Join this immersive journey through Dhankuta: A Unique Travel Experience that Combines Culture, Tradition, and Climate Awareness. Experience the hidden festival of Mangshire or Wadangmet- a significant festival dedicated to deceased relatives and celebration of the addition of new family members through birth by the Aathpahariya community. To celebrate this month-long festival, the families undertake a three-day journey to Barahakshetra to bathe in the Kokaha River, shave their heads and beards, and worship Baraha. This ritual marks the end of a year-long mourning period. On the fourth day, they return to their home continuing the celebration with dance and music like Dhol, Maruni, and Dallo Naach which can be observed while at Dhankuta.
Start your journey from Kathmandu to Mulkot, relax by the Sunkoshi River, and sample local cuisine. Proceed to Janakpur, a revered religious centre with temples like the Janaki Mandir dedicated to Goddess Sita, showcasing Hindu-Koiri Nepali architecture. You can explore the cultural heritage through a Mithila painting session and a visit to the sacred Janaki Temple, followed by a traditional Mithila Thali dinner by Chef Santosh Shah.
Drive to Dhankuta to join the vibrant Mangshire Festival with the Aathpahariya community. Visit Hile and Cholung Park to see traditional Limbu houses and tea gardens, and enjoy a cultural feast and orange picking at Sipting Community Homestay. A scenic hike from Chuliban to Khambela offers stunning views, houses of the indigenous Aatpahariya community and insights into the Aathpahariya way of life and the water-smart solutions implemented by Smart Paani. The locals have been actively involved in water-smart solutions like bio-sand filtration and rainwater harvesting systems, implemented by Smart Paani to ensure travellers do not burden the water-scarce areas.
We invite you to an unfrequented trail that showcases Nepal’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, and the innovative efforts to combat climate change. In collaboration with our partner organizations, Dhankuta Municipality, Chattar Jorpati Rural Municipality, HUSADEC, Smart Paani, and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), we are building tourism ecosystem with the Aathpahariya communities by promoting responsible tourism that highlights both local traditions and environmental stewardship.
Become part of the change and make a positive impact on the environment and the communities you visit.
The evening before the adventure begins, gather together for a group dinner to ensure everyone is well-prepared and excited for the trip ahead. This gathering provides an excellent opportunity to meet fellow travelers and get acquainted with your guide. Over a delicious meal, the outline of the itinerary, highlight key points of interest and any questions you may have will be discussed. This relaxed and informative dinner will set the stage for a fantastic experience, ensuring everyone feels confident and ready to embark on the adventure.
Start your day by gathering early at the meeting point and setting off with a hearty breakfast to Mulkot. Close to the banks of the Sunkoshi River, you will be able to enjoy the natural landscape and scenic routes along the way. You can choose to relax at the hotel or explore the beautiful area on your own and even try the famous local fish at Mulkot.
Today you will continue the scenic drive to Janakpur, where the infamous Janaki Temple and Mithila Art are a massive highlight. Once you reach Janakpur, freshen up from the drive before you immerse yourself in learning the region’s rich cultural heritage- Mithila Painting with local artisans. Next, visit the magnificent Janaki Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Sita. You will conclude your day with traditional cuisine in Mithila Thali by Chef Santosh Shah, who was declared the winner of MasterChef: The Professionals re-match in 2021.
You will finally be reaching Dhankuta on this day, to celebrate the Mangshire Festival with the locals of the indigenous Aathpahariya community. Once you are checked in at the hotel, you will be going for a town walk of Dhankuta after a brief rest and observe the orange city, the architecture of the Newari and Aathpahariya communities and the nearby Nishan Temple which holds significant religious importance for locals and visitors alike.
Your day starts with exploring Hile, Cholung Park, where you will see a lot of Limbu community’s traditional houses as well as small museums that the community have been able to maintain in their own homes. You will also be able to explore the nearby tea garden whilst at this site.
Following lunch, you will be dropped off at Sipting Community Homestay where you will be traditionally welcomed by the Atpariya community in Sipting. Shortly after, take part in orange picking with the locals on their farms before you enjoy the cultural feast made up of unique dishes home to the community to end the day.
After breakfast, start your day with a scenic drive to Chuliban then hike onwards to Khambela. On the way you will be visiting a view tower where a great view of the Tamor and the Kanchenjunga ranges can be seen on a clear day.
ICIMOD’s decade-long work in these communities includes creating recharge ponds and watershed management to address water scarcity. Our newly developed hiking trails pass through these water conservation areas, offering you a firsthand look at these innovative solutions.
You will also find scattered houses along the way which all belong to the families of the indigenous Atpariya community. You can experience dressing in their local attire along with a warm lunch prepared by the community.
After you return, you can choose to explore Dhankuta on your own. You can also choose from the following options:
– Mohan Biscuit Factory Visit: Visit the factory of the infamous local cookie – Mohan Biscuit at Dhankuta and learn the history of its making. You can also taste the various biscuits produced during the tour.
– Farm to Table at Kachide: Visit Kachide Community Homestay and experience the farm stay where you can harvest fresh and organic produce from their fields. Bond over with the host family having a home-cooked lunch to end your visit.
With a warm farewell from your hosts at Sipting Community Homestay, you set off to Biratnagar Airport, where you can board your flight back to Kathmandu concluding a memorable trip with the community.
