In a world chasing fast-paced travel, this journey through Eastern Nepal invites you to do the opposite—to slow down, listen, and connect. Traversing tranquil hill towns, sacred cities, and rural communities rooted in tradition, this immersive experience shines a spotlight on the lesser-known but richly rewarding parts of Nepal.
From sound healing in Kathmandu to sharing meals with the Aathpahariya in Dhankuta, and exploring Mithila art in Janakpur, each day is shaped by community connection, cultural preservation, and responsible exploration. It’s a journey that offers insight, reflection, and genuine exchange, all while promoting sustainability and local empowerment.
Day 1: Welcome to Nepal – Grounding in Kathmandu
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, where you’ll check into the sustainable heritage hotel, Traditional Comfort. To ease into the journey, enjoy a soul-soothing sound healing session at Avata Wellness, guided by trained practitioners using singing bowls, gongs, and ancient chants.
Dinner at Nourish by Avata offers a healthy, mindful introduction to local flavours, setting the tone for a trip that nurtures both body and spirit.
Day 2: Into the Hills – Arrival in Dhankuta
After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Biratnagar, then drive north into the serene hill town of Dhankuta. Known as the Orange Town, Dhankuta blends cultural diversity, Himalayan views, and scenic tea gardens.
Once checked into Hotel Murchunga International, enjoy a relaxed walk to get acquainted with the town’s calm pace, traditional architecture, and vibrant local market. Rest well—your cultural deep dive begins tomorrow.
Day 3: Hike to Khambela & Farm-to-Table in Kachide
Today begins with a scenic drive to Chuliban, followed by a rewarding 3.5-hour hike to Khambela, a hillside village inhabited by the Aathpahariya, one of Nepal’s indigenous communities.
Along the trail, stop at a viewpoint revealing panoramic scenes of the Tamor River and distant Kanchenjunga peaks. At Khambela, enjoy a locally prepared lunch on leaf plates, engage in conversation, and witness firsthand the village’s rainwater harvesting and spring revival systems that are transforming rural sustainability.
Later, return to Dhankuta and visit Kachide, where you’ll harvest your dinner with local hosts and join in a farm-to-table cooking session. This meal, crafted from freshly picked produce, is more than food—it’s a celebration of community self-reliance.
Day 4: Architectural Walk & Homestay in Sipting
Begin your day with a walk through Dhankuta’s orange-scented lanes, admiring the architectural fusion of Newar and Aathpahariya heritage. Visit sacred local sites like the Ganesh Temple and Nishan Temple, and learn how the town’s ethnic diversity fuels its cultural preservation efforts.
Later, head to Sipting, a tranquil village where the Dhankuta Community Homestay, Sipting welcomes you into traditional homes surrounded by farms. With warm smiles, local meals, and simple but clean rooms (expect outdoor squat toilets and bucket showers), this is a chance to fully immerse oneself in the lifestyle of the Aathpahariya people.
Day 5: Sunrise at Dhoje Danda & A Cultural Feast
Rise early for a short walk to Dhoje Danda, a stunning viewpoint revered for its sunrises over Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Watch as the peaks turn golden, then return to the village for breakfast.
Later, drive to Cholung Park, a cultural site celebrating Limbu heritage. Wander past preserved traditional homes and browse a small museum of ancient tools, coins, and manuscripts.
In the evening, return to Sipting for a vibrant Aathpahariya cultural program featuring the rhythmic Dhol Nach (drum dance). Feast on local snacks, drinks, and dinner, served with heartfelt hospitality.
Day 6: Journey to Janakpur – Heart of Mithila
Today, embark on a scenic 8-9 hour drive to Janakpur, a sacred city famed as the birthplace of Goddess Sita. Arrive and check in at Mithila Yatri Niwas, a culturally immersive hotel adorned with hand-painted Mithila motifs.
As the day winds down, sit down for a signature dinner at Mithila Thali, curated by Chef Santosh Shah—winner of MasterChef: The Professionals Rematch 2021. It’s a culinary celebration of Janakpur’s flavour-rich identity.
Day 7: Janaki Temple & Mithila Art Workshop
Start your day with a visit to Janaki Temple, a majestic marble monument blending Hindu and Mughal design. Dedicated to Sita, the temple pulses with devotion and colour.
Later, delve into Mithila painting with local artists. With handmade pigments and traditional tools, you’ll create your piece inspired by mythological stories and nature motifs. These sessions help keep the vibrant art form alive—and give you a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
In the afternoon, fly back to Kathmandu and return to Traditional Comfort for a restful night.
Day 8: Farewell from Kathmandu
On your final day, reflect on a journey that went far beyond sightseeing. As you transfer to the airport, your heart is full with new stories, cross-cultural friendships, and a deep appreciation for the landscapes and people of Eastern Nepal.
Experience Highlights
Sound Healing in Kathmandu – Align body and spirit with Himalayan vibrational therapy
Hike to Khambela – Walk into the heart of Aathpahariya culture
Farm-to-Table in Kachide – Cook and eat with the community using fresh, local produce
Stay in Sipting Homestay – Immerse in indigenous life with warmth and authenticity
Sunrise at Dhoje Danda – Witness first light over sacred Himalayan peaks
Cultural Celebration – Dance, drum, and dine with the Aathpahariya in Sipting
Dine at Mithila Thali – Savour Janakpur’s heritage through a Chef-curated feast
Mithila Art Workshop – Create your traditional painting alongside local masters
Why This Journey Matters
🧕 Women-Led Community Tourism – Empowering rural women through meaningful income and leadership
🌿 Sustainable Living – Experience eco-conscious traditions like rainwater harvesting and leaf-plate dining
🏔 Indigenous Empowerment – Connect with Aathpahariya communities and contribute to cultural continuity
🖼️ Art & Identity – Support the revival of Mithila painting through hands-on learning
💰 Local Economic Impact – Every homestay, meal, and workshop directly benefits local families
Meet Your Hosts Behind the Journey
James Maharjan – Trip Leader
James brings Nepal to life through thoughtful tourism design. As a Product Development Expert at Community Homestay Network, he crafts journeys that connect travellers with Nepal’s hidden narratives. With a background in travel management and deep roots in rural communities, James believes in travel that transforms—not just places, but people.
Kalpana Bhattarai – Tour Guide
With over 15 years of experience guiding journeys from the Kathmandu Valley to Everest Base Camp, Kalpana is both a compass and a cultural bridge. She shares Nepal’s layered histories with clarity and compassion, creating safe, insightful spaces for travellers to connect with local life. Her leadership is shaped by wisdom, empathy, and love for her homeland.
Practical Notes for Travellers
Accommodation: Blend of eco-conscious hotels and clean, welcoming homestays
Toilets: Western-style in hotels; squat toilets in rural homestays
Meals: Home-cooked meals and curated feasts, mostly included
Internet Access: Wi-Fi in hotels; limited or no access in remote villages
Fitness Level: One moderate hike; suitable for most travellers
Language: English spoken by many hosts; guides available throughout
Final Reflections
To witness Nepal is to see its temples and peaks.
To experience Nepal is to cook with grandmothers, hike ancestral trails, paint with artisans, and dance under mountain skies.
This is a journey of meaning, not just movement. One that invites you to pause, connect, and return home changed.
Come east. Come curious. Leave transformed.
Media Inquiries & Collaborations
For media inquiries, collaborations, or press materials, please contact:
Community Homestay Network
📍 Based in Kathmandu, Nepal
