Tamang heritage trail Rasuwa

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 this place are mostly of 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.

Trekking Destinations of Tamang Heritage Trail of Hidden Treasure: -The Langtang valley is the most popular trek destination. Equally rich in culture and high bio-diversity are the Gutlang, Chilime, Timure and Briddim areas. Goljung, Gutlang, Chilime, Thuman, Briddim area an identified Tamang and Tibetan art and cultural in the Tamang heritage trek route is one of the most interesting trekking regions in Nepal.

This area is one of the original homelands of the indigenous Tamang people. Most practice Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, integrated with early animist religions. Agriculture, animal husbandry and tourism are the major means of livelihood for these people.

Tamang peoples live in this area: - 64% Tamang lives in this area but speaking both Tamang and Tibetan. Others include Brahmin, Gurung, Sherpa and Newars.

Population: - 44731 (in 2001)

Literacy: - Only 34% (female-24.5%; male-42.5%)

Weather: - Warm temperature climate up to 2000m higher valleys north and northeast of Syabrubesi are in the rain shadow and comparatively dry. 2-3000m cool temperature climate. Above 3000m alpine humid climates; temperatures fall to sub-zero in winter months.

Villages en Route to Tamang Heritage Trial: -

Source:Nepal Tourism Board

 Video of Tamang heritage trail

 

source lonely planet trekking in Nepal

Tamang Heritage Trail

As part of its Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP), the Nepal Tourism Board established the Tamang Heritage Trail, a village tourism project in the Tibetan-influenced Rasuwa district bordering Langtang . The aim of the initiative is to bring tourism money to communities off the main tourist routes. Profits from homestay accommodation, food sales, handicrafts and Tamang cultural performances are spilt between the individuals concerned and village social funds. It's a sometimes uneasy mix of community based tourism and free market economics but the route provides an interesting add on to the more commercialized Lantang area . Trekkers who have hiked these routes say it's like trekking in Langtang 20 years ago.

            A five or six day loop of the region from Syabrubesi is the best option. Day one takes you up steep switchbacks, gaining 720m to the Rongga Bhanjyang (alternatively hop on the late afternoon bus to Chilime  for this section). Head up the hill for a detour to Goljung or continue along the dirt road to Gotlang, the largest Tamang village in the area, from where you can make the short detour to Parvati Kund lake. Day two can take you to the community run  hot spring pools at Tatopani, via Chilime to Gonggang (an ascent of 840m). Day Three climbs 560m to the ridge of Nagthali Ghyang for fine mountain views and descend 820m to Thuman. One day four follow the ridge, then descend another 640m to cross the Bhote kosi and hike north  to Timure. Alternatively head south to Bridim (a 400m ascent) via Lingling.Bridim(2229m) has 24 simple home stays (there are only 43 houses in the village). From here it's all downhill (770m descent) to Syabrubesi via Wangal, or you can link up with the Langtang trek by taking the high northern alternative route via Syapagaon .

            It's also possible to trek along the old Tibetan trade route via Timure to Rasuwagadhi (Rasuwa) fort on the border with Tibet's Kyirong valley (once an important trading post on the salt route), though for this you need a travel agency to help arrange a restricted area permit (US$ 10)

            Accommodation is available in a community lodge in Gotlang, homestays in Bridim, or in private houses or lodges in Goljung, Tatopani, Timure and Thuman. Costs are around RS 150 per person per night, plus RS 100 per meal. In general, the village homestays offer a more intimate experience than the large-scale lodges of Langtang.