Day 01
Tibetan Communities and Buddhist Culture Around Pokhara
- Visit Tibetan refugee settlements around Pokhara Valley and discover how Tibetan people live in Nepal and how they have kept their Tibetan language, identity, and Buddhist culture intact. Learn about the meanings of Buddhist signs and symbols such as prayer wheels, flags, stupas, and more.
- Learn about the life of Buddhist monks by visiting a Buddhist monastery. Discover their monastic education and daily routines, and experience a Buddhist monk chanting a prayer.
- Explore Tibetan schools and the education system in the Tibetan settlements.
- Step inside a Tibetan carpet showroom and immerse yourself in Tibet's rich culture and artistry. It is the perfect place to discover the fascinating history and process behind the creation of Tibetan carpets. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the entire process of making carpets, from the selection of raw sheep wool to the finished products. As you explore the showroom, you will see an impressive collection of carpets in various colours, sizes, and designs. You are welcome to take pictures and touch the carpets to fully appreciate the intricate artistry involved in creating each piece.
- Visit a photo gallery and learn about the establishment of Tibetan settlements in Pokhara in the early 1960s through various photos of Tibetan people and their culture.
- Meet a Tibetan doctor and learn about Tibetan medicine, diagnosis, and treatment. You will even receive a first-hand experience with a medical check-up from a Tibetan doctor.
- Enjoy Tibetan food by savoring simple and delicious dishes in Tibetan restaurants, such as momos and Thenthuk, and learn how these foods were first introduced in Nepal.
- See a beautiful Buddhist monastery and meet a young Buddhist monk to learn about the monastic lifestyle, daily studies, and activities in the monastery.
- Attend the evening group pooja (prayer chanting) with the monks and experience the vibration and energy of the chanting. Hear the horns, drums, conch shell, trumpet, bell, and other instruments used during the prayer.
- Taste traditional Tibetan snacks with a local family and experience the flavour of Tibetan food, such as Tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea, and Tibetan bread.
