Nepal cultural tour: a week in Kathmandu

The tour

This week in Kathmandu gives you the keys to Nepal: its language, customs, history and the social codes that shape daily life. Culture classes, guided visits and practical sessions follow one another so you quickly feel at home.

It all begins with a puja ceremony and a Nepali name-giving ritual. Then come Nepali lessons, markets, a scavenger hunt across the city, yoga and meditation, a Nepali cooking class and visits to several temples, including Swayambhunath, one of Kathmandu’s most sacred Buddhist sites. The week ends with a hike into the hills overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.

It suits travellers, on their own, with friends or as a family, who want to start their time in Nepal with the right bearings, whether before a longer stay or at the start of their journey.

What makes it different

A puja ceremony and Nepali name-giving ritual
Nepali language and cooking lessons
Swayambhunath temple
A scavenger hunt across Kathmandu
A hike with views over the valley

Day by day

Monday: Puja and first bearings

A traditional puja ceremony and name-giving ritual. An overview of the week, icebreakers, a seminar on Nepali etiquette and traditions, then a neighbourhood walk to find banks, temples and restaurants.

Tuesday: Nepali and a scavenger hunt

A group discussion on health and cultural adjustment, a first Nepali lesson, shopping at the local market, then a city orientation tour with a scavenger hunt. Film night.

Wednesday: Yoga, cooking and temples

Yoga and meditation, a hands-on Nepali cooking class, then a guided tour of the Sleeping Vishnu, Jamchen Vijay Stupa and the ISKCON temple.

Thursday: Swayambhunath

A visit to Swayambhunath temple, a discussion on schooling and education in Nepal, then a culture night.

Friday: Into the hills

A day’s hike on a mountain nature trail with views over the Kathmandu Valley.

The programme may change depending on the weather and local conditions.

On site

Accommodation

Accommodation in a shared house in Kathmandu for the whole week.

Meals

Meals are included throughout the week.

Arrival

Airport pick-up and transfer to the accommodation are included; the return transfer is not. The programme starts on Monday morning.

Included

Airport welcome and transfer
Accommodation in a shared house
Meals
All activities in the programme
24/7 support and supervision
A donation to the local project

Not included

Flights
Travel and repatriation insurance
Return transfer

Cultural tour in Nepal