Full-Day Tibetan Cultural Tour to Tibetan Settlements Pokhara
5

Full-Day Tibetan Cultural Tour to Tibetan Settlements Pokhara

By The Tibetan Encounter Day Tours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 10-100, max of 15 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Driver
  • Afternoon tea
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Coffee and/or Tea
What's not included
  • DVD (available to purchase) Tibetan music


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • We provide free pick up and drop services to and from our respective guests' hotels located at Lakeside area. But we charge extra small transportation fee only for those guests whose hotels are located outside of Lakeside area depending on their hotel location. We need our guests hotel name and their room number once they booked their hotel. They can pay us the extra transportation fee directly to us after our tour is finished.
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      Additional pickup options
      During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.
      • Lake Side, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Infants must sit on laps
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12034P1

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Most travellers can participate
        • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
        • We also serve gluten free food.
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12034P1

        From
        ÂŁ66.86
        per adult (price varies by group size)
        Select date and travellers
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        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • The Tibetan Encounter Day Tours
          5.0 of 5 bubbles835
          Pokhara, Nepal
          Joined in November 2012
        • WuV41
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Immersed in Tibetan Culture @Pokhara: A Tour that brought history to life !
          This is an amazing tour. To explore and understand Tibetan culture and settlement in Pokhara. Visiting the Tibetan village and tried out their food. It brings you so close to their daily life and cultural. The guide, Mr Thupten provided a fascinating insights into the history and significance of each sites, making the experience even more meaningful. This is a tour strongly recommended you to go when you at Pokhara! Wishing you travellers visiting Pokhara, have a memorable & safe trip :)
          Written 12 March 2025
        • Safari52585907789
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Amazing!!
          I had an incredible experience with Cultural Tibet Tour led by Mr. Thupten. His deep knowledge, passion for Tibetan culture, and warm hospitality made the journey truly unforgettable. From breathtaking monasteries to stunning landscapes, every part of the tour was well-organised and insightful. Mr. Thupten went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable and immersed in the rich heritage of Tibet. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an authentic and meaningful travel experience. Thank you, Mr. Thupten, for an amazing adventure!
          Written 21 February 2025
        • Susan K
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Informative experience speaking with a monk and visiting a refugee camp
          This experience was amazing. It was great to hear about Tibet and the relationship with Nepal and visit the refugee camp.
          Written 20 January 2025
        • lesez2020
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Little Tibet in Nepal.
          It was really informative and exciting at the same time to spend the day in a tibaten village, a monastry and to share time with a Buddhist monk. The tour was very well organized!
          Written 3 January 2025
        • arnoldnicholoj
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Best experience with the best guide
          This was easily one of the BEST travel experiences I’ve ever had. It felt like such an eye-opener to get to know the plight of the Tibetan refugees and to learn their way of life. The tour was very well-curated and managed. I especially appreciate how closely the organizers coordinated with me. From the moment that I confirmed the tour, to the pick up time, until I was brought back to the hotel — every second felt very bespoke and mindfully executed. My guide, Thupten was an absolute joy to be around; so knowledgeable, articulate, and generous with his amazing insights. There was an aura of authentic care althroughout the experience. Will recommend this tour in a heartbeat and stake my name on it. 101/100.🙌
          Written 23 December 2024
        • hotlilchic
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Tibetan Cultural Tour
          Thupten was a very informational guide and was extremely hospitable. His deep knowledge of tibetan culture and buddhism was eye opening, and changed my outlook on life. I have gained a greater understanding of tebetan culture, and I have agained a deeper appreciation for the lifestyle and history of Tibet. His fluency in english made the entire experience easily digestible, and he too is well equipped with a wealth of knowledge to satisfy all the questions we had along the way. Thank you for the enjoyable experience. It is definitely a must go for all that are looking to visit Pokhara to immerse yourselves in the rich culture as majestic as the mountains flanking the region.
          Written 22 December 2024
        • K9517FAchristineg
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          One of the Highlights of Pokhara
          A wonderfully educational tour with a lot of local context and history. I went solo and there was one other person on the trip, so we got to practice some of the Tibetan rug making and had lots of time consulting with the Tibetan doctor. The food was amazing, I would recommend to everyone who is in Pokhara/Lakeside area
          Written 13 December 2024
        • mountainmary2017
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great experience learning about the Tibetans in Nepal
          I learned a lot about the Tibetans in Nepal. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to speak with a young monk for about half an hour. It was well worth the time and money.
          Written 10 December 2024
        • Fearless26292862489
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A must-see experience
          Thupten was an amazing guide! In just a short few hours, my group and I learnt so much about Tibetan culture, history and struggle. The Tibetan doctor visit is something we will remember for a long time. Thank you Thupten for your wisdom, passion and knowledge, and thank you for sharing it on your amazing tour!
          Written 8 December 2024
        • From_Hotel_to_Hotel
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent and meaningful tour. Highly recommended.
          Everything about this tour was perfect. From the arrangement of the pick-up location, the monastery that we visited, to the visit to the Tibetan family house was excellent. The chat with a monk with our group was so delightful, he shared about his life experience of being monkhood and answered our questions about Buddhism. Our guide Thupten Gyatso, who is a Tibetan and son of Tibetan refugee himself shared with us the plight of Tibetan refugees in Nepal and shared with us lots of insights about the day to day life of being a refugee in Nepal and about Buddhism in general. He was so knowledgeable and time passed really fast. We were so happy to be able to join this tour.
          Written 7 December 2024
        • Dimpapi_
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great experience!
          Was a unique opportunity to learn and experience the Buddhist culture and religion. Was very interesting to learn all about Tibet and its people and our guide was so eager to share his knowledge with us. Highly recommended!
          Written 5 December 2024
        • JPrause
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Fascinating Cultural Insight to Tibetan Heritage
          My son took this tour and had an excellent experience. This is his review: The Tibetan people I interacted with were really nice and inviting. It was fascinating to learn about their traditions, culture, and history. There were four of us on the tour and people took time to really talk with us and show us around. We even were invited into their homes, where we were served very delicious butter tea and roasted barley flour. Through this tour, I gained a unique and educational perspective on the rich history of the Tibetan people. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested in cultural experiences and gaining appreciation for the Tibetan people and their heritage.
          Written 2 December 2024
        • Navigate689837
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent Tour
          This tour was amazing! I read about it in the lonely planet and was looking for some cultural thing to do around Pokhara so went by there office and booked the morning tour for the next day. Thupten, the guide, was just wonderful. He was able to tell me a lot of things about the history of Tibet, current situation and Buddhism in general. I didn’t expect a lot but got one of the best tours I have ever done. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for cultural education about Tibet and Buddhism.
          Written 29 November 2024
        • conspiratrix
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Brilliant Guide, Extremely Thorough Tour
          Our guide had been giving this tour for 14 years. He was a very knowledgable, learned man who ran a very educational tour. * Morning Prayer with the Monks: For me this was both moving and fascinating to witness * Breakfast with a local family -- delicious and very educational! * Talking one on one with a monk -- what a once in a lifetime experience. We had a full hour and could ask whatever questions we wished * Learning about Tibetan medicine, also a one on one conversation -- interesting * Touring the village -- extremely educational with pictures about the settlement, how it changed over time, the state ot Tibetan refugees today, lovely handicrafts I can't recommend this tour enough, definitely a highlight of our trip to Nepal
          Written 27 November 2024
        • unevoyageuseh
          0 contributions
          4.0 of 5 bubbles
          A learning and cultural experience
          The visit was so instructive, it was so nice to discover the Tibetan culture and Bouddhism. I really feel that I learnt a lot thanks to Thukpen. I only put 4 stars for the price, but we have to take in count that it includes : a small bottle of water, a medicine consultation (quick but impressive) and lunch. So despite the price, I still think it's really worth it ! Could recommend !
          Written 19 November 2024
        See all 835 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles157 reviews
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        157
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        These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
        This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

        Gabriela Mansini
        Sao Paulo, SP5 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2024 • Solo
        When I ran into the Tibetan Encounters Angency at Lakeside I didn’t know fate had prepared such a wonderful day for me!! Since I am a solo traveller I would never have gone to these places on my own but even if you are with your family/friends I still highly recommend this experience as you will hear so much about the tibetan history with the best tibetan guide EVER (Thupten), get in touch with locals, eat the most amazing food you will find in Pokhara and have some life changing budist explanations.
        Thank you so much for the amazing day!! I truly think that if you are in Pokhara and you haven’t done this tour you are missing the best part of the city
        Written 25 December 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        I am grateful to have such a wonderful review from Gabriela. It was truly a pleasure to guide her on our Tibetan cultural tour, and I’m so glad that she enjoyed the day and found it meaningful. I'm happy to hear that our Tibetan history, local connections, food, culture, and Buddhist explanations left a lasting impression on her. Her recommendation means a lot. Thank you, Thupten.
        Written 26 December 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        C D F
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2025 • Solo
        One of the most unique and culturally rich tours I’ve done in my life, and I’ve done a fair few. I took the full day version and so far it’s been my best day in Nepal. Thupten arrived perfectly on time, to take us through an interesting Tibetan settlement, where we learnt all about the story between the Tibet and Nepal. We also watched and learnt the art of carpet weaving, followed by a delicious Tibetan lunch. The best was yet to come as, in the afternoon, we visited two monasteries: on the first one, I had the opportunity to speak to a young monk and this was just incredible. He took me to the library and the temple which were fascinating. The day culminated at the home of a Tibetan family, where I enjoyed a tasty butter tea and original and rich Tibetan snacks. If you are after a cultural, original, humbling, calm and enriching experience, then look no further. I am so grateful for this day.
        Written 19 February 2025
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        I am grateful to receive such a thoughtful review from CDF. I truly appreciate her kind words about the Tibetan cultural tour and am so glad to hear that it was the best day of her time in Nepal. It was a pleasure to guide her through the experience of our tour. Her kind recommendation means so much to me. Thank you, Thupten.
        Written 25 February 2025
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Mark N
        18 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2024 • Solo
        I joined the full day Tibetan Encounter tour and it was an incredible experience - definitely 5 stars. Thupten is an exceptional guide who has excellent english, speaks very clearly and is very engaging. He provided a very informative and interesting history and state of affairs of the Tibetan diaspora within Nepal and abroad. I walked away from this tour feeling like an expert on the topic. The tour consists of a very nice variety of activities and experiences. The Tibetan lunch was one of the best meals I had in Nepal. Joining the Tibetan buddhist monks for the afternoon prayer was a very cool experience I otherwise would not have known about/to join. The opportunity to speak to a monk was also something you wouldn’t be able to do if not for the tour. I also really appreciated that the tour didn’t involve any pressure to buy tourist souvenirs - although it is good to support the villages if and where you can as this their livelihood depends on selling souvenirs. If you’re interested in learning more about the Tibetans in Nepal and/or you want to experience slightly different and less touristy while in Nepal, I highly recommend the tour.
        Written 10 December 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        I would like to thank Mark for his wonderful review. It’s great to hear that the experience was so enriching and informative. I’m happy to know that the tour left him with a lasting impression and provided valuable insights into the Tibetan community in Nepal. I also appreciate him recognizing the local villages and their livelihoods. His kind words and recommendation mean so much. Thank you, Thupten.
        Written 11 December 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        shlomi s
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2024 • Solo
        The tour with Thupten Gyatso among the Tibetan exiles in Pokhara, which included a visit to the Tibetan village in the city, a trip to a Buddhist monastery and a conversation with a young monk, followed by participation in a prayer at a Buddhist temple, was nothing short of spectacular. I learned a lot about Tibetan culture in general and about the lives of Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal.

        Thupten Gyatso is an excellent guide and a true ambassador of Tibet. His knowledge is vast, and he knows how to connect everyday life with global politics, both past and present.

        In between, we dined at an excellent Tibetan restaurant, visited the home of a Tibetan family, drank real Tibetan tea, and ate traditional Tibetan food made from ground grain grown in Tibet.

        The tour is highly recommended as it combines an authentic experience with learning.
        Written 12 October 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        tom
        Ghent, Belgium4 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Decided to take the full day tour with basic knowledge of Tibet and strong interest in Buddhism, I was not dissapointed. The guide is a very passionate talker, it didn't feel like your typical tourist tour. There was a clear message for the autonomy of Tibet, an indepth dive into Tibetan history, the teachings of Buddhism and the role of the Dalai Lama. Highlight of the day was a q&a with a Buddhist monk, which made my interest in Buddhism even stronger. A very inspiring man, the ability to ask everything I wanted to ask and receiving remarkable intelligent answers was a unique opportunity.
        Written 2 October 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        I’d like to sincerely thank Tom for taking the time to write this wonderful review. I truly appreciate his kind words and am grateful for his interest in joining our full-day Tibetan cultural tour. Once again, thank you, Thupten
        Written 3 October 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Faurie L
        6 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2024 • Couples
        We had an exceptional day! Accompanied by Thupten, a passionate and fascinating guide.
        He took the time to explain to us the traditions, culture, eating habits, life of Tibetan refugees and how they adapted following the invasion of their lands by China.
        We highly recommend this discovery!
        Thanks Thupten!
        Nico and Laurence
        Google
        Written 16 January 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        I want to express my gratitude to Nico and Laurence for their beautiful review of my Tibetan cultural tour. I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to show them around our Tibetan villages, introducing them to our refugee community in Nepal and our rich Buddhist culture. Their positive feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you both. Thupten
        Written 19 January 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Diego Z
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        The cultural tour on the Tibetan Settlement of Pokhara has been a wonderful experience.
        Thupten is not just a guide but a truly expert on all the aspects of the tibetan culture, from religion to habits, from history to way of life and his carrying his long experience as a refugee. He has been a waterfall of informations during all the day.
        I got An amazing experience at the Buddhist monastery with the chanting monks and the same in the tibetan house where we had the breakfast… then we went to speak with a young Buddhist monk about his daily life and then to visit a Tibetan community making carpets…
        I strongly recommend this tour for everyone who want to have a look on the Tibetan settlements of refugees and their history…
        Thanks Thupten to have guided us into this truly amazing experience.
        Written 5 November 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Claudiafrommendoza
        Berlin, Germany20 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2023 • Friends
        My best experience in Nepal! Thubten is an exceptional guide ( and a guide is saying this!!!). His knowledge about the Tibetan history and the situation of the refugees is also outstanding. Being a Buddhist, he is not just well informed, he really lives what he is telling to us. This is not a classic tourist tour, but a real journey into the Tibetan culture, well organized, very interesting and comprehensive. I recommend this wonderful experience to anyone who is interested in the fate of the Tibetan people and in the nature of the Buddhism in the 21 century! .
        There are Not enough words gir saying how grateful I am for your kindness Thubten!
        Written 18 April 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        I am so happy to get this great Tibetan cultural tour review from Claudia. It was my pleasure to meet her and take her around our Tibetan villages around Pokhara Valley and introduce our Tibetan people living in Nepal and how successful we were in keeping our Tibetan language, culture, and our identity here in Nepal. I highly appreciate her for taking the time in writing this beautiful review about our tour. Thanking her, Thupten
        Written 19 April 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Sandra H
        Dubai, United Arab Emirates57 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        This trip exceeded our expectations, it was enlightening in many ways. I can easily say this is one of the best tours I’ve done in my life. Coming from Lebanon, I knew little about the Tibetan culture and their struggles as well as the meaning of Tibetan buddhism and most importantly what H.H. Dalai Lama represents, Thupten ( our tour guide) had so much knowledge and information that he shared with us , he’s very passionate about his origin which we admired . Starting from visiting Tibetan refugees camp , having a delicious traditional lunch , attending a Buddhist prayers ceremony and talking to a young monk , then ending it with visiting a lovely Tibetan family, we learned so much. I would advise everyone to consider this trip when visiting Nepal, Pokhara especially those who are coming from the Middle East as you would see how these people were able to overcome all the obstacles by being peaceful and compassionate and not going to war to fix their problems.
        Written 2 December 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        I am so happy to take Sandra and her friend to our Tibetan refugee settlements and introduce our Tibetan people living in Nepal and our rich Buddhist culture. I highly thank her for writing this beautiful review about our Tibetan cultural tour.
        Written 3 December 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Paul W
        Pune4 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2024 • Family
        I joined the full day tour with my Mom, delivered by the truly excellent Mr Thupten. If you are interested in Tibetan culture and the story of the diaspora, this is really hard to beat. Mr Thupten shared so much knowledge, my understanding of the Tibetan experience has really been enhanced and I feel that I've had a genuine and in-depth insight into that world. From the visit to the refugee camp to the time spent in the monastery, everything was extremely well organised. Mr Thupten not only made the day interesting, but also fun. He also took great care of my Mom which was an appreciated extra touch. Sign up and you won't be disappointed.
        Written 17 November 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        I would like to thank Paul for his kind and thoughtful review. I’m so pleased to hear that he and his mom had a meaningful and insightful experience on our full-day Tibetan cultural tour. Sharing Tibetan culture and the story of the diaspora is something I’m deeply passionate about, and it’s wonderful to know that the tour left such a positive impression. His kind recommendation means a lot. Thank you, Thupen.
        Written 19 November 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Full-Day Tibetan Cultural Tour to Tibetan Settlements Pokhara provided by The Tibetan Encounter Day Tours

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