The Thakali people come from the Thak Khola, the upper Kali Gandaki valley between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Once great traders on the salt route between Tibet and India, they are now famous across Nepal for their hospitality and food.
Quick answer: the Thakalis are an ethnic group of the Kali Gandaki valley, historically salt traders and innkeepers. Visit their whitewashed villages, such as Marpha and Tukuche, and try a Thakali set, a beautifully prepared dal bhat with local specialities.
History
For centuries, Thakali traders carried salt and wool from Tibet and grain from the south through the Kali Gandaki. Their trading and innkeeping skills made them successful hoteliers across Nepal.
Villages
- Marpha: famous for apples and apple brandy.
- Tukuche: an old trading town with fine houses.
- Jomsom: the district centre.
The Thakali set
A refined dal bhat with rice or buckwheat dhido, black lentil dal, seasonal vegetables, pickles and often meat. Thakali restaurants are popular in Kathmandu and Pokhara. See dal bhat and Nepali food guide.
Visit
Pass through Thakali villages on the Annapurna Circuit, Muktinath tour or Upper Mustang jeep tour.