Tamang Heritage Trail, Langtang
Experience untouched Tamang and Tibetan culture amidst breath-taking Himalayan scenery

A trekker's haven:
One of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu lies an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and cultural riches of Langtang Rasuwa. Linked by roads, this region offers a life unfolding and unique experience. Previously a restricted area near the Tibetan border, the unexplored regions of the Langtang National Park has recently been developed into the Tamang Heritage Trail. The people in these places are mostly Tamang and Tibetan origin, whose culture goes back to hundreds of years. The craftsmanship, dress, traditionally built stone houses and the beautifully carved wooden porches reflect the solitude and the serenity of the Himalayan scenery.

Attractions:

Langtang has over 70 glaciers; the Langtang and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges and high altitude lakes including Gosaikunda, Parvatikunda, Bhairavkunda, Dudhkunda etc., this region also comprises rich Tamang art and culture at Gutlang and Goljung, ancient Buddhist monasteries such as Kyangin and Singgompa, Tatopani and the historic fort of Rasuwagadhi in the Sino-Nepal border.

• Rasuwa’s Hidden Treasure
  The Langtang valley is the most popular trek destination. Equally rich in culture and high biodiversity are the Goljung-Gutlang-Chilime-Thuman and Briddim areas. Goljung-Gutlang- Chilime- Thuman- Briddim area (see map), an identified Tamang and Tibetan art and cultural heritage trek route is one of the most accessible of the trekking regions in Nepal.
• Homestay
  Briddim is a small yet beautiful village where villagers offer a unique accommodation opportunity. You can stay in their beautiful homes as their guests and discover the culture of this area. · Hot Springs At Tatopani which literally means ‘hot water’, you can cleanse yourself spiritually 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.

Getting There

The area lies 122 Kms linked by road from Kathmandu. 122kms from Kathmandu to Trishuli Bazaar; about four to six hours by car or bus. The winding roads are paved and offer good mountain views. Ranipauwa is the only large village en route. From Trishuli, the 50km road to Dhunche is a steep off road experience passing through Betrawati and Thare. The road continues to the beautiful villages at the foot of the mountains where your journey to the top begins.

Gettiing Around

• Langtang National Park
  The Langtang National Park is the second largest among Nepali’s eight national parks. Occupying 56% of the district and stretching up to the Tibetan border, it has a high level of biodiversity including 15 forest types, 3000 species of flowering plants like oaks, fir, blue pine, spruce and various species of rhododendron. Extensive forests and varied vegetation types, provide a habitat for approximately 32 mammals and 283 species of birds, including musk deer, snow leopards, red panda, wild dog, the Himalayan black bear and the clouded leopard. It is also a rich area for medicinal plants.
• Gosaikunda
  Gosaikunda is a mini trek by itself and can be done in as little as four days. However, because the trail involves a rapid ascent to a high elevation-4380m- it is best done after acclimatizing in Langtang or Helambu. Gosaikunda is a sacred lake for Hindus and Buddhists alike.

About the Area

This area is one of the original homelands of the indigenous Tamang people. Most practise Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, integrated with early animist religions. Agriculture, animal husbandry and tourism are the major means of livelihood for these people.

Safety/ Code of Conduct:

• Do not trek alone; trek with a guide or porter.
• Do not light campfires; cook with kerosene.
• Respect privacy; ask before photographing people or religious sites.
• Documentary filming requires a special permit from the Langtang National Park.
• Do not trample or remove animals or plants. Prevent erosion from staying on the main trail.
• Trash must be carried out, buried or disposed of in designated areas.
• Entering the National Park without a permit is illegal.
• Be sensitive to the local cultural heritage; inappropriate dress and/or behaviour may offend and permanently influence the traditions and attitudes of the local people.

Villages en route:

Goljung – Tamang village with ancient monasteries and beautiful hats
Gatlang- Large Tamang village set high on a hillside among terraced fields. The beautiful Parvati Kunda (lake) and the Chhorten trail are nearby.
Tatopani- natural hot springs in the lap of the mountains
Nagthali Danda-the high open grassland with amazing views of snow covered Himalayas. It is also the highest pass of the area.
Thuman-Tibetan influenced Tamang village with friendly people who love to sing and dance.
Timure- en route to the old trade route to Tibet. The historical fort at Rasuwagadhi rests in the banks of the river followed by a suspension bridge that links Nepal and Tibet.
Briddim- another Tibetan influence Tamang village easily accessible from the Langtang trek, with homestay available.

Statistics:

District Area: 1544 sq km
Highest Peak: -Langtang Lirung, 7245m
Population: 44731 (in 2001)
Ethnic groups: 64% Tamang (both Tamang and Tibetan speaking). Others include Brahmin, Gurung, Sherpa and Newars
Literacy: only 34% (female-24.5%; male-42.5%)
Weather: warm temperature climate up to 2000m; higher valleys north and north-east of Syabrubesi are in the rain shadow and comparatively dry. 2-3000m – cool temperature climate. Above 3000m – alpine humid climate; temperatures fall to sub-zero in winter months.
Economic occupations: 83% Agriculture Less than 5% in service sector
Access: By bus from KTM to Dhunche (8 hours) or Syabrubesi (9.5 hrs). Jeeps can also be hired for the journey.
Entrance fee: To Langtang National Park: NRs. 1000 (to be bought prior to departure from KTM or at the National Park)

The Tamang Heritage Trail is promoted and supported by TRPAP (Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme), a programme of HMG/N, supported jointly by UNDP, SNV (Netherlands) and DFID (UK). The programme works to develop sustainable tourism in six districts of Nepal.

In the development of this district, TRPAP works closely with the Rasuwa District Development Committee and the Langtang National Park.