The original inhabitants of the Chitwan Valley — their traditions, hospitality, and deep relationship with the forest shape everything we do at Chitwan Bamboo Lodge.
The Tharu people are one of Nepal's largest indigenous groups, with a history stretching back thousands of years in the Terai lowlands — the subtropical strip of jungle, grassland, and rivers that runs along the base of the Himalayas.
For generations, the Tharu were the only people who could live year-round in the Terai, having developed a remarkable genetic resistance to malaria. This gave them an extraordinary relationship with the jungle, the river, and the wildlife — a connection that is still visible in their culture, food, architecture, and daily life today.
At Chitwan Bamboo Lodge, this heritage is not a performance — it is the living reality of our location, our team, and our community. When you walk a Tharu village, eat Tharu food, or watch a traditional dance, you are experiencing something that has evolved over millennia.
Our Team
Locally Rooted
Our staff come from the communities surrounding the lodge.
The Tharu people have lived in the Terai lowlands for thousands of years — long before Nepal's modern borders were drawn. They developed a unique immunity to malaria that allowed them to survive in the jungle lowlands that others could not.
Traditional Tharu livelihoods are deeply connected to the forest, the river, and the land — fishing, farming, hunting, forest foraging, and gathering have shaped their culture, architecture, food, and worldview.
Tharu homes are built from bamboo, mud, and thatch — naturally cool in summer and warm in winter. The same principles inspired our lodge architecture. Intricate wall paintings and carvings decorate many traditional homes.
Major Tharu festivals include Maghe Sankranti (the most important Tharu festival), Holi, Dashain, and harvest celebrations. Each has its own distinctive music, food, dance, and communal ritual.
Tharu food is distinct from general Nepali cuisine — featuring forest-foraged ingredients, river fish, fermented preparations, and dishes rarely found outside the Terai. Many of these dishes are served at the lodge.
A significant portion of our team are from local Tharu and other Terai communities. Their cultural knowledge, language skills, and relationship with the land are woven into every experience we offer.
All cultural experiences are led by local community members. These are not staged performances — they are genuine windows into Tharu life.
Tharu cuisine is one of Nepal's most distinctive and least known food traditions. It draws on forest herbs, river fish, fermented ingredients, and seasonal vegetables — many of which are not used in mainstream Nepali cooking.
At our lodge dining room, local and continental food is served alongside Tharu-inspired dishes. Guests frequently describe the food as one of the unexpected highlights of their stay.