Trekking the Tamang Heritage Trail of Nepal

The Tamang Heritage Trail lies west of Nepal's Langtang Valley. The scenic route passes through mainly Tamang villages in the mid-hills that receive considerably fewer tourists than the traditional, adjoining Langtang trek. Although the mountains are a little farther away, Himalayan panoramas and village vistas are sensational and home stay enables a deeper cultural experience than will be had on the more established routes. The Tamang ethnic group comprises about 6 percent of the total population of Nepal and Tamang are the predominant inhabitants of Rasuwaa District where this trek and the Langtang Valley lie. Tamang have a distinct language and manner of dress, ornamentation and craftsmanship, and many homes have ornately carved wooden windows and porch fronts. This book provides the basics for entering the heart of Tamang country.QUICK FACTS AND HIGHLIGHTS,BEST TIME TO VISIT: all season (views are clearest from fall to spring).ENVIRONMENT: mid to high-hills. MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Naagthaali (10,640 feet, 3243 m).MINIMUM ELEVATION: Syabrubensi (4813 feet, 1467 m).FACILITIES: lodges and hotels, teahouses, home stay.DURATION: 5 days to a week.DIFFICULTY LEVEL: easy to moderate.FORMALITIES: Nepal Visa on arrival ($25 USD for 15 days, $40 USD for 30 days, or $100 USD for 3 months); Langtang National Park Entry Fee 1000 NRS ; Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card $20 USD, will be checked if passing through Dhunche (rather than walking in from Betrawaati).FOOD AND LODGING COSTS: minimal.TYPICAL NEPALI DISH: daal-bhat tarakaari (rice, lentil soup and vegetables).TYPICAL DRINK: chiyaa (sweet milk tea). HIGHLIGHTS: Tamang ethnic group, cultural interaction, village scenery and lifestyle, Nepali hospitality, Himalayan panoramas, hot springs, Buddhist monasteries, cheese factory, Naagthaali, Taaruche and Gottegang Kharka viewpoints.-COMPREHENSIVE, COMPACT AND EASY TO USE-NECESSARY PRACTICAL INFORMATION AND COUNTRY HISTORY-DETAILED ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS-EASY TO USE MAPS FOR KATHMANDU AND ALL NEPAL-VISA, PERMIT, HEALTH, AND GEAR DETAILS PLUS RECOMMENDATIONS-RESPONSIBLE TOURISM GUIDELINES-USEFUL WEB LINKS-COMPLETE TREK PLANNING REFERENCE