Developed by the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation
Program, the "Tamang Heritage Trail" is the
newly developed tourism product, off the beaten track,
which highlights an ancient lifestyle combining it with
picturesque scenery and healing baths in natural hot
springs.
The people of this region are mostly Tibetans who came
from Kerung in Tibet across the border and settled in
Nepal. In earlier days, the citizenship of Nepal would
not be offered to real Tibetans, so they changed their
ethnicity to Tamang, which is what they still write
till date. The cultural and traditions of these people
are similar to the Tibetan across the border.
The trail starts either from Dhunche or Syabrubesi and
passes through Goljung, Gatlang, Chilime, Thuman, Timure
and Briddim. The trail may end back in Syabrubesi or
follow the Langtang trek from Briddim village via Khanjim.
Goljung and Gatlang are traditional Tamang villages.
While Goljung has ancient monastery, Gatlang set high
on a hillside among terraced fields is the Tamang settlement.
One can also visit a Tamang monastery and the beautiful
Parvatikunda Lake at Gatlang. From the viewpoint at
Bahundanda near these settlements, one can also see
a panoramic view of Lantang, Kerung, and the Ganesh
Himal, Sanjen Himal ranges.
After the trek of several days, bathing in the hot,
healing waters of the natural spring at Tatopani en
route from Gatlang to Chilime is an exhiliarating experience.
Brimdang offers cultural experience at community-run
home-stay, while Nagathali in Thuman VDC is surrounded
by beautiful views of Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal
and Sanjen Himal ranges. Nagthali used to be a popular
meditation center for the local monks and priests. Next
is Timure on the old trade route to Tibet. A fort at
Rasuwagadi in Timure is a historical reminder of the
Nepal-Tibet relations that has existed for many centuries.
A suspension bridge here links Nepal and Tibet.
The trail ends at Briddim which lies on the lap of
Langtang Himal. Briddim offers warm Tamang hospitality
at the home-stays run by community members. In addition,
visitors can also visit local monasteries of Dukchu
Gomba (monastery) chosen as sacred site by the great
Tibetan Lama - Guru Rinpoche and Chukla Khnaga Gomba.