Nepal Environmental Trekking has been operating village tourism since the beginning of its establishment. We cherish believe that village tourism offers a unique opportunity for comfortable cultural immersion. You travel to places where the way of life has not changed and where everything is still built by hand, made by hand and created by hand. Visit people untouched by western ideals, computers or modern "necessities".

Our company contracts with a whole village to accommodate and entertain guests; rooms in local houses are fitted with bathrooms and a few tourist-style comforts, host families are trained to prepare meals hygienically, and a guide accompanies the guests to interpret. Participating villages tend to be located a couple of hours' walk from the nearest road - close enough to be easily accessible for less-than-fit visitors, yet far enough to be culturally intact and shielded from outside influences.

We take our guests to unspoiled villages where they spend a few days living with the local people and being treated as honored family guests. Each village is connected through a variety of crucial horizontal linkages with other villages and with urban areas both near and far. Most villages are characterized by a multiplicity of economic, caste, kinship, occupational, and even religious groups linked vertically within each settlement. While staying in the villages, guests enjoy comfortable accommodation, delicious local food and drink and a welcome that will remain a happy memory for a lifetime. While they are with us our guests can rest assured that they are always in a secure and safe environment.

Local attractions, both scenic and cultural, are shown to our guests by our well trained ethnic guides who always do their utmost to make the guest’s stay a memorable experience. Many of our villages are close to unspoiled natural areas where wildlife may be seen undisturbed. This can be a feature of our packages for special interest groups.

The traditional culture of the different ethnic groups is a highlight of all of our village visits. These warm and friendly people are always ready to perform their music and dance and to give an insight into their religion. Examples of local handicrafts will be on display, and for sale, to guests.

The aim of operating such kind of tourism is to help the participating villages greatly improve their community. 10 % of our net profit goes directly into their tourism venture.

 

Day 01:  Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
 
Day 02:  Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur, and drive back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.

Boudhanath Stupa is 8 kms east of Kathmandu City and is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.

Bhaktapur (1,401m) covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or the city of devotees still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rules continues to be reflected at the Darbar Square. Pottery and waving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and the traditional topi or cap. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu. The places of interest include Bhaktapur Darbar Square, the National Art Gallery, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatreya Temple and Dattatreya Square.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple etc.

A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Palace of 55 Windows Being built by King Yaksha Mall in 1427 A.D. and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in 17th Century, the balcony and the windows are intricately carved, is a masterpiece of wood carving.

Nyatapola Temple This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It is the tallest pagoda structure in the Kathmandu valley.
 
Day 03:  Sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath, Patan + Tibetan village and Nepali handicraft center, and Kathmandu durbar square. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.

The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, is known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city. At Patan you explore Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and many other places of Patan, you feel as if Patan has been unveiled before you as an open museum showcasing intricately carved windows, intrinsic roof struts, statues of gods and goddesses, temples designed in pagoda style with erotic carvings and repose metalwork facades and many other exquisite facets. You will also get to see handicraft centre in Patan.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley. The word Durbar Square translated in English as Palace Complex. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Interesting things to see here are:-

Kumari (The Living Goddess) Gar, At the West end of the square, is a beautiful house full of woodcarving of different God and Goddesses. This Palace is three storied and in this palace, lives the very famous living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists equally venerate her. For Hindus she is the reincarnation of Hindu Goddess Kali. She is equally worshiped by Buddhists because she is chosen from Buddhist family. This shows the harmony between Buddhist and Hindus in Nepal.

Kastha Mandap