Wood carving in Nepal

This one-day cultural tour takes you to the heart of Newari craftsmanship, where master artisans bring stories to life in wood. Learn traditional techniques, explore ancient symbols, and try carving yourself amid Bhaktapur’s timeless architecture—a hands-on journey for travelers seeking authentic cultural connection.

Itinerary

9:00 AM: Hotel Pickup and Drive to Bhaktapur

Your day begins when a guide meets you at your hotel. You will get into a comfortable ride. The drive to Bhaktapur takes about one hour. As you leave the city traffic, you will see the green hills and the small towns. Your guide will tell you stories about the valley's history. They will talk about the special meaning of the wood carving you are about to see. This ride is a calm start to your day. It gives you time to get ready for the sights and sounds of Bhaktapur.

10:00 AM: Arrival in Bhaktapur & Heritage Walk

You will feel like you stepped back in time right away. You will take a short walk with your guide on the stone streets of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Your guide will show you great examples of wood art. You will see the famous Peacock Window. You will also see the small, detailed wood parts that hold up the roofs of the temples. These old buildings are the perfect start for your class. They show you what is possible with a chisel and wood. The quiet square, the old brick, and the fine carvings all make you ready to learn.

10:30 AM: Meet the Master Artist & Workshop Intro

You will walk into an old workshop. The air will smell of old wood. You will feel the calm mood of people who make things with their hands. A master artist will greet you. This person's family has been doing this work for many years. You will sit down for a cup of Nepali tea. The master will show you the tools they use. They will explain the different kinds of wood, such as sal and chilaune. They will share the secret meanings of the designs they make. These stories are a big part of the art.

11:00 AM: The Art of the Chisel - Carving Session Begins

This is when you get to start. You will get a small block of wood. You will also get a set of simple tools. The master will show you how to be safe. They will then help you with the first steps. You will draw your design on the wood. Then you will learn how to make the first cuts. The master will teach you how to hold the chisel and the mallet. You will learn to control them. The act of carving is quiet and peaceful. You will feel a deep sense of calm. The best way to learn this art is to do it yourself. You will have a master by your side for every step.

1:00 PM: A Taste of Newari Culture - Lunch

You will take a needed break for lunch. You will go to a restaurant with a view of the main square. You will eat a real Newari meal. The food is as tasty and rich as the art in the city. You might try different local foods. This is a good time to ask your guide more questions. You can think about what you learned in the morning.

2:00 PM: Fine-Tuning Your Work

After lunch, you will go back to the workshop. You will have new energy. This part of the class is about making your design better. You will add small details. The master will give you advice one on one. They will show you how to get the lines just right. You will also learn how to sand and finish your piece. The feeling of seeing your own idea turn into a real thing is great. You can take your time to get the details just right.

3:30 PM: Finishing Your Piece & Museum Visit

Your class ends with a finished piece of art. It is a gift you made with your own hands. You will say goodbye to your teacher. Then you will go to the Woodcarving Museum. It is in an old building from the 1400s. The museum has a great set of old carvings. This visit will give you a better idea of the long history of the skills you just learned. You will see old works that show how wood carving has grown over time in Nepal.

4:30 PM: Drive Back to Kathmandu

You will start the drive back to Kathmandu. You will feel filled with new ideas. You will have a new sense of the art of Nepal. You will have a unique gift you made. The one-hour ride back to the city is a good time to think about your day.