Indigenous People Trail

A soft 8-day trekking product, the first of its kind in Nepal, the ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ offers unique, living exposure to one of the mostculturally diverse areas of Nepal. The ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ offers scenic trekking at relatively low elevations from 3,146 m to 533 m. Bound by Thulo Sailung peak in the North, the aqua-blue Sun Koshi flowing along the south and the fast-flowing Tama Koshi in the east, the ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ presents an incomparable and natural blend of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity coupled with breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, stretching from Dhauligiri and Annapurna in the west to Numburchuli and Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak in the east. The ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ is possible almost throughout the year, although the best season is October to December, and March to April when the Rhododendrons are in bloom. Against a magnificent Himalayan backdrop visitors gain invaluable insight to the culture and lifestyle of several local Indigenous Peoples including Tamang, Newar, Sherpa, Thami, Yolmo and Majhi. The two predominant religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, are ever present with the variety of gods and goddess, temples, stupas and monasteries.

The ‘IP Trail' allows you to stay overnight in private homes in traditional villages far from commercialized tourist trails. Rooms in local houses are renovated, but otherwise expect a few tourist-style comforts. Host families are trained to prepare meals hygienically. When staying with a Nepali family guests live the life as the local people do, and are treated like part of the family. The homes reflect the traditional and simple atmosphere of the people. Apart from the pleasure of being amidst peaceful and serene environment, tourists can also enjoy the traditional folk dances and music presented by the local men and women in their colorful traditional dresses. The focus for the guests is on experiencing and learning from an authentic and enriched culture. Visitors are often involved in local activities that range from cooking classes through to attending a traditional wedding, watching a local cultural dance. The Home-stay allows visitors to discover the real Nepal and to enjoy the untouched countryside. Unlike highly commercialized routes, trekkers walk through uninhabited areas and meet few fellow travelers. No fees or permits are currently required for this trek. Target international tourists include repeat visitors, adults and children (soft trekkers), mediators, researchers, university and college students, backpackers/budget tourists and short-duration holiday makers. Target domestic tourists include university and college students, cultural researchers, and religious pilgrims and short-duration holiday makers.

In summary, the trail experiences include panoramic Himalaya, mid-Hill and riverine confluence views, culture (6 ethnic groups) and cultural performances, Homestay, soft trekking, monastery visits and meditation, temple visit and animal sacrifice, mountain biking, bird watching, forest walks, fishing, pig and fish BBQ, Janaipurnima (Hindu) festival (summer), and agro-tourism activities (potato, rice and millet cultivation – production and harvesting).