Overview
Our Chepang Hill Trek takes you into an area that is seldom visited by foreigners. It lies in the lush, middle hills of Nepal, just north of Chitwan National Park. While hiking on the hilly trail, we pass though ethnically Chepang villages, hence the name Chepang Hill Trek. The area is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. In fact, Nepal has roughly 846 bird species, roughly ten percent (10%) of the world’s population. There is also a plethora of wildlife to be found in the area.
A major highlight of this trek is learning about the Chepang people, that ethnic group that lives in the area. Their language is part of the Tibeto-Burman language group. Formerly living a semi-nomadic lifestyle, they have started to settle down in the last couple of generations. Nowadays, they rely more permanently on farming. However, the wide range of topography makes farming difficult, pushing them to collect food from outside more often. The Chepang people also have their own language and unique customs. Besides Chepang, the trekking route passes through Newar, Chhetri, and Magar villages.
There are increasingly more problems facing the Chepang population, including lack of education, malnutrition, and marginalization from the Nepali government. In taking the Chepang Hill Trek, you will not only have a priceless experience in some of Nepal’s most unique and isolated villages, but you will also be helping the locals to be financially self-sustaining.
The trek is quite ‘off-the-beaten-path’ and you will see very few tourists on the trail. At the homestay, you will be wholeheartedly welcomed as a guest. After a pleasant drive from Kathmandu, we begin our journey. Hike around terraced hillsides up to a viewpoint at Siraichuli (1960 meters), where we can see the Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Dhaulagiri ranges. Then we descend through wet, flourishing jungles to reach Shaktikhor, a busy market that is fun to explore. The next day, we head back to Kathmandu and reminisce on our journey with a tasty typical Nepali meal.
Come join us on this awesome heritage trek and learn about Chepang culture! The trail is conveniently located near Chitwan National Park, so it can be easily combined with a safari tour as well.
Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. The Pikey Peak Trek requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Trip Highlights
· Non-touristy trail that gives a feeling of solitude and peace
· Homestay facilities allow you to learn about Chepang culture
· Hike through lush jungles – a prime place for bird watching and wildlife viewing
· Try traditional Chepang food and drinks
Views of the magnificent Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Langtang ranges
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m).
- Day 02: Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing, including UNESCO sites.
- Day 03: Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Hugdi Bazaar and trek to Hattibang (1410m), 5 hours.
- Day 04: Day 04: Hattibang to Jyandala (1600m), 5 hours.
- Day 05: Day 05: Jyandala to Dangadhi (1275m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 06: Day 06: Dangadhi to Shaktikhor (355m), 3-4 hours.
- Day 07: Day 07: Drive back from Shaktikhor to Kathmandu. Driving 6 hours.
- Day 08: Day 08: Final Departure.
Trip note
Accommodation
All our packages include accommodation at the cost. This accommodation is included during the set itinerary. While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you. During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay in based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be the twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.
Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time. During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental ,Italian , Tibetan and Indian at teahouses. While camping, we will prepare the meals for you. After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel.
Guide & Porters
A government-licensed guide will lead the trek. All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry. Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one. If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it. Your safety is our number one priority. For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers. For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.
Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience
As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary. It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial. Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness. More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek. We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control. In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains.
Best Time to Travel
The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season. It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures. It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.
