Ropain / Rice Plantation at Nagarkot

In Nepal, the majority of people are farmers. Therefore, Ropain is a very important festival to mark the day of planting new seedlings of rice crops. People are seen ploughing the fields, planting and having fun while playing in the mud.

Ropain is a vibrant festival that gathers families, friends and the community together to plant and work in the fields throughout the day. During this unique festival, you will enjoy getting dirty and playing in the mud. Between these tiring activities, you can rest while eating traditional food, beaten rice and yogurt. It is the perfect opportunity to learn how to plant rice and share an unforgettable moment with the locals.

Nagarkot itself, only 26 kms away from Kathmandu, is graced with natural biodiversity and lush alpine forests. It offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Immerse yourself in the local village life, join activities and explore a hidden jungle waterfall, adding a touch of adventure to your festival experience. Moreover, Nagarkot provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness majestic, panoramic views of exquisite mountain ranges, right from the comfort of your homestay.

Highlights

WALK THROUGH THE FOREST, WATERFALLS AND SURROUNDING HILLS IN NAGARKOT
EXPERIENCE ROPAIN, THE RICE-PLANTING FESTIVAL AND LEARN TO PLANT RICE THE TRADITIONAL WAY
PRACTICE MAKING LOCAL DISHES TOGETHER WITH THE HOSTS
TASTE DELICIOUS HOME-MADE DISHES AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN LOCAL LIVING

Itinerary

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

Upon arrival, the community host will give you a warm welcome and shortly after you will be having a delicious lunch. Embark on a village excursion to experience authentic community life and immerse yourself in the charming moments of Nagarkot village with a half-day hike around the village. This hike will take you through forests, farmland, and open spaces, small cluster of numerous waterfalls and offers fantastic hill and mountain views. In the evening, learn to cook local dishes for your dinner together with your hosts.

After breakfast, you will walk towards the field while listening to the tales of the festival from the locals. Change into your field get-up and then observe a prayer to the gods for a good harvest done by an elder of the community. Learn how to plant the rice seedlings from the locals and follow their techniques. In between, you will be having Dahi-Chiura, beaten rice with yogurt, a combination of meal that is consumed during this festival.

Notes:

You are suggested to bring a spare cloth, as you shall be playing in the mud with locals in the field!

Shortly after breakfast, bid farewell to the locals and then you will be departing back to Kathmandu.

Services Included

2 Nights 3 Days’ Festive Package at Nagarkot Community Homestay on Full Board basis
Hike around hills and waterfalls of Nagarkot
Cooking Class
Two-way Transfers – from and to Kathmandu

Services Excluded

Personal expenses
Any other meals not mentioned
Any services not mentioned in the Itinerary
Additional Expenses which may arise due to circumstances beyond control of Royal Mountain Travel

Impact Footprint

Sustainable tourism promotion through community homestays and local experiences.
Economic benefits for the community through accommodations and cultural activities.
Preservation of traditional festivals, fostering cultural heritage.
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities for travelers.
Encouragement of eco-friendly practices and responsible exploration.