Nepal · Art & Craft

Traditional Leaf Plate Making Workshop in Kathmandu

3 Hours Pickup service provided in Kathmandu. to Drop-off service provided in Kathmandu. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Hands-on duna and tapari workshop using sal leaves
  • 02 Learn from local artisans known as Aama
  • 03 Traditional Nepali welcome with masala tea
  • 04 Discover the cultural and spiritual significance of leaf plates
  • 05 Try bonus crafts like twisted incense and cotton wick making
  • 06 Take home your handmade creations as souvenirs
  • 07 Pickup and drop-off included in Kathmandu

Discover a meaningful hands-on cultural experience in Kathmandu as you learn the traditional art of making duna and tapari, eco-friendly leaf bowls and plates crafted from sal leaves. Guided by local artisans affectionately known as Aama, this workshop offers a warm introduction to a craft deeply connected to Nepalese daily life, rituals, and heritage.

Enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome with masala tea before joining a step-by-step workshop suitable for all skill levels. Along the way, hear stories behind the tradition and, if you wish, try bonus activities such as twisted incense and cotton wick making. At the end of the experience, take home your handmade creations as memorable souvenirs, with pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu included for added ease.

Aama will share stories about the cultural significance of duna and tapari, the traditional leaf plates, and explain how this craft has been passed down through generations.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Kathmandu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Pickup & Arrival

We will pick you up from your location and take you to the workshop venue.

Traditional Welcome

Upon arrival, you will be greeted in a traditional Nepali style with a warm welcome. Enjoy a cup of authentic Nepalese masala tea, made with aromatic spices, as you settle in and soak in the local atmosphere.

Introduction Session

Meet our skilled local artisans, lovingly called “Aama” (mother), who are the heart of this workshop. Aama will share stories about the cultural significance of duna and tapari, the traditional leaf plates, and explain how this craft has been passed down through generations. Guests are encouraged to introduce themselves, ask questions, and engage in light conversation to create a friendly and immersive experience.

Hands-On Workshop

The main session begins with a demonstration of how to craft duna and tapari using sal leaves. Guests will practice stitching and shaping the leaves under the guidance of Aama, learning the traditional techniques step by step. This is an interactive, hands-on experience, perfect for all skill levels, allowing you to create your own authentic leaf plate.

Bonus Activities

For those interested, try making twisted incense and cotton wicks, two small but essential crafts deeply tied to Nepalese rituals and daily life. Aama will guide you through these additional activities, giving insight into their cultural and spiritual significance.

Closing & Reflection

Once the workshop concludes, guests can admire their creations and take photos. Each participant will leave with their handmade duna and tapari, along with any incense or cotton wicks made, as meaningful souvenirs of their cultural experience. Aama will offer final insights and blessings, wrapping up a day of creativity, learning, and cultural connection.

Drop - off

After the workshop, guests will be safely dropped back at their original location, completing a seamless and comfortable experience from start to finish.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Pickup service provided in Kathmandu. to Drop-off service provided in Kathmandu. 1 city · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (within Kathmandu city)
  • Traditional Nepali welcome with masala tea
  • Hands-on leaf plate making workshop (duna & tapari)
  • Guidance and storytelling from local artisans (Ama)
  • Bonus activities: twisted incense & cotton wick making
  • All necessary materials and tools for the workshop
  • Your handmade crafts to take home as souvenirs

What's Not Included

  • Meals or snacks (other than masala tea)
  • Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
  • Tips or donations for the guide/artisans (optional but appreciated)
  • Travel insurance
  • Pickup/drop-off outside Kathmandu city (available at extra cost)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Kathmandu.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Kathmandu.
Tour end
Drop-off service provided in Kathmandu.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours run from Pickup service provided in Kathmandu. to Drop-off service provided in Kathmandu..

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