Tamang Heritage Trek
16 Reviews on Tripadvisor
Trip Duration
7 Days
Max. Altitude
3,165m. / 10,384ft.
Nature of Trip
Tea House Trek
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
1-20
Best Seasons
Feb-May/Sep-Nov
Activity
Trekking
Start/End
Kathmandu/KathmanduTamang Heritage Trek
16 Reviews on Tripadvisor
The Tamang Heritage Trek is a one-week cultural experience that takes you into a less-travelled area of the beloved Langtang region of Nepal. Tamang people are indigenous to the mountains of the Langtang region and have their own distinct culture, language, attire, and way of life.
Following the gorgeous trails along the Tamang Heritage trekking route, you will pass through and be hosted in traditional Tamang villages. Feel the warmth of the Tamang hospitality and learn about their traditions and unique practices. The Tamang people of Nepal are known for their Tibetan Buddhist faith, their agricultural livelihoods and their colourful attire. Although much a part of Nepal, they have their own language, festivals and dances.
The Tamang Heritage trails are moderate and beginner-friendly while still offering stunning mountain views of the famous Langtang mountain range. The trek, which only reaches a maximum elevation of 3165 m, is an excellent option for families and those new to spending time at elevation. Enjoy walking at a steady pace through lush forests and terraced fields with the mountainous landscapes in the background. There is a depth of history, nature and peacefulness that can be felt on this trek.
To begin the trek, drive via bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, which is the gateway into the Langtang region of Nepal. To enter Langtang National Park you require a permit that can be obtained with your guide on site with your passport. The next day you start your trek on foot. The Tamang Heritage trekking route passes through several traditional villages including Gatlang, Tatopani, Thuman, and Briddim. Tatopani has a natural hot spring for you to soak in and rejuvenate. Along the way, you can enjoy traditional Tamang cuisine, stay in homestays, and if you come at the right time, you can even participate in cultural activities such as dance, festivals and music performances.
The Tamang Heritage Trek provides a unique and authentic cultural experience for those who are looking for an easy, short trek that explores the rich heritage of the Nepali Tamang people. The trek is seven days in total, including two days of travel. If you would like to have shorter days or include a rest day, you can easily add a day or two to your itinerary. You might also be interested in combining the Tamang Heritage Trek with the Langtang Valley Trek.
Please consider booking your trek with Himalayan Peace Treks. We are a conscious tour company whose goal is to trek and travel as ethically, sustainably and peacefully as possible. We would love to chat with you about your plans and help you craft your dream adventure in Nepal.
Tamang Heritage Trek Highlights
- A short and sweet trek of fairly easy difficulty that is accessible from Kathmandu
- Stay in local villages and immerse yourself in the unique culture and rural way of life of the Tamang people
- Enjoy the gorgeous subtropical forests, terrace fields and mountainous landscapes
- Visit ancient monasteries, participate in local festivals, and taste traditional Tamang cuisine
- Feel warmly welcomed into cozy tea houses in the rolling foothills of the Langtang region
- Witness stunning views of the Himalayan mountains including, Langtang Lirung (7234 m), Ganesh Himal (7422 m), and Dorje Lhakpa (6966 m)
- Soak in the naturally nourishing hot springs of Tatopani
Why Trek With Himalayan Peace Treks?
We are a trusted, ethical trekking and tour company that facilitates incredible experiences in the Himalayas. You can feel good about choosing our company to guide you because of our genuinely excellent service and commitment to giving back to our communities and the environment.
Our ethical trekking approach means appropriate wages and working conditions for our wonderful team, community empowerment and support, and environmental consciousness. We are honest and thoughtful with our guests and everyone we do business with. We promise you transparency and enjoyment from start to finish and would be happy to customize your trip for you.
Our main community projects include donating directly to local schools and orphanages to support children in need. Sustainable trekking is in our hearts and is also in the hands of those heading into the mountains themselves, so we will brief you on how you can trek more sustainably with us.
With decades of experience among the team, we would love the opportunity to share with you what we love about the Himalayas in the most peaceful way.
Tamang Heritage Daily Itinerary Summary
Pre-Trek Day 00: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m)
Pre-Trek Day 0: Final Day in Kathmandu (sightseeing and final trekking preparations)
Trek Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1500 m) 145 km, 7-8 hrs
Trek Day 2: Trek Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238 m) 11 km, 5-6 hrs
Trek Day 3: Trek Gatlang to Tatopani (2607 m) 10 km, 6-7 hrs
Trek Day 4: Trek Tatopani to Thuman (2338 m) 8 km, 5-6 hrs
Trek Day 5: Trek Thuman to Briddim( 2230 m) 14 km, 4-5 hrs
Trek Day 6: Trek Briddim to Syabrubesi (1500 m) 6 km, 4 hrs
Trek Day 7: Drive Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (1345 m) 145 km, 7-8 hrs
Photo/Video Gallery
Itinerary of Tamang Heritage Trek
We are happy to work with you to adjust this itinerary to create your own personalized experience.
*Times are estimated based on the average hiking pace and do not include breaks.
Day 00: Pre-Trek - Arrival in Kathmandu (1345 m)
Feel free to arrive today, or earlier, to enjoy Kathmandu Valley, rest, and prepare for your trek. You will be greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and provided with transportation to your pre-booked hotel in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Please let us know your flight itinerary so we can arrange your pick-up.
Distance: 7 km - Airport to Thamel
Overnight Altitude: 1345m./4,413ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: n/a
Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
Day 0: Pre-Trek- Final Day in Kathmandu and Trekking Preparations
Today is the final day in Kathmandu for us to meet and for you to make any last preparations. We will brief you so that you feel fully prepared to commence on your Tamang Heritage Trek. You have time today to explore Kathmandu and for any final trekking preparations. We can arrange exploring in Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Durbar Square, a Himalayan singing bowl session, and/or yoga class for your group. We would like to invite you for dinner this evening which is included in your package.
Distance: 0 km
Overnight Altitude: 1345m./4,413ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast at Hotel & Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1500 m) 7-8 hrs
After a hearty breakfast, you are picked up by jeep at your hotel in Thamel. An early start will set you up well for today’s long, meandering journey to the trek trailhead in Syabrubesi. The scenic drive passes through villages and fields in the rolling foothills which guide the way into the mountains. The roads in Nepal can be dusty and bumpy so come prepared to ward off any motion sickness with snacks and podcasts! Stop briefly in Dhunche where your guide will obtain your Langtang National Park permit. You can walk around the Syabrubesi, rest, and prepare for tomorrow’s hike.
Distance: 145 km Drive
Overnight Altitude: 1500m./4,921ft. (Syabrubesi)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 2: Trek Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238 m) 5-6 hrs
Your trek officially begins on foot! With the energy of the early morning and the excitement of what is to come, it makes the initial two hour ascent feel manageable. The morning’s hike is through small villages and terraced fields, following narrow and undefined paths. Reach Bahundanda for a short stop and enjoy the first mountain views of the trek. The next part of the day is a more gradual ascent through the forest. The route now follows a road amongst the trees until you reach Gatlang, nestled in the hills. Gatland is the main Tamang village of the region and used to be known for its distinct black stone roofs. After the devastating earthquake of 2015 which heavily impacted the Langtang region, only a few houses remain with the traditional rock roofs. Enjoy the rest of your day relaxing and exploring.
Distance: 11 km
Overnight Altitude: 2238m./7,343ft. (Gatlang)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 3: Trek Gatlang to Tatopani (2607 m) 5-6 hrs
Today, you continue your trek, making your way from Gatlang to Tatopani. Tatopani literally means “hot water” in Nepali and is named as such for the natural hot springs that can be found here. After the 2015 earthquake the hot water stopped flowing from the natural spring. Then, incredibly, after almost a decade, the hot spring is miraculously back! After another beautiful day of trekking through more terraced fields belonging to the small Tamang settlements, you can soak your tired muscles in the rejuvenating water.
Distance: 10 km
Overnight Altitude: 2607m./8,553ft. (Tatopani)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 4: Trek Tatopani to Thuman (2338 m) 5-6 hrs
The day promises stunning views of the Langtang range and Ganesh Himal. After breakfast (and maybe another sneaky dip in the hot springs?!), you continue upwards through more forests and fields. You are welcome to take a morning break and visit a new monastery along the way. If you choose to trek during the spring, then you will have the joy of being surrounded by the red, pink and white of blooming rhododendron trees. For lunch you stop in Nagathali Danda, which, at 3165 m elevation, is the highest you reach on your Tamang Heritage Trek. Here you can enjoy your freshly prepared local meal with the gorgeous, unobstructed mountain views as your backdrop. After lunch (we recommend dal bhat!), descend slowly to Thuman, another charming Tamang village with traditional stone houses and friendly locals. As you walk, feel free to take your time and stop as much as you would like to meet members of the Tamang community and learn about their culture and way of life.
Distance: 8 km
Overnight Altitude: 2338m./7,671ft. (Thuman)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 5: Trek Thuman to Briddim (2230 m) 5-6 hrs
In the Himalayas, the mornings tend to be clear and picturesque. Be sure to rise early on at least one morning in order to catch a memorable mountain sunrise. After breakfast at your tea house, another day on the trails awaits you. Enjoy the last couple of days being immersed in the natural beauty of the Langtang region. You cross over a few strong suspension bridges that offer a unique perspective of the water below. Briddim, your home for this evening, is a highlight for many Tamang Heritage Trek guests. It is a picturesque village located on a hilltop, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and hills and another monastery that you are welcome to visit.
Distance: 14 km
Overnight Altitude: 2230m./7,316ft. (Briddim)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 6: Birddim to Syabrubesi (1500 m) 4 hrs
A short and sweet day today, retracing your steps back to Syabrubesi. It is a nice opportunity to see the trails from a different perspective, revisiting your favourite parts along the way. Most of the day is descending, so be careful to walk slowly and protect your knees! Take in the sights and sounds of the Langtang range one last time before reaching Syabrubesi.
Distance: 6 km
Overnight Altitude: 1500m./4,921ft. (Syabrubesi)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 7: Drive Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (1345 m) 7-8 hrs
Today, you drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying the picturesque views of the countryside along the way. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore more of the city’s cultural attractions. We can help you arrange more travel in Nepal if you would like to extend your adventure here.
Distance: 145 km Drive
Overnight Altitude: 1345m./4,413ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: None (we can arrange upon request)
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- Two nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included
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- Standard itinerary includes two nights upon arrival
- We can include additional nights or arrange for one night pre-trek and one night post-trek depending on your schedule and preference
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- Luggage storage at your hotel in Kathmandu
- Trek briefing one day before the trek
- All necessary trekking permits
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- TIMS Card and Langtang National Park Permit
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- Transportation to and from the trekking route by bus
- All accommodation in tea houses while trekking
- Three meals a day during travel and trekking days with a tea or coffee at each meal (unless otherwise listed)
- Daily fresh fruit whenever available
- Trekking map
- First-aid kit carried by guide
- One experienced and professional local guide who speaks English
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- Guide fees include their insurance, livable wages, transportation, food and accommodation
- Assistant guides might be added with larger groups
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- If needed, our team will arrange an emergency rescue with your insurance company
- Company fees, administration, and government tax and VAT.
- A tree planted in your name
- A minimum 1% of profits donated to schools and orphanages in Nepal
What is not included?
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Tourist visa to enter Nepal (can obtain on arrival at the airport)
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- US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days
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- Any personal sightseeing costs and meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara
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- Temples, monastery entrance fees, souvenirs, lunches, etc.
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- Any extra costs while trekking
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- Snacks, fancy coffees, hot showers, laundry, battery charging, wifi at some tea houses, monastery fees, donations, etc.
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- Local porters to carry the items for your trek
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- Porter fees include their insurance, livable wages, transportation, food, accommodation and an optional duffle bag to carry your items.
- The number of porters depends on the number of trekkers: one porter carries the items for two people (maximum 20 kg)
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- Drinking water
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- You need to have a water filtration system or plan to buy boiled water.
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- Sleeping bag and puffy jacket rentals are available in Kathmandu if needed.
- Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
- Staff tips
- Many trekking guides and porters in Nepal rely on tips to supplement a lower wage. With Himalayan Peace Treks, you will be able to travel knowing that the team is being paid fairly and that any tip you want to give is a reflection of your experience
US$ 433
Standard trek price (per person)
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1 person
US$ 645
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2 -
2 people
US$ 522
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3 -
4 people
US$ 480
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5 -
6 people
US$ 447
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7 + people
9999
US$ 433
Total Cost:
US$ 645
Trip Information
Tamang Heritage Trek Difficulty
The Tamang Heritage trek is considered to be quite easy in terms of its rated difficulty level. It is recommended for beginners, those new to spending time at elevation and anyone with a shorter schedule. The trek itself is fairly short, only 5 days of actual trekking and each day is 5-6 hours long. The elevation gain is manageable with a maximum sleeping elevation of only 2607 m. That being said, it is still recommended that trekkers spend time before the trek preparing for the back-to-back days of movement.
Overall, with proper preparation and guidance from experienced guides, the Tamang Heritage Trek is accessible to lots of people including beginners, families, trail runners and large groups.
Respecting Culture and Religion on the Tamang Heritage Trek
Part of the appeal of the Tamang Heritage Trek is that it is rich in local Tamang culture, and Buddhist practices. Prayer wheels, mani walls and stupas add spiritual significance during your trek. While trekking and being hosted in tea houses, be mindful of the local norms in which modesty is the standard.
Openly changing in front of people and urinating in public spaces is not common. Please consider the culture when selecting what clothing to bring and keep public displays of affection to a modest minimum. Only enter homes and kitchens when invited, and ask for permission to take photos of local people and their homes (a good practice anywhere!).
Your right side and right hand is considered sacred, so pass religious structures with your right side facing them (walking clockwise). Additionally, practice only using your right hand for spinning prayer wheels, eating, and handing items (such as currency) to someone as a form of respect.
Tamang Heritage Trek Packing List
We have put together an incredible packing list for the Tamang Heritage Trek. It is extremely thorough and in some cases might be too much, so please use your own judgement when packing. Most people overpack for their first trek, so keep that in mind while gathering items. Porters can carry a maximum of 20kg, which is 10kg per person. We have created a detailed packing list with explanations and here is a condensed PDF packing checklist.
The Best Time of Year to Do the Tamang Heritage Trek
You can trek into the Langtang region year-round, however the best time is in the spring and autumn seasons. The spring season is typically from the mid-February to the beginning of May and is when the rhododendron forests are in full bloom. During the autumn season, which starts in mid-September and continues through to mid-November, you can expect wildflowers and ideal weather. Some guests are interested in coming at quieter times, or have schedule restrictions and choose to come during off season. This is fine if they are prepared to manage the weather conditions of the time.
Weather on the Tamang Heritage Trek
If you are trekking during peak seasons (spring and autumn), you are more likely to get clear skies, little precipitation, warm days and cool nights. At low elevation you might be surprised to know that the day time can be quite hot but the days cool off as you gain elevation. At night time, it can get quite chilly, especially with higher altitude.
If you are trekking closer to winter (which is December to mid-February), then you are likely to get clear but cold weather. If you are trekking close to monsoon season (which is mid-May to mid-September) then expect to get wet! Regardless of the time of year, the mornings are generally clearer in the mountains and the clouds start to roll in after midday.
What is the Food Like on the Tamang Heritage Trek?
Considering that you’re trekking into a remote part of the Himalayas, the food is pretty great! Each tea house has a small menu to choose from with local dishes and a few international options. The most recommended local food to try is Nepal’s national dish, dal bhat. Dal bhat is lentil soup (dal) and a hearty portion of rice (bhat), traditionally served with curry, sautéed greens, and maybe some fresh cut vegetables, a spicy sauce or local yogurt. It’s always made fresh and has unlimited refills to help refuel after a long day of trekking.
Another delicacy to add to your must-try list are momo, which are well-loved local dumplings. You can expect to see other dishes including pasta, fried noodles and soup for lunch and dinner and more western items for breakfast such as pancakes, eggs and oatmeal. Common food requirements such as allergies, vegan, and gluten-free can be easily accommodated for, but some cross-contamination is possible.
Accommodation On the Tamang Heritage Trek
Tea houses. You will be staying in tea houses which are small, simplistic lodges with a dining hall and guest rooms to stay overnight. This trek takes you off-the-beaten path into a region that is not overly developed. Plan for basic amenities, shared bathrooms and cold water.
The dining halls are often heated by a delightful wood stove, but there is no heating in the guest rooms so a good sleeping bag is required to keep you cozy and warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you book with Himalayan Peace Treks, we will obtain all necessary permits on your behalf. You need a Langtang National Park permit and TIMS card for this trek, which we will obtain with your passport at the park entry checkpoint.
Yes, it is recently mandatory to trek with a guide into the Langtang National Park and so a certified guide will accompany you on your Tamang Heritage Trek. Guides and trekking companies organize all of the trek details for you including arranging transportation, obtaining permits, and booking tea houses. Guides also offer local knowledge about the culture and language, as well as the surrounding flora, fauna and mountains. Your guide will help you set the pace, assess risks and manage emergency situations.
A porter is not necessary, but recommended for beginners on the Tamang Heritage Trek. If you have lots of experience trekking at high altitude and are feeling physically and mentally confident, then you will likely be just fine. Porters are recommended for anyone who is new to trekking, is nervous about the terrain, or is seeking more enjoyment rather than a challenge. Hiring a porter is a lovely way to support the local economy and have another staff member present in case of emergency.
At lower elevation you will have access to electricity on the Tamang Heritage Trek. As you commence on your trek and venture deeper into the Himalayas, you are less likely to find electricity. Many tea houses have solar power, but it is not enough to charge many devices. Some tea houses request a small additional fee for charging. Be prepared that the electricity is unpredictable and could cut out at any time. It is a good idea to bring a power bank or solar charging device on the Tamang Heritage Trek.
Surprisingly, yes, there is wifi accessible while trekking. Although we suggest that you use the opportunity to disconnect, many tea houses have wifi so you can still let your loved ones know that you are having the time of your life. Some tea houses charge a small fee to access the wifi for your stay. Similarly to the electricity, the wifi can be extremely unpredictable and unreliable so we don’t recommend that you plan to rely on it for anything important.
You can choose to travel via local bus or private jeep to and from Syabrubesi. A local bus is included in the price of your trek package. Local buses can be a fun cultural experience but are often noisy, dusty and slow. If you would like to add a private jeep for a quicker, more comfortable ride, then you are welcome to do so. We would subtract the cost of the local transportation from the cost of the private jeeps.
The total walking distance is approximately 50 km on the Tamang Heritage Trek. This number varies slightly depending on any side hikes that you choose to do. Each day you can expect to walk an average of 10 km for 5-6 hours.
Altitude sickness, which occurs as a result of spending time at high elevation, can happen any time you’re above 2500 m. It is a result of gaining altitude too quickly and not allowing time for the body to adjust to the reduced oxygen and air pressure changes. Symptoms can include anything from headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting and difficulty sleeping to more severe symptoms such as fluid in the lungs, irrational behaviour, breathlessness, blue skin, and an inability to walk.
Surprisingly, altitude sickness can happen to anyone, even if they’re young, fit, and have been at high altitude before.
It is unlikely that you will experience altitude sickness on the Tamang Heritage Trek due to its overall low altitude and moderate elevation gain from one day to the next. That being said, it is a good idea to take precautions.
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slooowly. This means physically walking slowly, as well as limiting how much elevation you gain in a short period of time, and stretching your trek out over many days. To further help the body acclimatize to the elevation gain, it’s a good idea to hike up to a higher point than you plan to sleep whenever possible. If it’s your first time at elevation or you have time to spare, then we can adjust your itinerary to include more days to help you ascend slower and rest more.
Altitude sickness medication is best used as a treatment instead of a prevention. You can consult your doctor if you have any specific questions.
DO: ascend slowly, drink lots of water, monitor your symptoms and trek with an experienced guide
DON’T: push through severe symptoms, heavily consume alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or smoke cigarettes, take sleeping pills, ascend too quickly
Yes, a tourist visa can be obtained at airport immigration upon your arrival. Visa options include a 15 day visa for $30, a 30 day visa for $50, and a 90 day visa for $125. You can pay the USD equivalent in any major currency. Although credit cards are accepted, cash is recommended.
If needed, you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Immigration Office in Pokhara. The extension cost is a minimum of $45 for up to 15 days and then an additional $3 per day.
Yes, obtaining good medical travel insurance before you come to Nepal is necessary to trek safely and worry-free. Ensure that whatever insurance you get covers high altitude activities. You will send your insurance information to Himalayan Peace Treks so we can coordinate your safe return if there are any unlikely emergencies.
To pay for your trek you can bring any major currency ($€£¥) or we can coordinate an online bank transfer. For spending money in Kathmandu and on your trek, you’ll need local Nepali Rupees (NPR) because Nepal mostly deals in cash. You can exchange or withdraw local rupees in Kathmandu (you cannot get any outside of Nepal). Once you venture into the mountains there are no reliable ATMs, so any cash you might need for the entirety of the trek (for snacks, souvenirs, gear replacement, tips, etc.) needs to have been already obtained.
To pay your initial 15% deposit, you can send a money transfer (eg. Wise), an international bank transfer, or use PayPal. To pay for the remainder of your trek, once you have arrived in Kathmandu, you can pay by cash (in any major currency), or any of the above listed online transfer options. Any fees associated with a transfer or payment are your responsibility. All prices are listed in USD.
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Total Cost:
US$ 645
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