Why choose this Tour?
- Live Gandharva Music Throughout the Tour – Walk through Nepal’s heritage sites while listening to the soulful tunes of the sarangi.
- Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath & Swyambhunath – UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- A Breathtaking Sunset Over The Himalayas from Swyambhunath With A Soulful Music of Sarangi
- Traditional Storytelling – Hear legends, myths, and historical tales directly from the Gandharva musicians.
- Hands-on Cultural Experience – Try playing the sarangi, learn folk songs, and interact with local artists.
- Authentic Nepali Lunch – Enjoy traditional Nepali lunch in a heritage setting.
The Gandharva community in Nepal has a rich history of storytelling through music, using the sarangi to share tales of love, struggle, and history. Once respected as the country’s musical storytellers, their way of life is now at risk due to modern changes, lack of support, and economic challenges. Many Gandharvas can no longer make a living from their music, and younger generations are moving away from this tradition in search of stable jobs. Their songs, which once preserved Nepal’s history and culture, are at risk of being forgotten. Reviving their tradition is about more than just saving music-it’s about keeping Nepal’s cultural heritage alive. You can be part of this revival by joining the "One Day with Gandharva" experience, where you’ll connect with their music, hear their stories, and help support their craft, ensuring that this unique tradition continues to thrive.
Itineraries Expand all
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9:00 AM – Meet & Introduction
Gather at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Meet your Gandharva musician and your guide and get an introduction to their history and cultural significance. Enjoy a short sarangi demonstration before setting off.
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10:00 AM – Sightseeing with Live Music
Walk through ancient palaces, temples, and old streets while the Gandharva plays music. Learn untold stories of Nepal’s kings, warriors, and gods, passed down through generations. Participate in a mini music workshop, where you can try playing the sarangi.
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1:00 PM – Traditional Nepali Lunch
Stop at a local heritage restaurant. Enjoy an authentic Dal Bhat Set or traditional Newari cuisine while listening to more folk songs and personal stories from the Gandharva musician.
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2:30 PM – Bouddhanath
Visit Bouddhanath, A Symbol. Learn about the Gandharva’s role as ancient news-bearers, how they spread stories across Nepal.
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5:00 PM – Sunset With Live Folk Music from Swyambhunath.
Travel to a scenic location at Swyambhunath for Sunset View. Experience an intimate live concert by Gandharva musicians, where they play their most famous folk ballads.
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7:00 PM – Closing & Farewell
Say goodbye with a final song and a chance to purchase handcrafted sarangis or music recordings as souvenirs. Option to donate or support a Gandharva cultural preservation initiative.
Trip Infos
- Departure from Kathmandu
- Transportation Private vehicle with A/C
- Language English
- Guiding method Tour Guide
- Meals Traditional Nepali Lunch
- Trip Types Culture
- Trip Destinations Nepal
- Trip Activities City Tours Community Experiences Heritage Site Explorations Local Arts and Crafts
Trip Includes & Excludes
- All Transfers, Sightseeing and Ground Transportation by A/C Vehicle
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Entrance Fees to Monuments
- Other Personal Expenses
- Tips and Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Availability
Gallery
FAQ's Expand all
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1. What is the main experience of this tour?This is an immersive cultural and musical journey guided by Gandharva musicians, who play live sarangi music as you explore Kathmandu’s historic sites and learn traditional stories.
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2. Who are the Gandharvas?The Gandharvas are Nepal's traditional musical storytellers, known for their mastery of the sarangi, a four-stringed Nepali instrument. They historically served as wandering minstrels, spreading news and folklore across villages through music.
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3. What is the sarangi?The sarangi is a traditional Nepali string instrument known for its soulful, voice-like tones. It is central to Gandharva music and storytelling.
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4. Can I try playing the sarangi?Yes! The tour includes a mini music workshop where you can learn to play the sarangi with guidance from Gandharva musicians.
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5. What kind of stories do the Gandharvas tell?Gandharvas share folklore, historical legends, and spiritual tales through their songs, preserving Nepal's rich oral history and cultural traditions.
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6. Where will we go during the tour?6. Where will we go during the tour? The tour takes you through Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, and Swyambhunath, with live Gandharva music accompanying you at each site.
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7.Is lunch included?Yes, you will enjoy a traditional Nepali lunch with live sarangi performances by Gandharva musicians.
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8. How long does the tour last?The experience lasts about 10 hours, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, ending with a sunset concert at Swyambhunath.
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9. Can I buy a sarangi as a souvenir?Yes, handcrafted sarangis made by the Gandharva community are available for purchase, along with their music recordings.
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10. Is there a way to support the Gandharva community?Absolutely! You can donate or contribute to Gandharva cultural preservation initiatives during the tour.
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11. What should I bring?Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, a camera for capturing moments, and an open heart for Gandharva music and storytelling.
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12. Do you need to understand Nepali?No, your guide will translate the stories and songs shared by the Gandharva musician.
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13. Is photography allowed?Yes, you’re welcome to photograph the Gandharva performances, heritage sites, and cultural interactions throughout the tour.
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14. What makes this experience unique?This tour uniquely blends heritage sightseeing with live Gandharva music, providing a deep cultural connection that brings Nepal’s history and traditions to life.
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- Effortless Travel
- Meaningful Connections
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