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Raute Ethnic Group Research Tour - 5-15 Days

based on 82+ reviews • Recommended by 99% of Travelers
duration
Trip Duration

5-15 Days

difficulty
Trip Difficulty

Easy

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These treks are perfect for novices and those seeking a more leisurely experience. They reach altitudes of up to 3,500m-3,800m and include a maximum of 4 hours of walking daily. The terrain is generally smooth, making it reachable for trekkers of all ages and fitness levels.
group-size
Group Size

1-15 People

start-end-2
Start/End

Kathmandu

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Best Season

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Accommodation
Accommodation
  • 3-Star hotel in Kathmandu
  • Best Available Guest Houses During the Tour
  • Homestay
transportation-2
Transportation
  • Private Vehicle
  • Domestic Flights
5-15 Days Trip
  • Your safety, our no 1 priority
  • Best price guarantee
  • Experienced & dedicated team
  • Easy booking, no hidden charge
  • You can customize this trip
Need Help?
rajan
Talk to Travel Expert
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Highlights

  • Unique Nomadic Lifestyle: Experience firsthand the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Raute people, who are one of the last remaining nomadic tribes in Nepal.
  • Remote and Authentic Encounters: Journey deep into the forests of western Nepal to meet the Raute, who live in temporary huts made of wood and leaves, practicing age-old customs.
  • Ethnic Traditions: Witness their distinctive cultural practices, including their language, rituals, and craftsmanship, which have been preserved over generations.
  • Hunter-Gatherer Society: Learn about their hunting and gathering techniques, which are essential for survival in the dense forests where they reside.
  • Challenges and Preservation Efforts: Understand the challenges faced by the Raute in modern times and the efforts being made to preserve their cultural heritage and way of life.
  • Community Interaction: Engage with community members through meaningful interactions, learning about their beliefs, stories, and aspirations for the future.
  • Cultural Exchange: Participate in cultural exchanges, possibly sharing your own experiences while learning from theirs, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.
  • Supporting Indigenous Tourism: Contribute to sustainable tourism practices that support the Raute community economically while respecting their cultural integrity.
  • Memorable Experiences: Create lasting memories of a journey that offers a rare glimpse into a vanishing way of life, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and resilience.

Trip Overview

Kings of the Forest: Life with the secretive Nepalese tribe who survive by eating monkey meat, Continue their own native culture, and speak a language that has never been written down.

One of the rarest ethnic groups of Nepal and probably the only people living in the jungle, are the Raute. They are known for subsistence hunting of langur and Macaque Monkeys. They gather wild forest fruits, Tubers, and greens on a regular basis. For other necessary goods like Rice, Salt, Cloths, iron, and jewelry, they carve Wooden Bowls, Boxes, small tanks, drums, and Handicrafts for nearby villages and Farmers. The Raute people keep moving to different forests very often.

Raute Ethnic Group doesn’t spend more than 6 months and sometimes not more than a few days at 1 place at a time. They will keep looking for better water sources and villages where they can sell their wood products, and if someone in the community dies, they move to another place. They speak their own Raute Language. The leader and a few of them can speak Nepali language too.
Rautes always wish to remain Full-Time Foragers, and they don’t want to assimilate into the surrounding farming population. Their estimated population is about 650. They are living around the Doti and Darchula districts of Nepal.

Raute shelter.
Raute shelter.

Raute Ethnic Group Exploration in Nepal

The Raute Ethnic Group Exploration Tour offers a rare opportunity to observe and learn about one of Nepal’s most unique and protected indigenous communities. The Raute are the last remaining nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe in Nepal. They live deep in the forests of western Nepal and move frequently from one place to another, following their traditional way of life. Because of their nomadic lifestyle, visiting them requires careful planning and coordination with local authorities.

As of March 2026, the Raute community is living between the border of Gurbhakot Municipality and Lekbeshi Municipality in Surkhet District in western Nepal. This area is surrounded by forested hills where the Raute temporarily set up their camps. Their location may change over time, so the exact camp location is always reconfirmed with local authorities before the visit.

The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Surkhet, one of the main towns in western Nepal. From Surkhet, travelers continue by private jeep for about 4 to 5 hours toward the forest area where the Raute are currently staying. The final access to the camp depends on their current settlement and local permissions.

This exploration focuses on understanding the daily life, traditions, and survival skills of the Raute people. The Raute are known for their deep connection with the forest. Traditionally, they make wooden bowls, hunt monkeys, gather forest food, and avoid permanent settlement. They do not farm or live in fixed houses like most other communities in Nepal. Their culture, language, and social structure remain very different from mainstream society.

During the visit, you will observe the Raute lifestyle respectfully, learn about their traditions through local experts, and understand the challenges they face in the modern world. Since the community is protected by the government, visits are organized carefully with the necessary permissions to ensure the experience remains respectful and responsible.

This journey is ideal for cultural travelers, anthropologists, researchers, photographers, and explorers who want to understand one of the most fascinating and least-known indigenous communities in Nepal.

The Raute Ethnic Group Exploration Tour is more than a trip. It is a rare chance to witness a disappearing nomadic culture and learn directly about a community that continues to live closely connected to the forest and their ancestral traditions.

Itinerary Note

Raute Ethnic Group Exploration Tour

We are a leading travel and adventure company based in Nepal, offering a unique and immersive Raute Ethnic Group Exploration Tour. Our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable experience as you explore the fascinating culture of the Raute people.

Custom Itineraries

Every itinerary is tailored to your travel plans and preferences. The duration of our Raute Ethnic Group Exploration trips typically ranges from 10 to 20 days, depending on how much time you want to spend and the purpose of your visit. The pricing will be determined based on your specific needs and requirements.

Personalized Planning

Let us know your desired duration for the trip, and we will work closely with you to ensure you have an exceptional journey. Our team is committed to making sure you’re completely satisfied with the trip we plan for you.

Our Support for Your Raute Ethnic Group Exploration

Location Identification: We help locate the current settlement of the Raute people, who frequently move and do not stay in one place for more than six months, sometimes only a few days.

Paperwork and Permits: We handle all necessary paperwork and permits required for your exploration.

Professional Guides: Our experienced guides and support staff will accompany you throughout the trip.

Local Expertise: We provide a local expert who has in-depth knowledge about the Raute Ethnic Group and their culture.

Local Representation: We act as your local representative during the exploration tour.

Accommodation: We arrange the best available accommodation, such as guesthouses, homestays, or tents in the exploration area.

Food and Drinks: We take care of all your food and drink needs during the exploration days.

Transportation: We arrange all the Ground transportation, flight tickets, charter flights, and helicopters within Nepal.

Join us for an incredible journey to explore the unique culture and lifestyle of the Raute people. Let us make your trip a truly remarkable experience!

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5-15 Days Trip
  • Your safety, our no 1 priority
  • Best price guarantee
  • Experienced & dedicated team
  • Easy booking, no hidden charge
  • You can customize this trip
Need Help?
rajan
Talk to Travel Expert

Client Reviews

Travellers talking about Namaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub
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82+ reviews in TripAdvisor
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Ram Prakash P profile picture
Ram Prakash P
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An amazing trip to remember It was an amazing experience Rajan and team took care of us very well. The bus ride, the hotels we stayed and the Aussie group (Anil, Sushma, Nikita and Tim) were great companions for us learnt a lot from them. We had good fun all throughout the trip everyone had experienced some challenge but everyone was supportive and stood by one another. Thank you for organising such a wonderful trip and taking such great care of us.
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Manju H profile picture
Manju H
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A Dream Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash Our Mount Kailash–Lake Manasarovar Yatra began in mid-June 2026 and fulfilled a dream that had been years in the making. After researching several operators, we chose Namaste Nepal Trekking Hub because they specialise in small groups and were able to curate an itinerary that perfectly suited our group's preferences. Our group consisted of eight travellers from New Zealand and four from Australia. One of the things that impressed us most was that Rajan, the founder of the company, personally accompanied us from Lhasa to Mount Kailash. His passion, attention to detail, and genuine care ensured the pilgrimage was smooth, comfortable, and deeply meaningful. The journey exceeded all our expectations. The breathtaking Tibetan landscapes, beautiful monasteries, views of Mount Everest, the sacred Lake Manasarovar, and the majestic Mount Kailash made every day unforgettable. We especially appreciated having ample time at Lake Manasarovar and in Darchen to meditate and absorb the spiritual atmosphere instead of feeling rushed. The accommodation throughout the journey was excellent, and Rajan's support team—Arjun, Kumar, and Tula—looked after us with delicious vegetarian meals every day. We also enjoyed sampling Tibetan vegetarian cuisine along the way. A special thank you to Awa, our skilled Tibetan driver, for making the long road journeys safe and comfortable. I completed most of the Kailash Kora on foot. After crossing Dolma La Pass, I completed the remainder by vehicle because my husband developed severe altitude sickness. Our heartfelt thanks go to Tula, whose kindness and support helped my husband safely cross the pass. The only area for improvement was that our Tibetan guide could have been more engaging, but this did not diminish what was an exceptional pilgrimage. Thank you, Rajan and the entire Namaste Nepal Trekking Hub team, for making a lifelong dream a reality. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a Mount Kailash pilgrimage. Om Namah Shivaya! 🕉️🙏
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Curious30426395505 profile picture
Curious30426395505
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Lake Manasarovar and Mt Kailash Parikrama Our Mount Kailash and Manasarovar pilgrimage was a truly successful and unforgettable journey. A heartfelt thank you to Rajan, our travel guide, for accompanying us every step of the way and encouraging us to complete the Kailash Parikrama on foot. He inspired us to immerse ourselves in the spiritual experience and surrender ourselves to the blessings of Lord Shiva, which gave us the strength to complete the parikrama. Despite my own breathing difficulties caused by the high altitude and low oxygen levels, I was fortunate to have Arjun as my porter. He stayed with me throughout the entire parikrama, offering constant support and helping me whenever I needed it. I am deeply grateful for his kindness and dedication. This pilgrimage was a beautiful journey filled with amazing experiences, immense positive energy, and profound spiritual fulfillment. Rajan and his team took excellent care of us throughout the trip, and we are truly grateful that we chose Namaste Nepal Trekking Group for this auspicious pilgrimage. The accommodations and food were very good, and the entire trip, from traveling through Tibet, China to Lake Manasarovar and completing the Mount Kailash Parikrama—was well planned and smoothly organized. Thank you, Rajan and the entire team, for making this sacred journey such a memorable and successful one. We will always cherish these wonderful memories. 🙏 Har Har Mahadev!
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Rohan P profile picture
Rohan P
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Great service 5 start serice. Rajan is an amazing person and had arrange whole trip very nicely. We enjoyed whole Kailash Yatra with him and his team
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Jonathan H profile picture
Jonathan H
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Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal with Tiji Festival Recently returned to the UK following a trekking holiday in Upper Mustang,Nepal,including the annual Tiji Festival. First time I've entrusted such a booking with a company outside the UK,and I made a "Sound" choice. Rajan operates a professional and well-organised company,with good communication coupled with a passion to deliver a first-class experience. Our guides - Tula and Arjun - led us along the trails to the passes and viewpoints,exploring the Buddhist chortens and gompa that "dot" the landscape in this part of Nepal. The pace was measured and the lunch-breaks unhurried,whilst the accomodation and hospitality was excellent. When it became evident that the festival was begining a day earlier than planned - due to the tibetan calendar - a jeep was secured to transport us to Lo Mustang with time to spare ! In summary,this was a memorable trip - representing exceptional value - which I hope to emulate with this company in the future.
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Wanderer G
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Excellent Trekking Agency Der erste Kontakt war richtungsweisend. Bereits nach der ersten Anfrage meldete sich der Inhaber der Agentur Rajan Lamichhane sofort. Alle Details die per E-Mail besprochen wurden, haben sich während der Trekkingtour bestätigt. Die Tour war perfekt organisiert. Unser Guide Tula konnte uns mit seiner Erfahrung und Kentnissen über Landschaft und Kultur begeistern. Unser Träger Arjun war ein ruhiger und fürsorglicher Mensch der für unser Wohlergehen sorgte. Die flexibilität der Agentur zeigte sich, als wir aufgrund von Neuschnee, umkehren mussten. Es gab keine Panik und alles wurde zu unserer Zufriedenheit durchgeführt. Diese Agentur hat unsere erwartung nicht nur erfüllt, sie wurde noch übertroffen. Unser Fazit. Wer eine gute und seriöse Agentur sucht sollte mit Mamaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub in Kontakt treten. Wir werden unsere nächste Trekkingtour hier buchen. Gerd und Kristina Our initial contact set the tone. The agency’s owner, Rajan Lamichhane, got in touch straight away following our first enquiry. All the details discussed via email were confirmed during the trek. The tour was perfectly organised. Our guide, Tula, impressed us with his experience and knowledge of the landscape and culture. Our porter, Arjun, was a calm and caring person who looked after our well-being. The agency’s flexibility was evident when we had to turn back due to fresh snow. There was no panic and everything was handled to our satisfaction. This agency not only met our expectations, it exceeded them. Our conclusion: anyone looking for a good, reputable agency should get in touch with Mamaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub. We will be booking our next trekking tour with them. Gerd and Kristina
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Paul K profile picture
Paul K
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trip for Kailash It was an amazing journey, starting from the tropics of Nepal, high-altitude roads and villages to ascetic Tibet, with the opportunity to visit a number of inaccessible places!Excellent service, the guides' attention to detail.I recommend it!
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Roman Zhaivoron profile picture
Roman Zhaivoron
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Incredible views and careful organization my friends and i are absolutely thrilled with this trek! everything was organized very carefully and clearly. we always had enough time, we weren't in a hurry, but we weren't waiting either. all hotels and lodges were booked, and we liked the conditions. especially comfortable hotels were in Pokhara and Kathmandu, which was particularly appreciated after the trek. food was always on time (very tasty!). special thanks for the smooth mountain adaptation. my wife and i are not very experienced in trekking, but the program is designed so that there were enough days to gain altitude, then descend and acclimatize before going to 4130m. every day there were different views: we walked through cozy nepalese villages, along stone steps, then through the jungle, then through higher mountain forests, along stone valleys, surrounded by rocks and waterfalls. and, of course, at the foot of snowy peaks. incredibly beautiful! a special bonus is the blooming rhododendrons we saw on the way. we had a small group, only 4 people, just us and our friends. this is a big plus. in 10 days we became friends with the team. guide Barat is very experienced and attentive — many thanks to him and the two porters, Rayshyam and Prim, great guys! at the same time, the price was a pleasant surprise.
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Anna I profile picture
Anna I
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Best trip ever! I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Namaste Nepal Trekking for helping us organize our unforgettable trip to Annapurna Base Camp. Everything was arranged so smoothly that we didn’t have to worry about anything at all, the team took care of every detail. A special thank you to Rajan, who treated us with such warmth and care. He helped us choose the perfect tour tailored to all our preferences, handled the entire organization, and even introduced us to hidden local spots that only insiders know about. Thanks to him, we found great gear for our trek, enjoyed delicious meals at wonderful places in Kathmandu, and even had time to relax at a spa. I would also like to highlight the trek itself and extend my heartfelt appreciation to our guide, Bharat. He is truly an exceptional person, always calm, incredibly knowledgeable about every trail, kind, and attentive. With him, we always felt safe and well taken care of. I highly recommend Bharat to anyone planning this journey. We were also accompanied by our porters, Prem and Rasham, who were absolutely amazing! They brought so much joy to the experience, every evening we would all play Uno together and share great moments. They made the journey even more memorable. I look back on this trip with great warmth and would love to return again. Next time it will be Everest Base Camp!
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Кирилл Сахаров
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Спасибо за этот опыт! Привет Разан! Спасибо за все, организация намного лучше чем мы ожидали, прекрасные люди в команде, отличные отели и тайминг. Все проблемы решались быстро и