Newari Culture in the Kathmandu Valley - 7 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Nepal - Evening Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport you'll be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Patan, the city of fine arts.  

Depending on your arrival time, in the evening you can take a short tour around Patan and get your first taste of Newari cuisine at a welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant. 

Day 2: Patan Walking Tour

The most famous Newari artists and master craftsmen were born in this beautiful city, Patan, whose Newari name is Yala. The city contains numerous heritage sites, handicraft centers, monasteries, Hindu temples, and Buddhist shrines, which reflect the history, culture, and religions of the Newars.

Today, your local tour guide will take you around Patan. You'll visit the Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum, Golden Temple (Rudravarna Mahabihar), Mahaboudha Temple, and the Kumari Chhen, where the Living Goddess of Patan lives. Learn about the centuries of history on display throughout Patan.

Total walking time: 3 hours

Day 3: Tour Bungamati & Khokana Villages - Cooking Class with Newari Family

After breakfast you will be driven to the twin villages of Bungamati and Khokana, not far from Patan.

Bungamati is home to the rain god Rato Macchhindranth, and overlooks the Bagmati River. It is believed that Kathmandu was blessed with rainfall during the worst drought in its history when god Rato Machhindranath was brought to Bungamati. Khokana is famous for its traditional oil mills. The mustard-oilseed industry is an example of living heritage, and mustard oil is essential to Newaris for both culinary and ritual purposes. Explore the temples and historic sites of Bungamati and Khokana and observe the local lifestyle.

In the afternoon, visit the house of a Newari family, where you will learn how to cook a traditional Newari meal. Your home chef will introduce the various ingredients, recipes, and processes required to cook the best Newari food. Enjoy eating your creations afterward. 

Day 4: Bhaktapur Tour

After breakfast, you'll head by private car to the beautiful city of Bhaktapur. Also called Bhadgaon and Khwopa, Bhaktapur is an ancient royal city with a huge number of outstanding architectural monuments. It was the largest of the three Newar kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, and was the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom. Bhaktapur is famous for its culture and crafts. 

Your guide will take you around this beautiful city, to places such as Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Museum, Potters' Square, and the five-story Nyatapola Temple. Also get a taste of Bhaktapur’s famous yogurt, known as king curd or ‘Juju Dhau’.

In the evening you'll spend some time with a local expert, who will tell you all about Newari culture, arts, festivals, and so on. You'll have the chance to ask questions. 

Day 5: Drive to Kathmandu - Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Ason Bazaar

After breakfast you will be driven to another city, Kathmandu. The old area of the city, around the Kathmandu Durbar Square, contains a beautiful and eclectic mix of architecture. It showcases the skills of Newari artists and craftsmen over several centuries. It's also where the Malla and Shah kings ruled the city from, in their grand palaces with hidden courtyards and temples. Enjoy a guided tour of the Kathmandu Durbar Square this morning.

After lunch, visit the ancient markets of Ason Bazaar, where you'll see commerce and religious life side-by-side. You'll also get some free time to explore Kathmandu on your own.

Total driving time: approx. 45 minutes

Day 6: Free Day in Kathmandu - Evening Farewell Dinner and Cultural Program

Spend some time relaxing today, or exploring the city on your own. Perhaps you'd like to shop for souvenirs, or visit some of other Kathmandu's other attractions. As an optional extra, you could choose one of the following activities: 

• Dress like a Newar: Put on a traditional Newari costume and have fun taking pictures.
• Arts Tour: Take a guided street art tour.
• Traditional Music Tour: Meet and interact with a traditional band/music group that plays Newari music at festivals and celebrations.
• Festival Tour: Many Newari festivals are held in the Kathmandu Valley throughout the year, and depending on your travel dates, your stay might coincide with one.

In the evening you'll be taken for a farewell dinner in an authentic Newari restaurant with a cultural song and dance program to enjoy while you eat.

Day 7: Departure 

Today you will be transferred to the airport in good time before your flight. Bid farewell to Nepal, for now!