Tamang Heritage Trail - Langtang
Experience untouched Tamang/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.
The richness of the cultural heritage of Kanchenjunga
is reflected in the Buddhist gompas such as
the 400 year old Diki Chhyoling gompa of Olangchung
Gola which houses a life size Avalokiteshwara
and has a butter lamp continuously burning since
its construction. 12 prayer wheels outside the
gompa spin as a small stream flows by.
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.
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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.
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.
