Meditation and Yoga Trek Tamang and Helambu Districts

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. A Lantang Ri Trekking & Expedition representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. When you are ready you will be collected from your hotel lobby and driven to our Thamel office where you will be formally introduced to your Trekking Guide. We will go through all your trek itinerary and arrangements with you an ensure every detail is in place. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details so that we can organize any permits required for your trek and the region you will be exploring.

After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide (can be provide any language speaking guide on request) be, try to give them a full taste of our vivid culture image and an enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square.

Bouddhanath: Bouddhanath is a Buddhist religious complex with a history dating back over 500 years. Located on the eastern edge of Kathmandu it is now a site of great pilgrimage for Buddhist followers who circle its massive stupa, spin its many prayer wheels and visit its beautiful monastery. The main feature of Boudhanath is its huge hemispherical white stupa with central golden tower and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Visitors should circle the stupa in a clockwise direction and spin prayer wheels for good fortune and a good life. Visitors may also enjoy visiting the Thangka painting school within the complex to see highly skilled artists at work on religious mandala paintings.

Pashupatinath: Hindu Temple is a very large and complex and focal point for the Hindu religion. This old and very revered complex of buildings and shrines is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. While Lord Shiva has multiple forms he is often seen as the destroyer. This has great significance for the Pashupatinath temple as it is the site of many Hindi ritual cremations each day. Pashupatinath is considered by Hindus to be an auspicious site for passing from one stage of life to the next through the purifying and destroying flames of cremation. However, on a happier note, visitors may also get to see the temple in a buoyant festival mode with one of the many Hindu festivals celebrated here through the year.

Swayambhunath: You will first visit the Swayambhunath temple complex that sits atop a high hill overlooking Kathmandu and the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is perhaps the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. It consists of a very large white stupa with the all-seeing-eye of Lord Buddha plus many small stupa and beautifully carved stone shrines. This is a wonderful place to catch your breath and start to understand and appreciate the deep importance of Buddhist belief to the people of Nepal and the Himalaya region. Make sure you ring the many bells to awaken the gods and let them know you are in Nepal. Take the time to enjoy the view over Kathmandu and have your guide point the many other highlights of the city. In the far distance to the east you may also be able to see the hills of Nagarkot where your hotel for tonight is located. If you feel energetic you might also like to try some or all of the 350 steps that lead all the way from Kathmandu city up to your Swayambhunath temple vantage point.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: The next stop today is the beautiful Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the royal palace square of the ancient Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. This square and all its architectural treasures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some damage to buildings occurred in the 2015 earthquake the site still contains many stunning architectural gems. The original royal palace courtyards are open to visitors and you will marvel at the intricate timber carving and beautifully crafted brickwork of the palace. The open square outside the palace has many beautiful multi-storey pagodas and temples with ornate carving and carpentry artwork that tells some of the story of the ancient kings and their mystical time and beliefs. The square also contains many important Hindu temples and statues such as to Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Durbar Square also contains the unique and intriguing Kumari Chok. This is an ancient and ornate house where resides the Raj Kumari – the Living Goddess. She is a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. If you are in the courtyard of the home at the right time in the afternoon you may see a brief glimpse of the Goddess at her window.

We will collect you from your hotel bright and early to start our journey. The drive will wind through the many hills north of Kathmandu and you high into the Bhote Khosi Nadi Valley. The vehicle journey will end at Syabru Besi, the trek starting point the following day.

The trail head westward and upward from Syabru Besi as you ascend the high valley wall to reach a magnificant ridge top with spectacular views to the east, north and west and the stunning Ganesh Himal mountain range to the north-west, the Gosaikunda range to the east and the beautiful Goljang Valley descending far below your vantage point. The trail then winds westward along the valley wall to the villaje of Gatlang. This is an important community centre for the Tamang people and you are sure to receive the warmest of Tamang welcomes as you enter the village. 

Today is likely to be a long day on the trail as you cover a considerable distance to reach Tatopani. The trail initially descends as you head down the valley side to Thangbuchet and the Bhote Koshi River. You will experience the thrill of crossing over the river on a high suspension bridge and then start a long ascent as the trail winds northward up the Chilime Khola River valley to reach Tatopani. There are many villages in Nepal called Tatopani as the name means "hot water" due to hydothermal springs bubbling up through hot Himalayan rocks to the surface. So at the end of a long day of walking and much strenuous ascending you may sooth your aching muscles in a wonderful hot spring bath. What a wonderful way to relax on an Himalayan trek - so make sure you bring your swimming costume with you. 

The trail initially heads north-east and ascends to the 3,165m high vantage point of Taruche and Nagthali. This high point has long been the site for religious meditation and contemplation and you may be affected too by the power and beauty of the mountains too. The views in all directions and stunning as you are now very close to the Langtang Lirung, Kerung, Ganesh Himal and Sanjen Ranges. These are some of the most beautiful mountain vistas in all of Nepal, so take some time to let the power of the mountains soak deep into your sole. The trail then winds and descends to the village of Thuman. While it is home to Nepali Tamang people it is also in many ways a Tibetan village as the cultures of Tibet and nepal have washed over this region for eons. This is perhaps best seen in the wonderful monasteries and houses with their beautful and mystical wood engravings which tell the story of the local culture. 

The trail today follows one of the most ancient and important trade routes through the high Himalaya that linked Tibet with Nepal and India. The Tamang and Tibetan cultural mix increases as you head north and explore wonderful sites such as the historical village of Rasuwagadi. At the very end of the trail a suspension bridge spans the border from Nepal to Tibet.

The trail initially follows the valley floor and follows the flowing Bhote Koshi River as is flows southward. But by the afternoon section of the walk you will start to ascend the eastern side of the valley wall and climb slowly up to the village of Briddhim village. This is an ancient and beautiful Tamang village with a wonderful monastery that you should make time to visit.

The trail continues to follow the Bhote Kosi River as you follow paths through terraced farmlands and tiny farming communities. By the end of the day you will be back at the starting point of the trek at busy Syabru Beshi.

This second stage of the trek takes you into the different topography and culture of the Langtang and Helambu region. The trail also requires some effort as you gain well over a kilometer in altitude by the end of the day. But to take your mind of your aching legs you can look forward to visiting many little villages and religious sites along the way. The first stop will be at Thulo Syabru perched high on a valley side. Then turn southward and ascend further to Foprang Danda which offers great views north to the Langtang ranges stretched along the border with Tibet. The trail winds and ascend further through beautiful forests to reach beautiful Sing Gompa where you should spend a little time taking in the views of the mountain peaks and learning about the ancient monastery. Nearby you will also discover a cheese factory - definately worth a visit and a snack. The trail then continues a short distance to Chandanbari at 3,330m altitude, almost 1,300m higher than your starting point this morning. Time for a well earned rest.

The trail ascends from the first step today. You initially pass through rhododendron forests as you climb to the Chalang Pati ridge which offers wonderful mountain views. You then enter the protected and sacred area surrounding the Gosainkunda Lakes. As you continue to ascend the ridge you will have beautiful views to the north of the Langtang Lirung. Looking further to the west you will also be able to see the Ganesh Himal ranges and the summit of mighty Mount Manaslu. The trail continues on and then descends to the Gosainkunda Lakes (4,380m). The Gosaikunda Lakes area has been a religious site since ancient times. Hindu mythology attributes the lakes and surrounding mountains as the abode of the Hindu deities Shiva and Gauri. You guide will explain much of the mystical history and belief associated with these lakes. It is a wonderful story that will fill your imagination.

While the trail today is mainly a descent you will still have one more high pass to navigate. The trail initially descends through beautiful high forests before a short section of ascent to reach Tharepati Pass at 3,490m - but you will find the walking today not so challenging as yesterday. Following Tharepati Pass you will descend through pine and rhododendron forest and many vantage points with great views over the Helambu Valley with its many villages and vast system of carefully terraced hillside farms. By the time you reach Melamchi Gaon you will have encountered another cultural group of Nepal, the famous Sherpa people. This cultural group settled these valleys many many centuries ago and you will experience their warm welcome as you reach Melamchi Gaon. You should also allow a little time this afternoon the explore some of the Buddhist monasteries located along the trail.

This is a short walk to Neding but involves an initial descent of one side of the valley and ascent of the other, so some effort is still required. The trail takes you into a region that has held deep religious significance for Buddhist followers since ancient times. You will pass many stone structures with religious meaning that your guide will explain to you.

Another short walk today and not too much effort required. The main objective today is to reach Tarkeghyang early so there is sufficient time to visit its wonderful monastery. There is much to see and learn today and experience ancient cultures and beliefs.

Today is another highlight of this trek as you will have the opportunity to visit and learn some of the history of a number of ancient caves that have huge religious significance. The surrounding Tarkeghyang region is famous for its many holy sites. You will visit Takphug Senge Dzong - The Tiger Cave Lion Fortress - where Milarepa sang his "Song of a Yogi's Joys". You will then explore Yangdak Chokgi Trakpuk - Completely Pure Supreme Cave - where Guru Rinpoche stayed. Guru Rinpoche, or the 'Precious Master', is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and the Buddha of our time. Nearby there is a small cave Khandro Sangphug - The Dakini's Secret Cave - where his consort Shakya Denma stayed. You will also get to visit a number of other sacred caves where Guru Rinpoche spent time, meditated and advanced the Bhddhist belief system.

The trail descends from Tarkeghyang to Sermanthang via Bhumthang and Ganjawal. There are multiple opportunities today to visit beautiful monasteries located through this very religiously significant region of Helambu.

Near Sermathang is the wonderfully named Naturally Appearing Sun and Moon Cave where Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, stayed for a period of time. We have now moved into the region of yet another cultural group of Nepal, the Yolmopa. These people have strong cultural and historical links with Tibet and speak a different language to the other Sherpa people in the region.

An easy descending walk today as the follow a ridge-top trail all the way down to Melamchi Pul. The ridge-top vantage point provides wonderful views down into the valleys to the east and west and the beautiful layers of terraced hillside farms. When you arrive in Melamchi Pul there will be time for a tour of the village and a visit to the main monastery. The final task for the day will be to make the four hour drive back to Kathmandu where your hotel and a long hot shower await.

This is the free day for a little more shopping and exploring. 

We will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport in plenty of time to meet your flight home