If you are searching for authentic culture and the day-to-day life of the heartwarming locals of Nepal, you are in the right place.
Nepal is home to countless rural villages that will leave you gobsmacked with enthralling juice to your head as you take part in majestic exploring of the yet simplicity of life in the rural domain of Nepal, serving a stark contrast to the bustling and hassle city standards.
Get ready! As we dive deeper into understanding and uncovering Nepal's temperate and tranquil regions, where people live, smile more elegantly, and self-sustainability is everyone's cup of tea!
The Simplicity of Village Life in Nepal's rural communities
Let us take a moment to discuss something I hold close to my heart – the beauty of Nepal's village life.
There is something truly magical about the simplicity, self-sustenance and joyful characterization that can be discovered in the rural region of Nepal.
Be it the Manaslu, Upper Dolpo or the hamlet-like settlements in the desert landscape of Manang, when you step foot into a Nepali village, you are instantaneously transported to a world entirely away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The air is fresh and clean, and the birds chanting gracefully in the trees is the only noise you will hear.
It is so comforting to witness the slow pace of life and people take the time to stop and say hello to each other as they run their daily business.
Eventually, you will pass along these narrow paths and embellish this strong sense of community and independence as you find that people grow crops, raise livestock, and produce goods.
But it is not just about being independent; there is elegance in how people live their lives; despite the challenges and hardships, they will carry miraculous smiles.
In this world of rapidly-paced transformation and distracted perceptions, the people in these places will re-establish your aura and become content with what you have.
They love every one of the simple things in life: staying with their family, tilling the fields, and enjoying the beauty around them.
Therefore, when you plan to visit Nepal shortly, take some time to explore the villages.
Doing this will leave the experience rejuvenated with an appreciation for beauty in some of life's simple pleasures.
List of Nepal's Few Rural Villages:
- Samagaun Village
- Ringmo Village
- Thame Village
- Village of Nele
- Panauti: The Oldest Village of Nepal
- Bhujun: Cleanest Village of Nepal
- Dingboche: The Coldest Village in Nepal
- Sirubari: The First Tourist Village of Nepal
- The Lost City of Phu: Nepal's Forgotten Village
Uncovering Village Life in Rural Regions of Nepal
The rural regions of Nepal are characterized by their beautiful natural landscapes and simple, traditional way of life. Generally, in these constituencies, people live in close-knit communities and heavily rely on agriculture and animal husbandry for livelihood.
Most of the houses in this place are constructed with readily available local materials like bamboo and thatch. Many families band together to tend to farms and animals, which provide them with food.
Manaslu Region
Chiselled and mountainous, the Manaslu region lies west of Nepal and beside Tibet. In this area is Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It has beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritages, and the routes are challenging during treks.
Now, the altitude varies within this zone from 600 meters to 8,163 meters at the tip of Mount Manaslu.
Demography and Lifestyle
The inhabitants of the Manaslu region are of Tibetan origin, and Buddhism is their prime religion. It also includes the Gurung and Tamang people as indigenous communities.
1. Samagaun Village
Samagaun is a village located in the northern part of Nepal in the Manaslu region, catering at an altitude of 3,530 meters (11,581 ft) above the sea level.
The village lies above mountains; the Manaslu, among others, is rated as the eighth-highest peak in the universe. It lies on top of a hill overlooking the valley formed by the Budi Gandaki River and is highly considered for alpine meadows, glaciers and high-altitude lakes.
The traditional house structure in Samagaun is of stone and wood, with slated roofs that stand pretty close to each other, forming narrow alleys and streets. There exists a monastery where Buddhist monks reside to practice their religion.
Features, Highlights of Samagaun Village
Several peaks ringfence the village; Mount Manaslu is the paramount attraction for many trekkers and climbers. Other nearby mountains include Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Shringi Himal.
This village lies adjacent to the Manaslu Conservation Area and offers habitat to a wide variety of wild fauna, including the snow leopard and Himalayan tahr down to the musk deer.
Some of the major attractions of Samagaun are its rich Buddhist culture and monasteries, adorned with many ancient Buddhist relics, statues, prayer wheels, and thangkas.
Impact of Tourism
Due to its inaccessibility, Samagaun is comparatively backward, and the people's main economy depends on agriculture and tourism. Tourism has benefited the local economy by generating employment and improving local living standards.
Upper Dolpo
One of the remotest regions in Nepal, Upper Dolpo is located in the northwest corner of Tibet, bordering Tibet to the north. This region is sacred because it consists of brilliant ruggedness, marvellous mountain vistas, and rich cultural heritage.
With an average elevation of over 4,000 meters, Upper Dolpo is one of the highest habitations in the world. It is very popular with trekkers and adventurers embryologically looking for a challenge in their quest for an authentic Himalayan experience.
Highlight
Tourism attractions in Upper Dolpo include hiking routes that take visitors through magnificent mountain passes, beautiful valleys, and ancient villages. Another trendy destination for the region's visitors, located close to Phoksundo Village, is the lovely turquoise-blue Phosundo Lake, surrounded by soaring mountains and glaciers.
2. Ringmo Village
Upper Dolpo is famous for its untouched natural wilderness, outstanding natural beauty, and scattered settlements offering scenic beauty. One of the beautiful villages among them is Ringmo Village, which is situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters above the Phoksundo Lake lying in one of the deepest lakes in Nepal.
The topographical vicinity of Ringmo village comprises rugged and mountainous landforms with steep slopes and rocky landscapes.
This village views many acres of high-altitude meadows, forests, and snow-capped peaks, including the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Major Highlight
The people of Ringmo are predominantly followers of the Bon religion, an ancient Shamanistic faith that predates Buddhism in Tibet.
This village of Ringmo hosts some of the essential Bon institutes in the world and is home to several Bon monasteries.
Food and Culture
Their foods and customs show that Ringmo belongs to a Bon community. Traditional food includes staples such as roasted barley flour and tsampa combined with yak butter tea and a noodle soup called thukpa.
It's a paradise of colourful festivals and joyous celebrations. Most of the time, people can be seen rejoicing with traditional dances, music, and other cultural performances.
Rolwaling Valley (Gaurishankar rural municipality)
Rolwaling forms a mountainous region in the north-central part of Nepal, elevated about 3,000–8,848 m above mean sea level.
This area spanned many of the highest peaks, with Mount Gaurishankar being the second-highest rise in the Rolwaling range and considered one of the most challenging mountains to ascend. Other noted regional peaks include Melungtse, Tengi Ragi Tau, and Dorje Lakpa.
Highlights
Besides trekking and climbing, visitors can visit several cultural and historical attractions around Rolwaling. These include ancient Buddhist monasteries like the Thame Monastery or Tengboche Monastery.
3. Thame Village
Thame Village is one of the most beautiful settlements in the Rolwaling area, Nepal, and lies at an altitude of 3,800 meters in the Himalayan foothills. It lies about 4-5 hours' trek from the bustling market town of Namche Bazaar, otherwise called the gateway to Everest.
It winds through landscapes, beside rivers, across lush valleys, and in front of ancient monasteries.
Significant Highlights of Thame Village
One of the famous attractions around Thame is Thame Monastery, one of the oldest hermitages, dating back to the 17th century. It's a community residence for Buddhist monks following the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Another must-see attraction around Thame is the Khumbu Glacier, one of the biggest and most spectacular glaciers, with incredible vistas and an unforgettable experience.
Food and Culture
Rich in cultural heritage and affiliated with the Sherpas, visitors can participate in their artistic practices, such as traditional ceremonies like festivals, including Mani Rimdu, which usually occurs once every year in October or November.
The food at Thame is simple and nutritious with the usual traditional Sherpa fares of dal bhat, momos, and thukpa. A couple of guesthouses and teahouses in the area can provide any accommodation and hospitality to stay-over visitors who come mainly as trekkers and nature lovers.
Tsum Valley
Somewhat mystery-shrouded and isolated, the Tsum Valley in the northern segment of Gorkha District in Nepal is also called a "hidden valley." It lies at an altitude of 3,700 meters, with Tsum remaining closed to visitors until 2008, making it even today one of the least travelled and remote destinations.
It turns out that the valley is home to the Tsumba people, who speak a language sui generis in dialect and syllable and have their own culture and way of life. Rare flora, fauna, and a host of medicinal herbs used since time immemorial in traditional Tibetan medicine and Ayurveda are found here.
Highlights
Tsum Valley is a haven for several trekking expeditions and cultural tours, with many opportunities for wildlife viewing during treks in the picturesque alpine forests of Tsum Valley, over rugged mountain passes, and into some remote and isolated village settlements.
4. Village of Nele
Nele is a beautiful village of Tsum Valley in the northern part of Gorkha district, located at an altitude of 3180 meters. From Arughat, one can reach there by a scenic 5-day trek.
Steep hillsides and terraced fields characterize the village, hemmed in by snow-covered mountains that lend breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.
Major Highlights
It is on the Tsum Valley trek trail. It can be accessed by similar villages like Kama Gaon, Burji Village with the famous Milerepa's Cave, Phurba Village, and finally ending up at Mu Gompa, one of the renowned places to visit in Upper Tsum Valley.
Leru Monastery is situated in the Tsum Valley, Nepal, approximately 15.5 km from Nele Village. One needs to walk 4-6 hours from Nele Village to reach Leru.
History and Religion
The monastery is believed to have been built in the 14th century and is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, one of the considerate founders of Tibetan Buddhism. This is an essential religious heritage site for Buddhists and is visited by devotees worldwide.
Now that we have gone deeper into some of the remote villages in Nepal, we will head towards answering some frequently asked questions regarding different towns and remote communities living here in Nepal.
5. Panauti: The Oldest Village in Nepal
Known as Nepal's oldest village, Panauti, it remains nearly unexplored by modern developments, offering travellers a different and unique destination to feel authentic cultural life.
Panauti lies about 32 km southeast of Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Roshi Khola and the Punyamati Khola, surrounded by lush green hills and farmland.
History
Panauti has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 7th century when it was a thriving trade centre on the ancient Silk Road.
Over the centuries, it has been ruled by various dynasties, from the Malla and Shah to the Rana dynasty, and has retained its position as the central hub for Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
Religiously Garnered
It is home to many ancient temples and shrines, with a Hindu majority in Panauti.
The most important religious site is the Indreshwor Temple, which dates back to the 13th century and is famous for its dedication to Lord Shiva.
Similarly, Panauti is home to its unique cultural practices; one example is the Bisket jatra, where townspeople drag a giant wooden chariot through the streets. You will also get an opportunity to observe the Panauti Jatra, a festival held to pay homage to and honour the patron deity of this town.
Major Highlights
The city of Panauti is embellished with magnificent architecture and natural beauty. The local Newari architectural-style houses and temples immersed in this town present a visual treat, interlaced with intricate woodcarvings and brickwork that reflects abundance in cultural heritage.
This place is also a standard base for trekking and hiking, with several scenic trails that lead to nearby vantage points.
Be it history buffs, nature lovers, or cultural juggernauts—there's a little something for everyone within Panauti.
6. Which is the Cleanest Village in Nepal?
Bhujung, a picturesque village nestled amidst the stunning Annapurna mountain range located in the Lamjung district, is known to be the cleanest Village in the country.
History & Religion
The history of Bhujung dates back to the 16th century when the Newar community migrated to this region.
Most of the people of Bhujung Hindu follow the religion, and they have several dedicated cultural rituals and festivals throughout the year. This includes an annual Gurung Festival.
Major Highlight
One of the salient features of Bhujung is its cleanliness, which is only possible through local awareness. And a result, the streets are clean; the air is fresh. The village also presents breathtaking panorama views that attract various activities like hiking, trekking, and cultural exploration in the region.
Cleanliness, magnificent views, and warm hospitality have made this village unforgettable for any traveller visiting Bhujung.
7. The Coldest Village in Nepal: Dingboche
Dingboche lies among the tiny village settlements in the Khumbu region, often dubbed as the coldest permanently settled village in the country. At an altitude of 4,410 meters Dingboche gets covered by towering peaks that make iconic Himalayan peaks like Mt. Everest.
History and Religion
The village of Dingboche, originally a trading post between Tibet and Nepal, is predominantly inhabited by Sherpas.
Visitors can visit the local monasteries and have an educative discussion regarding the Sherpa community. They're also going to be exposed to the ecstatic glamour of Buddhist art and architecture.
Major Highlights
Even in summer, the Village is very cold, though the adventures have yet to be slightly hindered from discovering and trekking in this challenging landscape.
The village is mainly used as a base camp for expeditions to Mount Everest and other regional peaks, so it's a popular destination for mountaineers.
8. The First Tourist Village of Nepal: Sirubari
Located in the Syangja district of Nepal, Sirubari Village is the first tourist village in the country, known for its warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty.
History and Culture
This village is inhabited by the Gurung community, which came here hundreds of years ago.
The village of Sirubari has been promoted lately as a key tourism spot for visitors to see Nepalese architecture, explore the surrounding hills, and absorb the local lifestyles.
Major Highlights
Its location in the scenic Syangja district of Nepal, rich in its cultural heritage and warm hospitality, has made Sirubari Village a beautiful destination for travellers seeking a unique cultural experience in the country.
9. Lost City of Phu: Nepal's Forgotten Village
Perched in the northern region of Nepal, the Lost City of Phu is a forgotten village that has recently gained attention for its rich history that dates back over 1000 years.
The people of Phu are mainly of Tibetan descent, and Nepalese and Tibetan cultures have influenced their culture and traditions.
Striking feature
This village lies in the shadow of magnificent mountains—with the likes of Mount Himlung and Dhaulagiri—whose inaccessibility has preserved the cultural heritage that combines Tibetan architecture with experience, for which people are yearning to gain an understanding.
Like moths to a flame, travellers can have a go-around exploration, learn about the traditional Tibetan and Nepalese Culture, breathe fresh air, relish the natural beauty, isolated peace, and the hidden gem called the Lost City of Phu.
Appeal to discover the Hidden Gems of Nepal
The hidden villages of Nepal bring to the fore rich cultural heritage and natural splendour that are pretty unique and activating towards visitors.
Places like Thame, Nele, Samagaun, Panauti, and Sirubari offer travellers unique charm and features that make them a must-visit destination for any traveller to digest.
So why not venture off the beaten path and discover Nepal's best-kept secrets for yourself?
These villages are hidden and sure to prove quite an experience. Come to real discovery in Nepal's rural hidden treasures, and make those unforgettable moments.
