Tamang Heritage Trek

Difficulty level of the trek

The difficulty level of the Tamang Heritage Trail trek from Kathmandu is graded as a moderately challenging trek. There are various factors contributing to the difficulty of the trek. The itinerary of the trek is 15 days and includes trekking up to 6-7 hours per day, covering a 97 km distance in total. 

The trails that you will walk are mixed, with some sections being rugged and rocky. You will need to do steep ascents and descents through the diverse terrain and landscapes. The highest altitude reached during the trek is 3,870 m at Kyanjin Gompa.

Furthermore, you will also have to deal with the varying weather conditions. All these challenges are not as difficult compared to the Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek. However, proper preparations and gear are needed to face the challenges successfully. 

Best time to go for the trek

The best time to go for the Tamang Heritage Trail Trekking is from March to May and September to November. In these months, the weather conditions are stable; that gives you the perfect conditions to trek and explore. 

In these months, you can see the best views of the mountains and surrounding hills. Rhododendrons bloom during the March, april and May months, making the trails and hills beautiful. 

Permits required for the trek

The permits required for the Langtang Tamang heritage trail trekking are the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card. you can get these permits via a registered trekking agency or by visiting the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Kathmandu. 

The documents required for the trek are the original passport and photocopies, passport-sized photographs, visa (if applicable), and permit fees.

Travel insurance requirement for the trek

The travel insurance requirement for the Tamang Heritage Trail Trek is not compulsory but as the trek is a high-altitude trek, it is highly recommended. The trek involves trekking between 2000 and 3900 meters altitude level. At that altitude level, if an emergency happens, then medical assistance and evacuation may be needed. 

The key points to consider before buying the travel insurance are coverage requirements, emergency evacuation, and policy value. 

Accommodations and food options during the trek

During the Tamang heritage trek, you will have the range of options. You can talk to our company representative if you have any requirement. In this package, you will be spending the night in the standard teahouse or lodge. The teahouses offer amenities like beds, blankets, and shared dining areas.

The food options available during the Langtang Heritage Trail trek are Dal Bhat, Momos, Pasta & Spaghetti, Pizza & Sandwiches, Potato, Bean Dishes, Fresh Cheese Products, Various Teas (black, milk, lemon ginger), Coffee, local rum and beer, and many more. 

• Telephone, Internet and electricity

You can use the service from the network providers like NCELL and NTC to call someone during the Tamang Heritage trekking. The network coverage is available in the lower regions, while it may not be available in the higher regions. In the towns, like Syabrubesi, there is better coverage. 

In terms of internet access, the wifi is available during the trek. However, for reliable speed, you can use the mobile data in some places. During the off-season, the wifi speed is also good. Furthermore, the charging facilities for the devices are available with a small fee. 

The expenses of the telephone bills, wifi fees and device charging fees during the trek are not included in the Tamang Heritage Trek cost inclusions. 

• Toilet and shower facilities

You may find some teahouses and lodges featuring the western-style toilet, while some have the squat-style toilet system. The toilets are in the communal area. The toilet paper may not be available so it is recommended to bring one. 

In terms of showers, most of the teahouses and lodges offer hot water showers for a small fee. However, the shower system may be different. It will either be a bucket system or the normal shower as in the town.

Overall weather and temperature

The weather and temperature vary according to the region and season. The Tamang heritage trail trek itinerary is 15 days and takes you to several altitude levels. So, it will help you when you understand the weather conditions and temperatures. 

The higher altitude level is generally colder than the lower altitude level. And the nights are generally colder than the day regardless of the season and altitude level. 

Here is the seasonal breakdown on the overall weather and temperatures:

• During the autumn season, the weather becomes stable with less precipitation and clear skies. The daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C at higher altitudes. The nighttime temperature drops below freezing temperature. 
• In the winter season, the daytime temperature ranges from 6°C to 9°C, which is a cold temperature. The nighttime temperature can go below -15°C. There is a chance of snowfall. The weather becomes so cold, making it uncomfortable for trekking and other adventurous activities. 
• The summer season comes with the hot and humid weather conditions. The daytime temperature can go above 23 °C while the nighttime temperature can drop below 13°C in the lower elevation. There is frequent rainfall with unobstructed views. 
• During the spring season, the weather becomes stable just like spring. The skies are clear and rainfall is minimal. The average daytime temperature is 12°C to 20°C, while the nighttime can drop below 8°C at lower elevations.

Altitude sickness issues and acclimatization

During the trek, you may face altitude sickness issues even though it doesn't include the extreme altitude levels like other treks, including the Langtang Gosaikunda trek and Langtang Valley trek. The symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If the symptoms are left untreated, they can lead to high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema. 

The acclimatization strategies include gradual ascent, hydration, nutrition, and medication (if necessary). If the conditions escalate, descending to the lower altitude level immediately is important. The Tamang heritage trek itinerary is designed in such a way that you will be less likely to be sick. However, it also depends upon the person's capacity and preexisting medical conditions.

Gear and equipment required for the trek

The Tamang heritage trek itinerary involves trekking and exploring the places at the different altitude levels. So, to tackle the weather conditions and varying temperatures while trekking and resting, packing proper clothes and gear is important. 

• Clothing items include thermal base layers, hiking pants, shirts, fleece jackets, down jackets, waterproof jackets, warm gloves, hats/beanies, and so on. 
• Footwear items like sturdy waterproof trekking boots and camp shoes/sandals.
• Trekking gear like trekking poles, headlamps, duffle bags for porters, day backpack and others. 
• Personal items like toothbrush/paste, biodegradable soap, wet wipes, first aid kit, sunscreen & lip balm with SPF, and so on. 
• Miscellaneous items like water bottles/purification Tablets/filters, the heritage trek map, cameras, & extra batteries

Flight, transportation and luggage

When going on the Langtang Gosainkunda trek, you should be serious about flight prebookings, transportation planning, and luggage packing. Below is some useful information regarding flight transportation and luggage for the trek to Langtang Valley.

• International and internal flights

If you are traveling from abroad, then you will need a visa and passport to enter Nepal. Visa on arrival is only for some countries. So, check your eligibility for the visa on arrival before booking the flight. 

You can carry 23 kg, including your hold baggage and hand luggage, on your international flight. For the extra weight of the duffel bag or day pack, you have to pay an extra amount of money.

• Luggage needed for the trek

You must have a duffel bag of 80L capacity and a 50-65L backpack; that is enough for carrying essential equipment like gear and other items. Typically, the porter will carry the duffel bag while you are responsible for carrying your backpack. You may need a small, 20–30-liter day backpack to carry your essentials during the day’s hike

Tips to make Journey Smooth

• Try to engage in physical activities like jogging, cycling, or swimming 3-4 times a week, and also practice hiking with a loaded backpack in varied terrains. 
• Dress modestly while visiting cultural or religious sites. 
• Study about the Tamang culture before the trek so that you can immerse yourself in the culture without confusion. 
• Stay hydrated throughout the journey and eat a balanced diet. 
• Carry snacks with you to have them during the rest time on the trail. 
• Carry extra cash with you that may be needed during the trek.
• Carry the power bank with you to keep your mobile on. 
• Use a GPS-enabled device for navigation. 
• Be flexible with the itinerary, as unknown circumstances may sometimes disturb the planned itinerary. 
• Hire a local guide for better insights into the culture and a porter to carry your duffel bag. 
• Carry the Tamang heritage trek map with you to avoid missing important places during the journey.