Explore nature and culture in Balthali

Presentation of Balthali:

Balthali is a typical Nepalese village situated in Panauti Valley. It is around 35 KM far from Kathmandu. This peaceful village is surrounded by green hills and typical fields of rice. Balthali is a place where we can find a diversity of culture. Its inhabitants have kept alive their traditions and their way of life since several generations. When visitors come to this village and stay with a local family, they really enjoy the opportunity to meet local people and share moments with them.

Day 1: Departure to Balthali, Visit of Panauti:

In the morning, from Kathmandu, we’ll take a vehicle – private or public transport according our choice- to go to Panauti. One hour drive if we take the car and two hours if we take local bus.

We’ll visit Panauti city: according to the local legends, the history of Panauti goes beyond Christian era. It’s a mythological and pilgrimage site. Located on the confluence of three legendry rivers; Punyamati, Roshamati and Lilavati; many temples and shrines witness the rich history of this city. Till now Panauti is considered as one of the famous pilgrimage site near Kathmandu valley. Every 12 years, one month long famous festival, Makar Mela, attracts several thousand of devotees from all over Nepal.

Then, we’ll walk 45 minutes to Khopasi. A nice view of Panauti valley’s rice field will enjoy our sights. Balthali is still 45 minutes walking distance from here. We’ll cross one suspension bridge and go through a pine forest. Another bridge is newly built over the same Roshi River which links Balthali to Salmetar. Fifteen minutes of climb up through a nice jungle trail us to the plateau of Balthali.

Finally, we are at Sabina’s home. Here we’ll pass the night. We’ll visit the village, its fields and we’ll explore local culture. In the evening time enjoying several cups of masala tea, we’ll observe Sabina’s mother cooking local food on wood fire.

Day 2: Balthali, Dadagaun and Khyaku Village:

After breakfast we’ll visit the upper part of Balthali village, the traditional settlement of Humagain community. We’ll discuss with men and women about different aspects of their life.

Then we’ll walk then around 40 minutes to the top of a small hill to explore a typical Tamang village : Dadagaun. Tamang people have still preserved their Tibetan Buddhist culture and speak their own language. They have very few lands and to sustain their family their work as carpenters, laborers or farm hands on the field. These days most of them have developed goat farming. This visit offer us an opportunity to observe how certain economically disadvantaged communities as Tamang, are struggling to adapt themselves on the market economy.

Then we’ll visit another village, Khyaku, where most of the people have a good economic situation. It is an occasion to discuss about the kinship, marriage and relation between different generations. We take a short lunch with a family.

In the end of the afternoon we come back to Sabina’s home. We’ll learn to make a good masala tea and Nepalese tea. In the evening we’ll learn how to cook a good Nepali dal-bhat and we’ll enjoy the food with the family.

Finally, the day after, we’ll leave Balthali after the breakfast to go back to Kathmandu. In Khopasi, either we take a local bus or our own vehicle.

If you want to stay one day more :

After the breakfast, we have choice among different activities:

• One day hiking to Namobuddha
• Cultural program: dance and sing with local people
• Agricultural activities in the field
• Meet and discuss with women groups about their activities
• Volleyball and table tennis matches with young boys and girls
• Meet youth club’s members and learn about their activities

Cost Included:

 

• Homestay on full board (B.L.D + Room)
• Guide

Cost Excluded:

• Transportation cost
• Drinks
• Entrance fee in the historical sites
• Personal expenses
• Extra activities