Trek to the Tatopani hot springs

From Gatlang the trail descends to the Chilime area and then climbs through farms and forest to Tatopani, whose name simply means hot water. Here natural hot springs are piped into concrete bathing pools, used by local people for health and by trekkers for tired legs. The walk takes 5 to 6 hours with breaks. The trail passes Tamang villages, fields and patches of forest, with views back to Gatlang and across to Ganesh Himal. Take breaks at village tea shops, where you can buy noodles, biscuits and tea. Your guide will set the pace and choose the route based on current trail conditions.

Villagers believe the waters help with aches, skin problems and stiffness, and you will often share the pool with elderly people from nearby villages. Bathe in shorts and a T-shirt or swimsuit with a cover, and follow local custom about who uses the pools when. The pools are busiest in the morning and evening, when villagers come to bathe after work. Afternoons are quieter. Keep valuables with your guide while you bathe, and bring flip-flops for the walk from the changing area. Soap should not be used in the pools themselves.

Tatopani has simple lodges and homestays. Next day the trail climbs to the Nagthali viewpoint and continues toward Thuman. Some parts of this area lie near flood-affected valleys and roads; check current status before you travel. The Nagthali viewpoint above Tatopani, at around 3,200 m, has wide views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal and is the high point of the loop. From there the trail descends to Thuman and on to Briddim. Rest well at Tatopani, as the climb to Nagthali is steep.