DARCHULA: After spending six months away to escape the harsh winter, residents of Tinker village on the northern border of Darchula have finally returned home.
Around 70 families who had left for Khalanga in Mangsir have made their way back to the high-altitude village in the last week of Baisakh.
“When we returned after six months, our houses were just as we left them—locked and protected by faith,” said local Jaspal Tinkeri. “We left everything in God’s hands, and nothing was lost.” After a six-day trek, villagers have now settled back in, bringing life back to the area.
Since there’s no road connecting Tinker to the rest of Nepal, residents had to take a difficult route through Indian territory to reach their village. “It’s painful that we cannot reach our own village without crossing into another country,” said ward member Hitesh Budhathoki.
Locals have long expressed frustration over having to seek Indian permission to access their own homes, blaming government delays in infrastructure development.
Despite the government allocating Rs. 55 million this fiscal year under a special grant, road construction has yet to begin due to delays in awarding contracts.
The rural municipality only selected a construction company this week, missing the opportunity to complete the road in time for the villagers’ return.
“We had hoped to walk home through Nepali land this year,” said Budhathoki, “but once again, we were forced to take the Indian route.”
The people of Tinker traditionally divide their year between Khalanga and Tinker, a practice known as Kuncha Sarnu in the Sauka community.
Situated at 3,300 meters above sea level, Tinker becomes uninhabitable during winter due to snow over six feet deep. Residents migrate to Khalanga with their families, livestock, and supplies to escape the freezing conditions.
For six months, the village remains deserted and its homes locked. “Yet, we’ve never experienced theft,” said local Dansingh. “It’s a blessing from the gods. Our deep faith and traditions protect us.”
The community relies primarily on agriculture, trade, and herbal collection for their livelihood. Crops such as buckwheat, barley, millet, potatoes, and wheat are cultivated, and families rear cattle, buffaloes, mules, horses, and goats.
Now back in their village, the residents have begun preparing to plant this season’s crops.
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