Waswang Danda Chepang Village Trekking

About Trip -

According to folk narrative, a character from Ramayana, Sita during her habitat at forest gave birth to a son whose name was Lohari (Labh) and it happened at an ashram near Gandaki River (now mid Nepal). One day without letting Valmiki sage know, she went to the bank of the river taking the baby for pastime. Seeing at the vacant cradle, Valmiki thought that the baby was stolen. He created a baby from a type of grass called Kush. After Sita returned back, she was surprised to see another baby in the cradle. Valmiki narrated everything and advised to nurture both the babies equally. The baby born out of grass was named Kushari (Kush). After they grew up, Labh and Kush became enemies. Children of Labh were declared as Chepang and children of Kush were declared as Kusunda. Kusunda people are thought to have lived like people of ancient age in a wild state. They depend on wild animals and yam for livelihood. They wear barks of trees and carry bow and arrow. Their number has drastically decreased making endangered. According to latest census of Nepal, only one Kusunda has been found.

Waswang Danda Chepang Village Trekking Itinerary is recently designed trekking trail by Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition as a unique trekking trial in Nepal is situated at the distance of 80 km from the Kathmandu valley in the Mahabharat range in the north of Chitwan National park. Chepang hill trek (1,945m) is recognized for it covers one of the backward and less known ethnic groups who reside very close to nature. This ethnic group who seem to be much inclined towards Tamang have there own language and way of livelihood. They lead a nomadic life which encompasses hunting, digging for wild roots, fishing and traditional style of farming near jungles. They have unique settlements, social organistion, language, culture, religion and festivals.  For cultural tourist Praja Pande a faith healer is must visit.  Chepang mostly inhibit in remote location of Makawanpur, Chitwan, Gorkha and Dhading districts.

Our trek kick starts from Malekhu which is sandwiched between Gajuri and Ghat Besi of Dhading district and come to an end at Lothar. If weather favors we can witness the panoramic vista of Mt Dhaulagiri (8,166m), Mt Kanchanjunga (8,578m). The trek covers diverse range of land topography, unseen and hidden culture of nomadic Chepang people, hospitality and their craftsmanship which includes home made wine and honey. Chepang hill trek grants of the peculiar combination of unrated cultural experience.