Faces of Nepal

Community, culture and folklore tour

Nature Mountain Gastronomy Historical Family

Nepal is not just a destination; it’s an experience that touches your soul. This 18-day journey is designed for those seeking more than sightseeing; it’s for explorers who crave meaningful connections, cultural depth, and spiritual awakening. If you’re looking for a journey that inspires, transforms, and stays with you long after you return home, this is it. Come with an open heart, and let Nepal reveal its magic to you.

Trip Description

Discover the heart and soul of Nepal on this 18-day odyssey, where ancient traditions, spiritual wisdom, and breathtaking landscapes come together in perfect harmony. From the sacred chants of monks in Boudhanath to the serene foothills of the Annapurna, every moment is crafted to inspire, enlighten, and connect you with Nepal’s rich heritage and warm-hearted people. Highlights of Your Journey: 1. Spiritual awakening: Witness mesmerizing Puja Arati at Pashupatinath, meditate with monks, and hear the tales of Buddhist preachers. 2. Cultural immersion: Learn the ancient arts of Paubha painting, Ranjana Lipi calligraphy, and pottery-making from master artisans. 3. Community connection: Stay in traditional homestays, share meals with local families, and support sustainable tourism initiatives. 4. Mountains: Trek through picturesque villages, soak in panoramic Himalayan views, and hear the legends of sacred peaks like Macchapuchre. 5. Flavors: Craft Yomari sweets, savor homemade momos, and dine with organic farmers in the hills. This is more than a trip; it’s a transformative experience, where every step deepens your connection to Nepal’s enduring spirit.

Accomodation

Includes: 1. Transport in a Private Vehicle with A/C • Arrival and departure transfer • Sightseeing tour as per itinerary • Land transfer as per itinerary 2. Accommodation • Kathmandu (5Ns) • Namobuddha (1N) • Panauti (1N) • Bhaktapur (2Ns) • Kirtipur (2Ns) • Pharphing (1N) • Pokhara (3Ns) • Astam (1N) • Dhampus (1N) 3. Meals • Breakfast as per itinerary • Lunch & Dinner as per itinerary 4. Guide: • Representative for arrival & departure assistance • English-speaking Tour Guide throughout the trip 5. Taxes and Service Charges: • All the applicable services charges • Government taxes 6. Activities: • Paubha painting session with local artist • Hi tea ceremony with monk • Wood carving with local artist • Yomari making with host family • Caligraphic session with local artist • Momo making with host family • Hike with monk to Asura cave • Buddhism session with monk • Boating in Phewa lake • Lunch with host in Sharing Seed project Excludes: • International airfare • Nepal VISA fees ($50 per person) • Excess baggage charge in domestic flight • Travel insurance • Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc • Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional activities, etc • Hotels check in / check out as per the hotel rules • Any extra expenses incurred from flight cancellation or delay • Sudden price escalations in hotels, transport, flight or any other items • Any form of rescue • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary • Land transfer and sightseeing not listed in the itinerary • Entrance fees at sightseeing sites (Tentative: EURO 35 per person) • Domestic flight (KTM to PKR / PKR to KTM): EURO 250 per person – subject to change and includes guide’s flight as well • Language speaking guide extra cost (German/Spanish/Italian/French): EURO 95 per person.

Stay program

day 1:
Welcome to Nepal
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will be there to greet you. Then we will drive to the hotel for a refreshing break. Here, our representative will share an overview of the exciting journey ahead, brimming with cultural connections and community experiences. Take time to recover from the flight. Meal: N/A Overnight: Nepali Ghar or similar
day 2:
Hymn of the gods: monk's prayers & arati puja
We will start our day with a Hi Tea ceremony with monks in Boudhanath. Here, we will explore the Buddha’s teachings of compassion as the monks offer their blessings, filling us with peace and positivity. Later, in the evening, we will head to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple to witness the mesmerizing Puja Arati ceremony. Along the Bagmati River, the rhythmic chanting of hymns creates an atmosphere of deep spirituality, offering a rare glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual heart. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: Nepali Ghar or similar
day 3:
Paubha: A sacred art of divinity
Today, we will dive into the world of Paubha painting, a traditional Newari art that reflects the profound teachings of Buddhism in various forms. We’ll meet a skilled Paubha artist, explore his gallery, and uncover the symbolic layers of this sacred art form. Under the guidance of a master, we will also try creating our own basic Paubha. Later, we will visit Swayambhunath, a landmark of Tibetan Buddhism, where we will light butter lamps for peace and prosperity. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: Nepali Ghar or similar
day 4:
Tales of a compassionate prince in Namo Buddha
Our journey continues to Dhulikhel, from where we will begin a short hike to the Namo Buddha Monastery. The monastery holds a significant legend of Prince Mahasattava's act of compassion, who is believed to have been reborn as Siddhartha Gautama. During the hike, we'll pass Buddhist chortens, observe village life, and witness breathtaking mountain vistas, especially on clear days. Upon reaching Namo Buddha, we will observe monks engaged in their daily routines and prayers. Meal: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Namobuddha Resort or similar
day 5:
Panauti: A community driven homestay
Today, we will head towards Panauti, an ancient Newari town situated at the junction of the Rosi and Bungamati rivers, strategically located as an important trade route. Our stay in a traditional Panauti homestay offers an authentic experience, where we’ll connect with our host family, immerse ourselves in their daily rhythms of life, and enjoy Nepali cuisine. This is also a community project supported by Planeterra, so we will gain insight into sustainable community tourism as well. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Panauti community homestay
day 6:
Ancient civilization of Malla kings
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Bhaktapur, an open-air museum filled with iconic structures, including temples, palaces, and courtyards that reflect the rich Newar architecture. Here, we’ll marvel at Durbar Square, Dattatreya Temple, and the five-storied Nyatapola Temple while listening to tales of the Malla kings. As the sun sets, we’ll wander through ancient alleys, where the air is filled with the soulful melodies of bhajans—an expression of devotion shown to gods through songs. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: The Nanee or similar
day 7:
Legacy of Bhaktapur’s craftmanship: Meet with artists
Today we will head to the iconic Pottery Square, where we will participate in pottery-making, guided by skilled artists. As we mold the clay, we will learn how pottery plays a vital role in Nepali culture, from household use to its significance in rituals and pujas. Later, we will meet talented wood carvers, gaining insight into their intricate craftsmanship, passed down through generations. The wood carving tradition in Bhaktapur is renowned for its fine detail and cultural depth, with artisans carving everything from sacred temple structures, gods, goddesses, and elements of nature to everyday items. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: The Nanee or similar
day 8:
Making Yomari with local hosts
Today, we will drive to Bungamati, where, with our host, we will make Yomari, a traditional Newari sweet delicacy that holds a special place in the culture of the Kathmandu Valley, particularly during the winter months and festivals like Yomari Punhi. This is a community tourism project supported by Planeterra. From here, a short walk will take us to the Rato Macchindranath Temple, where we will hear the folklore of a Buddhist saint who came to the Kathmandu Valley from India to help the people during a time of drought. Afterward, we will drive to the historic town of Kirtipur and stay overnight at a community homestay. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Kirtipur community homestay
day 9:
Ranjana Lipi calligraphy with historian
In the morning, we will visit a vibrant local market to handpick fresh ingredients for making Momo, a beloved Nepalese dumpling usually shared among family, friends, and colleagues. This experience will immerse you in the flavors and culture of Nepal. In the afternoon, we will delve into the rich history of Nepal through a Ranjana Lipi calligraphy session, led by a knowledgeable historian & artist. Ranjana Lipi, an ancient Newar script, holds deep cultural significance, having been used for religious and official inscriptions across the country. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Kirtipur community homestay
day 10:
Folklore of a Buddhist saint
Today, we will drive to Pharphing, where we will visit a statue of Padmasambhava, a saint who played a pivotal role in establishing the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered the second Buddha in many Tibetan Buddhist traditions. From there, we will walk to the sacred Asura Cave, accompanied by a knowledgeable monk who will share the fascinating story of this revered saint. This immersive journey offers a unique opportunity to explore the deep-rooted spirituality of Nepal while connecting with nature and ancient Buddhist traditions. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: Neydo Monastery Hotel
day 11:
Buddha’s teachings with Monks
Start a day early by joining with the monks for a morning prayer. Then, guided by a knowledgeable monk, we will dive into the profound teachings of Buddha, exploring his way of life and the essence of mindfulness. Through engaging philosophical discussions, we will gain firsthand insights into Buddha’s timeless wisdom. This experience will not only inspire our spiritual reflection but also deepen our understanding of inner peace and harmony. Then we will head to Kathmandu city. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: Nepali Ghar or similar
day 12:
Pokhara: City of lakes & majestic mountain range
After immersing yourself in Nepal’s spiritual heart, we’ll venture into its natural beauty. A morning scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu will lead us to Pokhara, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna Range. Known as the "City of Lakes," Pokhara is not only a serene retreat but also the gateway to thrilling high-altitude treks. Upon arrival, we will spend a relaxing afternoon by the tranquil Phewa Lake, soaking in the peaceful natural ambiance. Get yourself a drink and enjoy with a captivating view of the lake. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: Temple Tree or similar
day 13:
Sharing seed: Community driven agriculture project
We will start a day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a scenic 2–3-hour nature hike to serene Sarangkot hill. The trail offers a gentle ascent, revealing breathtaking aerial views of Phewa Lake in the background. Upon arrival, we will meet the hosts of the Sharing Seed Project, a Planeterra-supported initiative that promotes organic farming, beekeeping, coffee cultivation, and community empowerment. While savoring a wholesome lunch with our hosts, we will hear inspiring stories of their journey and their impact, creating a truly immersive experience. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: Temple Tree or similar
day 14:
At the foothills of Annapurna
Strap on your hiking boots because, starting today, we will venture deep into the mountains for a 3-day hike at the foothills of Annapurna. Our journey begins with a drive to Hemja, the starting point of our hike to Astam Village. This hidden gem offers an authentic glimpse of rural Nepal, where you can experience the Himalayan way of life. On a clear day with fine weather, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Tonight, we will stay in a family-operated tea house. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Annapurna eco village lodge
day 15:
Tales of Macchapuchre, the holy mountain
Continuing our adventure, today we will hike to Dhampus village. Along the way, we will be surrounded by lush forests, stunning views of the Annapurna Mountain range, local life, terraced fields, and welcoming people. In the evening, we will hear stories about the Gurung people’s cultural identity and the tale of 'Macchapuchre' – one of the untouched holy mountain peaks in Nepal, which remains isolated and pristine. Enjoy your night at the foot of the Himalayas in a cozy tea house. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Tea house accommodation
day 16:
Tranquility in mountains
Enjoy a morning sunrise, and after having breakfast, we will hike to Australian Camp. Situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters, the camp offers one of the best vantage points for mountain views. The serene surroundings of lush forests and fresh mountain air will create a sense of tranquility, allowing you to connect deeply with nature. After spending some time there, we will hike down to Phedi, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us to Pokhara Lakeside. Enjoy your evening in the lakeside, reflecting on the adventurous journey. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: Temple Tree or similar
day 17:
Back to capital city
We bid farewell to Pokhara and take a scenic 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Take this day to relax in comfort—whether you choose to pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment, indulge in some souvenir shopping, or simply unwind and enjoy the city’s energetic ambiance. Meal: Breakfast Overnight: Kathmandu Dwarika’s or similar
day 18:
Departing with memories
As your journey comes to an end, we will drop you at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight back home. It’s time to bid farewell to our team, but the memories and adventures we've shared will stay with us.