Nepal Cultural Photo Tour with Mani Lama (15 days)

Departure October 8 -22, 2014 Space is limited
Mani Lama shares his expertise on both Nepal’s diverse culture and photography on this escorted tour to Nepal. Even if you have visited before, these activities have been handcrafted to let you become a part of Nepal. Participate in Nepal’s most important festival, Dashain. Meet Paubha painters, statue makers and woodcarving artists who skills are meditation. Explore Nepal through an insider’s view discovering the Magar and Gurung tribes in West Nepal. Nepal Cultural Photo Tour with Mani Lama is yur only chance to see Nepal through the eyes of a man who has dedicated his entire life to understanding this small Himalayan land.
Photo courtesy of Mani Lama

DETAILED ITINERARY

NOTE: THIS TOUR IS FOR ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHERS

Day 1 – 8 Oct Wednesday – Kathmandu (Bhaktapur)
Arrive Kathmandu. Your representative will be holding a card with your name on it as you exit the secured area of the airport and approach ground transportation. Flower garlands reception at the airport and drive to Bhaktapur.
Overnight at Hotel Heritage – (4 nights)

Day 2 – 9 Oct Thursday– AM Early Boudhanath to see monks chant in Tibetan monastery/Pashupatinath
Our program for this day:

Early morning shoot and visit to Boudhanath Stupa and the daily prayer ceremony or puja of the Tibetan monks. Special granted request

An ancient stupa and one of the largest in the world, Boudhanath or the Khasa Caitya is one of the holiest Buddhist sites for Tibetans. Located just a short drive (11 km from the center of Kathmandu) the stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. With diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Boudhanath holds its place among the ancients and one of the largest stupas in the world and is an exceptional photo subject. The Boudhanath stupa covers a vast area. It has a round path at the bottom while another path is made of three tier plinth. The stupa resembles Swayambhunath stupa to some extent. The most impressive part of the stupa is the eyes of the Buddha which are painted with red, white and blue colors.

The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. As of 1979, Boudhanth is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area.

INTERESTING SIGHTSEEING AND PHOTOGRAPHIC POINTS IN BOUDHA AREA:
1. Boudhanath Stupa & Gompa
2. Shechen Monastery
3. Kopan Monastery

Later we visit Pashupatinath Temple.

Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for Shiva devotees. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. Although the Pashupatinath Temple was built in the fifth century and later renovated by Malla kings, the holy site is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium.

A gold – plated roof, four silver doors, and wood carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda temple of Pashupatinath and are rewarding opportunities for photographers. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath. Nearby is the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva’s consort Sati Devi. Behind the temple is the River Bagmati. On the banks of Bagmati are raised platforms used as cremation sites for Hindus. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Pashupatinath courtyard.

We drive onward to Patan city to see the UNESCO Heritage Temple Complex.

Exploring Patan helps have a better understanding of traditions of old Newari Buddhist, Hindu and Bihar cultures in Nepal. It’s called Lalitpur and Yela in Newari and lies about 5 km from the Kathmandu. Patan is known as the city of fine arts, fine wood carvings, full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The city is full of religious art, temples, shrines and monasteries. Many religious festivals take place in Patan each year. This imposing sight fascinates the visitors at the first glimpse and many amazing shots become immediately evident for both tripod and handheld work. The most impressive focal point is Patan Durbar Square full of ancient places, temples and shrines. The square contains exquisite samples of wood carvings, stone and metal carvings. It consists of three courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk and was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List in 1979.

Later meet a local Newari Paubha painter. Special granted request

“Paubha” is always painted for a spiritual reason and the painting process embraces painter’s spiritual contemplation and guidance from learned master (Bajracharya priest). Therefore, the “Paubha” painters are advised to work in a quiet and secluded environment without outwardly disturbances accompanied by his master (Sadhaka).

The sastra says the painter has to be humble, meditative, detached from materialistic world and patience. He has to be devoted to his craft of skills and contemplated to the spiritual space “a real master of craft”. A Buddhist text describes a quality of a painter as follows, ‘A painter must be a good man, no sluggard, not given to anger, holy, learned master of his sense, pious, benevolent, free from avarice such should be his character. An auspicious day, date and time is fixed by the Bajracharya priest to start “Paubha” painting. Before starting to paint there was a tradition of “Hasta Puja” (worshipping the hands) of a painter and his tools. After the ritual of hasta puja the painter would remain under the strict discipline for example, he would fast and eat only vegetarian food, remain holy and observe brahamacharya.

The painting is initiated with short prayer and meditation to the deities. Once the work is finished the painting is consecrated (given life to) by the Bajracharya priest. This signifies that the deity is alive. It has been suggested that the “Paubha” should not be unrolled in presence of strangers; it has to be worshipped by the initiated owner only. However this practice is long lost and very few traditional painters at present are struggling to continue this tradition of “Paubha” painting alive.

Enjoy dinner with a traditional Newari family. Special granted request

Day 3 – 10 Oct Friday – Bhaktapur and Kathmandu Durbar Square
Early morning visit to Nawa Durga temple, where you can see the great ninth day’s ceremony. Special granted request

Today`s Program:
Today we meet woodcarving artists in Bhaktapur. Special granted request

With its architectural and cultural values, this city has become one of the major attractions in the Kathmandu Valley. The colorful fetivals, ancient temples and culturally, historically and archaeologically important monuments have enhanced its importance to visitors.

Later we take a tour of Bhaktapur, the third largest city of Kathmandu valley. Its name means the “city of devotees” and is renowned for its elegant art, culture and colorful festivals. The local name of this city is ‘Khwopa’. It is 13km outside Kathmandu and lies on the eastern side of the Tibetan trade route. Bhaktapur is situated at an altitude of 1401 meters. Anand Dev Malla founded the city in AD 889. The city is shaped like a conch shell,, one of emblems of the God Vishnu.

Bhaktapur was the capital of greater Malla kingdom until the second half of the 15 th century. Bhaktapur development project has done much to improve the city’s infrastructure, economy and played a major role to preserve Bhaktapur’s historical character. Till the time of Yasha Malla (1492) it was the capital of Malla kingdom. This is the more preserved and restored city compared to Patan and Kathmandu . The old name of the city is Bhadgoan that means, ” Rice City “.

Visit Palaces in Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the lion gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the picture gallery, the golden gate, the palace of 55 windows, the batsala temple and the bell of barking dogs, etc. The statue of the King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace of the many statues available in Nepal this is considered to be the most magnificent.

The National Art Gallery: Contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrism of various periods and descriptions.

The Golden Gate: The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main countyard of the palace of 55 windows. Built King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters of marvellous intricacy.
The Palace of 55 Windows: The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the 17th century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving.The Stone Temple of Batsala Devi which is also located in the Durbar Square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style of architecture in nepal. There is a bronze be on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the “bell of barking dogs”. This colossal bell, placed in 1737 A.D. was used to sound curfew during that time.
Nyatapola Temple: This five storey Pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands in a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures; two famous wrestlers, two Elephants, two Lions, two Griffins and “Baghini” and “Singhini” – the Tiger and the Lion Goddesses. This is one of the tallest Pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

Bhairavnath Temple: This temple was first built as a one storey pagoda but later changed into a three storey temple in 1718 A.D. by king bhupatindra malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to lord bhairav- the god of terror.

Dattatraya Temple: Built in 1427 A.D. this temple is said to have been built from trunk of a single tree. Near this temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows

Later we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Taleju Mandir to attend a Dashain ceremony. Special granted request

Enjoy dinner with Classical Fusion Music. Special granted request

Day 4 – 11 Oct Saturday – Visit Changu Narayan Temple and Thimi
This morning we proceed:

Changu Narayan: Narayan, or Vishnu, is the preserver of creation to Hindus. His temple near Changu village is often described as the most ancient temple in the Kathmandu Valley. a fifth century stone inscription, the oldest to be discovered in Nepal, is located in the temple compound and it tells of the victorious King Mandev.

The temple, now covers sixteen hundred years of Nepalese art history. The temple, built around the third century, is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. In the words of one tourist guide, “When you look upon Changu Narayan, you observe the complete cultural development of the Valley”.

On the struts of the two-tiered Changu Narayan Temple, are the ten incarnations in which Narayan destroyed evil-doers. A sixth-century stone statue shows the cosmic from of Vishnu, while another statue recalls his dwarf incarnation when he crushed the evil King Bali.

The western bronze doors sparkle in the evening sunlight, dragons decorate the bells, and handsome devas stare from the walls. Garuda, half man and half birds, is the steed of Vishnu, and his life-sized statue kneels before the temple.

After lunch we take a tour of Thimi.

Thimi lies about 10 km east of Kathmandu near Bhaktapur. It is famous for pottery, making of masks and as a vegetable growing area for Kathmandu so that this place is also known as kitchen garden of Kathmanduites. The main deity in the town is Goddess Balkumari. It attracts tourists by its enchanting culture of the farmer community. Overnight.

Day 5 – 12 Oct Sunday – Nagarkot – Sunset and Sunrise Tour for Photos
After breakfast, we drive to Nagarkot.

Time magazine of USA has recommended Nagarkot as one of the best sightseeing retreats not just in the valley but worldwide. Located 30 km to the east of Kathmandu and situated at an elevation of 2175mt and provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas. You can see four of the world`s 10 tallest mountains – Everest 8848mt, Lhotse 8516mt, Makalu 8463mt and Manaslu 8163mt and many other lesser summits. The snow peaks look especially gorgeous during sunset and sunrise. Overnight at Fort Resort – (1 night)

Day 6 – 13 Oct Monday – Nagarkot
Today you may wish explore the villages or take short hikes and breath the pure and fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, we drive back to Bhaktapur. Overnight at Hotel Heritage – (1 night)

Day 7 – 14 Oct Tuesday – Nuwakot
We travel by private vehicle today to Nuwakot in the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast we drive you to Nuwakot via Kakani or Shivapuri. Kakani is the beautiful point of the land terraces and the distant mountains. During the drive to Nuwakot you will have a chance to see fish farming and the rural life of the locals in that region. Explore the village and interact with the local people in the evening. Special granted request Overnight at Hotel Famous Farm House (2 nights)

Day 8 – 15 Oct Wednesday – Nuwakot
Awaken to majestic Himalayan views before a day in and around Nuwakot to explore the villages and traditional way of life in this part of Nepal.

Day 9 – 16 Oct Thursday- Drive to Bandipur
Drive to Bandipur by private vehicle.Located on a 1,000m ridge in Tanhu district, around 140km from Kathmandu, Bandipur’s hallmark is its beautiful scenery. Bandipur is a part of western Nepal. At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which huses goddess Durga, Bandipur’s guadian deity.The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu Valley.

The other important temples and shrines in the vicinity include the Mahalaxmi temple with its exquisite woodwork and the Khadga Devi temple which comes alive once a year during the Dasain festival. bandipur is an ancient trading town of quaint streets and charming atmosphere. It is situated on a ridge top south of Dumre which lies 135 km out on the Kathmandu -Pokhara highway. While the other trading posts of the Nepali hills have modernized, Bandipur retains its age old cultural attributes. It still has its temples, shrines, holy caves and Newari architecture that speaks to the Kathmandu Valley of old.

The Bandipur caves attract pilgrims and travel adventurers alike. Being the country’s largest caves, they are also the most accessible. The limestone formations of the caves at Bandipur, have both geologic and religious significance to Nepal.

Later we take a guided in the area of Bandipur to meet local people to see their way of life and to take photography. Special granted request

Overnight at Gaun Ghar Resort – (1 night)

Day 10 – 17 Oct Friday – Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast, we drive for three and half hours, to the picturesque, valley of POKHARA.

Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre(6,977 mt) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Meet villagers doing their trade. Special granted request

In the evening, enjoy dinner and a local folk cultural show. Special granted request

Dining, folk music and dancing are all part of merrymaking in Nepalese culture. Folk music and dancing have always been an integral part of Nepalese culture. At festivals and family reunions singing and dancing strengthen bonds. Songs were, and still are, also used to carry news.

Even though Nepal is a small country, it has over 100 ethnic groups. Each has its own traditions, including music and dance. Most dances from the different groups reflect ancient myths or special occasions.

Overnight at Hotel Temple Tree Resort and Spa – (2 nights)

Day 11 – 18 Oct Saturday – Pokhara
Breakfast at the hotel. We spend an interesting day exploring the sights and sounds of Pokhara,situated on the shores of beautiful Phewa Lake. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, perfect views of the Annapurnas are often reflected in its tranquil waters.

Highlights of the day include Mahendra Cave, a visit to a Tibetan refugee camp,and boating on Lake Phewa.

In the late afternoon we can row to an island Hindu shrine or just relax and wait for the sun to set behind the spectacular Himalayas.

Enjoy a fusion of musical instruments and group of artists – specially played in wedding ceremony (totally unique and typical program) Special granted request

Day 12 – 19 Oct Sunday – Kalikasthan/Thulokote – (5 Hours) –
Take a short drive towards Pokhara to Bijaypur Khola, a small river. Walk along an uphill trail passing through small colorful ethnic villages of Gurungs and Ghales. The trail continuously leads upwards winding round terraced fields and village homes till you reach Kalikasthan, a vantage point for viewing the mountains at close range.

The vast sweeping snowy expanse you see covers three distinct mountain clusters of the central Himalaya – the Manaslu, the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri, each with one dominant peak over 8,000 meters high. From here you will also see the Maadikhola gorge in the distance with the river slowly meandering down between the foothills. After your picnic lunch walk eastwards following the Kalikasthan ridge which is dotted with small, pretty mountain villages inhabited mostly by ethnic hill tribes.

Then walk southwards passing some more hutments and a large village school before making a steep descent to Lamaswara, a small fishing village at the western corner of Begnas. Walk down to the boat station and cross the lake by boat to reach your resort. Overnight in Begnas Lake Resort – (2 nights)

Day 13 – 20 Oct Monday – Simal Danda Hiking – (2-3 hours Hiking)
Take a short walk up from your resort to the hill ridge. Hike along a broad dirt road which winds its way following the hill contours till we come to a small cluster of village homes. From here we slowly descend along stone steps that lead us to rows of neat mud houses built along a finger that juts out above the Rupa lake. This little settlement is mainly inhabited by the Gurungs who mainly subsist on corn and millet farming. The extra millet grains are brewed and expertly made into a popular and potent distill called “Kodo” widely enjoyed around the fireplace in the evenings amidst stories of Gurkha gallantry. The view of the Manaslu Himal (8,156m) from here is simply stunning. Special granted request

Your afternoon is free to explore as you wish.

Day 14 – 21 Oct Tuesday – Drive back to Pokhara – Flight to Kathamandu
Have breakfast at the hotel. Later we drive to airport for our flight to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu where you will be met and driven to your hotel.

Your afternoon is free to explore as you wish.

Overnight at Park Village Resort – (1 night)

Day 15 – 22 Oct Wednesday – Departure From Kathmandu and Free Time depending on Flight Times
You will be driven to the airport for homebound flight or travel onward.
Optional Activity: Mt. Everest Flight (1 plus hours)–additional cost $195 per person

Cost is on Single Basis Only

CALL NOW for DETAILS 415-331-3791

NOTE: ADD $195.00 per person for optional Mt Everest Flight on Day 15, October 22.

Includes:
Photography instruction by Nepali cultural and photography expert, Mani Lama
Fully Escorted through tour by travel professional knowledgeable guide
– All transfers and tours as listed with Private Japanese a/c vehicle
– Hotels in Kathmandu,Bhaktapur,Nagarkot,Nuwakot,Bandipur and Pokhara, breakfast and dinner basis
– Trekking tour all meals, trekking guide, porters and accommodation included
– English speaking guide local guide for sightseeing tour
– All entrance fees and all trekking permit

Does not include:
– Lunch in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, ,Nagarkot, Nuwakot, Bandipur and Pokhara
– Hard and Soft drinks during the trip.
– Personal expenses
– International and domestic flight tickets
– Gratuity

CALL NOW 415-331-3791