10-Day Nepal Cultural Immersion Tour Itinerary
Arrival and orientation
DAY 1: After settling into our tranquil accommodation in the heart of Kathmandu, as a group you will take a short orientation walk through the streets of Thamel, followed by a group dinner.
Culture and history of Nepal
DAY 2: Today's focus is on the culture and history of Nepal. You will take to the streets and alleyways of Kathmandu, making our way to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Durbar Square. Featuring several styles of Hindu Temples. Durbar Square still plays and important part in the daily life of the Nepal people. After a delicious Nepali lunch, continue to Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu cremation site that gives you a deeper understanding of the cultural practices of Nepal. Tonight we will eat at Organic Green Cafe a restaurant that grows all its own vegetables.
Social enterprise and Seven Women
DAY 3: Participate in a group discussion on Community Development led by Seven Woman Country Directory Anita Kerr. Afterwards walk through the streets of Thamel to visit the Seven Women Centre and see first-hand the work of this amazing social enterprise. Next enjoy a Nepali Cooking class followed by a Nepali Language lesson with women from the Centre. Next there is a group dinner in busy Thamel.
Nepali health system and Monkey Temple
DAY 4: We’ll start today with a discussion on the work and success of Fred Hollows and his global Foundation. You’ll visit the Fred Hollows Eye Hospital, see aspects of daily eye care and learn about surgical procedures, as well as general medicine and the Nepali health care system. In the afternoon, you will walk up to the Monkey Temple, a Hindu hill-based shrine with a fantastic view over the Kathmandu Valley. Tonight you will savour a traditional Nepali dinner at Talkali Kitchen.
Rural life in Nepal and the ancient city of Bhakatapur
DAY 5: An early start to watch the sunrise over the magnificent Himalayan mountain range followed by a short trek down to the rural farming village of Sudal where we will spend the morning experiencing what rural life is like for many Nepali people. The afternoon will take us to the ancient city of Bhaktapur where we can see local artisans making pottery and learn about the rich history of this area. In the evening you will stay in Bhaktapur and experience a traditional Newari feast.
Local arts and impact of Fair Trade
DAY 6: In the morning you will visit an artist workshop of intricate buddhist Tanka paintings to gain further insight into Buddhist beliefs and customs.,Mid morning return to Katmandu for a tour of the largest Fair Trade accredited workshops and exporters of traditional craft products in Nepal – the Association for Craft Producers (ACP). ACP is recognised worldwide for their sustainable and fair trade manufacturing operation. You will see crafts people and designers reading a multitude of products and will join the ACP leadership team for lunch. The afternoon is free time, followed by a group dinner.
Skill sharing and the caste system
DAY 7: Mid morning join the group to walk through bustling local neighbourhoods to the Seven Women centre where you'll have a cooked lunch made by the women. The afternoon is an important skill sharing session where you will offer your expertise in working alongside our women on current projects. This skill sharing is invaluable to the growth of the Centre and is a learning experience for all concerned. Late afternoon we will visit Dambar, a local silversmith and social entrepreneur, who employs members of the dalit community, the lowest caste known as Untouchables. Here you'll see both beautiful silversmithing and appreciate first hand how vision and integrity is overcoming long-held superstitions of caste and privilege. This evening’s dinner is at a co-operative of traditional folk musicians belonging to the dalit community.
Human trafficking & UNESCO Buddhist temple
DAY 8: This morning involves a group visit to Maiti Nepal, an organisation actively working to stop human trafficking. This visit is a unique opportunity to observe and discuss the harrowing impact and scale of human trafficking and the sex trade in Nepal, and how this is mirrored in many locations worldwide. This afternoon we will be visiting the UNESCO Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and a global Buddhist pilgrimage site. Given the site’s significance there is a wide range of restaurants, cafe and shops for you to explore and have lunch with new found friends. Dinner is a group affair in Thamel this evening.
Green technologies towards sustainability
DAY 9: This morning you’ll learn about innovative solutions to waste management challenges for Katmandu via a visit to the Foundation for Sustainable Technologies (FOST). FOST is an enterprise that recycles products to make sustainable fuel for cooking and everyday living, plus teaches locals sustainable waste management. This is followed by an afternoon craft class led by the Seven Women Centre women, and continued skill sharing. Afternoon tea is at our local guide Padam's house, where you’ll gain further insight into local living. Tonight is our Goodbye Celebration featuring traditional Nepalese cuisine and dancing.
Group debrief and fly out
DAY 10: Packing and final goodbyes before heading to the airport for your mid-day flight home.