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Indigenous People Trail Trek

Overview

  • Duration8 Days
  • Trip GradeEasy 
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • ActivityTours, Hiking, Culture
  • Group Size8 People Maximum
  • Max Altitude3146m.

About Indigenous People Trail Trek

The Indigenous People Trail is a classic short and easy trek to escape the congestion of commercialized trekking routes and get off the beaten track to experience the real Nepal.

"Indigenous People (IP) Trail" or IP trail culture trek takes place in the Ramechhap district, 130 km east of the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. The first of its kind in Nepal, the IP Trail offers unique, living exposure to one of the most culturally diverse regions of Nepal combined with the beautiful natural scenery.

Sailung peak in the North and the golden Sun Koshi River flowing along the South, the start or end point of the IP Trail, which offers a unique and natural combination of ethnic cultural diversity and stunning mountains and mid-Hill Panoramas.

This newly opened trekking routes in Nepal, a cultural trek par excellence, without a doubt one of the best treks in Nepal. This trek is possible throughout round the year, although, when you are traveling in spring the Rhododendrons are blooming.

The trail has been named 'Indigenous People Trail' (IP Trail) in honor of the six major ethnic settlements in the region. Hikers are welcomed into the culture and lifestyle of indigenous communities, including Sherpa, Newar, Thami, Tamang, Yolmo and Majhis, on this lively cultural route. 

Highlights

  • The ideal first Himalaya trek through off the beaten trail
  • The beauty of the ancient rhododendron forests
  • Enjoy views of alpine rivers, fields, and Gaurishanker mountain range
  • Experiencing with local culture and tradition of Indigenous peoples of Nepal
  • Highly experienced Sherpa guide

Itinerary

  1. Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

    You will arrive at Kathmandu where we will pick you up from the airport and drop you to your hotel. Meanwhile, you can take your time to stroll around to visit the temples and monuments.

    There are plenty of places that you will find fascinating if you wander around.

    • Accommodation:Optional
    • Meals:No
    • Maximum Altitude:1400m.
    • Time:Rest day

  2. We start our trek in Napalthok after about 4 hours driving by bus from Kathmandu. After 45 minutes of walking along the banks of the Sun Koshi River, we reach the small village of Majhi in Lubhughat (533m).

    You'll meet the Majhi people, famous for their fishing expertise and their cultural milieu. In the evening Majhi culture dance performance and overnight at the local homestay.

    • Accommodation:Homestay
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:533m.
    • Time:45 minutes

  3. After breakfast leaving Lubughat, we start our journey with a gently steep climb to Dongme. On the way you will enjoy the newly renovated trails leading to the majestic view of the Sun Koshi River and the Lubhughat valley and then you will arrive at Dongme 1982 m.

    Dongme is a large Yolmo Tamang village. aIn the evening special Buddhist monk culture dance presentation and overnight homestay or community lodge.

    • Accommodation:Homestay or Community lodge.
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:1982m.
    • Time:4 hours

  4. The walking is easy and after passing through the beautiful village we reach Galba Bazaar. The route gently ascends to the sacred Hindu shrine at the top of Aglehwari Danda, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayas and the rolling Mahabharat hills.

    Then we reach the largest Tamang village in Doramba. The Tamang Culture dance presentation in the evening or morning depending on how the days trekking went. 

    • Accommodation:Homestay
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:2050m.
    • Time:4 hours

  5. Today, the trail leads ascent to Daduwa, passing forest-covered hills and the terraced fields of Daduwa. You will see the local Buddhist monastery, Gompas, Prayer flags, Chortens and Mani stones as you reach the Sherpa village of Daduwa.

    In the evening Sherpa traditional cultural dance presentation and overnight at homestay.

    • Accommodation:Homestay
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:2210m.
    • Time:2,5 hours

  6. During the ascent to Sailung along the way, you will visit the beautiful buddhist monastery and receive the blessings from Lama (monks).

    The trail passes through the Rhododendron forest with a wide variety of trees, shrubs and different species of birds. We arrive at Khola Kharka, where you will spend the night in a newly established basic lodge.

    • Accommodation:Homestay or Lodge
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:2948m.
    • Time:3 hours

  7. Wake up early to reach the summit of Sailung atop during sunrise over the Eastern Himalayas. At 3146 meters, Sailung offers a magnificent view of the Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Rowaling, Everest ranges. In the south, the Mahabharata hills roll over the Sun Koshi River and slid down to the Tarai lowlands.

    At the highest point of Sailung, the main rituals are Buddhist offerings to the souls of the deceased. During the festival of Saun Purnima, held on the full moon of July/August, Tamang pilgrims crowd around the ruined Chortens in this holy place.

    Leaving Sailung, the trail continues downhill towards Dunge Bazaar. Along the trail, you will see the magnificent view of Mount Gaurishankar (7,134 meters). 

    • Accommodation:Homestay
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:3146m.
    • Time:4 hours

  8. After breakfast around 7 am, you will be heading back to Kathmandu, a scenic drive which takes about 5 hours. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with culture show.

    • Accommodation:Optional
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:1400m.
    • Time:5 hours

  9. Today is rest and relax throughout the day or say goodbye to Nepal. Enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu with a city stroll or souvenir shopping.

    Our representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.

    What's Included

    Included

    • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
    • National park entry permit and TIMS permits.
    • Transportation from and to Kathmandu by local bus (upgrade to private Jeep/car – USD 150 total).
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
    • All accommodations during the trek.
    • English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
    • Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staffs.
    • Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
    • Magical Summits duffel bag.
    • Hiking pole for the trek, if needed.
    • Trek map.
    • Farewell dinner including a cultural show.

    Not Included

    • International airfare and Nepal entry visa.
    • Tips for guide and porter (tipping is expected).
    • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
    • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the 'Included' section.

    Our published dates are guaranteed departures. If the dates don't match with your travel plans, we are more than happy to create your desired date.

    Useful Info

    Accommodation

    Accommodations are provided on the twin-sharing basis. If you are a solo traveler, a single supplement will be served. Accommodations during the trek in the Himalayas, you will be staying at basic mountain lodges where you'll have a nice and clean room with the warm blankets, pillows, and comfortable matrices (matrices may not be very thick size but they’re comfortable).

    Meals

    During the trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking, there will also be farewell dinner.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit Himalayas is between September to December and March to May, when the skies are a clear blue and the views spectacular. The weather remains dry until about May, with temperatures varying between regions.

    Nepal is good for trekking throughout the year. Autumn and spring seasons are the most famous trekking seasons in the Himalayan region of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. It has beautiful, cool, blue skies, clear weather conditions and amazing views of the white mountains and the countryside.

    During the spring season, this time of year offers a breathtaking view of the Rhododendron flowers and lush forests.

    Getting Indigenous People Trail Trek

    This is an easy trek. Starting from the trail to Dunge and walking downhill to Lubughat or starting at Nepalthok and trekking uphill to Dunghe via Sailung. Ramechhap buses run daily from (old bus park) station in Kathmandu at 6 to 8 AM to Mude or Neaplthok and it will take about 5 hours' drive.

    No need to book accommodation as homestays are provided by the villagers along the way.

    FAQs

    1. When is the best time to trek Indigenous People Trail?

    Autumn and spring are the best time to trek Indigenous People trail. With proper preparations and gears this region, the Indigenous People trail trek is doable all year round.

    Yes, you have to get a TIMS permit to trek in the Indigenous People trail area, unless you are Nepali citizen.

    Indigenous People Trail trek is a short and easy to moderate trek that does not require any technical skills or previous hiking experience. You can complete the entire trek in 5 to 8 days.

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