Chepang Hill Trek with Chitwan Safari – 10 Days
(ETNNP052)  Nepal

Overview

Chitwan 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 lifestyle, hunting, foraging for wild roots and fishing and traditional farming near jungles. 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 Makwanpur, Chitwan, Gorkha and Dhading district. Other ethnic groups found in this region largely comprise of Tharu, Musahar, Satahar, Danuwar, Tamang, Kumal Gurung and Magar. The Chitwan 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.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Thamel by private car.

Depending upon your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel or go out and explore the city on your own or with an English-speaking guide (an optional add-on). Here are some activities to consider:

• Explore around Thamel, the colorful tourist hub of Kathmandu.
• Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, surrounded by narrow alleyways with small shops, ancient temples, and local restaurants.
• Walk up to Swayambhunath, the white stupa above the city. You can take a taxi from Thamel if you are too tired to walk.
• Relax at the Garden of Dreams, a classical garden in Thamel, with an exquisite ensemble of pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture, and beautiful flowers and trees.

In the evening you will be briefed about your trek and introduced to your trekking guide, then you’ll go out for a welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a cultural program.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up by an English-speaking tour guide for a day of exploring some of Kathmandu’s popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Today, you’ll learn many interesting facts and stories about Hindu and Buddhist culture, history, and the people of Nepal. 

Boudhanath Stupa is on the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. The stupa is a massive mandala, and the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, north-east of central Kathmandu. Here you will see many sadhu holy men and cremations taking place in the open air. 

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Hugdi - Trek to Hattibang

After breakfast, drive to Hugdi (about 3- 4 hours away) by private car, followed by a trek to Hattibang, about five hours.

Hattibang is a beautiful village with magnificent mountain views and a mix of Magar, Chepang, and Giripuri culture. This moderate to challenging trek offers picturesque views as you pass small villages, the awesome scenery of the Trishuli River, and the mountains on the horizon. Stay overnight in local homes or community-managed guest houses.

Day 4: Trek Hattibang to Jyandala

The second day of our trek starts from Hattibang and ends at Jyandala after about 4-5 hours of trekking.

On the way the trail passes some Chepang settlements such as Jautesh, Changa, and Dinglang. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the mountains, and a magnificent sunrise and sunset. Mountains you might see include Rolwaling, Gauri Shankar, Langtang, Gorkha Himal, Peak 29, Himal Chhuli, Manaslu, the Annapurna range, and Dhaulagiri. Towards the south lie the green jungles of the Chitwan National Park, on the Terai.

Overnight accommodation is in a village homestay.

Day 5: Trek Jyandala to Upper Dangadhi

It takes about seven hours to trek from Jyandala to Gadi, via Siraichuli and Chisapanitar. Today’s trail meanders through forests and grazing fields, with views varying between the Himalaya and the plains of the Terai. You may get to see a variety of birds on the trail. The dense forest in this region is homeland to other wild animals, too. The trail leads you through an ever-changing landscape to Upper Dangadhi, where there are still the remains of a historic fort that defended the surrounding countryside.

Stay overnight with local families.

Day 6: Trek Upper Dangadhi to Saktikhor

The trail from Gadhi to Saktikhor takes about six hours. Saktikhor is another Chepang village, and the center of the Chepang people’s sustainable tourism initiative. You can visit the Chepang Museum, as well as caves and waterfalls around Saktikhor.

Day 7: Drive from Shaktikhor to Chitwan - Evening Tharu Cultural Program

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your private car and driven to Chitwan. Rest at your hotel after an adventurous trek.

After some time to settle in, you will be briefed about available jungle activities in Chitwan. In the evening, you will enjoy a Tharu cultural program.

Day 8: Full Day Jungle Activities in Chitwan

Today, have a full day jungle safari activities, including canoeing, a visit to the elephant breeding center, a jeep safari, and more. You’ll see a lot of spectacular wildlife and learn many interesting facts about the park and its flora and fauna from your naturalist guide. Wildlife you’re likely to see include greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar deer, barking deer, gharial crocodiles and a wide variety of bird life. With a bit of luck, you may even glimpse a leopard, sloth bear, or a Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 9: Fly to Kathmandu - Farewell Dinner

After breakfast you will be transferred to the nearest airport, from which you’ll take a short half-hour flight back to Kathmandu. There, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day, before dinner, is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’d like to rest, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. There are many shops to choose from in Thamel.

In the evening you will be taken for a farewell dinner at a restaurant serving authentic Nepali food.

Day 10: Farewell Nepal!

Today you will be transferred to the airport three hours before your flight. Bid farewell to Nepal, for now!

Tour Cost & Schedule in 2023 & 2024

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Value Added

We are ready to welcome you with all the necessary safety measures (Post -19 Pandemic Halt). Hence we assure you of safety and security by following the optimal precautions.

Safety Assurance from Us (Tour/Trekking Operator)

• Vehicles fully cleaned and disinfected
• Foot bath mat available at entrance
• Extra masks available (if required)
• Safe distancing
• We carry limited number of passengers
• Our crew wear full PPE while disinfecting the vehicle
• Temperature screening available
• Our crew tested fit to travel
• Sanitizers available
• We carry additional deep wipe down cleaning of high touched areas
• Hygiene kit available for sale
• Our crew wear face mask and face shield

Safety Rules for Travelers (You)

• Namaste over handshake
• Do not travel if unwell
• Wear face mask all the time
• Maintain safe distancing
• Use foot mat while boarding
• Undertake temperature screening
• Ventilators over air conditioning
• Avoid unnecessary surface touching
• Wash/Sanitize hands regularly
• Follow sneeze etiquette
• Follow safety instructions (from local authority)
• Carry your personal hygiene all the time

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