Nepal - Himalayan Tale
$2,895 per person
Single Supplement: $635
Feb 23 - Mar 7, 2020
Mar 8 - Mar 21, 2020
Nov 2 - Nov 15, 2020
Single Supplement: $635
Feb 23 - Mar 7, 2020
Mar 8 - Mar 21, 2020
Nov 2 - Nov 15, 2020
Filled with ancient traditions, diverse cultures, stunning centuries-old architecture, formidable snow capped peaks, thick forests, wildlife-rich lush jungles, and some of the most stunning scenery on the planet – Nepal is a country like none other.
Vegan tour in Nepal. Head off-the-beaten-path with our friends and family as we delve into the heart and soul of the Himalayas – which is its people, who have called these mountains, their foothills and plains their home for generations, centuries, and in many cases – for thousands of years!
For 14 days we’ll journey from the ancient streets of the historical, bustling, yet serene lanes and alleys of the colorful capital of Kathmandu to small peaceful mountainside villages where life continues on at a pace much as it has for centuries. As personal guests of local communities, friends, and families we’ll learn about life in the Himalayas. From local villages, kitchens, and markets, ancient Hindu and Buddhist rituals, golden pagodas (which is originated in Nepal) and shrines – including the birthplace of Lord Buddha, to enchanting local folk music and dance. We’ll also be helping out at local schools and grassroots community projects, meeting with local animal and environmental activists, jungle safaris teeming with wildlife – including the awesome rhinos, and going on off-the-beaten-track mountainside hikes with out-of-this-world views!
And of course, we definitely cannot forget the food, for those who say Nepal’s cuisine pales to its neighbor to the south (India), they have never really indulged in Nepal’s local cuisine! So loosen the belt, and prepare to enjoy a feast of fantastically delicious local vegan food from the many diverse cultures who have called the Himalayas and their foothills their home for centuries – from home kitchens as well as leading local chef prepared vegan feasts, we’ll delve into the country’s mouthwatering cuisines which are as diverse as Nepal’s many ethnic groups.
DAY 1 Kathmandu
Namaste, welcome to Kathmandu!
Steeped in legends, folklore, myths, and mysteries, Kathmandu is a microcosm of Nepal on the whole. Cradled in the valley, this largest city in the Himalayas with ancient roots that are reflected in its narrow winding lanes, alleys, markets, temples, and bazaars is the center of Nepal’s history, culture, social, economic, and political. Located along the ancient trading routes, the architecture, faiths, and cultures in the valley are a beautiful fusion of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Activities Included Today:
– Introduction to the different Ethnic Groups of Nepal through their traditional and distinct Music.
– Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site – Boudhanath Stupa. Learn about the history of the stupa, and what stupas are all about and represent.
– Introduction to Tibetan Monastery and the Tibetan School of Buddhism.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 2 Kathmandu
Set along ancient trading routes between China, Tibet, India and further afield, Nepal was never colonized by European powers (unlike its neighbors). People of all faiths and backgrounds have lived side by side peacefully in this small nation. Ruled by different kingdoms over the years – much of whom came from outside of the valley, bringing with them their own traditions and customs adding to the valley’s earliest inhabitants, the Newar people, who still to this day make up the second largest ethnic group in the valley – and still to this day their cultural influences are seen in much of the valley’s architecture, customs, festivals, and cuisines.
Activities Included Today:
– Visit the oldest temple in the valley, Changu Narayan Temple. It is the perfect place to learn about Nepal’s architecture from a Hindu point of view, the Vastu Shastra.
– Explore the Ancient City of Bhaktapur Back Alleys and witness the best example of living Newar architecture and urban life.
– Join local vegans and activists for delicious vegan dinner and cultural exchange, and learn about animal rights, conservation, and veganism in Kathmandu and in Nepal.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 3 Bandipur
Heading out of the valley, today we’re making our way through the lower Himalayas, to a charming Newar trading settlement, straddling a mountaintop. Be amazed by the great views along the way of deep gorges, river valleys, lush hillsides, and the stunning views of the snowcapped peaks of the Ganesh Himal Mountain Range of the Himalayas. The Newar community has always been big into agriculture and trade. They were also amazing artists, with their own traditional music, dance, and ceremonies, and talented wood carvings, brick, and stonework. As guests of our friend’s family and the local community here, we’ll learn about Newar life in the countryside in this charming village where the community is coming together to preserve and maintain their traditional way of life and culture.
Activities Included Today:
– Traditional Newar Welcome Greeting.
– Cooking Class, learn to make the veganized version of the traditional Newar dishes.
– Dinner with a local family.
– Cultural program with the Community’s Women’s Association where we will learn about the traditional dances, where certain moves are reserved for woman and others for man.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 4 Bandipur
Waking up to stunning views overlooking the valley and out to the mountain peaks of the upper Himalayas, we will start the day with Vipassana meditation class. Vipassana meditation appropriately is believed to be the meditation used by Gautama Buddha – who was born in Nepal (we’ll be visiting his birthplace later). So this method of meditation has been around for well over 2 ½ millennia!
One of the focuses of the work the community does in Bandipur is to keep alive, preserve, and in some cases like the Newari language – to bring back, the culture, customs, traditions, and way of life that has historically held the community together over generations. Today, we’ll join them in their community center and see first hand all the programs created to keep their traditions alive.
Activities Included Today:
– Vipassana Meditation.
– Guest at the community center and learn first hand from the students and those on the forefront of the Newari traditions and cultures preservation program.
– Newari Language Lesson.
– Learn and play a traditional local game.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5 Baglung Bazaar
Today we’ll head well off the beaten track through the lower Himalayas, on one of the areas most stunning stretches of highways – gorgeous steep gorges, rushing rivers, and stunning mountain peaks. Set on a small plateau overlooking the Kali Gandaki River below on one side, and Mount Dhaulagiri of the mighty upper Himalayas on the other, the settlement of this ancient trading routes can trace its origins back to the early 1500s, and is home to a diverse range of Nepal’s ethnic groups including Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, Brahman, Newar, Chhantyal and Thakali people.
Activities Included Today:
– Visit Kusma Suspension Bridge (tallest spanning suspension bridge in Nepal – over 384 feet high, spanning over 1,128 feet long).
– Cultural Culinary Experience, introduction to Eating Etiquette of Nepal where we’ll learn how to eat a meal properly following local eating customs and etiquette.
– Explore the town streets and narrow lanes of Baglung Bazaar.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 6 Baglung Bazaar Smelling the fresh mountain air in Baglung Bazaar, it is another day in paradise. The Baglung region is known for its herbal medicine plants and agriculture including rice, corn, millet, wheat and potato among a good selection of other veggies. We’ll visit the local bazaar and learn about the local veggies, herbs, and spices grown in the area. Overlooking the Kaligandaki River – which is a tributary of the Ganges – Asia’s most sacred river, we start the day with Vipassana Meditation. Today we’ll also be guest at a local deaf school. Started with 24 deaf children in 2007 and currently, there are 222 deaf students including 17 hearing children who study in Nepali Sign Language based on the concept of Inclusive nature. These children have been admitted from 40 different districts of Nepal right from the East to the Far West of Nepal including from the neighbor country India.
Activities Included Today:
– Vipassana Meditation Session.
– Explore local Veggie & Spices market, and learn about their use in traditional dishes.
– Picking up school supplies to bring to a local school we’ll be visiting the next day.
– Be guest at Baglung Deaf School, and participate in an interactive Nepalese sign language lesson.
– Participation in an Aarti Ceremony (religious ritual) at a local Forest Temple.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 7 Bakunde Village
We’ll continue off-the-beaten-track in the Himalayas as we board jeeps and head out on the local “jeep & tractor trail” up into the mountains to the village of Bakunde. With breathtaking Himalayan peak views, small farms, and traditional houses, we’ll be guests of the village as the local community shares with us their way of life in the Himalayan mountainsides.
Stunning is putting it lightly, serene majestic views everywhere you look, small fields of farm fresh organic veggies, trickling streams of mountain spring water, fresh mountain air, and forests, this will be our home for the next two days.
Activities Included Today:
– Vipassana Meditation Session.
– Traditional greeting to Bakunde.
– Lunch with the village community in Bakunde.
– Traditional Homestay.
– Sunset Hike to the mountain peak.
– Interactive program with music and dance hosted by the village Women (Mother’s) Association.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Vegan tour in Nepal. Head off-the-beaten-path with our friends and family as we delve into the heart and soul of the Himalayas – which is its people, who have called these mountains, their foothills and plains their home for generations, centuries, and in many cases – for thousands of years!
For 14 days we’ll journey from the ancient streets of the historical, bustling, yet serene lanes and alleys of the colorful capital of Kathmandu to small peaceful mountainside villages where life continues on at a pace much as it has for centuries. As personal guests of local communities, friends, and families we’ll learn about life in the Himalayas. From local villages, kitchens, and markets, ancient Hindu and Buddhist rituals, golden pagodas (which is originated in Nepal) and shrines – including the birthplace of Lord Buddha, to enchanting local folk music and dance. We’ll also be helping out at local schools and grassroots community projects, meeting with local animal and environmental activists, jungle safaris teeming with wildlife – including the awesome rhinos, and going on off-the-beaten-track mountainside hikes with out-of-this-world views!
And of course, we definitely cannot forget the food, for those who say Nepal’s cuisine pales to its neighbor to the south (India), they have never really indulged in Nepal’s local cuisine! So loosen the belt, and prepare to enjoy a feast of fantastically delicious local vegan food from the many diverse cultures who have called the Himalayas and their foothills their home for centuries – from home kitchens as well as leading local chef prepared vegan feasts, we’ll delve into the country’s mouthwatering cuisines which are as diverse as Nepal’s many ethnic groups.
DAY 1 Kathmandu
Namaste, welcome to Kathmandu!
Steeped in legends, folklore, myths, and mysteries, Kathmandu is a microcosm of Nepal on the whole. Cradled in the valley, this largest city in the Himalayas with ancient roots that are reflected in its narrow winding lanes, alleys, markets, temples, and bazaars is the center of Nepal’s history, culture, social, economic, and political. Located along the ancient trading routes, the architecture, faiths, and cultures in the valley are a beautiful fusion of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Activities Included Today:
– Introduction to the different Ethnic Groups of Nepal through their traditional and distinct Music.
– Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site – Boudhanath Stupa. Learn about the history of the stupa, and what stupas are all about and represent.
– Introduction to Tibetan Monastery and the Tibetan School of Buddhism.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 2 Kathmandu
Set along ancient trading routes between China, Tibet, India and further afield, Nepal was never colonized by European powers (unlike its neighbors). People of all faiths and backgrounds have lived side by side peacefully in this small nation. Ruled by different kingdoms over the years – much of whom came from outside of the valley, bringing with them their own traditions and customs adding to the valley’s earliest inhabitants, the Newar people, who still to this day make up the second largest ethnic group in the valley – and still to this day their cultural influences are seen in much of the valley’s architecture, customs, festivals, and cuisines.
Activities Included Today:
– Visit the oldest temple in the valley, Changu Narayan Temple. It is the perfect place to learn about Nepal’s architecture from a Hindu point of view, the Vastu Shastra.
– Explore the Ancient City of Bhaktapur Back Alleys and witness the best example of living Newar architecture and urban life.
– Join local vegans and activists for delicious vegan dinner and cultural exchange, and learn about animal rights, conservation, and veganism in Kathmandu and in Nepal.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 3 Bandipur
Heading out of the valley, today we’re making our way through the lower Himalayas, to a charming Newar trading settlement, straddling a mountaintop. Be amazed by the great views along the way of deep gorges, river valleys, lush hillsides, and the stunning views of the snowcapped peaks of the Ganesh Himal Mountain Range of the Himalayas. The Newar community has always been big into agriculture and trade. They were also amazing artists, with their own traditional music, dance, and ceremonies, and talented wood carvings, brick, and stonework. As guests of our friend’s family and the local community here, we’ll learn about Newar life in the countryside in this charming village where the community is coming together to preserve and maintain their traditional way of life and culture.
Activities Included Today:
– Traditional Newar Welcome Greeting.
– Cooking Class, learn to make the veganized version of the traditional Newar dishes.
– Dinner with a local family.
– Cultural program with the Community’s Women’s Association where we will learn about the traditional dances, where certain moves are reserved for woman and others for man.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 4 Bandipur
Waking up to stunning views overlooking the valley and out to the mountain peaks of the upper Himalayas, we will start the day with Vipassana meditation class. Vipassana meditation appropriately is believed to be the meditation used by Gautama Buddha – who was born in Nepal (we’ll be visiting his birthplace later). So this method of meditation has been around for well over 2 ½ millennia!
One of the focuses of the work the community does in Bandipur is to keep alive, preserve, and in some cases like the Newari language – to bring back, the culture, customs, traditions, and way of life that has historically held the community together over generations. Today, we’ll join them in their community center and see first hand all the programs created to keep their traditions alive.
Activities Included Today:
– Vipassana Meditation.
– Guest at the community center and learn first hand from the students and those on the forefront of the Newari traditions and cultures preservation program.
– Newari Language Lesson.
– Learn and play a traditional local game.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5 Baglung Bazaar
Today we’ll head well off the beaten track through the lower Himalayas, on one of the areas most stunning stretches of highways – gorgeous steep gorges, rushing rivers, and stunning mountain peaks. Set on a small plateau overlooking the Kali Gandaki River below on one side, and Mount Dhaulagiri of the mighty upper Himalayas on the other, the settlement of this ancient trading routes can trace its origins back to the early 1500s, and is home to a diverse range of Nepal’s ethnic groups including Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, Brahman, Newar, Chhantyal and Thakali people.
Activities Included Today:
– Visit Kusma Suspension Bridge (tallest spanning suspension bridge in Nepal – over 384 feet high, spanning over 1,128 feet long).
– Cultural Culinary Experience, introduction to Eating Etiquette of Nepal where we’ll learn how to eat a meal properly following local eating customs and etiquette.
– Explore the town streets and narrow lanes of Baglung Bazaar.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 6 Baglung Bazaar Smelling the fresh mountain air in Baglung Bazaar, it is another day in paradise. The Baglung region is known for its herbal medicine plants and agriculture including rice, corn, millet, wheat and potato among a good selection of other veggies. We’ll visit the local bazaar and learn about the local veggies, herbs, and spices grown in the area. Overlooking the Kaligandaki River – which is a tributary of the Ganges – Asia’s most sacred river, we start the day with Vipassana Meditation. Today we’ll also be guest at a local deaf school. Started with 24 deaf children in 2007 and currently, there are 222 deaf students including 17 hearing children who study in Nepali Sign Language based on the concept of Inclusive nature. These children have been admitted from 40 different districts of Nepal right from the East to the Far West of Nepal including from the neighbor country India.
Activities Included Today:
– Vipassana Meditation Session.
– Explore local Veggie & Spices market, and learn about their use in traditional dishes.
– Picking up school supplies to bring to a local school we’ll be visiting the next day.
– Be guest at Baglung Deaf School, and participate in an interactive Nepalese sign language lesson.
– Participation in an Aarti Ceremony (religious ritual) at a local Forest Temple.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 7 Bakunde Village
We’ll continue off-the-beaten-track in the Himalayas as we board jeeps and head out on the local “jeep & tractor trail” up into the mountains to the village of Bakunde. With breathtaking Himalayan peak views, small farms, and traditional houses, we’ll be guests of the village as the local community shares with us their way of life in the Himalayan mountainsides.
Stunning is putting it lightly, serene majestic views everywhere you look, small fields of farm fresh organic veggies, trickling streams of mountain spring water, fresh mountain air, and forests, this will be our home for the next two days.
Activities Included Today:
– Vipassana Meditation Session.
– Traditional greeting to Bakunde.
– Lunch with the village community in Bakunde.
– Traditional Homestay.
– Sunset Hike to the mountain peak.
– Interactive program with music and dance hosted by the village Women (Mother’s) Association.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 8 Bakunde Village
Bhakunde village is a mixture of different ethnic groups – but primarily Magar – an indigenous community and one of the oldest known tribes in Nepal. Their mother tongue is Tibetan-Burman language, though many speak Nepali as their first language now. Known traditionally as good craftspeople, agriculturalists and soldiers (many make up the ranks of the famous Gurkha regiments in both the British and Indian armies). Magars make up just over 7% of Nepal’s population. There are both Hindu and Buddhist Magars, and in both cases, many of their traditional indigenous beliefs have influenced their rituals and ceremonies, which was a combination of Animism, Shamanism and Ancestor Worship. Magars are also known for their enjoyment of their local folk music, songs, and dance.
Activities Included Today:
– Bakunde Village Introduction.
– Traditional Farming Introduction and pick up veggies from the field for our dinner tonight.
– Visit a local blacksmith home.
– Guest of an ex-Gurkha soldier and his family (the Gurkhas have formed part of the British army since 1815. They are known as fearsome fighters).
– Guest at a local school, and join the students in interactive activities.
– Join in the community for a Traditional Music and Dance.
– Dinner with the local community.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 9 Nagdada Village
After days well off the beaten track and living on the mountainside, it is time to unwind with traditional Nepali massage. Our home today is at the Nagdada village, located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, complete with a breathtaking view of the Himalaya’s famous Fishtail, the Machapuchare mountain. Its double summit resembles the tail of a fish, hence the name meaning “fish’s tail”. It is revered by the local population as particularly sacred to the god Shiva and hence is off limits to climbing. Tonight, under the starlit sky, campfire, and silhouette of the Himalayas, we will have our Cultural Q & A.
Activity Included Today:
– Nepali style massage.
– Campfire snacks and drinks.
– Cultural Q & A
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 10 Chitwan
Located in the Terai region of Nepal – the lowland fertile area stretching from southern Nepal into northern India made up of forests, grasslands, savannah, and swamps. It is the indigenous home of the Tharu people – who are known for their agrarian way of life including farming rice (among other crops) and foraging the forest for vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants, and wild fruits. Though considered Hindus, Tharu indigenous beliefs, which relate to their environment, forest and nature, are an important part of their daily life and are reflected in their ceremonies, rituals, traditions, and customs.
This area is also home to Chitwan National Park. Declared as a National Park in 1973, and in 1984, it was designated by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site. Home to over 68 species of mammals including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, leopards, bears, and elephants among many others. Spread out over 367 square miles, Chitwan is also home to over 544 species of birds, 56 species of amphibians and reptiles including the endangered Gharial Crocodiles and 126 species of fish. A recent study also points out that over a third of Nepal’s tigers are in Chitwan.
Activity Included Today:
– Surya Namaskar Yoga (Sunrise Yoga Session).
– Introduction to Tharu Ethnic Group, and be guest at Tharu Village.
– Introduction to Tharu cuisine & eating etiquette.
Vegan Meal Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 11 Chitwan
There were less than 100 Rhinos in Nepal in the 1960s, today the Rhinoceros population is estimated at over 645. It is still a very delicate number for a species, but it is a positive sign that conservation and protection efforts when done as a collaborative effort between local communities and the government enforcing anti-poaching efforts does pay off and can work. The second largest inhabitant in Chitwan National Park is the Greater One-Horned Rhino, the first of course, being elephants!
Activity Included Today:
– River Boat Ride through the park.
– Jungle Hike in the national park.
– Jeeps Safari in the national park.
Vegan Meal Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 12 Lumbini
Today we journey to the Buddhist pilgrimage town of Lumbini. Known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, it is believed this is where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 563 B. C. Here, we’ll be staying at a serene retreat, a short walk from the World Peace Pagoda and on the edge of the wetlands of the Lumbini Crane Bird Sanctuary – a great spot for bird watching.
Activity Included Today:
– Explore Lumbini by electric powered tuk-tuks.
– Visit monasteries and archaeological remains associated with the birth of Buddha.
– Visit Mahayana side, a representative temple for the Mahayana faith.
– Visit the Theravada section of the temple grounds.
– Visit the Khmer Temple section.
– Visit Maya Devi Temple and Ashok Pillar Birthplace marker.
Vegan Meal Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 Lumbini – Kathmandu
Our last day to absorb all the experiences we have while in Nepal. We’ll walk to the World Peace Pagoda and learn about it and why it was built. Upon learning about the Pagoda, we’ll join our friend Bishnuji for a – 30 minutes Meditation at the World Peace Pagoda (those who doesn’t want to join this meditation, we’ll have a short nature walk around the area). After the meditation, we’ll have lunch at our hotel and get ready to catch our afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have time to relax before we meet up for our farewell dinner party.
Activity Included Today:
– Morning Vipassana Meditation.
– Visit the World Peace Pagoda.
– Meditation at the World Peace Pagoda (for 30 minutes) or nature walk.
– Flight to Kathmandu.
– Farewell Party with drinks.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 14 Kathmandu (Departure Day)
It is departure day. After our delicious vegan breakfast, it is time to say goodbyes to your fellow travelers and Nepal. Check out time from the hotel is at 11 AM, before and/or after check out time, any time you are ready to head out to the airport to catch your flight back home, our team will be there to assist you and bring you to the airport. Thank you very much for joining us and we hope to see you again soon!
Activities Included Today:
– Vipassana Meditation.
– Airport Transfer.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast.
Bhakunde village is a mixture of different ethnic groups – but primarily Magar – an indigenous community and one of the oldest known tribes in Nepal. Their mother tongue is Tibetan-Burman language, though many speak Nepali as their first language now. Known traditionally as good craftspeople, agriculturalists and soldiers (many make up the ranks of the famous Gurkha regiments in both the British and Indian armies). Magars make up just over 7% of Nepal’s population. There are both Hindu and Buddhist Magars, and in both cases, many of their traditional indigenous beliefs have influenced their rituals and ceremonies, which was a combination of Animism, Shamanism and Ancestor Worship. Magars are also known for their enjoyment of their local folk music, songs, and dance.
Activities Included Today:
– Bakunde Village Introduction.
– Traditional Farming Introduction and pick up veggies from the field for our dinner tonight.
– Visit a local blacksmith home.
– Guest of an ex-Gurkha soldier and his family (the Gurkhas have formed part of the British army since 1815. They are known as fearsome fighters).
– Guest at a local school, and join the students in interactive activities.
– Join in the community for a Traditional Music and Dance.
– Dinner with the local community.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 9 Nagdada Village
After days well off the beaten track and living on the mountainside, it is time to unwind with traditional Nepali massage. Our home today is at the Nagdada village, located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, complete with a breathtaking view of the Himalaya’s famous Fishtail, the Machapuchare mountain. Its double summit resembles the tail of a fish, hence the name meaning “fish’s tail”. It is revered by the local population as particularly sacred to the god Shiva and hence is off limits to climbing. Tonight, under the starlit sky, campfire, and silhouette of the Himalayas, we will have our Cultural Q & A.
Activity Included Today:
– Nepali style massage.
– Campfire snacks and drinks.
– Cultural Q & A
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 10 Chitwan
Located in the Terai region of Nepal – the lowland fertile area stretching from southern Nepal into northern India made up of forests, grasslands, savannah, and swamps. It is the indigenous home of the Tharu people – who are known for their agrarian way of life including farming rice (among other crops) and foraging the forest for vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants, and wild fruits. Though considered Hindus, Tharu indigenous beliefs, which relate to their environment, forest and nature, are an important part of their daily life and are reflected in their ceremonies, rituals, traditions, and customs.
This area is also home to Chitwan National Park. Declared as a National Park in 1973, and in 1984, it was designated by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site. Home to over 68 species of mammals including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, leopards, bears, and elephants among many others. Spread out over 367 square miles, Chitwan is also home to over 544 species of birds, 56 species of amphibians and reptiles including the endangered Gharial Crocodiles and 126 species of fish. A recent study also points out that over a third of Nepal’s tigers are in Chitwan.
Activity Included Today:
– Surya Namaskar Yoga (Sunrise Yoga Session).
– Introduction to Tharu Ethnic Group, and be guest at Tharu Village.
– Introduction to Tharu cuisine & eating etiquette.
Vegan Meal Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 11 Chitwan
There were less than 100 Rhinos in Nepal in the 1960s, today the Rhinoceros population is estimated at over 645. It is still a very delicate number for a species, but it is a positive sign that conservation and protection efforts when done as a collaborative effort between local communities and the government enforcing anti-poaching efforts does pay off and can work. The second largest inhabitant in Chitwan National Park is the Greater One-Horned Rhino, the first of course, being elephants!
Activity Included Today:
– River Boat Ride through the park.
– Jungle Hike in the national park.
– Jeeps Safari in the national park.
Vegan Meal Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 12 Lumbini
Today we journey to the Buddhist pilgrimage town of Lumbini. Known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, it is believed this is where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 563 B. C. Here, we’ll be staying at a serene retreat, a short walk from the World Peace Pagoda and on the edge of the wetlands of the Lumbini Crane Bird Sanctuary – a great spot for bird watching.
Activity Included Today:
– Explore Lumbini by electric powered tuk-tuks.
– Visit monasteries and archaeological remains associated with the birth of Buddha.
– Visit Mahayana side, a representative temple for the Mahayana faith.
– Visit the Theravada section of the temple grounds.
– Visit the Khmer Temple section.
– Visit Maya Devi Temple and Ashok Pillar Birthplace marker.
Vegan Meal Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 Lumbini – Kathmandu
Our last day to absorb all the experiences we have while in Nepal. We’ll walk to the World Peace Pagoda and learn about it and why it was built. Upon learning about the Pagoda, we’ll join our friend Bishnuji for a – 30 minutes Meditation at the World Peace Pagoda (those who doesn’t want to join this meditation, we’ll have a short nature walk around the area). After the meditation, we’ll have lunch at our hotel and get ready to catch our afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have time to relax before we meet up for our farewell dinner party.
Activity Included Today:
– Morning Vipassana Meditation.
– Visit the World Peace Pagoda.
– Meditation at the World Peace Pagoda (for 30 minutes) or nature walk.
– Flight to Kathmandu.
– Farewell Party with drinks.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 14 Kathmandu (Departure Day)
It is departure day. After our delicious vegan breakfast, it is time to say goodbyes to your fellow travelers and Nepal. Check out time from the hotel is at 11 AM, before and/or after check out time, any time you are ready to head out to the airport to catch your flight back home, our team will be there to assist you and bring you to the airport. Thank you very much for joining us and we hope to see you again soon!
Activities Included Today:
– Vipassana Meditation.
– Airport Transfer.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ALSO INCLUDED!
* Airport picks up is provided only if you arrive a day or two earlier than the tour date, and staying at our hotel. If you would be arriving three days or more early, please arrange for your own airport pick up.
NOT INCLUDED
- VEGAN MEALS INCLUDED!
- ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED!
ALSO INCLUDED!
- Daily local cultural lessons
- Daily Nepali language lessons
- Vegan cooking classes
- Live traditional music and folk dances
- Meals with local families
- Local market exploration
- Fruit tastings
- Visit local temples
- Village visits
- Heritage walk in the ancient city of Bhaktapur
- Vipassana Meditation Lessons
- Yoga Lessons
- Traditional local massage
- Explore Chitwan National Park
- Jungle Jeep Safari
- Jungle Hikes
- Guests of Local Grassroots Education Programs
- Guests of Local Communities
- Guests of Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
- Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
- Visit the birthplace of Buddha
- Meet-up with Local Vegan Activists
- All local guide fees
- All Entry Fees.
- Daily Bottled Water
- Airport Pick Up*
- and all other activities, entertainment and entry fees as per the itinerary below…
* Airport picks up is provided only if you arrive a day or two earlier than the tour date, and staying at our hotel. If you would be arriving three days or more early, please arrange for your own airport pick up.
NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare, personal travel insurance, gratuities, visa fee to Nepal, airport departure transfer (if not departing on last day of tour).
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Contact Donna at Green Earth Travel for more information donna@greenearthtravel.com or call 301 229-5666 |
