Patan, Bhaktapur & Newar Culinary Immersion with Tantric Philosophy

Kathmandu Valley

Highlights

• Walk the medieval streets of Patan and Bhaktapur while savoring ceremonial Newar cuisine and uncovering the tantric philosophy embedded in architecture and ritual meals.
• Cultural Study · 3 days / 2 nights
• Small group, guide-led

Day-by-day itinerary

1. D1

   Day 1: Patan Durbar Square & the Golden Temple

   Heritage walk through Patan Durbar Square, visiting the Krishna Mandir, Taleju Bell, and the three royal courtyards. Enter the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) to observe Newar Buddhist monastery life and its tantric shrine (agama). Afternoon visit to the Patan Museum to see tantric deities in metal and stone. Evening traditional Newar dinner featuring samay baji, yomari, and aila with explanations of each dish’s ritual significance.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

2. D2

   Day 2: Bhaktapur’s Tantric Urban Design & Pottery

   Full day in Bhaktapur exploring Nyatapola Temple (five tiers representing the five elements), Dattatreya Square, and the 55-Window Palace. Walk through the pottery square to see traditional vessel-making used in tantric rituals. Visit the National Art Museum to understand how Bhaktapur’s city plan reflects tantric mandala principles. Evening cooking class to learn bara (lentil patties), choila, and juju dhau preparation.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

3. D3

   Day 3: Kirtipur & Thimi Heritage Villages

   Morning visit to Kirtipur, the ancient fortress town with strong Newar Buddhist identity, to see Chilancho Stupa and Bagh Bhairav Temple. Continue to Thimi, renowned for pottery and the Bisket Jatra festival, to observe traditional craft workshops. Closing lunch with a Newar family in their traditional courtyard home, experiencing how tantric ritual, food, and hospitality flow together in daily life.

   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.