Discover a different side of Nepal on the Indigenous Peoples Trail Trek, an off-the-beaten-path journey through the culturally rich mid-hills of Ramechhap and the surrounding region. This scenic trek combines traditional villages, forested trails, terraced farmland, sacred sites, Himalayan viewpoints, and authentic community experiences away from Nepal’s busy trekking routes.
The adventure takes you through beautiful settlements such as Dhunge, Kholakharka, Rajveer, Surkey, Tinghare, Doramba, Galba, Khandadevi, Hiledevi or Dongme, and Lubughat. Along the way, experience the hospitality and traditions of Indigenous communities including Sherpa, Tamang, Thami, Yolmo, Newar, and Majhi people. Local homestays provide an opportunity to experience rural Nepal more personally, while cultural programmes, traditional homes, local food, monasteries, temples, prayer flags, and village landscapes add depth to the journey.
One of the highlights is Thulo Sailung, rising to approximately 3,146 metres. From this sacred mountain ridge, enjoy expansive views of the Himalayas, including the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Rolwaling, Everest and other surrounding ranges on clear days. The area is also culturally significant, with sacred caves, chortens, prayer flags, and religious sites along the trail.
The trail then winds through rhododendron and pine forests towards Rajveer, where you can visit the local monastery, before continuing through Sherpa and Tamang settlements to Surkey. From Surkey, continue towards Tinghare and Doramba, a major Tamang settlement known for its cultural heritage. Further along the route, visit the sacred Khandadevi Temple and continue through forested hills and traditional villages towards the Sun Koshi River and Lubughat.
With moderate walking distances and relatively low elevations compared with Nepal’s high-altitude trekking routes, the Indigenous Peoples Trail is ideal for travellers interested in culture, nature, photography, peaceful mountain landscapes, and genuine village experiences. It offers a memorable opportunity to see Nepal beyond its famous trekking circuits while supporting local communities through homestays and community-based tourism.
