Arts & Crafts Deluxe Tour - 14 Days
Venture into one of the most outstanding countries in the world and be amongst the few to discover one of Nepal’s oldest and most precious treasures: its traditional crafts. Experience real Nepalese culture and get in touch with local artisans who have dedicated their lives to keeping the crafts and traditions of Nepal alive.
Known as “a living cultural museum”, Nepal is blessed with a rich heritage of traditional handicrafts. This tradition has been passed to the current generation by their ancestors.
This tour includes: a 1-day Woodcarving workshop, a 1-day Stone carving workshop, a Nepalese Cooking class, a Thangka Painting class, an introduction to Nepali Lokta Paper, a Jeep safari and many cultural tours in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan (Lalitpur), Chitwan, Pokhara and Lumbini.
Day 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02. KATHMANDU & PATAN SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa:
Cultural tour in Patan in the afternoon
The ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur), also known as the City of Arts, is renowned for its fine arts and amazing architecture. Among other places, we will visit:
- the Krishna Temple,
- the Chyasin Dewal,
- the Golden Temple,
- the Mahabouddha Temple,
- the Patan museum,
- and the Local Markets.
Soak up the atmosphere of Patan and roam around the distinctive buildings and their charming courtyards. You will witness the finest metal and stone sculptures dating back to the 14th century.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03. BHAKTAPUR SIGHTSEEING & INTRODUCTION TO NEPALI LOKTA PAPER
In the morning, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour in Bhaktapur. The ancient Newari town is renowned for its fine religious architecture and its traditional handicrafts. Among other places, we will visit:
- the Brass & Bronze Museum (Metal Museum),
- the Woodcarving Museum,
- the 55 Window Palace,
- the Golden Gate,
- and the Five Storeys Temple (Nyatapola Temple).
We will also visit the Bhaktapur Pottery Square. You will witness the various stages of the ceramics creation process (from the processing of clay to spinning the wheel)*.
In the afternoon, we will visit a Nepali Lokta Paper Factory. The Nepali Lokta Paper is a wild crafted, handmade artisan paper renowned for its resistance and remarkable longevity. You will witness the process of Nepali Lokta paper creation. You will get the chance to try yourself as well.
*Please note that pottery lessons are also available on request.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 04. THANGKA PAINTING CLASS
After breakfast, we will visit a Thangka Painting school. Thangka painting is very rich with symbolism and it takes a lifetime to learn and master this Tibetan art. This workshop is designed to introduce students to the Thangka art and provides a deeper look into the art form.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 05. STONE CARVING WORKSHOP
Today, you will enjoy a fun hands-on stone carving workshop led by experienced stone carving experts. We will visit a Stone Carving Factory. You will be welcomed by specialists who will brief you about the process. You will observe the stone carving process and learn the methods from the stone masters. You will also interact with the artisans and find out about their traditions.
Note: Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 06. WOODCARVING WORKSHOP
Today, we will visit a Woodcarving gallery. You will be welcomed by a specialist who will brief you about the process of woodcarving. He will introduce you to the different tools and techniques for getting started with woodcarving. First, watch and learn from the masters. Then, it’s your turn to try!
Note: Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 07. CHITWAN & THARU VILLAGE VISIT
Overnight in Chitwan.
Day 09. CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK: BIRDWATCHING TOUR | DRIVE TO LUMBINI
In the morning, enjoy a birdwatching tour with an experienced naturalist guide.
Then, we will drive to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Lumbini.
Day 10. LUMBINI SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Today, we will visit the Maya Devi Temple, where Lord Buddha was born, and the World Peace Pagoda. We will also visit many beautiful Buddhist temples and monasteries built by various countries around the world (Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, India to name but a few).
We will explore the Wetlands and encounter the gorgeous Sarus Cranes.
Day 11. FLIGHT TO POKHARA
Then, we will visit Pokhara and go for some handicrafts shopping, for those who want to take a taste of Nepal home with them.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 13. NEPALI COOKING CLASS
In the morning, enjoy a fun Nepali cooking class. Today, you will prepare your very own Nepali feast. You will have the choice between 3 menus (each with 5 different traditional dishes).
Free time in the afternoon.
In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you will also enjoy a Nepali cultural dance show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 14. DEPARTURE
After a fun-filled trip, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off.
- Experienced and government English speaking licensed guide during the entire trip.
- All ground transportation (private vehicle).
- Domestic flights: Lumbini to Pokhara / Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees.
- All handicrafts workshops and activities with experienced local experts as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis (13 nights | Carefully selected luxury hotels/resorts during the entire trip) : 8 nights in Kathmandu, 2 nights in Chitwan, 2 nights in Lumbini and 1 night in Pokhara.
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Tips for guides, driver, artisans & others.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, alcoholic drinks, laundry, shopping, telephone calls.
- Visa fees.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Accommodation:
Carefully selected luxury hotels/resorts during the entire trip.
13 nights: 8 nights in Kathmandu, 2 nights in Chitwan, 2 nights in Lumbini and 1 night in Pokhara.
Meals:
- Day 1: N/A.
- Day 2: Breakfast.
- Day 3: Breakfast.
- Day 4: Breakfast.
- Day 5: Breakfast.
- Day 6: Breakfast.
- Day 7: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 8: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 9: Breakfast.
- Day 10: Breakfast.
- Day 11: Breakfast.
- Day 12: Breakfast.
- Day 13: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner.
- Day 14: Breakfast.
