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Indigenous People Trail trek

Reviews
5.0 - based on 187 Reviews

Trip Highlights

  • View point Sailung, Beautiful view from Gaurishankar to Manaslu Ranges
  • Less touristic area
  • Experience of Home stay or stay with family house, try Nepali style local, hygienic foods.
  • Pass many farming Terrance during the hike
  • Experience the different tribes Nepali people life style
  • Rhododendron forest and flowers
  • Taste of Chhurpi made of Yak milk
  • Beautiful places Dhunge, Sailung, Surkey and Doramba

Activity

Trekking

Altitude

3146m, Sailung

Best Season

September - May

Meals Included

5 Breakfast 5 Lunch 4 Dinner

Transportation

Private Jeep/ Public Bus

Destination

Less Crowded Treks

Accommodation

4 Nights Home Stay

Duration

5 Days

Group Size

2

Difficulty

Easy

Overview

Indigenous People Trail trek is a mild track taking you through some of the culturally diverse areas in central Nepal. This trail highlights the culture, lifestyle, religion, and the overall identity of different Nepali tribes with natural and scenic delights alongside it .

The original itinerary was 9 days trek. After the road construction on this route. we revised the trek itinerary. Himalaya Trip organize 5 days Indigenous People Trail Trek.

Indigenous People Trail trek Details

The Indigenous People trail trek will give you the perfect opportunity to experience the true Nepalese spirit. The trail passes through multiple villages and settlements from where you can get a peek into village life. You will go through the Newar, Tamang, Sherpa, Majhi, and Thami communities in this trek. Taking a glance at their activities daily and art of survival, one can return satisfied ad inspired. The changing culture and tradition, however, is quickly sweetened with warm hospitality and smile in each place you visit. In this brief period, you will learn about the mix of Buddhism and Hinduism at best. Ranging from the shrines which one pray to the customs from the past, you can witness them all. Walking in the trail and taking short hiking will make you feel the true beauty of these places. From the plain farmlands to the peak of Sailung (3146 m), each moment will show you a different shade of ethnicity throughout the trail. The sublime views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri to the Kanchenjunga ranges in the east lessens your tiredness every day. Walking in the path self-made through the villagers using it themselves one could discover the true unity in diversity of Nepal.

You will be staying in the homestay operated by the local people in these villages. Tasting the local cuisine and living the typical day in your life, you will experience the indigenous Nepali lifestyle better than ever. As a mild trek, the indigenous people trail is suitable for solo traveler too. Similarly, the level elevation of the destinations makes this trek perfect for beginners also. An ideal balance of nature and culture, this trek is a complete cultural vacation for travellers. One can do this trek throughout the year. Exceptional experiences are from the period of September to May where most of the festivals fall. With the aid of our local guides, prepare yourself for this amazing trek of a lifetime.

Accommodations facilities

This trek is home stay trek. You will stay at the families home. There will be very basic rooms with mats, bed sheets and pillow. do not expect any luxury. Toilets are outside the house. Shower is not available. But you can take a bucket shower. Sleeping bag is recommend to take with you.

Available Foods

Foods are Nepali foods. The Nepali foods comes with plain rice, lentil soup, vegetables curry , pickles. Some eggs, potatoes items, Momo, chapati bread, Noodles items or soup etc are available.

Drinking Water

Bottle of water is not available. You will get a normal taps water with purification tablets or water filter can be used. Water bottle is recommend to take with you.

Transportation Service

We provide public bus transportation service from Kathmandu to Dhunge and Doramba to Kathmandu. The private Jeep transportation service is available with extra cost. The driver of public bus will play music to entertain the passenger and not fall in sleep himself during the drive. If you does not music, ear plug is recommended to take with you.

Packing List

This is the short and easy trek in Nepal. You do not need any special gears. I recommend you, Hiking shoes, Trousers, Socks, warm jacket, T-shirts (two or three) and long-sleeved shirt, Sunscreen (SPF 20+), Backpack around 35 liters, Torch (flashlight), Camera, memory card and battery charger( spare batteries), Toilet Paper, Quick- drying towel, warm hat, gloves, thermal underwear , sun glass etc.

Kathmandu Hotel

If you want to includes the Hotels in Kathmandu, It is possible to include. For the flexibility , you may book own accommodations Hostel to 5 star Hotel in Kathmandu and you can stay more than one night in Kathmandu  before and after the trek at your prefer place.

Porter option

This is short trek from Kathmandu. We take necessary things during the trek with you. Rest of luggage, you will leave at your Hotel in Kathmandu. If you are okay with 5-6kgs backpack, you do not need porter for this trek.  If you could not carry own backpack, you have an option to hire a porter with the cost of extra US$100 per porter. You can share a porter between 2-3 people.

Related blog

Experience Authentic Nepali Culture on the Indigenous People Trail

The Indigenous People Trail Trek takes you on a cultural journey through Sherpa, Tamang, and Newar villages. As you walk through beautiful terraced fields and forests, you’ll have the chance to interact with the local tribes and experience their way of life. Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas while learning about Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

Experience Authentic Nepali Culture on the Indigenous People Trail

The Indigenous People Trail Trek takes you on a cultural journey through Sherpa, Tamang, and Newar villages. As you walk through beautiful terraced fields and forests, you’ll have the chance to interact with the local tribes and experience their way of life. Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas while learning about Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

Indigenous people trail

Outline

Day 01:

Drive KATHMANDU-DHUNGE (7HOURS)

Day 02:

Trek DHUNGE- THULO SAILING (3126M, 4 hours)-KHOLAKHARKA

Day 03:

Trek KHOLAKHARKA-SURKEY (1850M, 4-5 HOURS)

Day 04:

Trek SURKEY-DORAMBA (2054M, 4-5 HOURS)

Day 05:

Trek DORAMBA-KHANDADEVI (1986M-KATHMANDU (6-7 HOURS)

Indigenous People Trail trek

Day 01

KATHMANDU-DHUNGE

Activity

7 hours

Highest Altitude

2500m, Dhunge

Accommodations

Home Stay

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Drive from Kathmandu – Mudhe – Dhunge takes 7 hours drive by public bus. Stay overnight at Lodge in Dhunge.

Day 02

DHUNGE- THULO SAILING-KHOLAKHARA

Activity

4 hours

Highest Altitude

3146m, Sailung

Accommodations

Home Stay

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your trek begins from Dhunge (2500m). Trek from Dhunge to Kholakharka (2948m) takes 4 hours walk. You experience splendid views of Mount Gaurishankar (7,134m), Langtang, Ganesh Himal from Thulo Sailung 3146m. You visit the Tiger rocks, Chhortens. Stay overnight at Lodge in Kholakharka.

Day 03

KHOLAKHARA-Rajbhir Gompa- SURKEY

Activity

4-5 HOURS

Highest Altitude

1850M

Accommodations

Home Stay

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek from Kholakhara to Surkey takes 4-5 hours walk. You pass Rajveer Gomba, through the rhododendron forest as you descend to reach Surkey. Stay overnight at home in Surkey.

Day 04

SURKEY-DEURALI - DORAMBA

Activity

4-5 HOURS

Highest Altitude

2054m, Doramba

Accommodations

Home Stay

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek from Surkey to Doramba takes 4-5 hours walk. You pass through the rhododendron forest as you ascend to reach Doramba. Stay overnight at home in Doramba.

Day 05

DORAMBA- KHANDADEVI -DHULIKHEL-KATHMANDU

Activity

4-5 HOURS

Drive from Doramba – Khandadevi to Kathmandu by public bus (6-7 hours driving), overnight at your own Hotel.

Discover the Beauty and Culture of Nepal on the Indigenous People Trail

If you want to experience Nepal beyond the usual tourist routes, the Indigenous People Trail Trek is for you. This short trek takes you through villages where you’ll learn about the lives of different Nepali tribes, from the Sherpas to the Tamangs. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful mountain views and experience the local culture. Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group, this trek is a unique and enriching experience.

indigenous people

Indigenous People Trail trek Map

Whats Included?

  • Kathmandu Trekking starting point and Trekking ending point to Kathmandu by Public Bus.
  • 3 meals a day (5 breakfast, 5 lunch, and 4 dinner with a tea/coffee in a cup) with 4 nights Homestay Accommodation during the trek.
  • Trekking guide: food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine.
  • First Aids Kit.
  • Himalaya Trip T-shirt.
  • Seasonal fresh fruit such as Apple and Pomegranate etc.
  • All the official charge and 13% Government VAT.

Whats not Included?

  • International airfare .
  • Nepal’s visa fees (15 Days US$30 and 30 Days US$50) , you fill up a form depart of immigration  before you leave  and pay cash and get visa on your arrival in Kathmandu airport.
  • Hotel (Kathmandu Guest House) and meals in Kathmandu.
  • Your Trekking gears.
  • All the drinks Coke, Beer, Mineral water.
  • Tips for the guide .

Available dates & Prices

If you are two or more people, private trip is available any date, providing a fantastic opportunity. If you are solo travellers, our fixed group trips are thoughtfully scheduled and offer specific departure dates.

Group Discount Pricing

Price per person — the more you travel together, the less you pay

Save up to 25%
No. of Persons Price per Person
  • 1 Person
    USD 399
  • 2 - 4 Pax
    Save 12% USD 350
  • 5 - 9 Pax
    Save 19% USD 325
  • 10+ Pax Best Value
    Save 25% USD 299

Create Your Private Trip With
Your Own Itinerary and Dates

We are more than happy to design an itinerary tailored to your schedule and preferred route. Simply share your preferred travel dates, group size, and contact and travel details, and one of our travel experts will get in touch to help plan your journey.

Once your trip is confirmed, you’ll travel exclusively with your own group, enjoying a more personalized and flexible experience.

Trip Reviews

 Facebook Review Svg

Write Us a Review
Group Photo Indigenous People Trail
5/5.0

We organized our trek on the internet and and were so impressed with Harka and crew that after the trek we organized the rest of our holiday in nepal with them , Every thing Harka said would happen did and we spent a wonderful time in Chitwan national park and Pokara ending up again in kathhmandu. By the end of the holiday we considered Harka, Jay and Simber as friends and would recommend Himalaya Trip to anybody wanting to book on the internet and save a lot of money rather than booking with travel agents in Australia . we will be returning to Nepal and will be using Himalaya Trip for our next holiday.

Australia, February 2014

Bob Australia , Februrary 2014

Group Photo Indigenous People Trail
5/5.0

peoples indigneous trail

We organized our trek on the internet and and were so impressed with Harka and crew that after the trek we organized the rest of our holiday in nepal with them , Every thing Harka said would happen did and we spent a wonderful time in Chitwan national park and Pokara ending up again in kathhmandu. By the end of the holiday we considered Harka, Jay and Simber as friends and would recommend Himalaya Trip to anybody wanting to book on the internet and save a lot of money rather than booking with travel agents in Australia . we will be returning to Nepal and will be using Himalaya Trip for our next holiday.

Australia, February 2014

Bob Australia , Februrary 2014

Patricia indigenous people trail trek
5/5.0

Nothing like it! If you are up for an authentic journey in the footsteps of kind, Indigenous people who lives, sign up for this trek. My brother and I are in our mid 60’s and aren’t quite up for Everest, so we spent 5 days hiking from village to village, over breathtaking views, monkey-covered hills, miles of terraced fields, past monasteries, sleeping at tea houses and homestays. A highlight was watching my brother (former elementary teacher) teach a mini English lesson at a remote government school which had never had foreigners visit before.

We loved our guide, Jay and porter, Milan. We felt safe, supported when hills got long, and were well fed.

Highly recommended!!!!

USA, October 2018

Patricia USA , October 2018

Patricia indigenous people trail trek
5/5.0

Unforgettable Indigenous People’s Trail

Nothing like it! If you are up for an authentic journey in the footsteps of kind, Indigenous people who lives, sign up for this trek. My brother and I are in our mid 60’s and aren’t quite up for Everest, so we spent 5 days hiking from village to village, over breathtaking views, monkey-covered hills, miles of terraced fields, past monasteries, sleeping at tea houses and homestays. A highlight was watching my brother (former elementary teacher) teach a mini English lesson at a remote government school which had never had foreigners visit before.

We loved our guide, Jay and porter, Milan. We felt safe, supported when hills got long, and were well fed.

Highly recommended!!!!

USA, October 2018

Patricia USA , October 2018

Group having Tea Indigenous people trail trek
5/5.0

We were a party of 4 from the UK (all aged 60+) looking to build on an emotional trip to Manipur where we had paid respect to a family member killed during WWII. We were not experienced trekkers but were looking for something off the normal tourist route that would test up physically, be awe inspiring but most important of all involve us meeting local Nepalese. The IDP promised to deliver and in the event exceeded our expectations. By the end of the trek we had scaled 1,000 metres in a five-hour morning trek, got progressively fitter during the week, enjoyed wonderful local food (dal bhat, nettle soup, potato curry), and took in the most awe-inspiring views in the World. We stayed with Nepalese communities from different ethnic groups, sat in on a buddhist ceremony and learned much of the earthquake damage and how the country is responding. Our guide Jay (now our friend) was responsive and supportive and a reassuring presence throughout. Out 2 porters ‘M’ and Messi were just inspirational and a joy throughout. I would not hesitate to recommend these guys for delivering something really special and memorable.

UK, April 2019

Ciaran UK , April 2019

Group having Tea Indigenous people trail trek
5/5.0

Indigenous Peoples Trail – authentic and humbling experience

We were a party of 4 from the UK (all aged 60+) looking to build on an emotional trip to Manipur where we had paid respect to a family member killed during WWII. We were not experienced trekkers but were looking for something off the normal tourist route that would test up physically, be awe inspiring but most important of all involve us meeting local Nepalese. The IDP promised to deliver and in the event exceeded our expectations. By the end of the trek we had scaled 1,000 metres in a five-hour morning trek, got progressively fitter during the week, enjoyed wonderful local food (dal bhat, nettle soup, potato curry), and took in the most awe-inspiring views in the World. We stayed with Nepalese communities from different ethnic groups, sat in on a buddhist ceremony and learned much of the earthquake damage and how the country is responding. Our guide Jay (now our friend) was responsive and supportive and a reassuring presence throughout. Out 2 porters ‘M’ and Messi were just inspirational and a joy throughout. I would not hesitate to recommend these guys for delivering something really special and memorable.

UK, April 2019

Ciaran UK , April 2019

Reviews from the globe

Hi! Im Sara, from Spain! Good morning! Yesterday we arrived from our 11-day trekking in Gokyo. There were 3 people from Spain, and I don’t know how to express how happy I felt. From the beginning, Himalaya Trip has been attentive to us, with a welcome at the hotel and...

Sara H Rafelguaraf, Spain , Nov 2024

Incredible!

Hi! Im Sara, from Spain!
Good morning!
Yesterday we arrived from our 11-day trekking in Gokyo.
There were 3 people from Spain, and I don’t know how to express how happy I felt.
From the beginning, Himalaya Trip has been attentive to us, with a welcome at the hotel and explanation of the route, rental of necessary equipment, etc.
The most important thing for us has been the ease and comfort with which Ramesh (our precious guide) has taken care of us at all time.
Attentive to the food, to make sure we didn’t get cold, adapting the route day by day according to the needs of the team.

I only have words of gratitude for Ramesh, who I would recommend for any trekking in the world.
In addition to being a great guide and knowing all the mountains of Nepal perfectly, he is a great person, with a big heart.

We hope to repeat in the not too distant future and hopefully it can be with him, since he is already part of our family.
Thank you for everything, from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks!!!!

Sara H Rafelguaraf, Spain , Nov 2024

Had an incredible experience doing the Mardi Himal trek with Himalaya Trip. Our guide Jay and our two porters Umesh and Masak were all simply incredible people. I’m a photographer so always have odd requests for weird areas to access for better angles or even simply just extending time in...

Josiah G , Nov 2024

Couldn’t recommend enough

Had an incredible experience doing the Mardi Himal trek with Himalaya Trip. Our guide Jay and our two porters Umesh and Masak were all simply incredible people.

I’m a photographer so always have odd requests for weird areas to access for better angles or even simply just extending time in certain areas and all requests were met with so much help from the team. Highly recommend

Josiah G , Nov 2024

I had an amazing time trekking with Surpa, particularly as this was my first solo trek. Beautiful views doing the Mardi Himal trek over 4 days, Surpa was a great guide who organised everything so well for me, kept me well fed, supported a good pace the whole way and...

Emma S Dundee UK , Nov 2024

Mardi Himal: fantastic trek & wonderful guide

I had an amazing time trekking with Surpa, particularly as this was my first solo trek. Beautiful views doing the Mardi Himal trek over 4 days, Surpa was a great guide who organised everything so well for me, kept me well fed, supported a good pace the whole way and always cheerful. Would recommend, and I would happily have him as my guide again in the future. The organisation and booking with Himalaya Trip was great, really responsive on emails and Harka was so helpful in organising everything and meeting me in Kathmandu for a briefing before the trip. Thanks so much!

Emma S Dundee UK , Nov 2024

Our 4 day Mardi Himal Trek with guide Milan and porter Plekta was a wonderful experience. The manager Harka Gurung met with us over coffee in Kathmandu and briefed us about expectations as this was our first trek. After that our guide met us at our hotel in Pokhara, helped...

Kalin P , Nov 2024

Once in a lifetime experience in the Himalayas

Our 4 day Mardi Himal Trek with guide Milan and porter Plekta was a wonderful experience. The manager Harka Gurung met with us over coffee in Kathmandu and briefed us about expectations as this was our first trek. After that our guide met us at our hotel in Pokhara, helped us rent equipment, and handled all logistics in between. Our first time in the Himalayas was unforgettable between all the unbelievable landscapes and scenery, and we were lucky to have MIlan and Plekta with us to experience it all. I can’t begin to describe how ethereal sunrise is over the base camp, but hopefully you’ll be able to experience it soon!

Kalin P , Nov 2024

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