By Alex Narracott, Managing Director, Much Better Adventures

If you want to explore the mountains and valleys of the Indian and Nepalese Himalayas, 3 of the 5 local travel operators who form India’s groundbreaking Green Circuit initiative offer the perfect opportunity to do so. This 3 part blog will explore the northern Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh with Spiti Ecosphere (Part 1), the North Eastern regions and the Neora Valley National Park with Help Tourism (Part 2), and Nepal’s Tamang heritage trail with Social Tours (Part 3).

Part 3: Discovering Nepal with Social Tours and Treks

Nepal is regarded as one of the adventure capitals of the world, and Social Tours are local trekking and adventure specialists who are leading by example. They are fast gaining a reputation as an expert group absolutely dedicated to their principles of respect, honesty, social inclusion and environmental protection.

Social Tours also played an instrumental role in developing the green circuit responsible tourism initiative, coordinate volunteer programs in the area, and dedicate 10% of profits every year to charities like the Joy Foundation Nepal, who conduct free cataract eye camps in rural areas of Nepal, and Antardristi Nepal, helping Nepalese youth and children achieve sound mental health.

One of their latest itineraries, set in the Langtang region of Nepal, one of Nepal’s most famous trekking destinations, gives you a flavour of what is on offer. Developed by the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program (TRPAP), the “Tamang Heritage Trail” is a newly created tourism route which escapes the beaten tracks of Langtang. It helps visitors discover the ancient lifestyle and customs of the Tamang people, whilst also enjoying a 7 day trek through this stunning region.

Tamang Heritage Trail (Photo: Ram Chandra Sedai)

Staying in a variety of tea houses and community run lodges, and experiencing Tamang rituals, culture, festivals, traditional architecture, costumes, and local Syabru dances en-route, this trail is a unique cultural experience and provides maximum involvement and benefits to the local communities.

One of the highlights of the trek is the view from Goljung Pass, from where views of Langtang and Kerung (Tibet) can be awe inspiring. To ease those trekking aches, you can also enjoy a hot bath in the healing hot-water spring at Tatopani (Surkhet District) before reaching Nagthali, where the accommodation is a unique experience. The ancient monasteries and houses adorned with rich wood engravings at Thuman are also unforgettable.

Trekking in the Langtang Region (Photo: Social Tours)

At Briddim one gets to experience the famous Tamang hospitality, where there is a home stay facility in 24 houses. The visitor enjoys an evening with the host family, living with them, eating traditional foods and sleeping in a clean bed. Plain rice, Tibetan bread, Syakpa (Sherpa Stew), Potato, Tibetan tea, Briddim wine are the indigenous food offered. The visitor can also go on village walks, guided by the host family, to see the lifestyle, traditions and customs of the people.

>> Learn more about Social Tours on MuchBetterAdventures.com.

More about Much Better Adventures

MuchBetterAdventures.com is a travel directory of independant tour operators and eco-travel adventure companies, making it easier for travelers to find friendly local adventure choices that also support the local communities and destinations.

More about Social Tours

Socialtours.com travels (and Socialtreks.com adventures, a specialist trekking company, also under the same management) is a Nepalese company based in Thamel, Kathmandu offering tailor-made trips that promote and preserve Nepal’s rich cultural and ecological diversity.