The Nepal Experience
With Maya Trips, Nepal isn’t just seen – it’s felt. Step into living heritage, share tea with monks, and move to the rhythm of mountain life. Every moment is raw, real, and unforgettable. This is soulful travel, reimagined. Explore experiences you won’t want to miss in Nepal.
In Nepal
MUST DO
The Canoe Ride in Chitwan National Park
MUST EXPLORE
The Beautiful Pokhara Valley
MUST HEAR
The Folk Music of Nepali Instruments
MUST DISCOVER
The Hidden Gems of Eastern Nepal
MUST EXPERIENCE
The Pottery Making in Bhaktapur
MUST NOT MISS
The Chance to See the Top of The World – Everest
Around Thamel
Heritage Walk
Explore the Durbar Square and Thamel at your own pace, interacting with the community and soaking in the atmosphere of this historic location. For a richer experience, consider hiring a local guide who understands the heart and soul of the area.
Sound Healing Experience
Immerse yourself in the therapeutic practice of sound healing, rooted in Tibetan and Nepali Buddhism. Feel the vibrations of singing bowls and gongs as they promote deep relaxation and spiritual healing.
Try Wood Carving
Experience the intricate art of Nepali wood carving, a craft passed down through generations. Get hands-on with tools and techniques to create your own unique wooden piece.
Khukuri Making Experience
Put your hands to work in crafting a Khukuri, Nepal’s iconic knife known for its historical and cultural significance. Learn from skilled artisans who share their traditional methods and expertise.
Engage with Gandarbha Musicians
Spend some time with the Gandarbhas, the wandering musicians of Thamel who carry with them a rich legacy of Nepali folklore and music. Enjoy their stories and soulful melodies that echo through the streets.
Meaningful Shopping
Explore shops with a story, where your purchase makes a difference. Many local stores around Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel support women artisans and community initiatives. Take the time to learn the story behind each product, making your shopping experience more enriching and impactful.
Visit Museums
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Nepal by visiting the museums in and around Kathmandu. These museums showcase artifacts, art, and relics that narrate the story of Nepal’s past and preserve its lost heritage. A visit to these spaces provides a deeper understanding of the nation’s traditions and historical journey.
Nepali Food Cooking Experience
Dive into the heart of Nepali cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare iconic dishes like Dal Bhat (rice and lentils) and Momo (dumplings), and experience the flavors of Nepal in your own kitchen.
Around Patan
Explore Newari Foods
Savor authentic Newari delicacies by exploring small, local eateries in Patan. Skip the fancy cafes and discover the rich flavors and culinary traditions that represent the heart of Nepali culture.
Try Paubha Painting
Discover the ancient art of Paubha painting, a traditional form of scroll painting unique to the Kathmandu Valley. Begin with a visit to a local gallery to learn about its history and spiritual significance. Then, join a hands-on workshop where skilled artisans guide you through the intricate techniques, allowing you to create your own Paubha masterpiece.
Around Bhaktapur
Taste Juju Dhau (King of Yogurt)
Indulge in Bhaktapur’s iconic Juju Dhau, a creamy, sweet yogurt that has been a local favorite for generations. Enjoy it fresh from traditional clay pots for an authentic experience.
Hands on Pottery Making
Experience the ancient craft of pottery in Bhaktapur’s famous Pottery Square. Get your hands dirty as you learn to shape clay into beautiful pots and artifacts under the guidance of local artisans.
Explore Newari Foods
Savor the unique Newari delicacies of Bhaktapur at local eateries. Taste the traditional flavors that define this historic city and experience the warmth of Newari hospitality.
Thangka Painting
Discover the intricate world of Thangka painting, a traditional Buddhist art form. Visit a local studio, learn about its spiritual significance, and try your hand at creating your own vibrant masterpiece.
Around Nagarkot
Don’t Miss the Sunrise
Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas from the Nagarkot viewpoint. On clear mornings, catch panoramic views of snow-capped peaks stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east.
Stay Local
Choose a homestay instead of a hotel to experience authentic Nepali life in the hills. Share meals with local families, learn their daily routines, and understand the simplicity and beauty of life in Nagarkot.
Try Tapari Making
Learn the traditional art of Tapari making—eco-friendly plates crafted from local leaves. Discover how this sustainable practice is still widely used in local communities.
Community Hikes
Embark on community hikes that take you through terraced fields, hillside villages, and lush forests. Connect with locals along the way and experience the stunning landscapes of rural Nepal.
Around Chitwan
Breakfast with Elephant
Instead of traditional elephant riding, opt for the ethical Breakfast with Elephants experience. Enjoy breakfast in the natural surroundings of these majestic creatures, offering a peaceful and intimate wildlife encounter while supporting ethical practices.
Try Canoeing in Rapti River
Glide through the serene waters of the Rapti River on a canoe ride. Along the way, spot crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and, with a bit of luck, witness rhinos grazing nearby in their natural habitat.
Enjoy a River Sunset
Visit a scenic viewpoint along the river and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Chitwan landscape. The serene view, combined with the golden hues of the setting sun, makes for a perfect end to a day in the wild.
Around Pokhara
Don’t Miss Phewa Lake Boating
Enjoy a peaceful boating experience on Phewa Lake, where you can marvel at the stunning reflection of the surrounding mountains on the water’s surface. It’s a serene escape amidst natural beauty.
Stay in a Monastery
Experience life through the eyes of monks by staying in a monastery near Pokhara. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment and learn about Buddhist practices, meditation, and the monastic lifestyle.
Go Local in Hemja
Choose a homestay experience in Hemja, a quaint village near Pokhara. Connect with locals and cook traditional Nepali dishes like Dhido (buckwheat flour dish) and Sisnu (nettle soup), passed down through generations.
Hike up to Australian Camp
Embark on a scenic hike to Australian Camp via Dhampus. The breathtaking mountain views from this vantage point, especially at sunrise or sunset, are memories you’ll cherish forever.
Yoga in Pokhara
Experience the tranquility of yoga and meditation with the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Pokhara offers the perfect environment to unwind and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.
Pro Tips from Maya Trips
Go Local Wherever Possible
There’s no more intimate experience than staying with locals and immersing yourself in their lifestyle. It’s the best way to get a sneak peek into the heart of any destination, understanding its culture, traditions, and daily life.
Explore Local Eateries
Food is one of the major highlights of any destination. Explore local eateries to taste authentic dishes that reflect the true flavors of the place. These hidden gems often offer a much richer food experience than popular tourist spots.
Look for Experiences
Seek out experiences that allow you to explore the heart of the destination. These are often passed down through generations and carry a legacy that enriches your travel experience. They offer a deeper understanding of local traditions, crafts, and cultures.
Go Offbeat
Popular destinations aren’t always the best ones. Whenever possible and feasible, venture off the beaten path to explore hidden gems. For Nepal, regions like Eastern Nepal remain largely unexplored, offering extraordinary beauty and experiences that most tourists will never get to see.