Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail vs Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail vs Langtang Valley Trek: Which Adventure Suits You?

Do you know the meaning of Langtang? Well, there is a funny story behind the name of the valley. In ancient times when a Tibetan Lama was searching for his lost yak discovered the valley. Therefore, the place got its name as Langtang. According to Tibetan language, Lang means Yak and Tang means to follow. As Lama discovered the valley while following his lost yak, since then the name of the valley is the Langtang Valley. Today’s blog is about two iconic trails of the region. Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail vs Langtang Valley Trek: Which Adventure Suits You?

The blog tries to provide all the information and factors for you to consider afterward. We believe that the choice of the trip is always on the travelers. Our blogs can only provide you facts and scenarios which you can analyze and decide which trekking trip to do.

Know about these two trekking trails independently before delving deeper into Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail vs Langtang Valley Trek: Which Adventure Suits You? Know that these two trails are the jewel of the Langtang region trekking which is one of the cornerstones of Nepalese Trekking Industry.

Introduction of Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail

The long detour traversing through the authentic Tamang Villages and finally reaching the Kyanjin Gompa the last village of the valley is definitely enticing. The journey is the amalgamation of cultural attractions with the natural wonders. Moreover, the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek in Nepal is the combination of the Tamang Heritage Trail and the famous Langtang Valley Trek itinerary. Villages like Briddim, Thuman, Gatlang, Tatopani, and Naagthali are authentic places to know about the rural lifestyle of indigenous community of Tamang People.

If you are searching for the trekking destination where you get to experience the wonders of the ethnic ancient culture and traditions including lofty mountains, then it is an ideal choice. Immersing into these people can give you insight about this community living in Nepal who has origin of Tibetan community. It is believed that these people started to live in the region thousands of years ago after migrating from Tibet. Therefore, their language is somewhat similar to Tibetan language and most of these people follow traditional Tibetan Buddhists religion.

Know about the Langtang Valley Trek

In the list of the commercial trekking routes of Nepal, you cannot skip the Langtang Region. The popularity of the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal is on par with the iconic trekking trips like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trail is possible to trek following multiple itineraries from 5 days to 12 days depending upon the preferences of the trekkers.

The final destination in this journey is Kyanjin Gompa for overnight stay but trekkers extend their hike up to Tserko Ri. Note down that the trail is at the nerve center of the region. Therefore, multiple side trips are possible from this place. The most famous one is the Yala Peak Climbing and the Gosaikunda Lake. The extension of the Langtang Valley Trek itinerary can provide best moments both religious and adventurous. Therefore, some trekkers prefer to do the side trip during the Langtang Valley Trek.

Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail vs Langtang Valley Trek: Which Adventure Suits You?

The blogger strongly believes that the choice for the trekking destination selection decision must be to the travelers. No one can deliberately change the preferences of an individual. However, it is the job of the blogger like us to provide authentic information and materials to travelers for their comfort. Upon finding out various news and information only they can make decision. Therefore, we never recommend doing one trek over another. Lots of factors are considered before deciding on the trekking destination. Time constraints, budget issues, and difficulty level are the major factors affecting decision making.

The blogger has identified 5 basic things which can be crucial for traveler to decide. The Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail vs Langtang Valley Trek: Which Adventure Suits You? The question is slightly vague but the blogger has tried level best providing authentic tools for decision making. Understand the itinerary or number days required for the trek, difficulty level of the trail, cultural significance, diverse natural attractions, and finally the cost or budget.

Now let’s decode the various factors which you need to consider before making decisions.

Itinerary and Number of Days

The first thing that you need to consider is the number of days that you have for vacation. If you have limited vacation period, then the Langtang Valley Trek is an ideal choice. The Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek takes about 13 days including arrival and departure from Kathmandu. Interestingly, you can explore the various authentic Tamang Villages as well if you add 3 days in the itinerary of the Langtang Valley Trek. Normally, the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal is possible to do for the standard itinerary in about 10 days including arrival and departure from Kathmandu. Moreover, you can also do the Langtang Valley Trek in less than a week’s time. So, choose according to your needs.

Trekking Difficulty

The longer you have to walk the harder it becomes due to the accumulation of the exhaustion. Therefore, the journey of the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek is comparatively difficult than the journey of the Langtang Valley Trek. The section from Chilime Hydro Power Project to Nagathali is steep uphill which can be challenging for trekkers during the Tamang Heritage Trail Trek. Note down that these two trekking routes are categorized under the easy and moderate trekking trails in terms of the difficulty level. Wherever you go on a trek in Nepal, you need to prepare well. Make sure that you have physically fit body and strong mental condition.

Cultural Significance

Ironically, the Langtang Valley Trek is supposed to be the culturally significant place to know about the rich history of Tibetan influenced Tamang origin people but it has become commercial. The tourism has spoiled the core essence of the cultural side of the trail. Please note that it doesn’t affect the hospitality sense of the people. The only meaning behind this statement is that the trail has tailor made things for the trekkers. However, the monastery present in Kyanjin Gompa is believed to have been built about 700 years ago.

In comparison to the Langtang Valley Trek, the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail trek’s main focus is to provide authentic Tamang cultural experiences. You can experience rawness and authentic feel which is yet to be spoiled by the influx of trekkers from across the globe. People in the villages like Briddim, Thuman, Gatlang, and Nagathali are still following their ancient roots even in today’s age.

I would personally recommend you to do the Langtang Tamang Heritage instead of the Langtang Valley Trek for the cultural immersion and experiences.

Natural Attractions

In the debate of “Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail vs Langtang Valley Trek: Which Adventure Suits You?” you can simply choose the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail. The main reason is that the journey includes the exploration of the Langtang Valley Trek route besides the villages included in the Tamang Heritage Trail Trek. Therefore, the first one has the advantage over other in terms of the natural beauty. These trails are located inside the Langtang National Park. Therefore, expect wildlife and vegetation diversity.

Mountains from the Langtang Himalayan range offers great sights while the diverse landscapes offer thrill and adventure. You get to experience walking in the narrow valley overlooking gigantic hills, tall waterfalls, raging white water Rivers, horde of wild animals, birds, and tranquil forests. In addition, you can also experience the diverse vegetation from deciduous to alpine grassy meadows. Particularly in the months of spring season, the trails offer breathtaking scenery of green lush and blooming forests.

Cost and Budget

The lesser the number of days the lesser is the price. Therefore, the cost of the Langtang Valley Trek is comparatively lower than the cost of the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek in Nepal. In an average, the cost of the Langtang Valley Trek for 10 days itinerary with standard include options starts from 490 $ per person. Similarly, the cost of the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek starts from 650 $ per person for the standard trekking package.

Therefore, the Langtang Valley Trek has an advantage while comparing these two trekking routes. If you look at the broader picture, then by adding around 200 $ you can get the experience of both the trails. So, it is wise to invest on the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek than the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal.

What makes Langtang region mystical and mythical?

Visit the Langtang region of Nepal and listen to the mythical stories from the elderly locals. There are countless stories and legends involving lots of gods and goddesses of both Tibetan Buddhists religion and Hindu religion. From the stories of Lord Shiva to the stories of Milarepa Monks, every nooks and corners of the region feels like filled with myths. Therefore, the place can sometimes be referred as the mythical place to visit.

Mystical presence is evident in the Langtang region of Nepal. There are countless monasteries, temples, chortens, and stupas throughout the region. In fact, the region can be termed as the spiritual home due to presence of supernatural things. Centuries old monasteries and temples indicate that the region used to be the home of heavenly bodies. Once you are in the region, you start to enjoy the spirituality, serenity, and tranquility. That tells us that mysticism exists in the region and it is no exasperation.

Alternative Trekking Routes to Tamang Heritage Trail and Langtang Valley Trek

Well, you can also choose to refrain from trekking in either of these two trekking trail. The Langtang region is rich with lots of other trekking trails which are equally enticing. Out of many trekking routes of the region, I have selected three trekking routes which are possible in less than a week’s time. Moreover, these trekking routes can provide you both cultural and natural attractions.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

The most famous short trekking route that starts from Kathmandu is the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek. The journey is so fascinating that it endows majestic scenery of mountains including the iconic Mt. Everest. The trail is easy to walk and involves terraced farmlands, Tamang Villages, green lush forests, and Nagarkot. Note down that the famous vantage point in the outskirt of the Kathmandu Valley is the Nagarkot. It is the famous hill station where people of the valley and people from across the globe love to do either sunrise or sunset experiences.

Helambu Circuit Trek

Explore the Hyolmo People’s villages by doing the Helambu Circuit Trek. Similar to the Lantang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek, the journey is full of the activities that give idea about this ethnic community who resemble largely to the Tamang community. Interestingly, these people also have their own language and culture. They follow Buddhism and Hinduism as their religion.

Gosaikunda Lake Trek

The most serene trekking trip to do in the Langtang region associated with the religion is the Gosaikunda Lake Trek. It is possible to do the trek in less than 4 days starting from Kathmandu. The lake is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. People believe that dipping in the lake water can help you wash your sin and help your deceased relative’s soul find peace in heaven. Don’t miss out to do this scenic 4380 m located sacred lake trek.

Final Verdict on Tamang Heritage Trail Trek vs Langtang Valley Trek

The final verdict on the debate of “Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail vs Langtang Valley Trek: Which Adventure Suits You?” is better to leave to you. Personally, I already mentioned that I prefer the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail Trek for different reasons.