Chepang Cultural Heritage Trail

The route walks amidst the Mahabharat Range of central Nepal. It is positioned to the north of Royal Chitwan National Park, and linked via the Barandabhar Corridor Forest. There is a mixture of dense, broad-leafed deciduous forest along with chir-pine forest, and areas of settlement and cultivation. There are also beautiful groves of Nepal’s National Flower, the rhododendron, which burst into flower in the early spring. The highest point along the trek is Siraichuli Hill (1945 meters). The trek features a community of mixed ethnicity, including Magars, Gurungs, Giripuris, as well as Chepangs. You can take advantage of this diversity as each group offers its own cultural program. A typical Chepang staple is dhindo (millet, buckwheat, corn, or barley flour mixed into a thick paste) served with a vegetable curry of eggplant, string beans, leafy greens, potatoes, wild yams, and or stinging nettles. From Jandala, it is just a short two-hour hike back up to Siraichuli Hill to watch the sunset over the highest mountain range in the world. The Chepang ethnic group, usually, live on fruits and roots of the nature. This group still practice shamanism and have strong belief in natural deities, Fire, Water, Wind, as they put it. The sunrise view from Siraichuli is spectacular with 29 different ranges of the Himalayas in view on a clear day. From west to east, some of the major Himalayas in view include: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I & II, Manasulu, Ganesh, Langtang, and Gaurishanker-Rowaling. This trek is ideal for bird watching. The birds like, Eurasian Jay, White-Browed Shrike Babbler, Mountain Bulbul, Kalij Pheasant, Warblers, Flycatchers, Cuckoos, as well as Laughing and Rock thrushes. When in full bloom, the Rhododendron groves, and several varieties of orchids create a dazzling and colourful landscape. The climate of the area is generally cooler than Kathmandu or the Chitwan lowlands. In winter, be prepared with warm clothing, but during summer months the climate is generally warm.

Trek Summary
Best Seasons: September – May
Duration: 6 days
Max Elevation: 1945 m
Communities: the Chepangs, the Magars, the Gurungs, the Khas and the Bahuns

ITINERARY

Day 03-Kathmandu-Hugdi 3hrs drive and Hike to Kaaule (5hrs hike)- Homestay

Day 04- Breakfast-Birding in Kaaule surroundings –back to Homestay

Day 05- Breakfast and Birding hike to Upardang Gahdi (5hrs)—overnight at Gadhi Cottage

Day 06- Breakfast–Birding in Chispani Tar- whole day-Back to Gadhi Cottage

Day 07- Birding to –Gardas-to Padampur- to Sauraha in the evening

Day 08- Drive to Kathmandu