About IP Trail

Escape the congestion of commercialized trekking routes and get ‘off-the-beaten track’ to experience the real Nepal- take the 'Indigenous Peoples (IP) Trail in west Ramechhap District, 130km east of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The IP Trail offers unique exposure to one of the most culturally diverse areas of Nepal combined with a beautiful natural landscape. Bound by Sailung Peak in the north, the golden Sun Koshi River flowing along the south and the aqua-blue Tama Koshi River to the east, the IP Trail offers an incomparable combination of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity coupled with breathtaking Himalayan and mid-Hill panoramas.

Falling entirely on the Mahabharat range, the IP Trail mainly offers local Home-stay accommodation providing trekkers with a rare opportunity to experience- the first of its kind in Nepal- the culture and lifestyle of six different ethnic groups. It is a relatively soft, top-down, gentle trek fit for all categories of trekkers and particularly suited to visitors wishing to avoid extreme high altitudes (the trail takes visitors from a starting elevation of 3146m at Sailung to 533m at Lubughat of Koshi river basin) within a week or less of holiday.

Major features of Indigenous Peoples Trail (IPT)
Name :	Indigenous Peoples Trail
Location :	Western Ramechhap (Starting from Sindhupalchowk/Dolakha and ends at Kavre/Sindhuli)
Elevation :	Lubughat (533m) to Sailung (3146m)
Duration :	7/8 days
Accommodation :	Home-stays and Community Lodge
Major river valley :	Sunkoshi and Tamakoshi
Major ethnic groups :	6 (Sherpa, Newar, Tamang, Thami, Tamang, Yolmo, Majhi)
Major view points :	Sailung, Augleshwori, Khandadevi, Sunapati
Major Attractions :	Culture and traditions of 6 major ethnic groups, Panoramic Mountain views, Folded Mahabharat, biodiversity at sub-tropical to upper temperate forest
Price :	Consult with trekking agencies in Nepal

Tamang

By their location on the ancient trading routes, the history of Tamangs has been influenced by Tamang By their location on the ancient trading routes, the history of Tamangs has been influenced by Buddhist Tibet and the Hindu Malla kingdom of Kathmandu. Traditional customs are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and at other important times in a person`s life. The "Tamang Selo" dance is performed to the rhythmic sound of the "Damphoo" musical instrument which the dancers carry in their hands. The dance full of fun and vigor and the brisk movement and rhythmic beat of the Dampoo depicts a style peculiar to the Tamangs. It is performed on occasions like marriage ceremony, Lho-Chhar, childbirth and village fairs. For more information visit the http://www.tamangsamaj.com/

Majhi

The Majhi peoples are indigenous to Nepal and are known throughout the country and world for their fishing Majhi The Majhi peoples are indigenous to Nepal and are known throughout the country and world for their fishing expertise. From the dawn of time the Majhi have had a special and intimate relationship with the rivers of Nepal and hence inhabit the banks of Nepal�s rivers. Possessing their own language, dress, and culture, the Majhi people are very proud of their heritage and communicate this through their own traditional songs, dances and many ritual functions. The ancestral occupation of the Majhi people is to help other people in crossing the many rivers of Nepal in their Majhi made boats. However modern bridges and government interference in their traditional working areas is destroying the traditional Majhi way of life. For more information visit the http://www.pantribalconfederacy.com/majhi/introduction.php

Yolmo

Sindhupalchok, Northeast part of Nuwakot and Southeast part of Rasuwa districts. The name, Yolmo Yolmo Yolmo are the Indigenous people of the Helambu region, which comprises the Northwest part of Sindhupalchok, Northeast part of Nuwakot and Southeast part of Rasuwa districts. The name, Yolmo, has been derived by two words Yol (high area surrounded by mountains) and Mo (goddess). Like the other inhabitants of the northern region, the culture and identity of Yolmo indigenous people are derived from Tibetan language and culture. Mahayana Buddhists have revered Yolmo lands since at the 8th century, when Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Mahayana Buddhist, traveled there and chose it as one of the places to leave behind his secret treasures of wisdom. Also the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa pursued his rigorous meditative retreat there. Having strong links to this history and to Mahayana Buddhist in general, the lives of Yolmo people are centered on the Buddhist faith and its practice. As describe in the religious text, Yolmo is considered as an sacred and 'hiding places for sacred treasures' where the great master left his sacred treasures of wisdom (doctrine) concealed to be revealed by powerful masters in future in the time of need. For more information visit the Nepal Yolmo Social Service Association http://www.yolmo.org.np/

Thami

With a total worldwide population of only 30,000, the Thami Indigenous Peoples of Nepal have a unique but Thami With a total worldwide population of only 30,000, the Thami Indigenous Peoples of Nepal have a unique but endangered culture. According to their mythology, based on their oral tradition and religious texts, Paloke, they are the successors of Yapati Chukku and Sonari Aaji who reached the head of Tamakoshi, while travelling in ancient times, from Simangadh. Thamis call themselves Thangmi, meaning �people of pastureland' or �people living in borderlands'. Followers of neither Hinduism nor Buddhism in complete sense, Thami�s are worshippers of nature. Today Thami people are well known throughout Nepal for their traditional expertise in producing quality bamboo products and their strong sense of cultural pride. For more information visit the Nepal Thami Society http://www.geocities.com/thamisociety/

Sherpa

Sherpa�s, literally translated as easterner, referring to their origins in Eastern Tibet, are well known Sherpa Sherpa�s, literally translated as easterner, referring to their origins in Eastern Tibet, are well known throughout the world for their reputation as high altitude climbers. While their reputation as climbers is nothing short of historic, local Buddhist, animist and cultural traditions equally shape their unique, Tibetan influenced culture and traditions. Also closely connected with Lamaism, Sherpa rites and rituals are based on and determined by their religion. Subsequently, the lamas of the monasteries wearing red robes direct the religious life of the region and are considered the religious social heads of the community. Throughout the year Sherpas show their cultural pride and religious respect through numerous colourful festivals, most noteably, Lhosar, Mani Rimdu, and Dumje.