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 Nepal’s Terai possesses a beauty that is
totally unexpected in a country known
mainly for soaring snow-covered
mountains. Chitwan, a majestic and
powerful location teeming with wildlife
hosts one of Asia’s finest national
parks, renowned for its dense
concentration of wildlife. Seas of
elephant grass ripple beneath a
magnificent sunset and pervasive sense
of relaxation soaks in deeper the longer
you stay.
Chepang Hills are away from the beaten
track, yet very close to Kathmandu. This
area is an ideal location for trekking
with the feeling of being a pioneer.
This fabled region conjures up images of
mystical mountain people, enterprising
explorers, ambitious mountain ascents,
dramatic scenery and Hindu-Buddhist
spiritualists. Very few foreigners have
walked these paths and as a result
experiences with locals are very
special. There are a number of different
ethnic groups in the areas we visit
including the Magars, Gurungs, Newars
and the very unique Chepang, who have
until recently lived a semi nomadic
lifestyle as hunter gatherers.
Hattibang, the first night halt on the
way from Hugdi Bazaar, offers good
scenery of the surrounding mountains and
touch of Magar, Chepang and Giripuri
culture, at the several home stay and
community-managed guest house. Villagers
give a unique cultural performance for
visitors on request and offer Local
handicrafts on sale as souvenirs.
Siraichuli (1,945 m), one of the highest
hills of Mahabharat range, offers
spectacular views of the mountains and
magnificent sunrise and sunset views.
The view includes a wide range of
Himalayan peaks such as Rolwaling,
Gaurishankar, Langtang, Gorkha Himal,
Peak 29, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Annapurna
range, Dhaulagiri, and the Royal Chitwan
National Park in the Terai. The trek to
Siraichuli from Hattibang is challenging
through rough landscape and vegetation.
Jyandala village on the trail is a
Chepang settlement where tourists can
have a cultural experience. A tour of
the village and accommodation at village
home stay is recommended. Next is
Chisapanitar, which is a popular
bird-watching site. More than 250
varieties of bird species are found
here. The dense forest in this region is
also home to other wild animals.
Another interesting place is Uppardang
Gadi which used to be the headquarters
of Chitwan till early 1962. The remains
of a historic fort that defended the
surrounding countryside are still here,
sitting at 1,275 meters, which is said
to have been built by Shatru Bhanjan
Shah. Offering spectacular views,
camping service is available through
community along with Home stay
facilities.
Shaktikhor, where the trek formally ends
gives ample opportunity to visitors for
a wholesome cultural experience.
Home-stay experience, Cultural shows,
Chepang Museum and Visitor's information
centre, Caves and waterfalls around
Shaktikhor make Shaktikhor a unique
experience. Travelling to Chitram
waterfall on the next day and stay at
Chepang houses in Majhbang village of
Siddi VDC is yet another attraction.
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