Bridim is a Z shaped village near the Langtang National Park. The trek to Bridim is a perfect destination to explore the local culture and tradition of the Tamang residents. Apart from the natural beauty of the village, Bridim is an example of sustainable living.
The Dukcha Gompa is a major attraction of the trek that is believed to be a meditation site of Guru Rinpoche. Likewise, the Loshar, Dawa Dangbo, Duka Chhiju, Chuwa Chhiju and other festivals of the village reflect the traditions and the culture of the village.
The trekkers will experience the diverse floral and faunal diversity. Being near to the National Park, the trek takes the trekkers closer to the experience of the wild.
The village itself offers the trekkers with the beautiful views of the mountains as well.
Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu
You will be met at the airport and be taken to the hotel. You may relax or explore until the group meets at dinner.
Day 2 – Tour around Kathmandu
After breakfast, you venture out for the full day sightseeing (6-7 hours) in a fascinating medieval city, its streets, bazaars, temples, shrines and Buddhist stupas are crowded with peoples of every creed, color and race. Rickshaws, taxis and hooting motorists add to the din and create that special atmosphere that Kathmandu is so famous for. You visit the Swayambhunath Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple) and the Durbar Square in the heart of the city. This is where the Kumari is. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Next you will drive to Patan, once a beautiful city in its own right which rivaled Kathmandu in terms of the splendor of its temples and squares. You cross a bridge over the Bagmati River that links Kathmandu with the city of Patan, its neighbor to the south. Patan has more excellent architecture and has long been a centre of Newari craftsmanship. There will also be time to purchase any last minute supplies for the mountains.
Day 3 – Drive by 4×4 from Kathmandu to Syabrubensi (about 6-8 hours)
This drive takes you up through the beautiful Himalayan foothills and through villages occupied by different ethnicities including Newar, Tamang (Tibetan related) and finally the Kerung Tibetans with whom you will spend most of your adventure. You will stop one night in Syabru deep in a valley at 1,400m in guest house accommodation. This is the last road you will see.
Day 4 – Walk from Syabrubensi to Bridim (2,200 m)
Bridim is your base village at 2,100 m and has a population of around 250. The walk from Syabru is mostly uphill and over into the next valley. Taken at a very leisurely pace this will take around 4-5 hours. Nights spent in Bridim will be in our comfortable Tibetan lodges with access to hot, running water, shower and modern toilet facilities.
Day 5
After a comfortable night’s sleep, today you will get to know Bridim. The village was settled by Tibetans from Kyirong several hundred years ago. Most houses are built on traditional patterns, and it is fascinating to observe the traditional way of life. Changes are coming to Bridim – there are now electric power lines, and there is a health post. The Gompa is the centre of village life. As you walk around the village, you are sure to be invited into houses that you pass.
Day 6 – Trek to Godekang at around 3,500m
This route, hidden from the tourist trails, follows a centuries-old yak herder path still in use today. You will wind up through the dense forests and appear above the tree line surrounded by some of the Himalayas’ highest peaks. Look out for monkeys, yak, bears and red panda (or even the yeti!!).
Day 7
It is well worth getting up early to take in the stunning mountain views. After breakfast you descend to Bridim and a welcome shower. Afternoon in leisure.
Day 8 – Day in Bridim
Rest your legs in Bridim, village tours and plenty of reading time. Depending on your interests, you may have the chance to visit the local mill, try your hand at weaving or help brew the local drink, Ara.
Day 9 – Day hike to Khamzing
Khamzing is another Tibetan village on the way to Langtang. Approximately 3 hours in total. You will be back to Bridim for lunch and spend the rest of the day in leisure. Today there will be a party Tibetan style with your porters and the villagers.
Day 10 – Trek to Thuman
Thuman is situated right across the valley from Bridim, but it is a reasonably strenuous walk to get there. After saying a sad farewell to the people of Bridim you descend through the lower fields belonging to the village, and cross a river to reach a small hamlet and then descend to the larger village of Lingling. You then cross the Bhoti Koshi River and start your climb up to Thuman. There are views up the river valley to Tibet and you will appreciate stopping to look at them several times as you climb uphill. Thuman is a large village, with a small hydro project that produces electricity for lighting.
Day 11
It is a great walk today, initially through the large fields of Thuman – it is not recommended to marry a man from Thuman as the fields are all large (by local standards) and involve much hard work! After an hour or so you reach the forest and open areas where yak herders camp. The path is very well graded and you should reach Nagathali and your campsite by lunchtime. Nagathali is a large grassy plateau, situated on top of a ridge, with fabulous views of Tibet and big snowy mountains. You may be able to go into the ancient Gompa. In the afternoon you can walk further up the ridge for more amazing views
Day 12
Again, it is worth getting up early to enjoy the fabulous views from this campsite. After an initial steep descent you reach the small Tibetan village of Brimdang which has a very old monastery situated in a spectacular setting. Again the descent goes through the small hamlets of Pajung and contours down and around the hillsides to reach the Bhote Koshi valley again, before walking for 20 minutes down the road to Syabrubensi and stay at a guest house for the night.
Day 13
Drive back to Kathmandu (about 6-8 hours)
Day 14
You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Important note: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary but as this is Adventure Travel, we cannot guarantee it! By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected, particularly in remote and/or mountainous regions. A variety of factors such as adverse weather conditions, difficulties with transportation and the health of group members can all contribute to the need to make changes, often at the very last minute. Changes can affect any part of the itinerary including overnight stops, duration of walking days, choice of accommodation and routing. Your trek leader will make every effort to maintain the integrity of the original itinerary and minimize the impact of any changes, but an easy-going and flexible nature is a real asset! Please note that all timings and distances given are approximate.
