Nepal is known as the place of the Himalayas, not only because of its Mountains but also because it has a vast cultural history and a unique tradition of handicrafts. There are millions of people around the world interested in visiting Nepal to experience and see the various ancient art forms, crafts, and cultures that have existed in Nepal throughout the centuries.
The Nepal Handicraft Tour will allow you to get up close with some of the most important crafts of Nepal, including Thanka painting, intricate religious statues, Pashmina and textiles, wooden craftmanship, handmade paper products, metalwork, stone carvings, and much more. On this tour, you will also get an insider’s look at the many artisans who are creating these items and learn the techniques they use to create each item.
Highlights of the tour:
Note: This tour will provide an all-rounded view of the many different styles of crafts that are available within each of these materials. For those wanting to explore Nepalese handicrafts in greater depth, arrangements can be made for more in-depth itineraries, from one week through to one month in length, which will enable you to gain a full understanding of them.
If you are the type of traveler who enjoys cultural experiences combined with a chance to learn in a hands-on capacity, you would benefit from this tour, as it will allow you to have an overall understanding of the artistic heritage of Nepal.
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams.
Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Your Nepal handicraft tour will commence with an excursion to Bungmati, a traditional Newari village on the outskirts of Lalitpur (Patan) City. In this village, which has been celebrated for producing the best woodcarvers for centuries, you’ll have the opportunity to see Nepal’s century-old tradition of woodcarving and watch artisans at work, viewing live woodcarving demonstrations, interacting with skilled sculptors, and photographing their detailed pieces.
In addition to your artistic experiences, you will be able to visit the surrounding area of this quaint village and observe how people live on an everyday basis, and appreciate the culture and history of the Bungmati community.
This visit represents an excellent introduction to and a means to appreciate Nepal’s handcrafted artistry and the people who continue to produce this form of artwork today.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Your journey will take you to Patan, a city famous for its unique metal workmanship. Here, you will see craftsmen creating very detailed metal sculptures using techniques that have existed for centuries. The ability to create such an exact and fine piece of art with so much concentration and commitment to every single aspect of an artwork is astonishing and provides us with a better understanding of the traditional metalworking art forms of Nepal.
After watching these craftsmen at work, you will take in some of the beautiful sites of Patan Durbar Square, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples and other buildings are beautifully adorned with very intricate and finely crafted metal and woodwork, demonstrating the remarkable talents of the local craftsmen.
Today gives an extraordinary opportunity to explore both artistic insight and cultural knowledge.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
You move on to your next destination: Bhaktapur, an ancient city that is famous for its craft tradition and preserved heritage. After checking into your hotel and settling down, you will explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which contains beautiful temples, courtyards, and examples of traditional art that attest to the city’s history of artistry.
Following your time touring around Bhaktapur, you will have an opportunity to learn how to make pottery using the ancient techniques passed down through the ages. In Pottery Square, you will take part in the pottery-making process; take part in shaping your own clay pot and see what it was like to create pottery using ancient methods.
Once you finish your pottery session, you will return to Kathmandu for some time of relaxation.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit a wool handicraft manufacturing company. When you arrive at the factory, you will be greeted by a factory employee who will explain all facets of the wool production process.
Once inside the factory, you will see how wool goes from a single strand to a beautifully made product. You will be able to view each step of production, including spinning, dying, weaving, and finishing. You will also receive additional information about both domestic and international marketplaces where these wool products are sold, as well as how Nepal plays a part in the worldwide handmade textile industry.
At the conclusion of the visit, the guide will provide transportation to your hotel for relaxation.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Following breakfast at your hotel, you will gather for another full day of your experience, beginning with an in-depth look at the history and continuing tradition of the process known as “stone carving,” which is among Nepal’s most historic forms of art. The journey will take you to a local workshop that produces stone sculptures as well as decorative and functional architectural features. By closely observing the artisan’s work, you will learn how much skill, time, and attention go into producing these beautiful pieces of art. If you would like, you can also engage the artists in person, asking them questions regarding the various tools and techniques they employ, in addition to the cultural significance of stone architecture in Nepal.
Once finished, you will be returned to your hotel by your guide.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, your journey will take you to another interesting handicraft workshop involved with the designing and manufacturing of items made with bamboo and Nigalo… two types of natural materials commonly found throughout traditional Nepalese culture. Once you enter the workshop, you’ll see an assortment of well-crafted products like chairs, tea tables, baskets, dustbins, and unique gift options made with bamboo and Nigalo. While viewing the workshop’s features, you will have the opportunity to see the craftspeople create products using their own hands, as well as learn how to take these common materials and turn them into durable and functional works of art.
In addition, this hands-on experience will provide you with important information on where in Nepal bamboo and Nigalo grow; how they are harvested; and, after they have been converted into finished goods, where they will ultimately be sent within each region. After your visit has concluded, your hotel will be waiting for you to enjoy a relaxing evening.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, we shall see the art of making traditional handmade Nepali mats. These mats are colorful and culturally significant. When you arrive at the factory, your guide will explain the complete mat-making process, including the types of materials, patterns, and techniques used to create these colorful mats.
Inside the factory, you will see women creating mats by weaving with beautiful threads of different colors. The art of creating these intricate designs reflects the artistic heritage of Nepal, and you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the time and skill required to weave each mat.
After this visit, you will return to your hotel to relax and prepare for the next day’s handicraft journey.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
After having breakfast, you will go to see a Kukri-making factory, which is one of Nepal’s beloved weapons and handicrafts. Once you arrive, you will see artisans using wood-fueled ovens to heat iron rods prior to making a Kukri out of them. You will see how the Kukris are forged, hammered, and sharpened, allowing you to appreciate the talent and effort that go into creating quality Kukris. Visiting this factory gives visitors a unique perspective of an ancient craft that continues to exist today. At the end of your visit, you will be dropped off at your hotel for some much-needed rest.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
As part of your visit today, you will see a company that makes singing bowls as part of your handicraft tour in Nepal. You will get to experience the entire process of how these resonating bowls are made from beginning to end, starting with how the metals are shaped to how the bowls are fine-tuned to achieve the unique sound that makes each bowl different.
You will see artisans creating these beautiful bowls, find out about the various kinds of singing bowls, and learn more about the cultural importance of singing bowls in Nepalese society. Once you have completed this informative trip, you will be taken back to your hotel.
With this visit, your Nepal Handicraft Tour comes to an end, giving you more insight into the country’s art heritage and craftsmanship.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
