Dhaka weaving in Nepal

This one-day cultural tour takes you beyond the city to meet skilled artisans preserving Nepal’s iconic handwoven fabric. Learn the history behind Palpali Dhaka, watch intricate patterns come to life on traditional looms, and try weaving yourself. A meaningful, hands-on experience that connects you with the living heritage of Nepali craftsmanship.

Itinerary

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Journey to Kirtipur

Your day begins when we pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu. We will drive a short distance to the old city of Kirtipur. Kirtipur is a historic town outside the main city. It has kept its traditional Newari feel. As you drive, you will see the busy streets give way to a more calm, peaceful setting. Kirtipur is home to many weaving workshops run by families. This makes it a great place to start your day of learning. The trip there is a good way to get ready for a quiet day of culture and art.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: In the World of Weaving

When you get to the workshop, the weavers will greet you with a friendly welcome. You can sit down and enjoy a warm cup of Nepali tea. This is a moment to slow down and get ready for the day. You will spend the next few hours fully immersed in the world of Dhaka.

First, your guide will share the history of the craft. They will tell you about its roots with the Limbu people. You will learn how the Dhaka topi became a symbol of national pride. You will hear about how the art grew in Palpa. Textile experts say the craft has deep roots with the Limbu people.

Next, you will get to see the process in action. The skilled artisans will work at their looms. Their hands move with a steady rhythm. The threads go back and forth as the pattern comes to life. You will see how they get the cotton ready. You will also see the special way they add colored threads to make the patterns. It is a slow, careful process that requires a lot of focus. The sound of the loom is calming. The colors of the threads are very bright.

After the demo, you get to try weaving yourself. An experienced weaver will sit with you. They will teach you the first steps of using the loom. You will feel the threads in your hands. You will get a sense of the care and time it takes to make the cloth. It is a quiet activity. It lets you connect with the craft on a personal level. You will create a small piece of fabric. This is a special item you can take home with you. It is a memory of the skills you learned.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: A Real Nepali Lunch

After the weaving session, you will sit down for a home-cooked Nepali lunch. You will eat with the weavers. This is a great time to ask them questions. You can learn about their daily lives. You can also find out how the craft helps their families and their community. You might discover a new favorite Nepali dish. The meal is a chance to build a real connection with the people you met. It is a small gathering, full of good food and good talks.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Ethical Shopping and Looking Around

After you eat, you can look through the workshop's showroom. This is the place to buy things. You will find many kinds of products. There are Dhaka topis, shawls, bags, and more modern clothes. Buying from the workshop means your money goes right to the artisans. This helps their families and keeps the craft alive. It is a good way to get a meaningful gift for yourself or others. The items are high quality and handmade. Each one has a story.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Your Way Back

We will drive you back to Kathmandu. On the ride, you can think about the day. You will have a new look at the vibrant fabrics you see in Nepal. You will have your own small piece of handwoven cloth. You will go back to your hotel with a deeper understanding of the culture and art of Nepal.