opportunities, which can improve their living standards. The permit fees also help maintain the trails and protect the natural environment. You will also help preserve and promote culture.

Nagthali Danda

During the Tamang Heritage Trail Trek, you can climb up to the Nagthali Danda. It is a beautiful hilltop viewpoint that offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan range. You will get to witness Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma, and other mountain vistas. Likewise, you can also get stunning views of the Langtang landscapes.

Tatopani (Updates After Earthquake)

Tatopani is a famous natural hot springs that lies en route to the Tamang Heritage Trail. The small and picturesque village is one of the highlights of the trek. The 2015 Nepal Earthquake massively affected the beautiful village. It damaged the houses and teahouses heavily. Many residents lost their lives, while others lost their livelihoods. Fortunately, post-earthquake recovery is going on. The infrastructure, such as homes, roads, and schools, have been reconstructed, and the hot springs have been restored. Trekkers can enjoy dipping in the hot spring and relax in the serene atmosphere.

Langtang National Park

The Langtang National Park is the first Himalayan national park of Nepal. It is home to diverse flora and fauna. Many rare and endangered species also inhabit the national park. The trekking trails of Tamang Heritage lie within the national park. You will trek from dense subtropical verdants to forests of conifers. As you walk through the scenic trail, you may also get to witness the unique and diverse biodiversity. The trek is a wonderful chance to explore the Langtang National Park.

Gatlang Cheese Factory

The Tamang Heritage Trail offers an excellent chance to visit the Gatlang Cheese Factory. You can observe the making of the local cheese and taste it. Gatlang is a traditional Tamang settlement, and they traditionally make cheese using yak and cow milk. The yak cheese is famous for its rich, creamy texture and unique flavor. You can also purchase some local cheese to snack on during the trek.

Briddim Cultural Village

Another reason to take the Tamang Heritage Trail is the cultural tour of the Briddim Cultural Village. Briddim is a traditional village at an altitude of 2229 meters above sea level. Spectacular mountain vistas and forests surround the village, so you can witness stunning views from here. The village has traditional houses that showcase traditional Tamang architecture. Similarly, the homestays in the village offer authentic Tamang hospitality. You can immerse yourself in the local culture, try local delicacies, and witness traditional craftsmanship.

The Tamang Heritage Trail Trek is an opportunity to explore and immerse in the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Tamang people. But who are these Tamang people?

“Tamang” translates to “the people of the mountain” in Tibetan language. The Tamang people are an indigenous ethnic group living in the Langtang region. They are believed to have originated in Tibet. They migrated to Nepal and settled in the Langtang Valley. Hence, their culture, language, customs, and lifestyle have deep Tibetan roots and are influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The Tamang language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family. Nepali is their second language.

The traditional occupation of the Tamang people is agriculture. They grow crops such as rice, potatoes, and millet. They also raise yaks and cows and use their milk to make dairy products. Their traditional houses are made of stone, and the roofs are flat. The traditional attire of the Tamang people is colorful and vibrant. They wear long and woolen garments. Similarly, they wear felt hats to keep themselves warm in the cold weather of the Himalayas. Tamang women also wear colorful aprons and silver jewelry.

During the Tamang Heritage Trail Trek, you will stay at local teahouses and experience authentic Tamang hospitality. You will get to observe the traditional houses, monasteries, and gompas. Many teahouses also have cultural programs for their guests. They can watch the traditional attire, songs, and dances of the Tamang people. The trek is truly an enriching cultural experience.

You will need two permits for the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek. They are explained as follows:

TIMS Card

A TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card is mandatory for almost all trek destinations. When applying for the card, you must provide your personal details, emergency contact, trek itinerary, a copy of your passport, and two passport-size photos. The card records information about the trekkers. It plays a vital role in regulating tourism in the country and tracking trekkers’ whereabouts during natural disasters.

The card is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekkers Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Note that you can only apply for the card through a registered trekking agency. You must show your TIMS Card at a checkpost in Syabrubesi.

Langtang National Park Entry Permit

Another permit necessary for the Tamang Heritage Trail is the Langtang National Park Entry Permit. The national park is inhabited by numerous flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. It also houses several ancient heritages. So, you will trek within the national park during the Langtang Heritage Trail Trek. The permit helps to regulate tourism and minimize the impact of trekking in the national park.

You can obtain the Langtang National Park Entry Permit from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekkers Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) in Kathmandu. You can also buy the permit at an entry point in Dhunche. It is only possible to obtain the permit through a registered local trek agency.

The only transportation option for the Tamang Heritage Trail is a rough, bumpy, and unpaved road. During the drive, you will pass by charming Nepalese countryside, river banks, bazaars, hills, and forests. You can take local buses, tourist buses, and private jeeps to get to the starting point of the trek, Syabrubesi, from Kathmandu.

Local buses are the most common way of getting them and are affordable. It costs around USD  per person for a one-way trip. Although cheap, traveling on a local bus is rather uncomfortable. They frequently stop so local passengers can get on and off the bus. Hence, they are slow, and reaching from one point to another can take 10 hours or more, depending on the road conditions. Local buses are the best option if you want to experience an authentic way of traveling.

Luggage Limits

There is no luggage limit for traveling in buses. However, the weight limit for a porter is 20 to 25 kg. A single porter carries the luggage of two trekkers, so limit your luggage weight to 10 to 12 kg. Carry only what is necessary for the trek, and avoid overpacking.

Ways To Avoid Road Construction

A motorway connects Kathmandu city with Syabrubesi. The trail goes from Syabrubesi to Gatlang, Gatlang to Tatopani, Tatopani to Thuman, Thuman to Briddhim, and then back to Syabrubesi. You may encounter the roadway while trekking on the lower regions of the Tamang Heritage Trail. You may also come across road construction. To avoid the road construction and motorway, you can take an alternate route through villages. There will be no such problem as you move to the higher region. It is best to hire a local and experienced guide who has knowledge of remote routes. You can hire one through Hillary Step Treks.

Most accommodations along the Tamang Heritage Trail have internet or WiFi facilities. They will charge you additional costs, varying slightly depending on the region. The internet connectivity is relatively poor. However, it is good enough to connect with your family and friends back home. The internet service is not suitable for heavy-data-intensive work.

For better connectivity, you can buy a local SIM card. Nepal Telecom and NCell are two popular SIM cards offering a wide range of services at an affordable price. You can also get data packages to stay connected during the trek. Phone signals can get weaker in higher regions, but this depends on the SIM service.

The Tamang Heritage Trail covers a distance of 55 to 60 kilometers (34 – 37.3 miles), depending on the route. To start your trek, you must drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The distance from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi is 122 km (75.8 miles). It takes around 8 hours of driving to get between the two places. Then, you will start your trekking from Syabrubesi.

Each day during the trek, you will trek for 4 to 6 hours on average. On the first day of trekking, you will trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang, covering a distance of 12 km (7.5 miles). From Ghatlang, you will head to Tatopani. The distance between the two locations is 12.1 km (7.5 miles). You will gradually ascend to a higher elevation from Tatopani. The trail takes you to Thuman via Nagthali Bhayang, which covers 9.2 km (5.8 miles) distance. From Thuman, you will start descending to a lower altitude region. You will cover a distance of 14 km (8.7 miles), descending to Briddhim. Then, you will trek 9 km (5.6 miles) from Briddhim to reach Syabrubesi. You will drive back to Kathmandu from here.

Even before booking your 7 Days Tamang Heritage Trial trek in Nepal, it is essential to research the best seasons. As in several other places in Nepal, the best seasons for the trek are Autumn and Spring. The months from March to May fall in the spring season, whereas the months from September to November fall in autumn. Meanwhile, summer, i.e., June to August, and winter, i.e., December to February, fall in the off-season. Take a look at the brief of each season:

Peak Season

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to undertake the Tamang Heritage Trail. The weather is bright and sunny, which is favorable for trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal. During early spring, remnants of snow remain at higher altitude regions. The weather gradually starts to warm, and the snow begins to melt. As a result, the flora and fauna also become active. The rhododendron forests along the trail fully bloom, and colorful wildflowers add further beauty to the stunning landscapes. You may also catch sightings of rare wildlife. Similarly, the daylight also becomes longer, so trekkers can enjoy the trek at their own pace. There is also minimal rainfall except for occasional showers. Hence, you can enjoy clear mountain views without obstruction in spring.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the peak trekking season and a favorite among trekkers. The weather is bright, warm, and stable. The temperature is also mild and perfect for a comfortable trekking experience. Monsoons remain in Nepal until early autumn, so there is slight rainfall in the lower and hilly regions. However, monsoons leave the country as autumn progresses, and the weather becomes dry. The rain cleanses the landscapes and vegetation, leaving them fresh and green. Autumn foliage further enhances the beauty of the Khumbu region. The visibility is extremely clear, and you can witness crystal-clear views of the mountain panoramas. Autumn is also a festive season that allows trekkers to enjoy the festive atmosphere during the trek.

Off Season

Summer (June to August)

Summer is a beautiful season, as colorful wildflowers bloom, coloring the route of the Tamang Heritage Trail. The monsoons also enter the country at the same time. It brings heavy rainfall all across the lower areas of Nepal. As a result, the lower trails are muddy, wet, and slippery. There is also the risk of landslides and mudslides. It can block the highways or trails, creating difficulties for the trekkers. Forest trails are also infested with leeches. But the rain cleanses the dust and impurities from the atmosphere. It also leaves the vegetation lush and fresh. Trekking in summer is not impossible, but avoiding the season is best.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is also an off-season for trekking in Nepal. In higher regions, it starts to snow heavily, and the temperature drops below the freezing point. As the snow piles up, it covers the entire landscape and trails. The trails in these regions become icy and slippery. It makes trekking in winter more challenging. But it is the perfect time to enjoy spectacular views of the snow-covered landscapes of the Khumbu region. Similarly, as it is an off-season, there are only a few trekkers on the trails. You can enjoy a quiet trekking experience. Despite the harsh weather and freezing temperatures, many seasoned trekkers choose wintertime. Those looking to trek in winter must prepare meticulously and carry the right equipment.

During the Tamang Heritage Trail, each day will be an exciting adventure. You will get to witness spectacular sceneries, explore new places, visit spiritual places, and try local delicacies. Similarly, you will get plenty of opportunities to take photos and videos. An experienced and licensed guide, as well as a porter, will accompany you throughout the trek.

Your day will begin early, and you will have breakfast around 7 AM or 8 AM. Starting time will vary depending on the day’s route and destination. Usually, the morning treks are longer, around 3 to 4 hours. You will take an hour’s lunch break. Then, you will continue trekking until you reach your destination.

After arriving at the destination, you will check in at your accommodation. If you arrive early, you can explore the village in your spare time. The dinner is usually served around 7 AM. Your guide will provide a briefing for the next day’s journey after dinner. Then, you can chat, read books, play games, or watch documentaries. You can also learn Nepalese greeting words with your guide and porter. It is best to sleep early as you will also start your day early.

The Tamang Heritage Trek Trail is a moderately difficult journey. It is suitable for trekkers of all ages and levels. However, there are a few factors that make the trek a difficult journey. They are as follows:

Varied Terrain

The Tamang Heritage Trails traverse diverse terrains, from dense forests to alpine meadows. You must also make steep uphill and downhill climbs on narrow pathways. The rough terrain makes the trek more physically demanding. As you go higher, the terrain becomes more rougher and rockier. One of the challenging parts of the Tamang Heritage Trail is the steep uphill climbing section to Nagthali Danda. The average trekking hours is 4 to 6 hours each day. Hence, it requires a good fitness level to overcome the challenging trail on varied terrains each day.

Altitude

During the Tamang Heritage Trail, you will ascend to an altitude of 3165 meters above sea level. Although it is relatively at a lower altitude, climbing to the altitude is demanding. As you move to a higher altitude, the metabolism in your body also increases. Similarly, the lower oxygen level can cause fatigue and difficulty in breathing. It makes trekking challenging and physically arduous. There is also a slight risk of altitude sickness, and trekkers must take proper precautions.

Cultural Sensitivity

Nepalese society is conservative, and many things may come as a cultural shock for Western trekkers. Hence, foreign trekkers should understand cultural sensitivity. They must be respectful of the local culture, traditions, and customs. All trekkers are advised to dress modestly, especially while visiting temples and monasteries. Wear a dress that covers your shoulders and knees. Similarly, follow local customs and get permission from the locals before taking their photographs. Take your time to learn about the local culture and their way of life.

A private trek is a more suitable option if you are planning to trek with your family and friends. It is also ideal for solo trekkers who want to explore the Tamang Heritage Trail. Private treks have a customization feature, so trekkers can plan a more personalized itinerary that suits them. Similarly, they can add extra services to their trek for a more luxurious experience. However, the cost of private treks can be higher due to the addition of extra services.

A group trek is more suitable for those traveling in a large group. It is also ideal for individual trekkers who are looking for a more budget-friendly option. If you love meeting new people from different walks of life, you can take a group trek. You will get to meet new people and create new bonds and friendships. But unlike private treks, group treks have fixed itineraries. They have a fixed departure schedule that an entire group must follow. You will also have to share your guide and resources during the journey.

So, whether to choose a private trek or a group trek entirely depends on the requirements and preferences of the trekkers. Hillary Step Treks can make it happen, no matter what kind of trekking you choose. Visit our website or contact us directly for more detailed information!

Langtang Valley Trek

An excellent alternative to the Tamang Heritage Trek is the Langtang Valley Trek. It takes you deeper into the heart of the Langtang region. You will trek on an off-the-beaten trail that is far from crowds. Similarly, the trekking trail lies within the Langtang National Park and takes you to the high-altitude vantage point, Tserko Ri. The viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the Langtang range. You will pass through stunning traditional Tamang villages and visit ancient monasteries like the Kyanjin Gompa. The Langtang Valley Trek is also a wonderful opportunity to immerse in the local culture and customs.

Combined With Gosainkunda

Another alternative to the Tamang Heritage Trail is combining it with the Gosainkunda Trek. Gosainkunda Lake is a holy site for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. They believe that Lord Shiva created the lake with his Trishuli (trident) to soothe his throat after drinking poison from Samudra Manthan. Gosainkunda is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Nepal. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the trek to Gosainkunda offers a rich spiritual experience. You can meditate at the lakeshore and visit the small shrines around the lake. Combine this extraordinary journey with a cultural trek to the Tamang Heritage Trail.

ATM & Currency

There are no ATMs or currency exchange centers along the Tamang Heritage Trail route. These services are only available in urban cities like Kathmandu.

There are numerous currency exchange centers in Kathmandu, especially in the tourist hub of Thamel. The legal money exchange centers display the day’s exchange rate for all to see. Therefore, rest assured that you will get the best exchange rate. You can also exchange currency at banks and financial institutions. However, they will charge service costs. Some hotels may exchange small amounts of cash.

You can also withdraw Nepalese rupees from the ATMs in Kathmandu, which are open 24/7. The ATM withdrawal limit is NPR 35,000, and the service charge is NPR 500. During the trek, you will need cash for personal expenses, so make sure you carry sufficient money for the journey.

Visa

All foreign trekkers except Indian nationals must obtain a tourist visa to trek in Nepal. They can get the visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Similarly, trekkers traveling on land can get a visa at the Department of Immigration at the Nepal border. The costs of the visa vary depending on the duration of your stay. The costs are as follows:

• 15 Days: USD 30
• 30 Days: USD 50
• 90 Days: USD 125

Note: Nationals of Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroon, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Liberia, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, as well as refugees with travel documents, are not eligible for an on-arrival visa.

Sustainable Trekking

Sustainable trekking aims to protect the environment and preserve pristine nature along the trek route. It is a practice that minimizes the impact of trekking on the environment as well as local communities. Hillary Step Treks also follows the principle of sustainable trekking. We also urge our clients to follow the practice and leave no trace other than their footprints. Our guides and porters direct our trekkers to stay on the trail, minimize waste, and not disturb the natural habitat. We also follow ethical trekking practices and treat our guides and porters fairly. By following sustainable trekking, you will contribute to preserving nature and culture for future generations.

Clothing & Footwear

• Short and long-sleeved t-shirts and shirts
• Insulating layers (upper and lower)
• Down or fleece jacket
• Sweater, hoodie, or pullover
• Windproof/ waterproof jacket
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Hiking shorts
• Warm trousers
• Sun hat and beanie
• Gloves
• Scarfs
• Gaiter
• Undergarments
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Comfortable and sturdy trekking shoes
• Sandals

Equipment & Gear

• Backpack (40 to 50 liters)
• Daypack
• Adjustable trekking poles
• Sleeping bag
• Water bottle/ Thermal bottle
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Extra batteries
• Power bank and adapter
• Smartphone, camera, or binoculars

Miscellaneous Items

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, sanitizer, toilet paper, wipes, etc.)
• Personal hygiene products
• First Aid Kit and personal medications
• Water purification tablets or portable filters
• Novels, books, or journal
• Snacks (energy bars, chocolates, etc.)
• Other personal items

Hillary Step Treks is committed to providing a safe and memorable trek and tour experience in Nepal. Here are some more reasons for you to choose us:

Value For Money

Our trek packages are well-planned and offer great value for money. Our packages provide great value for money with quality services. There are no hidden charges, and you pay exactly what you see. Our package includes accommodations, meals, transportation, permits, guides, and porter fees. All our guides and porters are experienced and licensed individuals. They are also local to the region, so you will get local expertise and high-quality services with us.

Safety & Success Rate

Our track record and success rate say all about us. Your safety is our number one priority. During the trek, our guide and porter will closely monitor you and give personal care. In an emergency, the guide will take the best course of action to assure your safety. We are committed to providing 100% client satisfaction throughout the journey with us. In addition to the high-quality service, we also offer the best experience. Count on us to surpass your expectations.

Customizable Itinerary

Does our pre-planned itinerary not meet your requirements? No need to worry. You can easily customize and add a personal touch to them. From trek duration to transportation modes, accommodations, and other services, you can customize them as per your requirements. If you need help, the expert in our team can provide assistance. With our 100% customizable packages, tailor your dream trip per your requirements and budget.