Tamang Heritage Trek emerged from an ancient rich heritage
of the Tamang people, a Tibetan origin ethnic group in Langtang region who are
known for the warmest, sincere and most welcoming people of Nepal. These
unchanged craftsmanship people dress traditionally in their distinct colorful
costumes and built stone house with beautifully carved wooden porches which
reflects solitude and serenity of the Tibetan people profile. We will be able
to know their unspoiled and untouched traditional ritual, festivals, costume,
culture along with the warm and friendly hospitality. This region was once
restricted area which is near the Tibetan boarder and so is unexplored norther
Langtang valley where we can experience one of the Nepal’s Tibetan influenced
hill-tribes and home stays. Their farming communities are generally found on
higher elevations, mainly engaging in shifting cultivation and extraction of
the forest products. The trails are easy, an off the beaten track experience in
a fresh urbanized route with the sensational mountains, picturesque landscape
views and scattered antique villages which also offers travelers to explore day
to day lives of the nomadic Tamang people. Travelers can learn about their
local customs and traditions and observe basket, mat and cloth hand weaving
procedures. Mountain views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal and the Tibetan
Vicinity from the Nagthali view point, a fort at Rasuwagadi – historical
reminder of the Nepal-Tibet relation from centuries are among other major
attraction of the region. Moreover, the trail passes through the most beautiful
scenery of pristine rhododendron forests in alpine terrain and healing baths in
natural hot springs. This region is protected by Langtang National Park and is
the natural habitat of monkeys, bears, leopards, red panda and musk deer.
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport with the
beautiful views of the valley, Himalaya and the terraced fields below. Meet
& be greeted by Donkeys Adventures’ (DA) airport
representative in the arrival section who will be holding the name card of the
group leader. He / She will guide you through the initial cultural shock of
Kathmandu narrow streets, cultures, people around and transfer to hotel. Then
DA will organize to meet in a
traditional Nepalese restaurant for a welcome dinner where we will have introduction
to DA staffs who will be directly involve during your stay in Nepal. For the
late night arrivals, we will either meet in the hotel lobby or during lunch the
next day. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: D
After breakfast, drive to the golden spire of
the 5th-century Swayambhunath Stupa which is adorned
with a colorful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the
Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu. The
stupa consists of a dome at the base which represent the entire world, above
which is a cubical structure painted with eyes of Buddha looking in all four
directions and between them, the number one in Nepali is painted in the fashion
of a nose which meant to be unity. Swayambhunath is also known commonly as the Monkey
Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the
temple. The
Swayambhunath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of
the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal.
Then, drive to Patan Durbar Square one of the three royal cities in the
Kathmandu Valley which has a rich cultural heritage known for its fine crafts,
evident in the elaborate architecture, stone carvings, and metal statues found
all over the city. A center of both Buddhist and Hindu culture, Patan is home
to more than 1,200 monuments. One of the most stunning is the Krishna Mandir, a
stone temple with magnificent friezes built in the 16th century. Patan Durbar
Square is also a good place to see beautiful examples of palaces, temples and
shrines, and the stunning stone carvings in the Sundari Courtyards. Nearby is the Patan
Museum which displays the traditional sacred arts of Nepal in an
illustrious architectural setting. Its home is an old residential court of
Patan Durbar, one of the royal palaces of former Malla Kings of the Kathmandu
Valley. Its gilded door and window face one of the most beautiful squares in
the world. The Museum’s exhibits cover
along span of Nepal’s cultural history and some rare objects are among its
treasures. Their meaning and context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained. The entire city of Patan was designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1979.
After lunch, drive to Pashupatinath which is one of
the most significant Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the
banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath
Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu its existence dates back to 400
B.C. One of the major Festivals of the
temple is Maha Shivaratri on which day over 800,000 devotees
visit here. Open air cremation is
done in the holy Bagmati River at Pashupatinath area. The temple is
listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Drive back to hotel.
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
Drive from Kathmandu for almost 7- 8 hours’
hours through scenic Himalayan ranges, lush green forests on the hills,
traditional rural settlements, the Trishuli river and the famous historic site
of Nuwakot Durbar (palace) and we will reach Dhunche (1960). Our drive
up to Trishuli Bazaar is quite
smooth than we will drive through uneven road which often depends upon the
monsoon season. Dhunche is the
headquarters of Rasuwa district hence can be seen bustling with government officials. Soon we will
reach Shyaphrubesi (1460m), the starting point of our trek, it is a
beautiful rustic village with terraced farm fields landscape and stretched out
along the ridgeline just above the Bhote Koshi River. We can start to feel the gradual change of
weather as well as culture and people. On the way there will be plenty of time
to stop in local villages and to take a look around. It is always possible to
request a stop as a sight which may seem interesting to you. Overnight
in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, we will begin our first day of the trek on
the dirt track which no sooner will turn into the steep stone steps. We will
reach Rongga Bhanjyang (2237m) from where we can enjoy the fantastic
views of Ganesh Himal, Gosainkunda range and Langtang Lirung. From there we
will trek on the level trail passing through numerous Buddhist chortens and
mani walls to reach small village of Chaurhattar (2270m) where we will
have our much needed lunch. After lunch, we will gradually ascend in the gravel
road through the tropical Himalayan forest and reach Godam (2436m) village.
From there we will descend until we reach the traditional tamang village of Gatlang
(2238m) which is set high on a hillside among the terraced fields of
buckwheat and mustard. This village is famous for its picturesque houses which
have wooden shutters with carved, colorful Tibetan decorations. We can visit Parvati
Kunda and an ancient old monastery in the evening. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
We will start our second day of our trek after breakfast,
with gently descending through the forested path passing through many colorful
prayer flags, mani walls and stone Chortens (Pyramids) with written and painted
mantras on it. They guide us towards the bank of Bamdang Khola valley, once the
valley is narrowed, we will take a stone paved steps and no sooner reach the
village of Chilime (1762m) which is mostly know for the hydropower dam. We
will cross the Chilime khola over suspension bridge and pass by other Chortens
with a lofty view of Langtang Peak just ahead, far above the clouds. From here
we will take a height of the trail passing through terraced fields of beautiful
village of Chetka (2038m) hamlet and then climb steeply to the Gonggang
(2227m) village and further constantly ascend to reach Tatopani
(2607m). The word Tatopani literally means – hot water, where one can
cleanse in the natural hot springs pool and locals believe that the water have
a healing power that ease away our aches and pains. The 2015 earthquake tragedy
have the left the pool empty for now. The altitude seems smooth once we flash
back the traditional rural landscape, dotted with authentic households and
plots of agricultural land. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, we will begin our trek ascending and
descending through an impressive dense subtropical forest with the background
view of Ganesh Himal and no human settlement until we reach the small Tamang
village of Brimdang (2848m) which has few houses, deserted gompa and
homestay. We will take our lunch there and further climb to reach a beautiful
village of Nagthali Ghyang (3165m). It’s a beautiful viewpoint which lies
in the high open flat grassland and offers magnificent view of snow covered
Langtang Lirung, Shishapangma, Ganesh Himal, Tibetan Himal, Kerung, Sanjen
range and many other peaks. Everything here will be worth experience of having
a nicely cooked and well-meant meal with a local Tamang family in one of their
charmingly smoky and dark houses. Nagthali Ghyang was once popular as
meditation center for the local monks and priests from the local community. Overnight
in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
Today we will take our breakfast early in the morning and
hike to Taruche view point (3709m) which is a complete ascending trail
from the beginning till the end. We will hike along the ridge of Panggarche
Danda and finally reach the view point from where we can have much
closer and panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang range. After spending some time there in the height, we
will steep descend to Nagthali for our lunch and then we
will gradually descend through the forest with much chances to experience
wildlife especially Gray Langur Monkeys with white heads and long tails. The
trail is easy descend with paved stone steps route and leads to another heavily
Tibetan influenced Tamang village of Thuman (2338m) which has a full of smiling
children and traditional houses with decorated wooden balconies. Overnight is
the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast we will leave Thuman behind and begin our
trek downhill descending through villages, terraces and magnificent views of
surrounding hills, all the way to the bed of Bhote Koshi River valley. We will
than cross suspension bridge, and climb up to Lingling village (1737m)
for our delicious lunch. After lunch we will climb stone steps again until we
reach village of Pelko, and then we will cross a pass surrounded by prayer
flags. Soon we will descend steep into a valley full of waterfalls and after
crossing stream we will quickly reach the much waited Tamang village of Briddhim
(22299m). It is Tibetan Buddhist village in the bosom of Langtang Himal
and there are 40 – 50 houses spread in Z shape which are made up of stone and
have roofs of split slate. The village is also renowned for its homestay and
Dukchu Monastery which gives us a glimpses of the Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle
but by the Tamang community of Nepal. Water mills to rotate prayer wheels, handmade
woolen customs and bags on looms and clay oven are among few attractions in
this village. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After early breakfast, we will leave Briddim village and trek
downhill through a forested path filled with colorful rhododendron in our last
day of the trek. We will also might experience wildlife like monkeys and
spotted deer with our background view of giant mountains like Langtang Lirung
and Ganesh Himal. We will continue descending parallel with the Bhote Koshi
River Valley and no sooner reach the beautiful small village of Wangal
(1633m). From there few easier descending will lead us to cross the
suspension bridge over Bhote Koshi River and just across will be the Shyaphru
Besi village where our vehicle will be waiting for us to drive us to the
capital city of Kathmandu (1350m). We will drive through the same narrow and
bumpy road till Trishuli and then after lunch we will take little better road
to enjoy the beautiful vies of mountains, massive hills, river, and daily activities
of the locals. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After
breakfast, we will drive to Boudhanath
Stupa, which is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan
Buddhist temple outside Tibet. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha, located about 11 km from the center and
northeastern outskirts of Boudhanath is a stupa. Boudhanath was probably built in the 14th
century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told
regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of
Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the
most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. It was declared World Heritage
Site by UNESCO since 1979. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa
Buddha.
From above, Bodnath Stupa looks
like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. There
are other symbolic numbers here as well: the nine levels of Boudhanath Stupa
represent the mythical Mt. Meru, center of the cosmos; and the 13
rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment,
or "Bodhi" — hence the stupa's name. At the bottom, the stupa is
surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall, with frescoes in the niches. The
mantra of Avalokiteshvara - Om Mani Padme Hum - is carved on the prayer
wheels beside the images of Avalokiteshvara around the base of
the stupa. The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing
in size. As at Swayambhunath, Bodnath is topped with a square tower bearing the
omnipresent Buddha eyes on all four sides. Instead of a
nose is a question-mark-type symbol that is actually the Nepali character for
the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach
enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is the third eye,
symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha. The square tower is topped by a pyramid
with 13 steps, representing the ladder to enlightenment.
Than we will drive 14 km east of Kathmandu and explore the Bhaktapur
Valley. The valley is said to be
founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 AD. It is an inhabited museum of medieval
charm as it retains past glories and structures of the Malla rulers. Throughout
the city there are glorious examples of temples and pagodas dedicated to gods
and goddesses plus palaces, monuments, woodcarvings, sculptures and pottery.
The central area and main attraction is Bhaktapur Durbar
Square featuring The Lion Gate (1696 A.D.) guarded by two enormous stone lions.
Then, visit to The Golden Gate, also said to be the most beautiful and richly
crafted specimen of its kind in the entire world; some have said it's the
loveliest work of art in the whole Kingdom. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows built
in 1427 of brick displays a balcony containing fifty-five windows, each a
masterpiece of woodcarving. An amazing five-storied pagoda, Nyatapola
Temple built in 1702, 108 ft., dominates the Square. It is the tallest temple
in Kathmandu Valley and stands on a series of five terraces. Likewise, visit
another two temples in Durbar Square:
the three-storied Bhairab Nath Temple and the Temple
of Dattatraya. Dattatraya temple is believed, originally was carved out of the
trunk of a tree and subsequently renovated in 1458. Many temples, bahals
(monastery courtyards), and residences, the city is still a living proof of the
highest craft standards in this part of the world. As the visitor wanders
through narrow brick paved streets, many alleys will show hidden shrines and
statues. Clay craftsmanship as well as cloth weaving is still practiced here
very much as in the past. Fourteen kilometers east of Kathmandu, this peaceful,
conservative town stands in sharp contrast to the bustle of its two adjacent
cities.
After lunch, we will drive back to Kathmandu Durbar Square,
while browse around Kathmandu
Durbar Square you will visit Hanuman Dhoka, the old and historic
palace of Kathmandu named after monkey God, Hanuman, a historic seat of
royalty. The Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations also held inside
the court yard here. There is a statue of King Pratap Mall sitting on the stone
pillar in the front and temple of Jagannath from mediaeval period. Within the
walking distance you will find the tall temple of Taleju from 1549 AD, the
large stone statue of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction. The Big Bell
and Big Drum and Hindu Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati peeping from window.
Visit the temple of Kumari, the residence of Living Goddess
within the vicinity. Kumari means the virgin girl. The girl is selected from
Newar Buddhist family. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and
window screen.
Meals: B
Today will be the last day of
our Nepal visit and we will spend today packing
and maybe catching up on some last-minute souvenir shopping for your family,
relatives and friends back home. Check out from the hotel. Meet DA airport representative for farewell
and then drop to Airport for onward journey, with the last minute mountain
views from the sky.
Meals: B
Package Types | 1 PAX | 2-3 PAX | 4-6 PAX | 7-12 PAX | 13-20 PAX | 21-35 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamond | $ 3,671.41 | $ 2,293.82 | $ 1,958.48 | $ 1,790.88 | $ 1,672.53 | $ 1,595.13 |
Gold | $ 2,959.16 | $ 1,875.82 | $ 1,551.48 | $ 1,394.88 | $ 1,287.53 | $ 1,221.13 |
Silver | $ 2,505.91 | $ 1,609.82 | $ 1,292.48 | $ 1,142.88 | $ 1,042.53 | $ 983.13 |
Note:
Above prices are valid to book your holiday package until one year from the date of booking only.
Full board complementary for one Group Leader for 16 and above group.
The prices are net and all the applicable taxes are included in the above price (local taxes in Nepal).
All the above prices are subjected to change with prior notice.
Package Types:
Diamond 5 star hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Gold 3 star hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Silver Budget tourist standard hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Pashupatinath / Swayambhunath / Boudhanath / Bhaktapur Durbar Square / Patan Durbar Square / Nagthali & Taruche / Kathmandu Durbar Square /