The first Home-Stay Tourism Destination Completely Managed by the Community

Briddim Homestay Tourism Management Committee
Briddim, Rasuwa

Briddim Village
Briddim, a Tibetan Buddhist village in the bosom of Langtang Himal, is located at an elevation of 2229m. Around 43 houses are spread in Z shape. Most of the houses are made up of stone and have roofs of splitshake. As direct descendents of ancient Tibetan immigrants, the culture and tradition of Briddim closely resembles that of nearly Tibetan villages.

Cultural Heritage
Briddim is a living museum reflecting Tibetan culture, tradition and lifestyle. Though they are Tamang by ethnicity, they are largely influenced by Tibetan culture. Even families of Tibetan refugee are residing with the community.

Dawa Chukla Khnaga Gomba (Monastery and Dukchu Gomba are the most sacred places of the area. It is believed that the Dukchu Gomba was chosen by the great Tibetan Lama – Guru Rimpoche as the most sacred site for meditation.

Visitors may have the opportunity to experience many festivals as well as the non periodic rituals such as birth, death and marriage during their stay in Briddim. Syabru Nach and Mane Nach are the common Tamang dance. Dawa Dangbo Chhiju (February), Chuwa Chhiju (Nov), Yarsang (June), Dukpa Chhiju (August) and Lhosar (February) are the major festivals of the village. On a daily level, Mane Peme is performed by the women and lamas at the Gombas, Chheju is a long and intricate pageant of the village. During Chheju they must raise an altar at the Gomba / community place and more than 15 dances are performed around the altar.

The lifestyle is another interesting facet of the village. The major features of subsistence of the villager include livestock production, agriculture and trade with Kerung (Tibet). People try to rely on local food such as Himalayan wheat, maize, potato, soy bean, and millet for their livelihoods. Major traditional handicrafts include friendship band, pangap, belts, gloves, muffler, woolen bag, etc.

Natural Heritage
Briddim village is equally rich in natural attractions. The important natural attraction comprise the green forest of Alnus and Rhododendrons, lucrative landscape of Gotheghang and Pansang, high altitude meadow and endangered wildlife species including Himalayan black bear, Tahr, Ghoral, Red Panda and barking dear. Danphe, Monal and blood pheasants are major attractions among the ornithologists.

Home-stay Packages
Home-stay at Briddim is a unique experience. All accommodations, lodgings and foodings are offered at the individual houses on a rotational basis. Each host family provides clean bed, toilet and a family dining room. Trekking gear is also available for those interested in alpine treks to Gotheghang and Pangsang. Because Briddim is equipped to accommodate all trekking needs, no outside services and equipments are necessary for experiencing those entire packages. Individual trekkers and guided groups should follow the set menu, lodging fee and other services of the committee. However the visitor have choices to accept either some or all the activities of the package.

The package includes the experience of quaint customs at the village as well as natural / spiritual experience at Gotheghang and pangsang areas. The package covers 4 to 7 days according to the time availability and the interest of the visitors. Even the trip could be a small part of greater Langtang Trek.

Days      From                            To                       Time
1            Kathmandu                  Syabrubesi          8/9 hours (drive)
2            Syabrubesi                  Briddim                3 hours
3            Briddim                        Gotheghang        5 hours
4            Gotheghang                Pangsang            5 hours
5            Pangsang                    Briddim                6 hours
6            Briddim                        Syabrubesi          2 ½ hours
7            Syabrubesi                  Kathmandu          8/9 hours (drive)

After 8/9 hours memorable drive to Syabrubesi, the visitor start 3 hours light trek, passing through the scattered Bamboo forest, majestic pine forest and blooming forest of Rhododendron. The Himalayan Langur and the scenic landscape of Bhotekoshi River are the interesting features of the trek. Visitors are welcomed by the Lama and member of home-stay committee with the Khata (religious scarf) at Gomba. After taking Tibetan tea at the community house, visitors can visit the Gomba, pay homage to the God and offered a blessing from the Lama.

One can enjoy the evening with the host family, living with them, eating traditional foods and sleeping at their usual but clean bed. The choice for food is confined among the local available food offered. Plain rice (Dal Bhat), Tibetan Bread, Syakpa, Dhindo, Potato, Tibetan Tea, Briddim Wine, Himalayan fried wheat “Karu” are the indigenous foods usually available at Briddim. Apart from the usual cultural performance during the festival.

Access
Briddim village can be reached after 3 hours light walk from Syabrubesi, after 8/9 hours drive from Kathmandu. Syabrubesi is the starting point of the major trek to Langtang / Kyanjin. Local porters and trained guides are available at Syabrubesi to help your travel. 

Booking and Reservation
Briddim Homestay Tourism Management Committee (BHTMC) has no formal promotional office at Kathmandu. Visitors are highly recommended to make the necessary booking and reservation through registered Travel / Trekking Agencies in Kathmandu.