Day 1: Village Experience in Nagarkot

• Drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot and enjoy a traditional warm welcome upon arrival at the Nagarkot Community Homestay.

• Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch prepared by your host family.

• Embark on a guided village hike through lush forests, terraced farmland, and traditional settlements while interacting with local farmers and artisans to learn about their daily lives and rural traditions.

• Participate in a hands-on Nepali cooking class with your hosts and learn to prepare authentic local dishes.

• Enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner with your host family, share cultural stories, and experience the warmth of Nepali hospitality.

• Overnight stay at Nagarkot Community Homestay.

Day 2: Ropai Festival and Traditional Rice Planting Experience

• Enjoy a traditional Nepali breakfast at the homestay before walking to the nearby paddy fields.

• Learn about the cultural significance of the Ropai Festival (National Paddy Day) through stories and explanations shared by local farmers and community members.

• Witness or participate in a traditional puja ceremony led by village elders, praying for a successful rice harvest.

• Experience traditional rice planting alongside local farmers, getting your hands and feet muddy while enjoying folk songs, music, and festive celebrations.

• Enjoy the traditional Dahi-Chiura (beaten rice with yogurt) meal, a special delicacy associated with the Ropai Festival.

• Spend time celebrating with the local community, capturing memorable photographs, and experiencing authentic rural traditions.

• After the festival activities, drive back to Kathmandu.

• Private Transportation: Private round-trip transfer from Kathmandu to Nagarkot and back to Kathmandu.

• Accommodation: One night at Nagarkot Community Homestay on a twin-sharing basis.

• Meals: All meals during the trip, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Guided Village Excursion: Guided village walk and nature hike through local settlements, forests, and terraced farmland.

• Traditional Rice Planting: Hands-on rice planting experience with local farmers during the Ropai Festival.

• Cooking Class: Traditional Nepali cooking class with the host family, including an opportunity to prepare authentic local dishes.

• Cultural Experience: Authentic cultural interaction with the host community, including local traditions, stories, and rural lifestyle experiences.

• Traditional Dahi-Chiura: Special Dahi-Chiura (beaten rice with yogurt) meal during the Ropai Festival celebration.

• Local Guide: Services of a dedicated local guide throughout the village excursion and festival activities.

• Festival Activities: Participation in locally organized Ropai Festival activities and traditional celebrations.

• All Applicable Taxes: Government taxes and service charges.

• Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance covering medical emergencies, accidents, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.

• Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses, including extra snacks, beverages, bottled drinks, souvenirs, shopping, and other individual purchases.

• Tips and Gratuities: Tips or gratuities for tour guides, drivers, local hosts, and other service providers.

• Additional Meals and Beverages: Meals, refreshments, and beverages not specifically mentioned under the package inclusions.

• Personal Expenses During Festivals: Any optional purchases, special offerings, donations, or participation fees for activities outside the planned itinerary.

• Additional Transportation: Transportation required beyond the scheduled itinerary or for personal activities.

• Accommodation: Hotel accommodation and related services unless specifically mentioned under the inclusions.

• Anything Not Mentioned: Any services, activities, facilities, or expenses not specifically listed under the package inclusions.

Q1: When is the Ropai Festival celebrated in Nepal?

The Ropai Festival, also known as National Paddy Day or Asar 15, is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the Nepali month of Asar, usually in mid-to-late June or early July. The festival marks the beginning of the rice-planting season and celebrates Nepal's agricultural traditions. We recommend booking early to secure your participation in this popular seasonal experience.

Q2: Do I need previous farming or rice-planting experience to participate in the Ropai Festival?

No previous farming experience is required. Local farmers will guide you through the traditional rice-planting process, including preparing the muddy fields, planting rice seedlings, and understanding traditional farming practices. The activity is relaxed, enjoyable, and suitable for beginners.

Q3: What should I wear for the Ropai Festival experience?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes that can get muddy, along with sandals or footwear suitable for wet fields. Bring an extra set of clothes, a towel, and a rain jacket, as monsoon showers are common during the festival season. Waterproof bags for your personal belongings are also useful.

Q4: What is Dahi-Chiura, and why is it served during the Ropai Festival?

Dahi-Chiura is a traditional Nepali dish made from curd (yoghurt) and beaten rice, often mixed with sugar or accompanied by seasonal ingredients. It is traditionally enjoyed by farmers during rice-planting celebrations because it is refreshing, nutritious, and provides energy for working in the fields. It is also an important part of the Asar 15 celebration.

Q5: Can international travellers participate in the traditional rice-planting activities?

Yes! International travellers are welcome to participate in the Ropai Festival. You can join local farmers in planting rice seedlings, enjoy traditional music and dancing, experience the lively atmosphere of the muddy fields, and learn about Nepal's agricultural culture firsthand.

Q6: Is the Nepal Festival & Cultural Heritage Experience suitable for families and children?

Yes. Many festival activities are suitable for families and children, depending on the specific festival and its programme. The Ropai Festival is particularly enjoyable for families interested in outdoor activities and cultural learning. However, children should be supervised around muddy fields, crowded celebrations, and ceremonial areas.

Q7: Can I experience other traditional festivals in Nepal throughout the year?

Absolutely! Nepal celebrates festivals throughout the year. Depending on your travel dates, you may experience Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Indra Jatra, Rato Machhindranath Jatra, Buddha Jayanti, Teej, Gai Jatra, and various regional and Himalayan community celebrations. Festival dates and activities vary annually, so we recommend planning your trip around the specific celebrations you wish to experience.