Cultural and artistic exploration in remote Himalayan Nepal
Sacred fibres: Textiles of the hidden High Himalaya
An immersive journey into then hidden Himalaya of Humla in the far North West of Nepal that will not only explore the traditions and techniques of the unique textiles of the Tibetan Buddhist mountain communities, but provide an insight into himalayan life and environments in an area untouched by tourism.
Journey essentials
- Length: 16 days (15 nights) starting and finishing in Kathmandu
- Group Size: 10 to 12 people
- Local leaders: Led by local guides Jigme Lama (lead guide) and Nurbu Lama (camp manager and guide), who are from the very villages that will be the focus of this journey.
- International creative lead: Creatively led and facilitated by tapestry weaver Irene Evison (Nearly Wild Weaving)
- Trek lengths: 3 days of short treks (2 to 4 hours) to reach mountain communities.
- Accommodation: 5 nights in high quality hotels (Kathmandu and Nepalgunj), 3 nights in a mountain guest house, and 7 nights in fully supported camp beside mountain communities.
- Fitness: A good level of walking fitness is required since the journey will involve flying into relatively high altitude (just below 3000 m) and short walking days to reach the villages.
Journey Highlights
A collaboration between Nearly Wild Weaving and Nomadic Skies Expeditions
• A journey from the bustling streets of Kathmandu into the beauty and tranquillity of the little visited valleys of Humla deep in the high Himalaya.
• Discussions, demonstrations and participative sessions with local communities on:
- Weaving – traditional backstrap and shuttle looms.
- Traditional spinning – of goat and yak wool.
- Yak hair rope and textile production and uses.
- Ceremonial and traditional clothing – production, use, repair and symbolism.
- Embroidery: on garments and shoes and their use.
- Traditional plant-based dyeing and use of plants in traditional medicine.
- Spiritual and cultural aspects and symbolism of textiles and weaving.
• Supported creative sessions with to work with local artisans to develop personal skills, and time for your own creativity inspired by the culture, skills and landscapes of the High Himalaya.
• Optional day treks from Limantang Village to explore the Takpaphuk sacred forest and remote Ralling monastery and caves.
Journey itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (night - Kathmandu)
Day 2: Kathmandu: Visits to the cultural and artisanal areas of Kathmandu and Patan (night- Kathmandu)
Day 3: Kathmandu-Nepalgunj: Visit to Boudhanath Kathmandu and flight in transit to Simikot (night-Nepalgunj)
Day 4: Simikot: Early morning flight to Simikot - 2950m, and introduction to Humla (night-Simikot)
Day 5: Simikot: Acclimatisation day and exploration of village and surroundings (night - Simikot)
Day 6: Trek – Torpa village: Short trek (3 - 4 hours) to 3100m (night – Torpa)
Day 7: Torpa Mountain village: Community interaction, demonstrations and having a go/working together/hands-on time together (night-Torpa)
Day 8: Torpa Mountain village: Working together/hands-on time together and personal artistic work (night-Torpa)
Day 9: Trek-Limatang village (1 - 2 hour) and introduction to village, culture etc. (night - Limatang)
Day 10: Limatang Mountain village: Community interaction, demonstrations and working together/hands-on time/having a go (night -Limatang)
Day 11: Limatang Mountain village: Your own creative time and optional day trek (night - Limatang)
Day 12: Limatang Mountain village: Your own creative time and optional day trek (night - Limatang)
Day 13: Return Trek to Simikot via Bargaon Village: 3 – 4 hours trek (night - Simikot)
Day 14: Flight To Kathmandu (night- Kathmandu)
Day 15: Day in Kathmandu possible evening flight departures (night in Kathmandu Hotel)
Day 16: Departure day
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Hill Cottage, Mill St, Ullapool,
Wester Ross, Scotland
IV26 2UN
gavin.anderson@nomadicskies.com
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