Indigenous People Trekking

Indigenous People Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Kalapani: We took a 5-hour jeep ride with a stop in Muday for lunch before an hour's ride on a dirt road. We then trekked along the road for about 3 hours before reaching our destination, a local home with amazing views of the mountains in the Langtang region. Upon arrival, we enjoyed sweet tea and majestic mountain views. We sat around the kitchen with the friendly, multigenerational family as our guide and porter worked hard to prepare some delicious traditional dal, Bhat. We got our first insight into how Nepalese cooking is done as we watched a large meal of rice, dal (lentil soup), spinach, pickle sauce, and potato and cauliflower curry appear before us on two stucco wood-burning stoves. The grandmother took the most interest in us and our guides translated between us until we were all laughing together. After feasting on dinner alongside the family, we enjoyed tea and local wine until retiring to sleep.

Day 2: Kalapani to Rajbeer Monastery: We woke early to take in breathtaking views of the clear mountains at sunrise. Then we drank tea while our guide made delicious Tibetan bread and egg. We began our trek that snaked along a small creek through the forest. We stopped to peer into holy caves containing naturally formed statues of Lord Shiva and holy water. We also climbed through two small holes, an action believed to purify sin. We were accompanied by the grandfather from our last homestay to another home where we were fed tea, biscuits, and vegetable curry. As we ate, we took in our last views of the Langtang mountains. Then we continued uphill to reach the Hundred Hills, a landscape of grassy mounds adorning the hillside. Misty clouds made the view surreal. At the top, we stopped at a stupa covered in prayer flags for some quiet time and reflection. Then we continued downhill through a forest of huge, moss-covered trees until we reached Rajbeer Monastery, a large compound run by two Anis (Buddhist nuns). We arrived in time to attend an afternoon puja and chanting. We played cards in the kitchen as another delicious meal of Dal Bhat was prepared. We ate until we were content and went to bed.

Day 3: Rest day at Rajbeer Monastery: We awoke to attend the morning puja ceremony for Green Tara, which is done to bring good luck for the day ahead. After breakfast, the group took a brief walk to see the town. I had the opportunity to accompany one of the Anis to visit a member of the village and was kindly invited into the home and given tea. Upon returning to the monastery, we spent a lazy day lounging in the sun, drinking tea, doing yoga, and taking showers. We were able to observe the Anis doing more chanting meditations. After a relaxing day, we hung out in the kitchen, ate a yummy noodle dish, and laughed over card games until we went to sleep.

Day 4: Rajbeer to Surkhey: We awoke to the sounds of chanting and drums. Before we departed, we spent time speaking with and getting to know the Anis. Upon departure, we were given kata, which is the Buddhist ceremonial scarves. Adorned in our white kata, we continued down in elevation to the town ofSurkhe where we were greeted by an enthusiastic eight-year-old boy at the homestay. He showed us his relatives house and organic garden. We enjoyed tea in the garden and played with the boy. Later, we sat in the kitchen with the family that consisted of four generations: the great-grandmother, grandparents, daughter, and her two children. After enjoying more fantastic food, we had a great time laughing over more card games.

Day 5: Surkhey to Dorumba: After eating a wonderful breakfast in the garden, we were given flower bouquets as a departing gift. We ascended uphill and took in our last views of the valley. During our lunch break, I played with some of the children who stared at our big packs and funny clothes. After lunch, we moved onto the town of Dorumba. We walked through town past an election rally to the next homestay where we enjoyed more welcome tea. After getting settled, we walked back into town to watch the candidate's caravan depart, a fascinating sight. We returned to the house to play more cards while the family cooked us popcorn and dinner.

Day 6: Dorumba to Galpa: We did a few hours trek toGalpa where we stayed in a hotel. We arrived to enjoy coffee, tea, and lunch while curious children inquired about our names, ages, and how many siblings we had. After lunch, we took a walk through the countryside and saw houses built-in traditional Nepalese architecture. Two members of the group decided to return to town. Along the way, they were invited into a local home and offered cucumber and buffalo milk. The rest of us continued to Kanda Devi to visit a Hindu temple. We rang bells and made wishes to the Devi (Goddess) temple. When we returned to the hotel, I had the opportunity to help in the kitchen and learn how to make Nepalese curry. After another delicious meal, we laughed until we cried over more cards before going to bed.

Day 7: Galpa to Dongme Monastery: After a breakfast of omelets and Tibetan bread, we trekked on to Dongme. We arrived in the Llama village and settled into a homestay run by a Llama priest. Our room was adorned with a Buddhist shrine. We sat in the sun, watched baby goats playing, and ate potato spring rolls. The grandson at the homestay gave us a tour of the village and school. Later, we built a campfire that burned into the night, giving us warmth while we gazed at the stars.

Day 8: Final trek to Lubueghat: We were awakened by the Llama priest chanting in our room. We sat quietly, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. After breakfast, we were bidden farewell with daisies and trekked on towards the completion of our trip. We trekked downhill to the town of Lubueghat where we ate some much-needed dal baht to power us through the last hour of the journey. We continued trekking alongside a large river, taking in spectacular views of rice paddies and valleys. Nearing sunset, we came to a river crossing. The bridge was far away so we decided to wade across, the last hurrah in our adventure.
Stunning mountain views, the Hundred Hills, sacred caves, Buddhist ceremonies, amazing food, and connecting with the local people and culture added up to create an unforgettable adventure. Dhanyabad!!!! ( thank you)

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