Chandra’s Wedding Trek

Chandra’s Wedding Trek. Witness a traditional Rai marriage ceremony in Rural Nepal.

Many of you know Chandra from trekking with him in Nepal or India or both countries and Tibet. Chandra comes from the Rai ethnic clan of Nepal. Their matrimonial practice is unique. When the bride and groom are to be with their families, they agree on the partnership and get engaged. Upon engagement, they start living together. However, it could be years or even decades before the final solemnization of their marriage takes place.

Such a ceremony can be a massive burden financially to both the bride and groom’s families. They have to provide a free flow of alcoholic beverages (locally distilled or fermented); pigs and chickens are slaughtered to feed the guests for several days.

Chandra’s marriage was solemnized on the 18th of February, 2018. Chandra and I have discussed opening up his wedding to be witnessed by our friends from overseas. This event will be a great cultural experience for those attending. Few foreigners have visited this part of Nepal as it lies off tourist/trekking trails. We sent the first and only trekker to this part of Nepal in October 2016.

We have designed this package so you can see the real Nepal and experience a “once in a lifetime” cultural event. It will also be a great photographic opportunity to meet people who are not in Nepal’s tourist part.

Part of the proceeds from this trip will go towards helping both families with wedding expenses. It is estimated that between 100 – 200 relatives and villagers will attend this wedding event on each side of the family – a substantial financial burden.

Trekking team

Itinerary:

14/2/18: Arrive in Kathmandu to be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Well, well, arriving for the wedding on Valentine’s day… Hmmm.

15/2/18: Drive towards Patale on the border of Okhaldhunga and Solu Khumbu districts. We will be staying overnight in a basic lodge.

16/2/18: Drive for 3 hours or more, depending on the road conditions to the Inku River. We will start the trek to Chandra’s village of Majgaon, Pawei. The trek begins with a steep climb for about two and a half hours and turns into undulating terrain—4 hours of trek. You will be treated to a traditional Rai feast and cultural show in the evening. Overnight in a tent.

17/2/18: We will go for a short walk outside of the village. In the afternoon, lunch with Chandra’s immediate family, e.g., his parents, brothers, and their families – provided they are not preoccupied with the wedding chores.

18/2/18: Today, we will be part of Chandra’s family wedding procession to the bride’s village. They will play traditional musical instruments, drink, dance, and make merry on the way to the bride’s village. We will stay in the bride’s village for the night in tents.

19/2/18: We will witness some traditional ceremonies before leaving the bride’s village to return to Chandra’s home with much festivity.

20/2/18: We retrace our steps back to the road, head and drive to Phaplu, where there is an airport.

21/2/18: We take a short 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to wander around Thamel – the tourist hub of Kathmandu.

22/2/18 International departure.

Chandra’s family

Cost US$1200 per person on twin sharing basis.

Cost includes:

Two nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.

Two nights in lodges outside Kathmandu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Six lunches and dinners when outside of Kathmandu.

Drive to Chandra’s village in private jeeps.

Tents while in the villages.

Domestic flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu.

Click here for our next wedding trek.

Also, check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.