Women’s Tour to Nepal – Teej Special

Immerse yourself in one of Nepal’s most significant cultural events, the Teej Festival. This vibrant festival is dedicated to the well-being of women, particularly married women, and involves joyous celebrations, singing, and dancing. The day begins with a special session where you’ll learn how to drape a traditional Nepali sari and adorn yourself with traditional jewelry like ‘pote’ (glass bead necklaces). A Nepali makeup artist will be on hand to complete your transformation, though participation in makeup is optional. Dressed in your colorful sari, you’ll join local women in the festivities, dancing to traditional songs and celebrating in the streets. The warm reception from locals, who will appreciate your effort to engage in their traditions, will make you feel like a VIP. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where the day’s celebrations will continue. Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore Kathmandu’s most iconic heritage sites. The first stop is Swoyambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. This ancient stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. From here, you’ll proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic complex that once served as the royal palace and is home to numerous temples and courtyards dating back to the 12th century. You may even catch a glimpse of the Kumari, the living goddess of Kathmandu.

After lunch, the tour continues to Bouddhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal and a significant pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The day concludes with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, you’ll witness the Arati ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River, a spiritual experience marked by the rhythmic chanting of prayers and the lighting of oil lamps. Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar.

For early risers, an optional mountain flight is available, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. After breakfast, the group will drive to Panauti, a charming town that is one of the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley and recently nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Panauti is rich in history and culture, particularly known for its well-preserved Newari architecture. Here, you’ll visit the Indreshwor Mahadev Temple and other historical sites.

Following the exploration of Panauti, embark on a scenic hike to Balthali, a tranquil village surrounded by lush greenery and terraced fields. The two-hour hike offers stunning views of the countryside and is an excellent opportunity to experience rural Nepali life. For those who prefer not to hike, a vehicle transfer is available. Dinner and overnight stay at Balthali Mountain Resort.

After breakfast, embark on a serene walk to Namobuddha, a revered pilgrimage site located at an elevation of 1,750 meters. Namobuddha is home to the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, a significant Tibetan Buddhist site. A knowledgeable German tour guide will accompany you, explaining the history and spiritual significance of the monastery, as well as the fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths, the Six Perfections, and the Five Buddha Families.

Explore the monastery’s sacred temples and marvel at the intricate mandalas and ancient thangkas (Buddhist paintings on cotton or silk) that adorn the Main Shrine. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk around the picturesque village of Namobuddha, visiting the small white stupa that marks the spot where, according to legend, Buddha in a previous life fed himself to a starving tigress and her cubs. Participate in the evening Mahankal Puja at the monastery, a meditative ceremony that offers a deep spiritual experience. Return to Namobuddha Resort for dinner and overnight stay.

Today, after breakfast, you will drive to Bhaktapur, one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Bhaktapur offers a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural past. The city is famed for its pagoda-style temples, including the Nyatapola Temple, which is the tallest in Nepal.

Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, home to the stunning 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate, and various temples dedicated to different deities. You’ll also visit the National Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of ancient paintings and artifacts. The city’s narrow streets and traditional brick houses create a timeless atmosphere that transports you back to the 15th century. Overnight in Bhaktapur.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bandipur, a picturesque hilltop village located about 155 kilometers from Kathmandu. The journey takes you through beautiful riverbanks and gorges, offering stunning views of the countryside. Bandipur is a well-preserved Newari town that has managed to retain its traditional charm and cultural heritage.

Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and then set out to explore the village on foot, as vehicles are restricted to maintain the town’s beauty. Bandipur is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, traditional Newari architecture, and vibrant local markets. Stroll through the narrow lanes, visit the local temples, and enjoy the serene ambiance of this charming hill station. Overnight in Bandipur.

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital, located about 70 kilometers from Bandipur. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and freshen up before heading out to explore the city. Your first stop is the World Peace Pagoda, a large white stupa located atop a hill overlooking Pokhara. The stupa offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city, and Phewa Lake.

After soaking in the views, take a short walk around the Peace Stupa before driving back to Pokhara. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the lakeside area, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing by the lake. Overnight at Hotel White Pearl or similar.

Rise early for a sunrise tour to Kahu Danda, a viewpoint that offers spectacular views of the sunrise over the Himalayas. While the sunrise is usually visible, the Himalayas themselves are often shrouded in clouds during August and September, so prepare for varying conditions. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, visiting the Tal Barahi Temple, a small pagoda-style temple located on an island in the middle of the lake.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Pokhara at your own pace. You can visit local markets, try some adventure sports, or simply unwind by the lakeside. Overnight at Hotel White Pearl or similar.

Today, you’ll drive from Pokhara to Chitwan, a journey of about 155 kilometers that takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The drive offers scenic views as you descend from the mountains into the subtropical plains of the Terai region. Upon arrival in Sauraha, a village near Chitwan National Park, check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch with views of the elephants grazing in the surrounding grasslands.

In the afternoon, take a guided walk through a nearby Tharu village. The Tharu people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Terai region, known for their unique culture and traditional mud houses. During the walk, you’ll learn about their daily life and see their traditional crafts and farming techniques. End the day with a relaxing drink as you watch the sunset over the river. Dinner and overnight at Sapana Village Lodge or similar.

Start your day with an ethical sunrise elephant bush walk, an activity that allows you to walk alongside these majestic creatures without the harm of riding them. After breakfast, embark on a canoe trip along the Rapti River, where you can spot crocodiles, otters, and a variety of bird species.

In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its diverse wildlife, including rhinos, Bengal tigers, elephants, and deer. Your knowledgeable guide will help you spot these magnificent animals and learn about the park’s conservation efforts. End the day with a Tharu cultural dance performance, where local dancers will showcase their traditional music and dance forms. Dinner and overnight at Sapana Village Lodge or similar.

After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu and continue to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, the City of Fine Arts. Patan is famous for its rich artistic heritage, especially its exquisite wood carvings, stone sculptures, and metalwork. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and then explore Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the beautiful Krishna Mandir, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (the Golden Temple), and several other temples and courtyards.

In the afternoon, visit the Patan Museum, which is housed in a former royal palace and displays a stunning collection of traditional Nepali art and artifacts. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant streets of Patan, shop for local handicrafts, or simply relax at a rooftop café with views of the square. Overnight at Hotel Himalaya or similar.

Today, take a short drive to the traditional Newari villages of Bungmati and Khokana, located just south of Patan. These villages are known for their centuries-old architecture, traditional farming practices, and vibrant culture. In Bungmati, visit the Machhindranath Temple, dedicated to the rain god Rato Machhindranath, and in Khokana, explore the local oil mills where mustard oil is still produced using traditional methods.

Return to Patan in the afternoon for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare authentic Nepali dishes such as momo (dumplings), dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), and achar (pickles). Under the guidance of a local chef, you’ll discover the secrets of Nepali cuisine and enjoy the fruits of your labor for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Himalaya or similar.

After breakfast, take some time to relax or do any last-minute shopping before your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. As you bid farewell to Nepal, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of your journey, from the vibrant Teej Festival to the serene landscapes and warm hospitality of the Nepali people. This Women’s Special Tour to Nepal has been a celebration of culture, connection, and adventure, leaving you with experiences that will stay with you long after you return home.