Nepal small group tour, culture of the Himalayas

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Throughout our time in Nepal our small group (max 12) travels overland by minibus and 4WD, eliminating the need for any domestic flights.

Exploration on foot is synonymous with Nepal, and we have the opportunity to take in the spectacular natural landscapes on a number of occasions, including walking through villages, passing by traditional homes and farmers tending their crops on the terraces, while taking in the panoramas of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.

The Gorkha Gaun Resort, a tranquil outdoor mountain paradise near the Shikhar Community Forest also offers opportunities for hiking from its doorstep. Or if you prefer two wheels there are options for cycling.

The accommodation itself at Gorka Gaun does not use heating or air-conditioning, instead using natural materials such as stones and mud to ensure the cottage rooms are insulated and can withstand the changing seasons, with hot water bottles also provided in the winter. Seasonal produce is served in the restaurant.


ENVIRONMENT

A highlight of this tour is Chitwan, Nepal’s first national park which covers nearly 1000 square km. A vast region of forest and grasslands, the area is surrounded by traditional Tharu (an ethnic minority) villages. All safari experiences within the national park are led by experienced naturalists.

We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. We encourage our clients to reduce their personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle on the trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Tansen, in the hills of Central Nepal, has long been a center for traditional crafts including dhaka weaving and metal work. The industries are integral to the local economy providing employment for many locals. We will have the chance to learn about these crafts with visits to the workshops and the opportunity to support their livelihoods by purchasing and taking home some souvenirs.

Tansen is also home to the first coffee plantation in Nepal and the coffee grown here is considered the best in Nepal with over 2000 farmers growing beans. We will visit an organic coffee plantation where the arabica beans are grown over 800m ensuring high quality.

There are many Tibetan refugee camps throughout Nepal. We will see first-hand how the displaced community maintains its cultural resilience through monastic life, festivals, traditional medicine and arts. We will also have the chance to learn about the political history of the Tibetans and understand their story of exile and reliance.
While visiting the Tashi Palkhel Tibetan Refugee camp, established in 1962, we will have the opportunity to engage with Buddhist monks, meet a traditional Tibetan doctor and learn about Tibetan medicine, spiritual practices and daily life. Lunch is enjoyed in Annapurna Mon Village, at a traditional guesthouse engaged with community support and offering local dishes with produce from their organic garden. We will also stop at the Gorkha Memorial Museum and the Tibetan Women’s Refugee camp and Handicraft Centre.

While in Kathmandu we take a break at Sam’s One Tree Café, a social enterprise busy with locals that employs hearing-impaired waiting staff.

In the mediaeval city of Bhaktapur, we meet a local family who will share with us the secrets of cooking momos, steamed dumplings that are one of Nepal’s national dishes. After we have learned about the ingredients and tried folding the small shapes we will enjoy a meal with our hosts.

Renowned for various skills, Bhaktapur is home to many workshops where intricate wood carvings and traditional metal work is created. In Pottery Square we can admire the beautiful pots and sculptures before we head to the village of Thimi and try to recreate some of the pieces in our own pottery workshop.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local hosts, guides and drivers are employed throughout the trip, offering not only employment opportunities but a wealth of knowledge of their regions and country.

A donation is made on behalf of every traveler to our foundation, which supports education and community empowerment projects worldwide.