Another one of the Paachgaon (Paach=five, gaon=village) which also has some
apple orchards but isn't particularly famous for it. Many travellers come to
Chhairo as a side trip from Marpha as it only takes little more than 30
minutes to reach Chhairo from Marpha. Or you could just head down south
following your usual itinerary and Chhairo will be on the trail. The main and
only attraction worth visiting here is the Chhairo Gompa which sits amidst the
sleek and tall Juniper trees. This monastery also houses some of the oldest
religious paintings in the Kali Gandaki valley and although disfigured has an
impressive collection of religious statues. There is also a school here which
is attended by kids of Chhairo and neighbouring Marpha. But the most
interesting fact about Chhairo is that it was once a Khampa settlement.
Khampas were Tibetan war soldiers who resisted the People's Liberation China's
acquisition of Tibet. At the time of armed struggle against the Chinese
soldiers, Khampas (supported by the CIA) had made a base here at Chhairo.