3 days or more hiking in an area rarely visited for those who need a short trek only plus culture, followed by time at Chitwan National Park and / or Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.   

The Chepang Hills are away from the beaten tracks (Annapurna and Everest) and yet are only 4 hours drive from Kathmandu or you can raft the Trisuli River for 1 day with a short drive either side.  The Chepang Hills area is an ideal location if you are wanting to try a trek with a feeling of being a pioneer or to link with a wildlife safari on elephant back in Chitwan National Park or with a birding trip to Bis Hajar Tal and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve or all three locations.  Very few foreigners have walked in this area so far and as a result the experience of meeting the local people is very special. There are a number of different ethnic groups in the area including the Magars, Gurungs and Newars, but the Chepang are very different as they have until recently lived a semi nomadic lifestyle as hunter gatherers.  You can learn more at the Chepang museum in Shaktikhor, the southern gateway to the Mahabharat Range.

The area is at the transition from the low sub-tropical region where Nepal borders with India and the middle hills of Nepal.  Due to the warm climate there are more than 238 recorded bird species to be seen in the area, so the trails are particularly suited to bird lovers. Asia in general is very good for birding, however Nepal is quite special as it lies directly on the main migratory route for Asian birds. The birds follow the rivers which run more or less north to south on their journeys going from the cold northern areas of Asia to the warm southern areas and back in the spring. The Barandabhar Corridor Forest, a broad-leafed deciduous forest, links the Chepang Hills area with Chitwan National Park, so as you walk the Chepang trails you will see exotic birds such as the green tailed sunbird, blue throated flycatcher, spotted forktail, Eurasian jay, white browed shrike, babbler, mountain bulbul, collard owlet and peregrine falcons, plus many others.  If you are keen to see more birds Bis Hajaar Tal and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve are not to be missed. 

Hem Subedi recently obtained this proof that the Eurasian Jay is breeding in the Chepang area

The exact route you take will be designed to suit your level of fitness and interests (people, birding and / or natural wonders). We can choose from a 3 day circular route or based in Shaktikhor we can lead you on a series of day walks. There are numerous trails which have been worn into the ridges and valleys as the local people have been walking these hills for millennia. One of the highlights of the 3 day trek is the panorama of various high peaks of the Himalaya to the north, from Siraichuli (1945m).

On the circular routes you will stay with local people (homestays). If taking day walks you can either stay with local people in their homes or we can provide a camping crew to provide you with tented accommodation and meals, usually in Shaktikhor. The food will be provided and cooked by local people supervised by your guide, to ensure that your delicate stomach is safeguarded.

Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is a great place to see more birds as well as rhino, elephants and if you are very very lucky the Royal Bengal tiger, which hunts at night. The usual safari vehicle is an elephant and some visitors enjoy helping to bathe them, with all visitors being enthralled by playful young elephants at the Elephant Breeding Centre or at the various lodges which have their own breeding programme. More

Koshi Tappu
The reserve is centrered around a 24-km long section of the Sapta Koshi River lying at about 78 m above sea level. The Sapta Koshi provides life to the reserve and its existence gives this area tremendous charm, serenity and beauty. The river is home to the rare gangetic dolphin, a fresh water dolphin. Hardly seen in any other part of Nepal, these dolphins can be seen in the Sapta Koshi River, especially at Koshi barrage towards the south of the reserve. The fish eating gharial crocodile is also found here alongside marsh mugger crocodiles and smooth coated otters, which can often be seen on many of the riverbanks in the area.

Apart from birds, Koshi Tappu is the only remaining home for one of the rarest animal species of Nepal, the wild buffalo (bublas arnee). There are now an estimated 100 wild buffalo here and therefore this species is in great danger. Other mammals, which can be seen here include the hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer and mongoose.  More

 

Sample Itinerary

Day 01  Arrive in Kathmandu.  A short guided tour of the city, or more subject to your arrival time. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02  More guided sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley at the beautiful cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. Overnight at a hotel on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley to see the snow capped high peaks of the Himalaya. B.

Day 03  Drive or fly to Bharakpur to access the Chepang area.  Alternatively raft the Trisuli River part of the way to the Chepang area. Drive to Shaktikhor where you will start the 3 day hike. Overnight in a local home or camp. B, D.

Day 04 If you have chosen the day walks, head off to Sunti Khola, a 1-2 hour walk away, where you can walk alongside a gorgeous gorge to a 60ft waterfall that fills a swimming hole.  This area is rich in birdlife and you may see the sultan tit, spotted forktail, a variety of flycatchers, warblers, laughing thrushes and many more. Also of interest here is a cave where there is a bat community. The cave also contains stalagtites and stalagmites. Overnight in Shaktikhor. B,L,D.

Day 05 Another day walk is to Siddhi, a 2-3 hour walk away from Shaktikhor. We trek along a gorge and look out for birds along the way, with many sightings expected. The village has many interesting attractions and a homestay is possible here should you wish to enjoy the rich cultural experience.  The village water mill (ghatta) is a major hub for social