Crafting Memories Artisan Experience in Bhaktapur

Duration2 days

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Discover Nepal’s rich artistic heritage on this two-day journey through Bhaktapur, a city renowned for its vibrant artisan traditions and craftsmanship. Join hands-on workshops with skilled local artisans, learning traditional techniques in pottery, mask painting, wood carving, and Mithila painting—living traditions passed down through generations.

Begin in the historic village of Thimi, known for its pottery and creative spirit, where you’ll work alongside artisans in their studios. Explore the cultural landmarks of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and gain insight into the significance of each craft. Walking through Bhaktapur’s charming streets offers an intimate, eco-friendly way to experience local life.

More than an art class, this is a meaningful cultural exchange. You’ll build artistic skills, support local artisans, and help preserve Nepal’s cultural legacy. Perfect for curious travelers and creatives, this experience offers a lasting connection to the traditions and stories of Nepal.

What's included

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Pottery, Mask Painting, Woodcarving, and Mithila Painting Workshops
Guided sightseeing tours of Bhaktapur and Thimi
Lunch
Two nights' accommodation in Bhaktapur Hotel
Breakfast
Bhaktapur entrance permit
Two-way Transportation from Bhaktapur to Kathmandu

Personal expenses and additional activities not mentioned
Any unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Community Homestay Network
Any meals not specified in the itinerary

What to expect

Day 1: Pottery & Mask Painting in Thimi

Madhyapur Thimi
12h

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the charming village of Thimi, where your day begins with a hands-on pottery session guided by local artisans. You'll learn the basics of shaping clay on a traditional wheel while discovering the rich history of pottery-making in the region, and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the artisans themselves. Afterward, explore the vibrant streets of Thimi, known for its colorful ceramics and authentic Newari culture, often overlooked in favor of nearby Bhaktapur. Your cultural immersion continues with a mask painting workshop, where you'll uncover the spiritual significance of traditional Nepali masks and create your own colorful masterpiece to take home.

Day 2: Wood carving, Bhaktapur and Mithila Painting

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
12h · Admission ticket included

Start your day with a hands-on woodcarving session, where you'll learn the delicate techniques of this age-old craft from skilled local artisans. Guided step-by-step, you'll carve your own infinity knot—a symbol of eternity and harmony—using traditional tools and methods. After a hearty, locally prepared lunch, continue your journey through the cultural heart of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, exploring its ancient temples, intricately carved windows, and timeless Newari architecture. As you return to Kathmandu, dive into the vibrant world of Mithila painting, an expressive art form celebrated for its bold colors and symbolic patterns. Led by a Maithil artist, you'll create your own masterpiece, capturing the spirit of Nepal’s rich artistic heritage to take home as a lasting keepsake.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Head east from the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Continue till you see Narayan Hiti Pond to your right and walk on till two blocks ahead. You will find the Community Homestay Network's signboard at the end of a street. Please enter the street and continue straight till you see our office to your left.

End point

Head east from the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Continue till you see Narayan Hiti Pond to your right and walk on till two blocks ahead. You will find the Community Homestay Network's signboard at the end of a street. Please enter the street and continue straight till you see our office to your left.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.