TUKUCHE - Riches from salt

Long before Tibet came under the power of China and the import of sea salt from India, Tibet would be the major source of salt to Nepal. The common practice was that the salt used to be bartered with other edibles that the harsh climate of Tibet would not let grow. And Tukuche used to be the center of such trade. Tukuche was the toll station for the salt trade with Tibet which made the inhabitants of Tukuche very wealthy. It used to be the economic center for the Thakalis. This is evident by the well-decorated houses and beautifully carved wooden windows. Tukuche is also the northern boundary of the Thak Satsae region. The Thakali clans that stay here are Bhattachan, Sherchan, Tulachan, and Gauchan.

There are three gompas here but not all of them are open to visitors. Rani Gompa towards the south-west is comparatively very old and is not in the best of conditions. Hence, it's closed. There aren't many side trips from Tukuche. However, one interesting place to visit could be the Chokhopani burial sites to the east of Kali Gandaki river where many excavations have taken place. Also, to the north of the town, after a little climb, there are large cultivation lands including apple farming too. So if you are in a mood to roam around this could be the perfect place. Facilities at Tukuche are quite good as well with petrol depots, library, health posts and a safe drinking water station. It is the only village with a dental clinic in the entire circuit and so it caters to patients from as far as Upper Mustang.