Nepal Culture Tour

Nepal is not just the Himalaya and Himalayan culture and adventure - there is a wealth of other cultural traditions as well as natural splendour. Kathmandu Valley itself is known for its rich artistic heritage, and its original inhabitants, the Newars, are renowned for their world-class artists and craftsmen as well as traders, who historically ranged far and wide, from Tibet down to India. In the southern flatlands and foothills of the country is another diverse mix of ethnicities including the Tharu, indigenuous people with a simple, if dramatic way of living; from roaming the jungle to their now settled lives they have retained much of their essence, best captured in their conical thatched forest lodgings. In the same week you can see some of the best preserved and holiest Buddhist, Hindu, and syncretic temple complexes in the world, you can also go rafting in Nepal, or on an elephant mini-safari through tropical jungle to see tigers, rhinos, and all manner of bird life. In Kathmandu Valley itself are three ancient 'Darbar Squares', with the palaces and temple complexes of the old kingdoms of the Valley - Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, all UNESCO Heritage sites. Still living parts of the city, these are filled with winding little stone paved and cobbled streets, some of the best carved woodwork in the world and museum-quality metal and stone statuary.