The Chepang Hill Trek is a comparatively recently developed off-the-beaten-path trekking route located in the central region of Nepal, covering some parts of the Dhading and Chitwan Districts. It is a unique experience of culture and wilderness through the traditional settlements of the Chepang people, an indigenous ethnic group of Nepal. The trek is a combination of indigenous cultural and Chitwan wildlife experiences.
Chepang Hill Trek embarks from Hugdi Khola after a 3 to 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to the Prithvi highway. Then, the journey begins through the lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque landscapes of the Mahabharat Range. The trail goes through the numerous Chepang villages, allowing you to witness of their traditional lifestyle, customs, and culture. The Chepang people are a known marginalized ethnic group of Nepal with their rich cultural heritage, unique language, and traditions.
Chepang is one of the indigenous ethnic groups among 123 groups in Nepal. This community still follows a nomadic lifestyle, and their primary lifestyle includes hunting, foraging for wild roots, fishing, and traditional farming near jungles. They believe in the spiritual world, so Chepang witch doctor is very popular in Nepal. Their settlements, house construction, social organization, language, customs, festivals, and religion are different from other communities. The Chepang Hill trail adjoins Asia’s most beautiful Chitwan National Park, which has been listed in the World Heritage Sites. So, it is known as Chitwan Chepang Hill Trekking. Other attractions of this trek are the Nomadic cultural experience of the Chepang Community, jangle safari, and rafting in the Trishuli River. The Chepang Hill Trek is conducted as a basic homestay trek, where you will stay in a local house with your family. It aims to support the marginalized Chepang community's economy.
The Chepang Hill Trek offers a captivating glimpse into the livelihoods of the Chepang and other local communities. The warm hospitality of the villagers, who invite trekkers to stay in their lovely homes and share meals with them, is one of the trek's most intriguing features. This in itself creates a journey of discovery. The combination of unique cultural experiences and the allure of natural attractions add to the charm of this trekking adventure.
The Chepang Hill Trail commences at Hugdi Khola, located between Mugling and Krishna Bhir in the Dhading district, approximately 80 km away from Kathmandu. The trek concludes in Chitawan Shaktikhor. Alternatively, if starting from Chitwan National Park, the trail can begin from Shaktikhor and end at Hugdi Khola. As you embark on the journey, rolling hills adorned with lush vegetation unfold before your eyes. The landscape features picturesque rice fields dotted with small houses, adorned in traditional orange colors.
The last two hours of the trek present the most challenging section, as you follow a stream up a ravine towards the pass. From this vantage point, a breathtaking view of the Chepang Gaun valley opens up while you navigate a narrow path close to the mountains. Upon arriving in the village, the locals graciously serve their traditional Dal Bhat, providing a taste of authentic cuisine.
Ascending to the top of Sirai Chuli Hill (2,000 m) rewards trekkers with a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan range stretching from east to west. Majestic peaks such as Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu 8000+, Annapurna 8000+, and Dhaulagiri 8000+ adorn the horizon, leaving trekkers in awe of their grandeur.
The Chepang Hill Trek is an enchanting journey that not only allows you to appreciate the natural splendor of the region but also provides a profound understanding of the local communities and their way of life.
Chitwan presents a plethora of adventures and activities to indulge in, including jungle safaris, bird watching, and canoe trips. The renowned Chitwan National Park is revered for its dense tropical forests teeming with a diverse array of wildlife and bird species. The park is a sanctuary for approximately 600 species of plants, providing a thriving habitat for a remarkable range of fauna.
Within the park's boundaries, one can encounter a captivating assortment of wildlife. Among the inhabitants are rare one-horned rhinos, captivating creatures on the brink of endangerment. Additionally, the park boasts sightings of majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, graceful Gangetic Dolphins, and formidable Ghadiyal Crocodiles. A rich variety of species can be found, including grey monkeys, common brownish-red rhesus monkeys, deer, leopards, wild dogs, various types of mongoose and cats, wild boars, porcupines, hyenas, bats, and squirrels.
The Chitwan National Park is particularly renowned for its substantial population of one-horned rhinos, with nearly 600 individuals, accounting for a quarter of the global total for this species. These rhinos continue to thrive and multiply within the protected boundaries of the park. Furthermore, the park is home to an estimated 100 tigers, further enhancing its reputation as a habitat for these majestic big cats.
With its abundant wildlife, diverse plant life, and captivating landscapes, Chitwan National Park offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse oneself in the wonders of nature and experience the thriving ecosystem that exists within its boundaries.
The Chepang Hill Trek concludes at the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour at Sauraha. Collecting boundless experiences in your life, take the tourist bus to Kathmandu. We “Nepal Mother House Treks” are glad to organize the Chepang Hill Trek shorter or longer according to your desire and holiday schedule by our experienced guide. It can do it the whole year round, but September to mid-November and March to mid-May are the best times.
Highlights
- See the nomadic Chepang ethnic group lifestyle.
- Wildlife tour in Chitwan National Park.
- Combination of culture, mountain scenery, and wildlife.
- Conducting a homestay trip.
