Mindful Journey

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your family-run heritage hotel tucked in a quiet corner of the city. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner featuring home-style Nepali cooking and culture progam. Your guide will provide an orientation for the journey ahead.

After breakfast, take a short 30-minute drive to a peaceful retreat center on the outskirts of Kathmandu — a sanctuary of stillness tucked away from the city’s energy. Here, you’ll begin the day with a guided yoga and meditation session, designed to gently awaken your body and calm your mind. Surrounded by nature, this is the perfect environment to release travel fatigue and reconnect with your inner self.

Following your practice, experience a Tibetan singing bowl therapy session, a traditional sound healing method believed to restore balance and promote deep relaxation through harmonic vibrations. The soothing tones offer a gentle yet powerful reset — physically, emotionally, and energetically.

A wholesome vegetarian lunch will be served at the retreat, followed by time to relax and learn more about the ancient philosophies behind these wellness practices. This day is all about arriving — not just in Nepal, but in the present moment — and setting a peaceful, grounded tone for the meaningful journey ahead.

Begin the day with a meaningful visit to a women-led fair-trade organization, where local women – many from marginalized backgrounds – create beautiful handcrafted textiles and goods. Learn how your visit supports their empowerment through dignified work. Try your hand at creating your own handmade souvenir, guided by the artisans. This trip includes a $50 donation per guest in support of the project

After lunch, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with centuries-old palaces, temples, and intricate Newari architecture. Walk through hidden courtyards and local neighborhoods for a deeper connection to the living history of the city.

Today is a day of spiritual immersion, as you explore some of the most revered sacred sites in the Kathmandu Valley—each one a portal into Nepal’s profound religious and cultural harmony.

Your journey begins at Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and one of the most sacred shrines to Lord Shiva in the entire subcontinent. Set along the banks of the Bagmati River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a deeply moving place where life and death converge. Here, you’ll witness open-air cremation rituals that are both intimate and public, offering a raw and honest glimpse into the Hindu belief in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Holy sadhus (Hindu ascetics) wander the grounds in saffron robes, their faces painted with sacred ash, while priests perform daily rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries.

From here, you’ll continue to the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most spiritually charged stupas in the world. The massive white dome, crowned with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, is encircled by prayer wheels and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As you walk clockwise (performing kora) alongside monks, nuns, and local devotees, you’ll be immersed in the deeply meditative atmosphere that defines Tibetan Buddhist culture. The scent of incense, the low murmur of mantras, and the turning of wheels all blend into a hypnotic rhythm of devotion and peace.

Your final stop is Swayambhunath, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a forested hill overlooking the valley. Said to be over 2,500 years old, this ancient stupa is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, reflecting Nepal’s unique religious interweaving. The climb up its stone steps is rewarded with panoramic views of Kathmandu, fluttering prayer flags, and countless carved shrines. Watch monkeys dart between statues as you burn a butter lamp for peace or receive blessings from a local lama or holy man—moments that gently anchor you in the spiritual essence of this land.

By day’s end, you will have journeyed through centuries of belief, devotion, and sacred tradition—deepening your understanding of Nepal’s spiritual heart.

Leave the urban bustle of Kathmandu behind as you journey northwest into the serene middle hills of Nepal. The scenic drive to Nuwakot takes approximately four hours, winding through lush valleys, traditional villages, and terraced farmlands that stretch like green staircases across the slopes. As you gain elevation, the air becomes fresher and quieter, offering a welcome shift in rhythm and perspective.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into a beautifully restored heritage farmhouse, perched on a hillside overlooking sweeping views of the Trishuli River Valley. This family-run accommodation blends traditional Newari architecture with modern comfort and offers an intimate glimpse into rural life, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the scent of woodsmoke and wildflowers.

In the afternoon, take a short walk to visit the historic Nuwakot Durbar, a once-formidable palace complex that served as a strategic military outpost for King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal. Though partially damaged in the 2015 earthquake, the palace still exudes historical gravitas with its centuries-old brick walls, intricate woodwork, and commanding position overlooking the valley. As you explore the courtyards, temples, and surrounding village, your guide will share stories of battles, politics, and resilience that shaped the nation’s early history.

As the sun begins to set, return to the farmhouse for an evening of farm-to-table dining. Most of the ingredients are grown right on the property or sourced from neighboring farms—fresh vegetables, organic grains, free-range meats, and traditional spices come together in a delicious, lovingly prepared Nepali meal. Dine under the stars or beside a fire, as your hosts share local legends, family histories, and a warm cup of raksi (traditional homemade liquor) if you’re up for it.

Tonight, you’ll sleep to the sounds of crickets and distant cowbells, far removed from the chaos of city life—held gently in a corner of Nepal where time seems to move slower and life is grounded in the land.

Depart the hills and begin your journey south toward the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan.
The scenic drive follows the Trisuli River, winding through forested valleys, terraced fields, and rural settlements.
Watch rafters navigate rapids and locals farming riverbanks as the landscape slowly shifts.
Arrive near Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity.
Check into a community-run lodge or eco-resort, where hospitality is rooted in tradition.
Enjoy a locally prepared lunch and unwind in the peaceful surroundings.
In the afternoon, take a guided walk through a Tharu village, home to one of Nepal’s oldest indigenous communities.
Learn about their unique architecture, animist traditions, and farming lifestyle.
Participate in a cultural exchange—perhaps trying your hand at basket weaving or joining in a traditional dance.
As evening falls, enjoy a simple yet hearty Tharu-style dinner and stories shared around a fire.

Start your day with a peaceful canoe ride along the Rapti River, gliding past marshy banks where mugger crocodiles and exotic birds thrive.
Then head deep into Chitwan National Park on a jeep safari, scanning the grasslands and sal forests for rhinos, deer, wild boar, and possibly elusive tigers.
Return in the afternoon for a unique cultural experience: a hands-on cooking class with a local Tharu family.
You’ll learn to prepare traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, spicy achar (pickle), and sweet sel roti, using seasonal ingredients from their own garden.
Cooking is a shared ritual here—stories, laughter, and techniques are passed down like heirlooms.
As the sun sets, sit down with your hosts to enjoy the fruits of your labor in a warm, communal meal.

You will ascend into the hills on a scenic three-hour drive to Bandipur, a beautifully preserved Newari town perched high above the Marsyangdi Valley. With its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, Bandipur offers a timeless atmosphere that feels like stepping back into Nepal’s rich cultural past. The panoramic views of the Himalayas add to the town’s enchanting charm.

Upon arrival, you will check into a family-run heritage inn. This welcoming accommodation features carved wooden balconies and interiors that reflect the local craftsmanship and history. The warm hospitality of your hosts will make you feel right at home, creating a truly authentic experience.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided stroll through the village, where you will explore ancient temples, merchant houses, and artisan workshops. This leisurely walk offers a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the Newari community. As the sun sets, you can relax and soak in the golden light illuminating the distant mountain peaks, embracing the peaceful ambiance of this hilltop retreat.

Travel to Pokhara (approx. 2.5 hours), Nepal’s peaceful lakeside city framed by the Annapurna range. Settle into a locally-owned hotel in Lakeside and take a relaxed boat ride on Phewa Lake, watching the sunset over the hills. Free time to explore local shops, cafés, or artisan markets.

Begin your day with a visit to the majestic World Peace Stupa, perched high above Pokhara, where sweeping panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountain range and the lush Pokhara Valley stretch out before you. From this serene vantage point, you’ll feel a profound sense of calm and awe. Next, explore the dramatic Devi’s Fall, a powerful waterfall that plunges into an underground gorge, followed by a visit to the mysterious Gupteshwor Cave, known for its sacred Shiva lingam and stunning stalactites. Your journey continues to a nearby Tibetan refugee settlement, where you’ll meet skilled artisans dedicated to preserving their rich cultural heritage through the creation of intricate carpets, jewelry, and traditional handicrafts. This visit offers a meaningful insight into the resilience and creativity of the Tibetan community living in exile.

After breakfast, catch a short, scenic morning flight to Kathmandu, taking in breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the valley below. From the airport, drive to Bhaktapur, a charming ancient Newari city renowned for its stunning temples, artisan workshops, and intricate courtyards. Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square and visit iconic landmarks like the towering Nyatapola Temple, one of Nepal’s tallest pagoda-style temples, and the historic Dattatreya Square, known for its unique three-roofed shrine and rich mythology. Later, engage in a hands-on pottery session at the famous Pottery Square, crafting your own clay masterpiece under the guidance of skilled local artisans. As evening falls, immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere by enjoying traditional music and an aarti ceremony, a ritual of light and devotion that brings the day to a peaceful close.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some final shopping or photography in the medieval alleys of Bhaktapur. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. Depart with handmade souvenirs, new friendships, and a deep connection to Nepal’s soul.