12-Day Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek

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Visit two of the World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingam or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva, and the Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world. Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhu meaning the "the self-existent" is popular among travellers as is the Monkey Temple owing to a large number of monkey population residing in the area.

Drive to Syapru Besi, a rough road of 110 kilometres to the starting point of the trek. Driving this road, you'll pass by the bank of Trishuli River and catch your first glimpse of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region. When you arrive, you can stretch your legs by walking around the village.

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Start the trek from Syapru Besi to the first village, Goljung (1,960 metres), a Tamang village with ancient monasteries and beautiful scenery. It is another 3 hours to Gatlang, a large Tamang village set high on a hillside among terraced fields. Visit the Tamang monastery and beautiful Parvatikunda Lake when you get there.

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Today, you'll do 6 hours of trekking to the village of Tatopani (meaning "hot water). On the way, we see the Langtang Range and Ganesh Himal. The village has one of the biggest and hottest natural hot springs in Nepal and you can enjoy bathing in it once you get there. This day's trekking also provides you with an opportunity to experience the Tamang culture.

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Trek to Nagthali, a high open grassland with amazing views of the snow-covered Himalayas and the Tibetan range. The panoramic view of Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, Sanjen ranges can be seen from Nagthali. Nagthali used to be a popular meditation centre for the local monks and priests. Continue the trek to another cultural village Thuman, a Tibetan-influenced Tamang village with friendly people who love to sing and dance and are known for their Shamanic rituals.

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A shorter trek today will take you to Timure and back. Following the old trade route to Tibet, your first stop will be at the historical fort in Rasuwagadhi. There is an old suspension bridge that used to link between Nepal and Tibet. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to observe Tibetan-Burman Tamang culture in two villages.

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Briddim is another Tibetan influenced Tamang village. Go on village walks with your host family to see the lifestyle, traditions and customs of the people. You can enjoy a cultural show performed by community members. The villagers will gather in the evening in their traditional costume, performing cultural songs and dances, as a gesture of welcoming guests to their home. You'll stay in a Tamang homestay in the village.

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Enjoy your walk through the villages and down steep slopes of pine forests for the majority of your walk until you return tp Syapru Besi where the trek began. To reach the village, the very last part of the trek will take you onto a dirt road. Relax back at the same homestay and walk around the village one last time before it gets dark.

Take the bus back on the 110 km rough road to Kathmandu. This will take the majority of the day, however, you'll have some time to stretch your legs when you get to Kathmandu. The evening is free for you to explore the city and enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the popular restaurants in Thamel, the main tourist area that you will now be familiar with.

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Bhaktapur is famous for its varied temples. The most impressive is the five-storey Nyatapola Temple on TaumadhiTole, the tallest temple in Nepal built in 1702 during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla. Bhaktapur, which became an independent city-state under King Ananda Malla in the 12th century, also has its own Durbar Square replete with a number of temples, including one featuring cows, camels and elephants. You'll have a farewell dinner in the evening.