Chepang Hill Trail

The Chepang are an indigenous people of the steep Mahabharat hills between Chitwan, Makwanpur, Dhading and Gorkha. Traditionally semi-nomadic, they lived by foraging, hunting and shifting cultivation, and they remain among the poorest communities in Nepal.

The trail

The Chepang Hill Trail was set up as a community tourism route so that visitors' money reaches Chepang villages directly. It climbs from the Trishuli valley through terraced ridges, forests and hamlets, typically over three to five days, with a side climb to Siraichuli — at about 1,945 m the highest point in Chitwan district. On clear days you see the snow peaks of central Nepal to the north and the flat Tarai to the south.

Staying with families

Nights are spent in homestays and simple lodges. Expect basic rooms, home cooking and the chance to learn about Chepang food such as chiuri (butter tree) products, bananas and oranges from their farms.

Go with a guide

Trails are not always clearly marked, and a local guide makes the difference both for route-finding and for real conversations with your hosts.