# Thakali Culture and Food: The Traders of the Kali Gandaki

_Published 11 June 2026_

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](/places/marpha): famous for apples and apple brandy.
- **Tukuche**: an old trading town with fine houses.
- [Jomsom](/places/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](/blog/dal-bhat-nepal-national-dish) and [Nepali food guide](/blog/nepali-food-guide).

## Visit

Pass through Thakali villages on the [Annapurna Circuit](/annapurna-circuit-trek), [Muktinath tour](/muktinath-pilgrimage-tour) or [Upper Mustang jeep tour](/upper-mustang-jeep-tour).

## Frequently asked questions
### Who are the Thakalis?
An ethnic group of the Kali Gandaki valley, historically traders.

### What is a Thakali set?
A refined dal bhat with local specialities.

### Where can I visit Thakali villages?
Marpha, Tukuche and Jomsom.

### What is Marpha famous for?
Apples and apple brandy.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/thakali-culture-and-food