KTT Group/Special Interest

We each must walk upon our own roads to Shangri La, but there is no need for us to walk alone. Kathmandu Travels & Tours specializes in turning your individual dreams and journeys into tangible experiences. Every tour, trek and service we offer is custom designed to match your needs and help you reach your dreams. We are known for our custom designed special interest tours, with topics as diverse as the people who pursue them. With a growing interest in unique programs, following are some examples of specialty programs:

These are only the very beginning. Let us know how we can help make your dreams come true, whether that includes arranging meetings with local people, a visit to a social organizations, finding that special spiritual teacher in the hills, or anything imaginable in between, Kathmandu Travels & Tours has the resources and the know-how to make sure that your journey to Nepal is as complete, as easy and as unique as your dreams.

A Real Nepali Experience
Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga
Design A Tibetan Carpet
Shopping for Handicrafts
Fossil Hunting
Women of Nepal
Ethnological
Heritage
Adventure Seekers

Antiques
Music Studies
Pilgrimages
Traditional Dance
Language
Thangka Painting
Textiles
Social Organizations
Rural Tours
Geography
Honey Hunters

ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bring your sketchbooks, paintbrushes and cameras, whereas just about any place in Nepal will inspire artistic expression. A visit to any one of the temples or monasteries provides insight into religious life. Century old traditions are abound, as prayer wheel spin endlessly, the air is filled with sounds of chanting and the smell of burning incense and sidewalks are dotted with red powder from a daily ritual. Pokhara's Phewa Lake offers timeless reflections of the magnificent Machhapuchhre, while Chitwan National Park provides a dramatic change of scenery. A rhino emerging from the early morning mist, the Royal Bengal Tiger peeking through the thick jungle and the unique culture of the lowland people provide an array of wildlife, cultural and mountainscapes.

EXTREME ADVENTURE
Nepal, the world's largest outdoor playground offers heart-stopping action on land, in water and air. A short drive from Kathmandu, just south of the Tibetan border, lies an oasis of canyoning in the most ruggedly beautiful terrain. Wedged strategically amidst a deep, narrow gorge over the Bhote Kosi river, is Nepal's only bungy jumping. Head west to Pokhara, a land of lakes and the eternal Annapurna range, where you can paraglide amongst the mountains, over small villages, with breathtaking views. Continuing the adventure further west brings us to the Karnali, Nepal's mightiest river. Experience powerful whitewater while traveling through pristine forests, view stunning waterfalls and rest upon deserted beaches.

A REAL NEPALI EXPERIENCE
A new concept in travel has finally come to Nepal. For years, travelers have come to the Himalayas to experience this unique culture firsthand, though it has always been difficult to really get to know locals and understand how they live. Now, in the western region near Pokhara, stay in an unspoiled village, living with a family, as a family member.

HERITAGE
Nepal is home to ten World Heritage Sites, both natural, as well as cultural. Of the eight cultural sites, seven of them glorify the Kathmandu Valley. Visit all the cultural sites; Kathmandu Durbar Square, Syambunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Changu Narayan Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Outside the valley, visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, followed by the first of the natural heritage site, Chitwan National Park and if you have more time, Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest.

MIND, BODY AND SOUL
There are a multitude of healing activities you can do all within a close proximity to Kathmandu. In the hills surrounding Kathmandu, pass the days meditating in a Buddhist monastery, while resting your mind and body. Afterwards, immersed yourself in a yoga program, while participating in several treatments for the soul; reiki, massage, or Buddhist teachings.

WILDLIFE
The lowlands of Nepal's Terai region are full of rare wildlife. Head towards the eastern region and visit the Koshi Kappu Wildlife Reserve for some of the best birding and waterfowl in the country. It is also home to the rare Gangetic dolphin and wild water buffalo. For an even wider look at wildlife, travel to the far-west to the Royal Bardia National Park, visited less frequently the Chitwan, though created to protect tigers and wild elephants.

A REAL NEPALI EXPERIENCE
A new concept in travel has finally come to Nepal. For years, travelers have come to the Himalayas to experience this unique culture firsthand, though it has always been difficult to really get to know the locals and understand how they live. Now, in the western region near Pokhara, stay in an unspoiled village, living with a family, as a family member.

DISCOVER THE MANY FACES OF NEPAL
Wedged between two massive countries, Nepal is a melting pot of ethnic diversity. Travel to the east, where you can visit the small hillside town of Dhankuta, home to Rais and Limbus. Trekking in the Annapurna region is a delightful experience while staying in Gurung villages. Further west in Jomsom, Thakalis and Tibetans share this area. Then head south to the terai, where Tharus live in the surrounding areas of most national parks. Kathmandu Valley brings together Newars, Brahmins and Chhetris, and many other ethnic groups. If you have more time, a trip to the famed Solu Khumbu region is the land of Sherpas. Together, they share a common bond, but separately, each have a very distinct architecture, dress, culture and lifestyle.

TIBETAN MEDICINE
The only way to visit Tibet with less than a week is to fly both directions. For those with an interest in Asian medical traditions, mainly Tibetan and herbal medicine, visit the Tibetan Traditional Hospital in Lhasa where doctors are still trained in this ancient methodology. Wander off the Barkhor circuit into the old section and explore the many traditional apothecaries selling unusual concoctions of herbs and medicines.

SPIRITUAL PURSUITS
Tibet, the name alone evokes a sense of spirituality and a deeply religious land. You do not have to travel far, Buddhism and spiritual encounters are around every corner. Encounter monks in saffron colored robes, age old monasteries and the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. If you are coming to Everything you do and see in Tibet No visit to this mystical region is complete without visiting the Barkhor.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Riding across the Himalayan traverse on the "Roof of the World" is one of the ultimate biking expeditions in the world. When biking across the Himalayan traverse in Tibet, there are two options available. Fly into Lhasa and travel overland back to Kathmandu crossing six major passes. If you have more time, travel to the western land of the sacred Mount Kailash via an exciting combination trek, yak ride and biking journey.

IN SEARCH OF PREHISTORIC ART
Near the Kashmir border in far-western Tibet, lies an area that remains timeless. Filled with caves, prehistoric rock carvings and wall paintings, early Buddhist art dates back to the 10th century. Travel back in time to Rutok County, where there are several sites containing petroglyphs and numerous other impressive rock carvings depicting human figures and a variety of animals.

ARCHERY
Now, short tours that can be designed for marksmen, as archery matches take place in both Paro and Thimphu. Tournaments can be arranged for you to participate with fellow travelers and locals alike. Archery is Bhutan's much-loved national sport, and every year during Losar, the Bhutanese New Year, national tournaments take place, even if you don't participate, join in the revelry of inter-village competitions.

BIRD WATCHING
An avian's paradise, Bhutan is home to an estimated 770 species of birds, including some of the most exotic and endemic species in the eastern Himalayas. Unlike other Himalayan countries, most of Bhutan's original forest remains intact, in its untouched condition, thus allowing for the natural harmony of flora and fauna. Travel to Phobjika to view the rare black-necked crane, a species in danger of extinction that traditionally winters in this valley. Continue onto the lovely Bumthang Valleys, where there are several short walks into beautiful areas that are provide excellent birdwatching.

FLOWERS OF BHUTAN
The rich abundance of flora makes Bhutan one of the most attractive places to admire the splendor nature has to offer. In the spring, white magnolias and many hues of rhododendrons are in full bloom, dotting the mountains in glorious colors. Shortly thereafter, spring flowers follow suit. When the rains begin, meadows come to life in an array of colors becoming a feast for the eyes. Start in Paro with a short trek into the mountains, and drive eastward to area around Punakha and Gangtey. If time allows, journey further to the lovely valleys of Bumthang.

TEXTILES
One of Bhutan's hidden treasures are intricately woven textiles that have played an important role in Bhutan for centuries. Considered to be one of the highest forms of artistic expression, the Bhutanese have woven their visions into the most extraordinary pieces of art, unmatched anywhere in the world. Follow the weaver's trail throughout the country starting in Bumthang, known for their natural dyes and yathra, rolls of patterned woolen cloth. Continue onto far-eastern Bhutan, where you can observe women spinning, dyeing and weaving these stunning masterpieces on looms.

RAFTING AND KAYAKING
Paddling whitewater in Bhutan allow you to experience some of the most beautiful and undeveloped areas in the world. There are three spectacular rivers---the Mo Chhu, the Puna Sang Chhu, and the Mangde Chhu---all located west of Thimphu, near Wangdue Phrodrang, Punakha and Trongsa. The scenery is stunning as rivers cut through lush, virgin forests, and wind along beautiful white sandy beaches and intricately sculpted, rice terraces. Some of the runs offer world class paddling, through canyons adorned with sheer vertical walls of black bedrock, and around massive boulders the size of houses. A few such runs have been affectionately named Suicide Alley and Devil's Canyon.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking has recently made its way to Bhutan. Currently, most bike trips to Bhutan take place on the country's only highway, though this road makes for one of the world's greatest cycling journeys, offering challenging climbs and mind-blowing descents. Beginning in Paro, at the far-western end of Bhutan and ride east across several passes to the eastern land border with India at Samdrup Jongkar. Recently, off-road biking is now available in the remote valley of Phobjika.

NATURE
In Darjeeling, visit the Botanical Gardens, home to indigenous Himalayan plants and flowers abound. Nearby are the tea gardens they are famous for, where you can observe how the tea is grown and picked. Pass the time at numerous orchid nurseries, or the Sericulture Center, where silkworms are bred and silk is produced. It's worth a to the Museum of Natural History and the Zoological Park. If your visit coincides with the flower show in the capital city of Sikkim, stop by the Exhibition Center, a must see during your stay. At the end of your day, take a peaceful walk in the surrounding forests.

MONASTERIES AND TIBETOLOGY
Outside of Darjeeling, head towards the Ghoom Monastery and view the Maitreya Buddha, afterwards, it is onto Sonada and a Kagyupa sect monastery. Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, where you can meet Tibetans and watch the intricate weaving and dyeing process taking place in the workshops. In Sikkim, the Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the head of the Kagyu order and the largest monastery outside of Tibet. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology houses one of the largest and rare collections of Mahayana Buddhism manuscripts, as well as numerous works of art. Nearby, is a chorten dedicated to the legendary Guru Padmasambhava. Before heading back to Silguri, the Pemayangste Monastery belongs to the tantric Nyingmapa sect.

THE OUTDOOR LIFE
Start your first morning in Darjeeling with an early morning walk to Tiger Hill for a spectacular sunrise. Spend some time at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Mountaineering Museum and the Everest Museum, where the famed Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was Director for years. From Kalimpong, drive to Maneybhanjyang, then trek to Gairibas where you spend the night. On the way to Sandakphu, there are breathtaking mountain views. After leaving Gangtok en route back to Siliguri, stop for the thrilling ride on the chairlift over the Teesta River.