A Cultural Journey and Wellness Escape to the Himalaya

Paubha is a rich painting tradition that visualizes the interpretation of Buddhist and Hindu philosophies. Often confused with the more popular Thangka which traces back to Tibetan cultures, the Paubha has its roots in the Newar communities of Kathmandu Valley with a subtle difference in the painting styles from that of Thangka. Derived from the word “Patrabhattaraka”, Paubha is a form of the divine art of painting gods. The Paubha is often created to worship gods and in regards to meditative purposes.
A well decorated Paubha takes a lot of time to complete. This four-hour workshop, however, is designed with the objective to generate awareness of this endangered form of art and culture with hands-on experiences of the process involved in decorating a Paubha. During the session, you will learn about the painting while trying to paint your own Paubha, which you can take as a souvenir.
Later you can explore the historic magnificence of Patan, the historic city. Its Durbar Square is surrounded by a fascinating array of temples, built in various architectural manners, varies from the era of its establishment. Patan is a home of numerous temples like Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Mandir, Taleju Bell and much more, which displays Gods and Humans, as these have always lived in Nepal next to each other since long-long time. All the temples are decorated with the samples of the masterpiece of Nepalese handicrafts of Newari architecture. The city is built on Newari cultural perspectives, thus, the city envelopes the pride of Newari cultural history.

Thimi, the leading pottery hub in town, attracts visitors seeking an authentic and immersive experience. With its close proximity to Bhaktapur, Thimi makes for a perfect day trip, offering a glimpse into the age-old craft and the bustling side streets brimming with skilled artisans.

Pottery holds a deep-rooted history in Nepali culture, with archaeological finds dating back at least 2600 years in Lumbini. Throughout Nepal’s regions, one can find the usage of ceramic pots used for collecting, storing and transporting water. Pottery serves more than just household purposes – it holds great meaning in cultural and ritual affairs. In the Newar culture, clay pots are integral, representing a crucial element of their traditions. The creation of traditional Newari rice wine, known as aila, relies on a specialized ceramic setup consisting of various clay containers and a large vessel with holes, enabling the distillation process. The art of clay pottery that you can witness in Thimi reminds us of the rich heritage that shapes the region’s identity. This would be a therapeutic session.

Later you will visit Bhaktapur, enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a brilliant illustration of Newari architectural skills. Bhaktapur, made up of three large squares filled with shrines, temples and activity. In its heyday (14th-16th centuries) Bhaktapur was the most powerful of the Kathmandu Valley kingdoms and its capital for 300 years. A city of pagoda roofs and harmonious blend of wood, mudbrick and copper – especially notable is the Nyatapola Temple (Palace of 55 Windows).

Early morning, you will be transferred to the domestic airport terminal. Your 25 minutes’ flight from Kathmandu takes you to the beautiful valley of Pokhara, the city of lakes, where you will be welcomed by the mighty Annapurna Range and Seti River. You will then be transferred to Nayapul. Following the trail from Nayapul, you gradually climb uphill walking along a gravel road through cultivated fields. Continuing, you’ll pass through a scenic area of blooming rhododendron blossoms and old oak forests taking you to a terraced mountain village populated by the Gurung community. Explore the maze of village stairs that connect cafés, shops, and teahouses whilst admiring the peaks of Annapurna South, Himchhuli, and Fishtail at a distance.

Buffaloes and goats graze in the surrounding fields and you may have to make way for the donkey and mule trains that convey goods to and from the Gurkha settlements. You may also meet some of the trekkers coming down from or heading up. After 3-4hrs you reach Himalaya Lodge. It is from this lodge that there are magnificent close up views of the surrounding mountains – Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the Fishtail. Our guide will take you on an exploration of this mountain village and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.

Upon arrival at the village of Lumle situated at an altitude of 1610m, you begin your one and a half hour walk to the Gurung village Majgaon. After some 45 minutes, we arrive at the village of Chandrakot situated at an altitude of 1580m / 5200 ft. From this village, there are spectacular views of Annapurna South, the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain or Machhapuchhare as it is locally known. From Chandrakot, our walk takes us through a forested area along a well-worn trail for a further 45 minutes to the Gurung Lodge which is situated at an altitude of 1450m / 4800 ft. After lunch, you will be escorted to the local village of Majgaon. The contents of the house illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life.

Today, you hike up to beautiful Australian Camp through the beautiful forestry and countryside. Now along the journey, it is an impressive and up-close view of Annapurna Range including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South Hiunchuli, Annapurna II and IV and Lamjung Himal etc. Later, you will hike down to Phedi, a small village situated near Pokhara. It’s the starting or ending point of many Annapurna Trekking route. You are then sdriven to Pokhara where you will rest at the hotel.

You will have an Ayurvedic massage to relax your tired muscles after your trek. It is a traditional Asian massage techniques based on manipulation and use of the body’s meridian pressure points. Ayurveda primarily founded in India thousands of years ago and retains wide usage to date.

You shall begin your day with Paranayam Yoga session to invigorate the body and mind, guided by a professional Yoga instructor. You will focus on your breathing and try different asanas, and check your postures depending upon your flexibility.

Later, you will drive from Lakeside through the narrow and busy road to the lush green forest towards World Peace Pagoda. On a clear weather, you can see the mesmerizing views of the beautiful mountain range and Pokhara city. World Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda style monument located on a hilltop overlooking the Phewa Lake, the Pokhara city and the panoramic view of the Annapurna range. Rest of the day is free where you have time to relax in the hotel or explore the streets of Pokhara.

Later in the evening, you will participate in an interesting Momo cooking experience at the Tibetan Settlement Camp, where you will enjoy making the dumplings and taste of it.

You start off your day with Paranayam Yoga session guided by a professional Yoga instructor. You then have time for yourself as rest of the day is at leisure day. You can either relax at the hotel or check for other optional activities to do when in Pokhara (additional charges applicable).

Today, you will fly back to Kathmandu and will be transferred to Pharping. Pharping is a small Newar town lying above the Bagmati River on the southern edge of the Kathmandu valley. It is also an important site for Buddhist pilgrimage and monasteries. Pharping boasts extraordinary, panoramic views. From the top of the hill, the view of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley is simply breathtaking. It’s not just a breath of fresh air; It’s an enriching experience and the best way to get a taste of local, farming life in a Nepalese village. You will check in at Neydo Monastery Hotel for a unique stay.

You will have time to explore the Asura Cave, one of the sacred pilgrimage places for the Buddhists, where the great Buddhist master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) attained enlightenment.

Early in the morning, you can join in the holy Prayer Chanting session with the Monks in the monastery. After that, you will relish a nourishing breakfast. Later, you will continue towards Kathmandu and check-in at your hotel. You can relax for the day and visit Siddhartha Art Gallery, where you can observe and admire the myriads of art collection depicting various works of artists.

Later in the evening, you will visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the holiest sites enlisted in UNESCO World Heritages Sites. It envelops an absolute admiration and faith not only from the Buddhist perspective, but Hindus of Nepal also pay their equal respect to this pious Buddhist site. The Stupa stands with the message of peace and love; it used to be an ancient resting point for the Tibetan merchants to Nepal and India, where they would rest and perform their holy prayers. Ever since then and now, especially Tibetans, but also Buddhist from all around the world, value the Boudhanath Stupa as their ultimate holy destination. You will see devotees and passersby doing the Kora: circumambulation around the periphery and light candles.

Today, you will visit other UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Kathmandu Durbar Square, a cluster of ancient temples like Kumari Chowk; the Courtyard of the living Goddess “Kumari”, Aakash Bhairav Temple, Temple of Lord Machhindranath, palace courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries.

You will walk through Itumbahal, an old Newari settlement set in a large courtyard and famous for its traders in herbal spices and medicines. From here you continue to Indrachowk, one of Kathmandu’s most colorful and ancient local markets and Ason chowk; another market dedicated to spices and local vegetables, and Annapurna temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of Grains. Heading to Thamel, a popular tourist hub, you can familiarize yourself with the local culture and surroundings.

Continued tour to Thamel, the tourist hub in Kathmandu, where one can witness local life, small temples and stupas, shops selling cashmeres/pashmina, trekking gear and souvenirs, restaurants and many more.

Later, you will go for a tour around Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Swayambhunath Stupa perched on top of a conical hill, can be reached by climbing a few steps, where a panoramic view of Kathmandu city can be witnessed. The Buddhist pilgrimage center, Swayambhunath Stupa, is situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu. The temple is colloquially known as the ‘monkey temple because of the large tribe of roving monkeys who guard the temple.

In the evening, you will go to Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Lord – Shiva, the God of Destruction, also known as Pashupatinath (Lord of Animals) right for the time of evening Aarati by the holy Bagmati river bank. Pashupatinath temple is one of the final destinations for Hindu devotees of all around the world. Built in around 400 A.D, the temple is decorated within the perfection of ancient arts and crafts. Four of the main gates of the temple are made of silver. Each gate is allocated for the four-faced lingam (phallic symbol of Shiva), which is to express that the blessing of the lord shall spread in all four directions around the world. Many Hindu Sadhus from all around the world are spotted around preference of the temple, with long dreadlocks, meditating by the bank of the Bagmati river, and occasionally smoking marijuana, seen impersonating Lord Shiva.

Today, you will be transferred to Avata Wellness Center, where you can experience a soothing SHIRODHARA treatment at the spa, an ancient technique to lower stress and anxiety and to improve your serotonin levels. It entails a slow and continuous dripping of medicated oil/normal oil/ ghee on the forehead, where there is high concentration of nerves. Oils, ghee, milk or butter milk are used depending on the doshas (vata, kapha and pitta) of the body. The gentle flow and the consistent warmth of the oil provides a deep sense of relaxation to the mind and body. It is great for insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, headaches, restless mind, degenerative diseases, skin disorders, hair loss and nervous system disorders, among many other benefits. The 90 minutes’ session manipulated by a therapist helps you relax as the oil drips continuously on the pressure points on the forehead.

Later, you have some free time to relax or explore on your own.

Check-in is 3 hours prior to departure, and it is best not to skim on time as queues can be long and slow. Your booked airport transfer will be at your hotel ready to take you to the airport in time, allowing approximately 30 mins driving time depending on time of day. At the airport security will check your flight ticket – either hard copy or on your mobile – along with your passport before you are allowed to enter the departure hall.