Thangka Painting & Newar Lost-Wax Metalwork Masterclass

Kathmandu Valley

Highlights

• Learn sacred thangka painting and witness the ancient lost-wax metal casting tradition in the artisan quarters of Patan and Bhaktapur.
• Cultural Study · 4 days / 3 nights
• Small group, guide-led

Day-by-day itinerary

1. D1

   Day 1: Thangka Iconography & Canvas Preparation

   Morning introduction to thangka symbolism, colors, and sacred proportions at a studio in Patan or Bhaktapur. Learn to prepare cotton canvas with gesso, sketch a simple mandala or White Tara using traditional grid lines, and understand how each deity embodies specific tantric principles. Afternoon museum visit to see historical paubha masterpieces.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

2. D2

   Day 2: Pigments, Brushwork & Meditation

   Grind natural mineral pigments (lapis lazuli, malachite, cinnabar) and learn brush techniques with squirrel-hair brushes. Practice laying down base colors and fine linework on your thangka under the guidance of a master artist. Midday meditation session to understand how creating sacred art is itself a tantric sadhana.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

3. D3

   Day 3: Patan Metalwork & Lost-Wax Casting

   Visit the traditional metalworking neighborhood (Okubahal) in Patan to observe artisans sculpting wax models, encasing them in clay molds, and casting gilt-copper deity statues. Learn about the ritual consecration (prana-pratishtha) that transforms a metal image into a living deity. Optional: try your hand at repoussé or small wax sculpting.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

4. D4

   Day 4: Consecration, Markets & Departure

   Attend a brief blessing ceremony for completed artworks at a local monastery. Visit Patan’s antique and craft markets to understand the economics of sacred art. Closing discussion on how Newar artists balance commercial demand with religious integrity, and how tantric iconography travels from Kathmandu to the Tibetan plateau and beyond.

   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.