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.

Tamang Museum and Cultural Centre at Dhunche Village

Rasuwa district holds the majority of Tamang people with 64% of its population and has widely been populate as the land of Tamangs in the tourism market. The rich Tamang culture, tradition, artifacts, songs and festivals together with natural attractions have attracted thousands of visitors in the district. Basically 3 categories of Tamangs such as pure Tamang in northern-west areas (Gatlang, Goljung, Haku), Tibetan influenced Tamang (Timure, Briddim, Langtang) and Lower Tamang (Bhorle, Dhaibung area) are found in Rasuwa. The age old rich Tamang culture is now under pressure due to poverty led activities in non tourist areas and over commercialization of culture in tourist areas. Both of these factors are resulting in the degradation of Tamang culture and ultimately degrading the potentials of tourism in the district. In order to minimize the degradation of Tamang culture and to preserve and satisfy the visitors with its rich culture, Tamang Museum and Cultural Centre (TMCC) is now operational at the Dhunche village of Dhunche, Rasuwa.

Objectives of TMCC

1. To preserve the rich Tamang culture, tradition and costumes

2. To raise awareness to the locals on the value and importance of culture

3. To promote cultural based tourism activities

4. To offer facilities for traditional cultural performance on a traditional as well as commercial basis

5. To offer space and facilities for meetings, workshops, conference, and documentary show etc.

Facilities and Services available at the Center

1. Museum Visit: The upper storey has been decorated with the museum material and information related to Tamang culture, rituals, costumes, ornaments, lifestyles, living/eating patterns and the old history. Tamang costumes are available for rental and photography.

2. Cultural Performance: The lower storey has been equipped with the facilities and services for cultural performance. The performance includes typical Syabru dance (Group dance), Lama Dance and Shamanic dance by the Shamans (Jhankri). During the clear and sunny days, programs can be performed in the outer yards.

3. Buying local Handicrafts: Locally made woolen and wooden handicrafts have been placed for sale at the corner of Museum complex. The crafts may remind the visitors of the rich Tamang culture and costumes.

4. Documentary show, training, meeting, workshops and other ceremony: The lower storey has been equipped with facilities for the culture and tourism related documentary show, meeting, conference and workshop etc on a rental basis.

Visitors are also expected to have a cup of tea at the Museum premises. Furthermore visitors are requested to visit the old Dhunche village to see the culture, tradition and the cultural transformation by comparing their lifestyles in reference to the Museum.

The Museum is open from 7.00 am to 9.00 am in the morning and 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm in the evening. The cultural program is performed at 7.00 pm on requested only. The lower storey is open for training, meeting and documentary show on request by the parties on payments.

Places to visit for Enjoy at Basantapur (Tehrathum)

Teen Jure Danda is at 3,066 meters from where one can see magnified views of sunrise and sunset, and majestic view of mountains. 34 varieties of rhododendron are found here. Teen Jure Danda is about half hour away from Basantapur Bazaar. Milke Danda on the way to Taplejung is another popular rhododendron forest. At 2,905 meters, Milke Danda provides a closer view of the Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna mountains in addition to the scenic beauty of sunrise and sunset. It falls on the trekking trail between Taplejung and Basantapur Bazaar.

Pattek Danda at 2,500 meters, is equally beautiful for sunrise, sunset and a wide view of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Pattek Danda is ideal for short trek and is also a good area for picnics. There is a popular Kail temple 2 hour walk west from Basantapur Bazaar. Pattek Danda, about 3 kilometers away from Basantapur can also be reached via Chitre that is 15-minute drive away. From here Pattek Danda is 30- minute trek away.

Gupha Pokhari is a natural pond that lies on the trekking trail to Taplejung from Basantapur. Picturesque views of mountains, sunrise and sunset can be seen from here. This pond is culturally significant and is also a good resting place for trekkers to Taplejung.

Marg Pokhari is another natural pond on the lap of the hills. The pond holds religious value and scenic beauty. It is situated at a height of about 2,600 meters. The pond has contributed to keep the surroundings green. Marg Pokhari watershed area has as dense forest that habitats popular species of rhododendron and precious plants. Marg Pokhari is on the way to Basantapur from Sindhuwa, which is 5 kilometers from Basantapur Bazaar.

Shukrabare Bazaar in Hammarjung VDC, a weekly fair is showcasing mixed culture of the settlements. Majority of the inhabitants here are Limbus. Thus, it is an ideal place and time to experience the rich Limbu cultures. The village is popular for traditional weaved Kadhi. The village can be reached via Sindhuwa Bazaar which is another popular area of Basantapur.

Panchakanya Pokhari is another popular tourist site. Also known as Chhathar Pokhari, Panchakanya Pokhari is approximately 2-hour walk further down from Shukrabare Bazaar. Among the many ponds the biggest pond that lies in the area is Panchakanya.

A Well Known Touristic Area, Basantapur (Thehrathum)

Basantapur is in Tehrathum district of Koshi zone. It can be reached via Hile in Dhankuta district. Bushes are available at Central Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu. Another option is to fly to Biratnagar and drive over to Hile Bazaar. Buses are available from Hile Bazaar to Basantapur.

Basantapur is set up in the enhancing surrounding of mountains and greenery. Offering excellent respite from city life, the diverse landscapes includes terraced fields as well as plain land, which are covered by different types of vegetation. The mixed pastures, hills of colorful rhododendron and jasmine, beautiful sunrise and sunset, friendly people and rich Limbu culture offer additional appeal. Basantapur at 2,200 meters also hosts trekkers on the way to Mt. Kanchenjunga in Taplejung district and the popular Teenjure Milke – Jaljale Trail.

Ethnic groups that reside in the area are Gurung, Rai, Tamang, Brahmin and Chhetri. Tharu, Newar and Marwadi people also live here. Most of the people are farmers by occupation. In the surrounding areas of Basantapur, Limbu culture is predominant.

Budget Hotels and moderate accommodation facilities are available in Basantapur Bazaar. There are many small hotels and restaurants in the area to cater to local passersby. Camping sites are also available for trekkers. Other facilities are also available in Basantapur Bazaar.

The best times to visit are autumn and spring between October-December or from February-April. The weather is cool and temperate here most times of the year, which makes Basantapur ideal for visit anytime. Summers are pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20-degree Celsius, while winters are not extreme even though temperatures could sometimes fall below 0 degree.