The Experience of Chitawan Chepang Hills Trail

Nepal’s best-known and most accessible national park, Royal Chitawan National Park is invariably associated with the Royal Bengal tiger and the great one- horned rhinoceros, both endangered species. Besides this, another factor adding a distinct touch to the Chitawan experience is the colorful Tharu and the Chepang culture. Trekking into the Chitawan Chepang Hill Trail, takes one through the charming villages of Nepal’s hills and also gives an opportunity to experience first-hand the Chepang culture prevalent in this region. Chitawan lies south-west of Kathmandu, near the Indian border on the tropical terai. It is accessible by air with a flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur or Meghauli, and by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara. One can either take a bus from Kathmandu or a raft trip down the Trisuli River to begin the trek. The trail climbs uphill from Hugdi Khola through Laitak Chautara and Khor Bhanjyang, a campsite among terraced fields.

The newly developed Chitawan Chepang Hills Trail is unique because of one of the most ethnic cultures of Nepal- Chepang Culture. Chepangs, believed to be influenced by Tamangs, speak their own distinct language, leading a nomadic life and their primary lifestyles, hunting, foraging for wild roots and fishing and traditional farming near jungle. A Praja Pande (faith healer) might be an interesting figure for cultural tourists to be introduced to. They inhabit the remote and sparse contours of Makawanpur, Chitawan, Gorkha and Dhadhing districts. Other ethnic groups found in this region largely comprise of Tharu, Musahar, Danuwar, Tamang, Kumal Gurung and Magar. The Chitawan Chepang Hills Trail offers a rare combination of cultural and sightseeing experience. A stay in the beautiful homes of the villagers as guests and sharing their meals is a journey of discovery in itself. The unique culture in this area, bird watching and other natural attractions add to the experience.

Wholesome and organic locally produced agricultural items are available along the Chepang Hills Trail. Millets, wheat, corn, buck wheat Dhido (nepali food item) and roti, baked corn, soybeans and other beans, dal and rice, gundruk (partially fermented edible leaves), seasonal vegetables and fruits, ghee, milk, honey, curd, other juices, poultry/goat items, edible roots etc are available. Other items like Kheer (pudding), sel-roti (fox bread), black dal’s phulaura (fried item), crab, tama (bamboo shoots), fish, nettle etc are also available on demand.