Arts & Crafts Tour - 21 Days / 20 Nights

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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.

Our Arts & Crafts Tour is specially designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Nepal's artisan culture.

This tour includes: a 2-day Woodcarving workshop, a Nepalese Cooking class, a Thangka Painting class, an introduction to Nepali Lokta Paper, a pottery lesson, birdwatching in Koshi Tappu, jeep safari in Chitwan and many sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan (Lalitpur), Dharan, Ilam, Lumbini, Tansen and Pokhara.

Note: This tour gives you a basic understanding of woodcarving, ceramics and other handicrafts in Nepal. For travelers who wish to understand and learn more about the Nepalese handicrafts, we also organize handicrafts workshops run by local experts (1 week to 3 months). Contact us for more details.

Overview

Price: $0

Code: dUS-0199

Country: Nepal

Booking Status:

Location

Departure: Kathmandu.
Arrival: Kathmandu.
Travel Route: Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu - Biratnagar - Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve - Dharan - Ilam - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu - Chitwan - Lumbini - Tansen - Pokhara - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu.

Season

From September to November and from March to May.

Duration

21 Days / 20 Nights.

Itinerary

What is Included/Excluded

Accommodation / Meals

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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:

- Pashupatinath Temple, a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Lord Shiva. Devotees are regularly taking ritual baths in the holy Bagmati river. You will see a wide range of very interesting cultural activities. We will also meet many Hindu Holy Men (also known as Sadhus).

- Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a very important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Walk clockwise around the stupa, enjoy the mystical atmosphere, encounter the Buddhist monks and take lots of pictures under the colorful prayer flags.

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.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 03. 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.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 04. WOODCARVING WORKSHOP

Enjoy the second day of your woodcarving workshop at the Woodcarving Gallery.

Note: Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 05. FLIGHT TO BIRATNAGAR AND DRIVE TO KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESERVE

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic flight to Biratnagar.

Then, we will drive to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, home to the endangered wild water buffalo and a bird watching paradise.

Village walk and cultural programs in the afternoon.

Overnight in Koshi Tappu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 06. BIRDWATCHING (KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESERVE)

Early in the morning, you will go on a full-day birdwatching tour with an experienced bird guide inside the Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserve. Enjoy a boat excursion and be on the lookout for the Ganges River dolphins.

Overnight in Koshi Tappu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 07. DHARAN

Today, we will visit Dharan, a beautiful town surrounded by hills and famous for its khukuri knives.

Overnight in Dharan.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 08. DRIVE TO ILAM

After breakfast, we will drive to Ilam. The hills of Ilam are draped with lush green tea gardens. Ilam, land of tea, is also home to the endangered Red Panda and a birdwatching paradise.

Overnight in Ilam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 09. ILAM - MAI POKHARI

Today, we will visit Ilam and Mai Pokhari. Discover the beautiful tea gardens of Ilam and explore the wetland of Mai Pokhari.

Overnight in Ilam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 10. DRIVE TO BHADRAPUR EARLY MORNING AND FLIGHT BACK TO KATHMANDU

Early in the morning, we will drive to Bhadrapur. Flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.

Free time in the afternoon.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11. CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK: THARU VILLAGE VISIT & NEPALI COOKING LESSON

After breakfast, we will drive to Chitwan National Park by private car/van. In Chitwan, you will get a welcome drink at the hotel. You will have time to rest and enjoy the natural scenery.

In the afternoon, we will visit a typical Tharu community village. You will have the opportunity to prepare your own special local meal with the Tharus and enjoy your dinner at a Tharu house with members of the community. A real immersion experience!

Overnight in Chitwan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 12. CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK: JEEP SAFARI

In the morning, you will go on a full-day Jeep safari inside the National Park, where you might be able to see many wild animals such as deer, boars, Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, rhinos, sloth bears, and so on.

In the evening, we will take you to the nearby Tharu Culture Center, where we will watch the native Tharu culture dance show.

Overnight in Chitwan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 13. DRIVE TO LUMBINI

Today, we will drive to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Check in to the hotel. Relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere in Lumbini.

Overnight in Lumbini.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 14. 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.

Overnight in Lumbini.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 15. TANSEN

Today, we will drive to Tansen, an unspoiled gem in the Palpa district. The authentic town with its narrow streets is one of the most charming places in Nepal. In the evening, we will hike up to the view tower on the Shreenagar Hill to enjoy the sunset view over the Himalayas. We will spend the night at a local family's home.

Overnight in Tansen.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 16. TANSEN AND RANI MAHAL

In the morning, we will drive to Rani Mahal (Ranighat Palace), also known as the Taj Mahal of Nepal due to its history.

Then, we will spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful town. We will also go for some shopping. Tansen is famous for its Dhaka (a unique Nepali hand woven fabric) and Karuwa (a traditional ritual water vessel).

Overnight in Tansen.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 17. POKHARA

After breakfast, we will head to Pokhara, one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. We will check in to our hotel, where we will spend some time refreshing ourselves.

In the afternoon, we will visit Pokhara and go for some handicrafts shopping, for those who want to take a taste of Nepal home with them.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 18. DRIVE BACK TO KATHMANDU & INTRODUCTION TO NEPALI LOKTA PAPER

After breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu.

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.

Then, we will drive to Bhaktapur, where we will spend the next two nights.

Overnight in Bhaktapur.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 19. 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.

Overnight in Bhaktapur.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 20. POTTERY LESSON & BHAKTAPUR SIGHTSEEING

In the morning, you will visit the Bhaktapur Pottery Square and enjoy a fun hands-on pottery lesson. You will witness the various stages of the ceramics creation process and learn the ancient art of pottery from a local expert (from the processing of clay to spinning the wheel).

In the afternoon, 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).

In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you will also enjoy a Nepali cultural dance show.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.

Day 21. 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.

Please note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline. Factories are closed on Saturdays. Therefore, the given itinerary is adapted for arrivals in Kathmandu on Saturdays. 100% flexibility! If this itinerary doesn't suit you, we will customize one for you.

What’s included

Pre-departure support.
Airport pick-up & drop-off.
Experienced and government licensed English-speaking guide during the entire trip.
All ground transportation (private vehicle).
2 domestic flights: Kathmandu to Biratnagar & Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.
All handicrafts workshops and activities with experienced local experts as mentioned in the itinerary.
Accommodation on twin sharing basis: 6 nights in Kathmandu (3-Star hotel), 2 nights in Bhaktapur (Guest house), 2 nights in Koshi Tappu (Wildlife Camp), 1 night in Dharan (hotel), 2 nights in Ilam (homestay), 2 nights in Chitwan (Jungle Resort), 2 nights in Lumbini (3-Star hotel), 2 nights in Tansen (homestay) and 1 night in Pokhara (3-Star hotel).
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
All entrance fees (including Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Chitwan National Park entrance fees).
All government taxes, VAT and service charges.

What’s NOT included

International flights.
Excess baggage fees (domestic flights).
Tips for guides, driver, artisans & others.
Personal expenditures, all bar bills, alcoholic drinks, laundry, shopping, telephone calls.
Optional trips and extra domestic flights.
Visa fees.
Travel insurance.
Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.

Accommodation: