Chepang Tribal Trek – Siraichuli Sunrise & Chitwan Wildlife

Explore Kathmandu’s spiritual landmarks: climb the steps of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for valley views, witness the evening rituals at Pashupatinath Temple, circle the massive Boudhanath Stupa, and walk through the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square. Evening briefing about the Chepang culture and what to expect in the coming days.

• Swayambhunath
• Pashupatinath
• Boudhanath
• Cultural briefing

Drive south from Kathmandu into the Mahabharat Hills (4–5 hours). The landscape transforms from urban to deeply rural as you enter Chepang territory. Meet your Chepang host family in their traditional home. Learn about their daily routines, agricultural practices, and the challenges they face. First meal cooked together over an open fire.

• Drive into Mahabharat Hills
• Chepang family welcome
• First home-cooked meal

Full day immersed in Chepang daily life. Help with farming activities (seasonal — planting, harvesting, or tending crops). Try traditional crafts: basket weaving from bamboo, pottery, and rope-making. Walk through the surrounding forests learning about indigenous medicinal plants and forest foods. Afternoon cooking class preparing Chepang dishes. Evening storytelling and songs around the fire.

• Farming activities
• Bamboo weaving & pottery
• Medicinal plants walk
• Chepang cooking class

Wake at 3:30 AM for the pre-dawn hike to Siraichuli peak (1,945m) — the highest point in the Chepang Hills and Mahabharat range. Reach the summit in time for a breathtaking 360° sunrise panorama: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Rolwaling are all visible. Below, the Chitwan National Park spreads across the Terai plains. Descend and explore surrounding hills before returning to the village.

• 3:30 AM start
• 360° Himalayan sunrise
• Dhaulagiri to Gaurishankar panorama
• Chitwan views below

Bid farewell to your Chepang hosts and drive down to Sauraha, the gateway town of Chitwan National Park (3–4 hours). Check into a jungle resort. Afternoon at leisure — explore the Sauraha village, browse shops, or relax by the Rapti River watching the sunset. Evening Tharu cultural dance show — the indigenous Tharu people perform their mesmerizing stick dance and peacock dance.

• Farewell to Chepang family
• Jungle resort check-in
• Sauraha evening
• Tharu cultural show

Morning canoe ride on the Rapti River in a traditional dugout canoe — spot gharial crocodiles, mugger crocodiles, kingfishers, and egrets. Disembark for a guided jungle walk along the riverbank. After lunch, jeep safari deep into the national park — search for one-horned rhinos, spotted deer, wild boar, langur monkeys, and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Visit the elephant breeding center to see baby elephants and learn about conservation efforts. Over 500 bird species make Chitwan a birding paradise.

• Canoe ride
• Crocodile & bird spotting
• Jeep safari
• Rhino encounters
• Elephant breeding center

Morning bird watching walk along the Rapti River (optional). After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu (5–6 hours) or transfer to Bharatpur airport for a short flight. Arrive in Kathmandu with time for final shopping or temple visits before departure.

• Morning bird watching
• Return to Kathmandu
• Departure