Nepal Sanctuary Treks

10/08/2025

Happy G*i Jatra!

The G*i Jatra festival is observed to remember those who have passed away in the past year. Participants dress in elaborate cow costumes, including masks and headpieces, while families who are mourning provide fruits, beaten rice, curd, and money to those in the parade.

Also known as "Saparu" in Newari, the festival is believed to have been established by King Pratap Malla to comfort his grieving queen by organizing a procession of costumed people to cheer her up. The festival also features comedic acts, jokes, and stand-up performances.

Through its blend of humor and celebration, G*i Jatra encourages bereaved families to cope with their loss and accept it as a natural part of life.

09/08/2025

Wishing everyone a joyful Janai Purnima, Gunhi Punhi, and Raksha Bandhan!

On this auspicious day, Janai Purnima is observed by Hindu men as they renew their janai—the sacred thread worn across the body. This thread symbolizes purity, self-discipline, and spiritual commitment. A protective thread is also tied around the wrist, believed to bring blessings and good health.

Among the Newar community, this day is celebrated as Gunhi Punhi, which falls in the ninth lunar month of the Nepal Sambat calendar (Gunla) and coincides with the full moon. It comes right after Nag Panchami and just before G*i Jatra, making it a spiritually significant time. Since this full moon falls within the sacred Gunla Parva, many devotees also visit Swyambhunath Stupa to offer prayers.

The day is also known as Kwati Purnima, when families prepare and enjoy Kwati—a traditional hot soup made from nine types of sprouted beans. In Nepal Bhasa (Newar language), “kwa” means hot and “ti” means soup. This hearty dish is both nutritious and symbolic of health, especially during the monsoon season.

Another fascinating Newar tradition is Byan-ja Nakegu, which means feeding rice to frogs. In this ritual, people offer Kwati and roti to frogs as a token of gratitude. Frogs are seen as bringers of rain, crucial for agriculture and a prosperous harvest.

This day also marks Raksha Bandhan, a beautiful celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters—a tradition rooted in love, protection, and lifelong connection.

07/08/2025

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Kaji Ram Chaudhary, our dedicated driver who had been a part of the Nepal Sanctuary Treks team for the past 9 years.

Kaji was not only a loyal and diligent team member but also a reliable, kind and sincere person who carried out his responsibilities with professionalism. His presence and contribution will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the entire team at Nepal Sanctuary Treks, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

With deepest sympathy
Tulsi and NST Team

01/07/2025

Travelife for Tour Operators for highlighting our efforts.

For this week’s best practice, we’re highlighting thoughtful waste management efforts.
♻️ They separate biodegradable kitchen scraps for compost, which is later used for rooftop and garden plants, turning waste into something valuable.
 
🚛 They’ve also partnered with Doko Recycler, a local recycling company, to ensure all recyclable waste is properly collected and processed.
 
🌱Nepal Sanctuary Treks shows that small, consistent actions lead to meaningful change. Responsible tourism starts with the way we manage waste, simple, practical, and impactful. Partnering with a local recycler could be your next step toward more sustainable operations! 
 
💬 What’s one small change your company can make today toward better waste management?
 

20/05/2025

In spring 2025, 14 members of the Friedericks family—spanning four generations—returned to Nepal to honor a legacy rooted in faith, compassion, and service.

This journey, organized by Nepal Sanctuary Treks, was far more than a vacation. It was a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Carl and Mrs. Betty Anne Friedericks, who helped bring modern medicine to remote regions of Nepal more than 70 years ago.

We are proud to have supported their deep connection to Nepal through many visits. Their return is a beautiful reminder of the power of family, legacy, and meaningful travel.

In spring, the Friedericks Family Nepal 2025 journeyed back to Nepal to honor a 70+ year legacy of faith, compassion, and medical service. Join their multigenerational adventure with Nepal Sanctuary Treks.

12/05/2025

Happy Buddha Purnima!

Today, we commemorate the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Gautam Buddha — the founder of Buddhism. This sacred occasion also marks three key events in his life: his birth, enlightenment, and attainment of nirvana.

On this auspicious full moon day of Buddha Purnima, May the light of wisdom replace the darkness of ignorance.

Tulsi and NST Team

29/04/2025

In Nepal’s Manaslu region and across the Himalayas, spinning mani wheels is a spiritual tradition found in monasteries and along trekking trails.

These wheels, filled with sacred mantras, are spun clockwise to release blessings and invite good karma.

As a trekker, taking a moment to spin them along the journey brought a sense of peace and connection—a small yet powerful way to experience the soul of Himalayan culture.

Have you ever spun a prayer wheel on your travels? Share your experience in the comments!

14/04/2025

Warmest wishes for a joyful Nepali New Year from all of us at Nepal Sanctuary Treks!

As we welcome a fresh start in the Nepali calendar, we want to sincerely thank you for your continued trust and support. It’s been a privilege to be part of your journey through Nepal, and we are looking forward to continue creating immersive travel experiences for you in the year ahead.

With gratitude,
Tulsi Gyawali and the Nepal Sanctuary Treks team

31/03/2025

Happy Eid al-Fitr!

Today, Muslim community are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with special prayers and seeking blessings from elders. During this festival, younger ones visit elders for three days to receive blessings and offer sweet treats like sevai and dates to their visiting relatives.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, and is celebrated by feasting, exchanging gifts, and wearing new clothes. This festival follows the completion of the 30-day fast.

Tulsi & NST Team

29/03/2025

We are deeply saddened by the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their loved ones, homes, and communities.

We send our prayers, strength, and hope for a speedy recovery for all affected. May those affected find resilience and unity in each other during this challenging time.

Tulsi and NST Team

13/03/2025

Wishing you a very Happy Holi!

Holi, also known as "Falgu Purnima," is a vibrant festival celebrated in Nepal with great enthusiasm, welcoming the arrival of spring. During these colorful festivities, people engage in playful color battles and water games.

Holi, rooted in Hinduism, celebrates the victory of good over evil with the Holika Dahan ceremony with bonfires. The fires represent Prahlada's victory, strengthening the belief that goodness wins in the end.

If you happen to be in Nepal during this time, you will have the opportunity to participate in this lively festival.

Tulsi Gyawali and NST Team

01/03/2025

The ITB Berlin event is just around the corner, and Nepal Sanctuary Treks is looking forward to meet with both our existing and potential partners. If you are looking for a sustainable DMC in Nepal, you can find us at the Travelife stand, Hall 4.1, booth 220.

Tulsi Gyawali