Trip Reports / By Maya Trips / March 14, 2026
A heartfelt travel diary from a Maya Trips escort about a meaningful cultural experience in Kathmandu.
At Maya Trips, we believe that the soul of Nepal isn’t found just in its monuments, but in the hands of its people. We strive to create bridges between our guests and the local communities that keep ancient traditions alive through modern resilience. In this post, our escort, Asmin Bhattarai, shares his first experience leading a journey into the heart of women’s empowerment and recycled artistry.
A Gentle Welcome
Today, I had the pleasure of escorting Gloria, a guest from the United States, for a half-day immersion at a local women’s handicraft workshop. To be honest, my heart was racing as I waited in the hotel lobby. This was my first time escorting a guest on a tour, and a thousand “what-ifs” were running through my mind.
However, the moment Gloria stepped forward, my nerves simply evaporated. She greeted me with a radiance that matched the Kathmandu sun—a warm smile and a friendly energy that instantly made the morning feel comfortable. She was kind, polite, and incredibly easy to talk to. As we navigated the bustling streets toward the workshop, our conversation flowed so naturally that the commute felt less like a transfer and more like a pleasant drive between friends.
Stories Spun from Silk and Spirit
When we arrived at the workshop, I was struck by the sheer vibrance of the space. It was a sanctuary of color and quiet industry. We began in the sewing room, where women were hunched over looms and tables, creating intricate bags and rugs.
The most fascinating part? These weren’t just ordinary textiles. They were being reborn from discarded saris and recycled clothing. Watching a faded piece of fabric being transformed into a high-quality handicraft was like watching a lesson in second chances.
We then moved to the jewelry and ornament section. Here, the artisans showed us the delicate art of making pote—the traditional Nepali glass bead necklaces worn by married women—alongside dreamcatchers and bracelets. The women invited us to try our hand at the craft. While Gloria and I quickly realized that threading a pote necklace is a skill that requires years of patience (we couldn’t quite master it!), we found our rhythm making beaded bracelets.
One of the most touching moments occurred when the artisans began weaving a dreamcatcher specifically for Gloria. They invited her to help them, tucking her own intentions into the threads. When they gifted her the finished piece along with the bracelet we had worked on, it wasn’t just a souvenir—it was a piece of their collective story.
The Rhythms of Empowerment
Next, we visited the “engine room” of the operation: the area where the raw recycled material is processed into workable fabric. Gloria didn’t just watch; she stepped up to the machines to try the weaving process herself.
As we watched the rhythmic movement of the looms, I shared the history of the workshop with her. I explained how this space is more than a factory; it is a platform for empowerment. By providing training and fair employment, the workshop gives local women the financial independence and skills they need to transform their lives and the lives of their children. Gloria expressed how deeply impressed she was by their dedication—a sentiment I felt echoed in my own heart.
Reflections on the Road Back
Our final stop was the workshop’s boutique in Thamel, the vibrant heart of Kathmandu’s shopping district. During the drive, our laughter filled the van as we swapped stories about our morning “artistic struggles.” At the store, Gloria spent time browsing the finished collections, eventually choosing a few handmade treasures to carry back across the ocean.
As I dropped Gloria back at her hotel and we said our farewells, I looked back on my morning of “first-day nerves” with a smile. What started as a moment of anxiety turned into a deeply rewarding experience of human connection. Meeting a guest as gracious as Gloria and witnessing the quiet strength of our local artisans reminded me why I love what I do.
“Travel is never just about places—it’s about the people who color our world and the stories that stay with us long after the suitcases are unpacked.”
Traveler Testimonial
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Hi Surajan, I had an amazing time. The. Gentleman who started the women’s Project and the women with whom we met we’re all impressive. Asmin is a treasure. There is nothing that could have been improved upon. The day exceeded my expectations. I will write a review when I get back to the United States in a couple of weeks. I’d thank you, you were a wonderful communicator from the beginning. Wishing you all the best. Gloria”
Experience It Yourself
Join our Women’s Handicraft & Empowerment Tour with Maya Trips. Discover the hidden artistry of Kathmandu and support the local women who are weaving a brighter future for Nepal.
Story by Asmin Bhattarai, New Travel Guide at Maya Trips
Asmin is one of Maya Trips’ new generation of travel guides, passionate about sharing Nepal’s culture through personal stories and meaningful moments.
