The first of its kind in Nepal, the ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ offers unique, living, exposure to one of the most culturally diverse areas of Nepal. The ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ offers scenic trekking at relatively low elevations, below 3000m. Bound by Thulo Sailung peak in the North, the golden Sun Koshi River flowing along the South and the Tama Koshi (River) in the East, the ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ presents an incomparable and natural blend of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity coupled with breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, stretching from Dhauligiri and Annapurna in the West to Numburchuili and Kanchenjunga in the East.

Sandwiched between the high Himalayan range to the north and the rolling Mahabharat range to the south, trekking in Ramechhap (The Indigenous Peoples Trail – traversing through 4 districts of the country) offers a trekking experience unequalled in Nepal, with vistas of the rolling foothills dotted with isolated farming communities, rhododendron forests and bamboo groves, all crowned by an array of snowy peaks and the opportunity to meet people from 21 different indigenous communities with their own distinct cultural identities.

Starting from the rolling high hills of Nepal at Mude bazaar and traversing through a number of ecological regions the trip finally culminates at Lubughat where one has the opportunity to relax and unwind on one of the best beaches in Nepal!!

Culture Experience

• Tamang

By their location on the ancient trading routes, the history of Tamangs has been influenced by Buddhist Tibet and the Hindu Malla kingdom of Kathmandu. Traditional customs are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and at other important times in a person`s life. The "Tamang Selo" dance is performed to the rhythmic sound of the "Damphoo" musical instrument which the dancers carry in their hands. The dance full of fun and vigor and the brisk movement and rhythmic beat of the Dampoo depicts a style peculiar to the Tamangs. It is performed on occasions like marriage ceremony, Lho-Chhar, childbirth and village fairs.

• Majhi

The Majhi peoples are indigenous to Nepal and are known throughout the country and world for their fishing expertise. From the dawn of time the Majhi have had a special and intimate relationship with the rivers of Nepal and hence inhabit the banks of Nepal’s rivers. Possessing their own language, dress, and culture, the Majhi people are very proud of their heritage and communicate this through their own traditional songs, dances and many ritual functions. The ancestral occupation of the Majhi people is to help other people in crossing the many rivers of Nepal in their Majhi made boats. However modern bridges and government interference in their traditional working areas is destroying the traditional Majhi way of life.

• Majhi Fishing Experiences

Fishing with the Majhis during the IP Trail offers an experience not found elsewhere in Nepal. On the white sand banks of the renowned Sun Koshi River, we will learn traditional fishing skills from the Majhi peoples, enjoy a fresh fish BBQ and/or pig roast, and gain appreciation for Mahji culture throughout the day and during the Majhi music concert. Relax on the sandy riverbank and sunbathe. The Majhi Fishing Experience is located in the riverside Majhi villages of Lubughat and Seleghat in the remote west and southern parts of Ramechhap District. This unique experience can be added to your Sun Koshi rafting trip (Seleghat) or can be a day trip arranged from Kathmandu/Dhulikel (Lubughat).

• Yolmo

Yolmo are the Indigenous people of the Helambu region, which comprises the Northwest part of Sindhupalchok, Northeast part of Nuwakot and Southeast part of Rasuwa districts. The name, Yolmo, has been derived by two words Yol (high area surrounded by mountains) and Mo (goddess). Like the other inhabitants of the northern region, the culture and identity of Yolmo indigenous people are derived from Tibetan language and culture. Mahayana Buddhists have revered Yolmo lands since at the 8th century, when Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Mahayana Buddhist, traveled there and chose it as one of the places to leave behind his secret treasures of wisdom. Also the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa pursued his rigorous meditative retreat there. Having strong links to this history and to Mahayana Buddhist in general, the lives of Yolmo people are centered on the Buddhist faith and its practice. As describe in the religious text, Yolmo is considered as an sacred and 'hiding places for sacred treasures' where the great master left his sacred treasures of wisdom (doctrine) concealed to be revealed by powerful masters in future in the time of need.

• Thami

With a total worldwide population of only 30,000, the Thami Indigenous Peoples of Nepal have a unique but endangered culture. According to their mythology, based on their oral tradition and religious texts, Paloke, they are the successors of Yapati Chukku and Sonari Aaji who reached the head of Tamakoshi, while travelling in ancient times, from Simangadh. Thamis call themselves Thangmi, meaning people of pastureland' or people living in borderlands'. Followers of neither Hinduism nor Buddhism in complete sense, Thamis are worshippers of nature. Today Thami people are well known throughout Nepal for their traditional expertise in producing quality bamboo products and their strong sense of cultural practice.

• Sherpa

Sherpas, literally translated as easterner, referring to their origins in Eastern Tibet, are well known throughout the world for their reputation as high altitude climbers. While their reputation as climbers is nothing short of historic, local Buddhist, animist and cultural traditions equally shape their unique, Tibetan influenced culture and traditions. Also closely connected with Lamaism, Sherpa rites and rituals are based on and determined by their religion. Subsequently, the lamas of the monasteries wearing red robes direct the religious life of the region and are considered the religious social heads of the community. Throughout the year Sherpas show their cultural pride and religious respect through numerous colourful festivals, most noteably, Lhosar, Mani Rimdu, and Dumje.

Sites of Interest / attraction:

• View from Sailung

Thulo Sailung is regarded by the Tamangs as the abode of the territorial deity, Sailung Phoi Sibda Karpo, Sailung’s ‘White Male Lord of the Earth’. The chorten atop the hill of Sailung is the seat of this divine protector and the Tamang Community are the ‘custodians of the land’. The souls of the ancestors together with the ‘Lord of the Earth’ guarantee the well-being of the people and the fertility of the soil. At 3300m Sailung offers magnificent views over Kalinchowk to the Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Rowaling, Everest and Kanchenjunga ranges, to the South the Mahabharata hills roll over the Sun Koshi River and down to the Terai below.

The four groups of stone chorten on the summit are related to the Tamang Communities in the surrounding area – the groups on the highest point facing south over Ramechhap, today in ruins, are the largest. At the chortens Buddhist Priests perform ‘mandala offerings’ for the rebirth of the souls of the deceased. The lingos surrounding the Chorten were erected during Tamang death rituals and are left there to succumb to the forces of nature.

The main rituals held here are Buddhist offerings to the souls of the deceased. During the festival of Saun Purnima, held on the full moon of July/August during which Tamang pilgrim crowd around the ruined Chortens at the highest point of Thulo Sailung. Nowadays, no blood sacrifices are permitted on Thulo Sailung. The shamans have surrendered to Buddhist Dominance and refrain from offering blood to the fierce female deities.

• Tiger Rock

Other sites of interest around Thulo Sailung include three rocks - tiger, snake and cow representing the Hindu, Buddhist and Shamanic simultaneous rivalry and co-existence. The King of the Tigers lived on Thulo Sailung. One day he was pursuing a cow grazing on the meadows of Thulo Sailung. Suddenly a snake appeared from the soil and came between the tiger and the cow. The three turned to stone and the cow was saved from the tiger. Two rocks below Thulo Sailung bear the footprint of Padmasambhava and his sword.

• Gaurighat cave

Located below the summit of Thulo Sailung is Gaurighat cave, it is believed that on full moon nights ‘milk’ is said to ooze from the stalagtites inside the cave. The cave is believed to be a source of fertility and health. Pilgrims pray there for sons, relief from illness and for personal success and wealth. The cave is also considered the entrance to the netherworld, the realm of the nagas serpent deity. Legend has it “when a yogi meditates inside the cave for five years, a door leading to the interior of the mountain appears”.

• Buddha’s Gate

A second cave locally known as ‘Buddha’s Gate’ or the ‘Door of Dharma’ has an exit hole that almost too small for human passage. Only the most devout Buddhists who have not committed any sins can pass. Squeeze through in the hope of ridding yourself of sin and emerge pure!

• Godavari cave

In the third small cave, Godavari cave, it is believed that every twelve years at the full moon of August/September white water is said to flow in which Hindu’s take a sacred bath to ritually purify their body. These caves are also associated with the Hindu God Mahadev, the popular form of Shiva, together with his female consort Sati Devi, the ‘White Goddess’ Parvati. A shepherd discovered that his cow was giving milk a large phallic rock inside the cave. According to legend the rock was Mahadev himself.

Enjoy lunch in Khola Kharka and continue along the trail, passing through rhododendrons downhill to the Monastery in Raj Veer Built by the Bhutanese Drukpa Kagyu School in 1972. The craftsmen responsible for the paintings and frescoes came from Bhutan. The patron Lama Kalsang of Kathmandu's Dharma Centre has donated comfortable accommodation quarters where you will spend the night. Rise early to the sound of chanting Monks and receive a blessing before continuing on your journey.

• Raj Veer

Continuing downhill from Raj Veer Monastery the trail leaves behind the thick alpine forests and opens up to the green terraced fields. Along the route you pass through the Sherpa village of Dadhuwa-Dara and a Tamang village, each with their own Buddhist gompas. Prayer flags, chorthens and mani stones are scattered along the route.

• Surke-Thinghare

The trail continues to descend where the spectacular 40 foot 'Thinghare' water fall crashes onto the rocks below. A short climb brings you to the beautifully terraced settlement of Surke where you will spend the night in one of five newly renovated homestays.

Spend a day in the village, climb to the viewpoint of Gaurigaun or visit the endangered Thami Community. The local Thami band are on hand to entertain and visitors can sample the local Raksi! Thangmi, known in Nepali as Thami, is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken by around 30,000 people in eastern Nepal. Unfortunately, much of this local knowledge is falling into disuse as fluency in Nepali increases, see the Thami phrasebook and surprise the locals with a few words in their native tongue!

• Doramba

As you leave Surke you pass through Thami Settlements before crossing over into the Doramba valley where the trail traverses along the forest covered hillside around to the terraced fields of Doramba. The trail leisurely follows the contours of the valley leading to the bustling Doramba Bazaar, where you can purchase cold drinks, snacks and music cassettes of local Tamang songstress, Shashi Moktan. Tonight you will sleep in a local homestay.

Doramba is one of the largest Tamang settlements in Nepal, in fact, most of the Thangka painters found in Bhaktapur and Bouddha are originally from this remote village. Try your hand at a few words in Tamang with the Tamang phrasebook.

• Khandadevi

After a pleasant walk out of the Doramba valley, the route ascends to the sacred Hindu shrine atop Agleshwari Danda where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalaya and the rolling Mahabhata hills below. Descend through the local slate mine, through pine forests to emerging at Galpa Bazaar. Perched on a pass between two valleys Galpa Bazaar is a bustling centre where you can purchase cold drinks and snacks, an ideal place to break for lunch.

Perched on top of a 1977m peak, Khandadevi is situated around a captivating Hindu Temple complex encircled by ancient stone walls. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Khada Devi, was discovered in 1458 AD by a shepherd who discovered milk oozing from a sacred stone, an emanation of the Goddess Khandadevi. The site served also as a fortress during the Anglo-Nepal war. The setting is dominated by high hills of lush green Maharabharat Range with snowy peaks of Numburchuili and Gaurishankar on the northern horizon and southern views over the flat terai below. Daily animal sacrifices, Panchabale, are still carried out today. As of spring 2009, there is one homestay where you can spend the night.

• Sunapati

Leaving Khandadevi, the trail follows a long ridge with views down into the Terai on one side and up into the snow capped Himalayan peaks on the other. The trail traverses up and down through thick alpine forests before crossing into another valley. Amidst the forest you encounter an enormous rock adorned with a Shiva temple before emerging at Dhonghme, an ancient Yolmo or settlement, inhabited by many Lama's. The local Lama may show you his vast collection of Buddhist scripture and photo's from recent trips to Bodhgaya. Like the young Tamang's much of the Yolmo youth are employed as Thangka painters in Kathmandu.

In the evening, make the gradual climb to the summit of Sunapati, well-known for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Here amongst the Buddhist Chortens and Hindu shrines you can enjoy sunset over the Himalaya before returning to the Gumba or homestay to spend the night.

• Lubughat

After breakfast the next morning you get to enjoy an equally stunning sunrise before the final descent to the village of Lubughat on the renowned Sun Koshi River. Here you will meet the Majhi peoples, renowned for their fishing expertise. Roaming through the rivers, men, women and children repeatedly hurl nets into nearby water in hopes of trapping passing fish. You will spend your last night here, in Lubughat before rising early, crossing the river to catch the bus to Dhulikel where you can enjoy the luxurious hotels and stunning Himalayan views, before returning to Kathmandu.

Accommodation
IP Trail is a home-stay accommodation based cultural trekking trail built on the local cultures. The ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ has comfortable accommodation available to meet the basic tourist standards.

Home Stay Accommodation
Throughout the IP trail, home-stay accommodation offers closer contact and greater insight into ethnic lifestyles that cannot be found along the more developed trekking routes where interactions can be more commercially oriented. Visitors can enjoy the basic accommodation and lodging facilities at the traditionally managed home-stays of various ethnic communities. Boiled and filtered drinking water and hygienically tiled toilets are available at all accommodation options and bucket hot shower can be available upon request.

Rural Nepali’s have a traditional love for meeting people, making new friends and welcoming guests into their homes. In turn, for many Nepali as well as visitors to Nepal, there is little that is more interesting than staying as guests in a traditional Nepali home. When staying with a Nepali family guest live the life as the local people do, and feel being treated like part of the family. Home-stays provide an authentic visitor experience that directly improves the lives and heritage of local Communities and aims to discover the real Nepal and to enjoy the untouched and undisturbed countryside. The homes are not hotel; instead they reflect the traditional and simple atmosphere of the people. Apart from the pleasure of being amidst peaceful and serene environment, tourists can also enjoy the traditional folk dances and music presented by the. The focus for the guests is on experiencing and learning from an authentic and enriched culture. Visitors are often involved in local activities that range from cooking classes through to attending a traditional wedding, watching a local cultural dance. In addition, the program increasingly responds to the growing interest among urban Nepali to rediscover, taste, appreciate and maintain contact with their rural roots. Local people organize and host the visitors and therefore are the primary recipients of the benefits, financial and otherwise, that accrue from the tourism activity. In addition to the host families, many of the micro-enterprises in the locality also benefit directly from the influx of tourists and increase demand for their products. The home-stay concept provides the ideal vehicle for visitors to experience the rural and traditional Nepali way of life, and for the local community to participate in and benefit directly from tourism. By staying at one of these Home-stays a certain percentage of the accommodation price you cover is placed into a community fund to support further community projects as decided by the local village tourism development committee.

Major Attractions:
The ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ presents an incomparable, natural blend of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity coupled with breathtaking Himalayan panoramas and scenic landscape. It boasts spectacular mountain views from Sailung, offering a rare unimpeded Himalayan panoramic view of 400km including the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Everest and Kanchenjunga ranges. Against this magnificent Himalayan backdrop, visitors gain a memorable insight into the culture and lifestyle of at least six local indigenous people: Sherpa, Newar, Thami, Tamang, Yolmo and Majhis. Each community along the way has unique features and the village vistas combine sce¬nic landscape with breathtaking Himalayan panora_mas. Each community along the way has unique features and the village vistas combine sce¬nic landscape with breathtaking Himalayan panora¬mas. The two predominant religions, Buddhism and Hinduism, are ever present in the form of daily rituals, temples, stupas, monasteries and sacred caves. Home-stay accommodation and cultural performances offer closer contact with Nepali hospitality and greater insight into ethnic lifestyles that cannot be found along the more developed trekking ven¬ues where interactions can be more commercially oriented.

The trail passes through the beautifully folded Mahabharat range and rolling terraced farmlands of traditional agricultural practices. The pristine forests at Sailung, Rajveer, Augleshwori, Galba and Khandadevi provide the unique habitat for various species of pheasant, deer and Langur monkey as well as seasonal blooming rhododendron. The final trail stop at Lubughat on the Sun Koshi River, provides visitors the opportunity for river fishing and rafting combined with the unique culture of the host Majhi community, who are Nepal’s indigenous riparian people. The beautiful sunset and sunrise view and waterfall along the river at Daduwa, thatched houses and traditional colorful festivals such as Lhosar (February), Buddha Purnima (May), Janaipurnima (August), Sora-shraddha (September), are also among the special attractions of the trail.

Categorically, visitors can explore following tourism attractions in the IP Trail:
Mountain panorama: From Everest region to the east to Annapurna to the west. Significantpanoramas are the Numbur, Rolwaling and Langtang ranges.

• Other mesmerizing landscape: Folded Mahabharat hills, rolling terraced farmlands, waterfalls (Surkey), Serpentine Sunkoshi River
• Major Valley: Sunkoshi River and Tamakoshi River valleys
• Major ethnic groups: Sherpa, Thami, Newar, Tamang, Yolmo and Majhi
• Sacred pilgrimage sites: Thulo Sailung, Rajveer, Khandadevi, Augleshwori and Sunapati
• View points: Sailung, Augleshwori, Khandadevi, Sunapati
• Monastery: Rajveer, Doramba, Domgme
• Beautiful flora: Sub-tropical to temperate vegetation, Sal forest, Pine forest, Alnus and blooming rhododendron
• Fauna: Various species of birds, Deer, Langur Monkey, varieties of endemic fishes
• Socio-economic-practices: Terraced farming, ethno-botanical practices, thatched houses, mechanical grinding of rice and millet
• Socio-cultural practices: Lhosar celebration, Janaipurnima festival, Buddhapurnima festival, Sorashraddha, Shamanic performances, Lama Dances

Adventure Activities:
The serenely peaceful and scenic IP Trail has been designed primarily for Home stay-based cultural trekking experience. The unique tourism activities include soft trekking, panoramic mountain views, and visits to sacred Sailung, monastery visits at Rajveer (offering meditation), Doramba and Dongme, temple visit at Khandadevi, forest walks, bird watching, traditionally decorated homes, sunset and sunrise views and cultural performances. Traditional agricultural practices and Majhi fishing are additional attractions along the IP Trail. Mountain biking is also possible along the trail. Visitors can enjoy the following tourist activities on the IP Trail:

• Exciting driving through the mountain: Kathmandu –Mudhe-Dhunge.
• Home-stay experiences: Kholakharka, Surkey, Doramba, Khandadevi and Lubughat
• Monastery/community lodge experience: Kholakharka and Dongme
• Monastery visit: Rajveer, Doramba, Dongme
• Pilgrimage visit: Thulo Sailung, Rajveer, Augleshwori Temple, Khandadevi temple, Dongme Monastery
• Cultural performance: Sherpa (Rajveer), Thami (Surkey/Tinghare), Tamang (Doramba), Yolmo (Dongme), Majhi (Lubughat)
• Organic food experiences: Potato, barley, mushroom, and other local foods
• Soft trekking: Dhunge-Sailung-Lubughat
• Sunrise/sunset view observation: Thulosailung, Doramba, Khandadevi, Sunapati
• Mountain biking: Throughout the trail (from Mudhe to Lubughat)
• Rafting: Lubughat-Seleghat
• Fishing: Lubughat, Seleghat
• Forest walks: Khandadevi-Hiledevi section
• Bird watching: Dhunge-Sailung, Kholakharka-Rajveer, Surkey-Doramba, Khandadevi-Hiledevi section.
• Bio-diversity study: Temperate to alpine vegetation, rhododendron, conifers, birch, colored pasture grasses, NTFPs, a variety of bird species, deer, jackal, fox, clouded leopard.
• Agro-tourism activities: Participating in rice and millet cultivation and harvesting.
• Fish and pig BBQ: Lubughat, Seleghat
  
  

About Indigenous People

• Tribal peoples in independent countries, whose social and economic conditions distinguish them from other sections of the national community, and whose status is regulated wholly or partially by their own customs and traditions or by special laws or regulations.

• Peoples in independent countries who are regarded as indigenous on account of their descent from the populations which inhabited the country, or a geographical region to which the country belongs, at the time of conquest or colonization or the establishment of present state boundaries and who, irrespective of their legal status, retain some or all of their social, economic, cultural and political institutions.

According to the 2001 Census, indigenous peoples comprise 36.31% of the total population of Nepal (22.7 million) and are in the majority in 27 of the 75 districts. The Government of Nepal (GoN) has identified and recognized 59 nationalities of Nepal through the enactment of the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities Act, 2002. 57.9% of the total populations in Ramechhap belong to indigenous communities. Out of the total 55 VDCs in Ramechhap, indigenous populations are in majority in 34 VDCs. In all, there are 21 indigenous groups in Ramechhap. As the Ramechhap district falls within the territory what is historically known as homeland of indigenous Tamang nation, they form the largest size. Tamang, for example, constitutes about 21% of the total population.