Masked Dance Festivals: Lakhe, Mahakali & Newar Street Theater

Kathmandu Valley

Highlights

• Experience the thunderous energy of Newar masked dances—Lakhe, Mahakali Pyakhan, and Pulu Kisi—performed during Indra Jatra and Yenya.
• Newar Tradition · 3 days / 2 nights
• Small group, guide-led

Day-by-day itinerary

1. D1

   Day 1: Mask Crafting & Mythology Workshop

   Visit a traditional mask-making atelier in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur to see how papier-mâché Lakhe and Bhairav masks are sculpted, painted, and consecrated. Learn the legends of Majipa Lakhe, the demon who fell in love with a Kathmandu girl and became the city’s protector. Evening storytelling session on the tantric symbolism behind each mask.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

2. D2

   Day 2: Indra Jatra Street Immersion

   Full-day festival experience in Kathmandu Durbar Square during Indra Jatra (September) or an off-season rehearsal/dress rehearsal. Watch the Majipa Lakhe dance with dhime drums and bhusyah cymbals, the Pulu Kisi elephant dance, and the Mahakali Pyakhan. Accompanied by a cultural interpreter who explains the ritual choreography and crowd interaction.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

3. D3

   Day 3: Bhaktapur & Local Dance Traditions

   Travel to Bhaktapur to observe local masked dance traditions tied to Bisket Jatra and navadurga performances. Visit the National Art Museum or a local guthi (cultural trust) to understand how dance lineages are maintained. Closing lunch with a Newar feast (samay baji) and discussion on the future of ritual dance in urban Nepal.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

Price includes

• Local storyteller guide
• Stays as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast
• All ground transfers

Make it yours (upsells)

Everything apart from the trip itself is an upsell — tick what you want.