Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 7 days

People, culture, landscape and music are the backbone of most countries. Travel exposes us to these and when they all come together during a trip it creates a magical experience and rich appreciation of where we are. Nepal exudes these backbone items more than most countries with the Himalayas in the north, Buddhists and Hindus living together in harmony and music being the center of most celebrations. Add in an international music festival and you have a must-see, must-experience event - Jazzmandu!

The name alone resonates with all that is best of jazz music festivals and the most exotic of settings, Kathmandu. This one-time adventure has been designed to showcase the ancient and exotic, the surreal and the funky, the sacred and the mundane elements of life in crafty, jazzy Kathmandu. Learn about traditional crafts, age old traditions, religion, cuisine and of course the music of this vibrant city and surrounding rural villages nestled in the Kathmandu Valley.

Amazing exploration during the day is complemented by the blissful sounds of live jazz music at all six of the event's main gigs, staying at top properties within walking distance of the venues. Join this unforgettable adventure of a lifetime!

Note: Shorter versions of this trip can easily be arranged for those that do not have seven full days - just let us know and we'll customize it for you!

Itinerary

October 28: Welcome to Jazzmandu

Touch down, we'll be waiting and escort you to your home away from home at the Shangri La, within easy walking distance of tonight's gig - the first of Jazzmandu 2010. We'll enjoy a pre-concert dinner of Nepalese favorites, introduce you to the country then head to an intro gig of the festival at one of country's coolest bars. Have a drink, tap your foot and get into the jazzy groove.

Arrival Flight: a morning or early afternoon arrival is best
Meals: D
Gig: The Valley Jams, Upstairs Bar

October 29: Bazaars & Courtyards of Kathmandu

We delve deep into the heart of real Kathmandu. Once described as having more temples than houses and more gods than people. Modern meets medieval here as we peel hundreds of years back in time. Exploring the old city's narrow alleyways by foot we'll see a myriad of hidden Buddhist and Hindu temples, bazaars, and an eclectic mix of people: brightly clad Gurkhas, Tibetan women in striped aprons, traders from India, and Sadhus - Hindu holy men. Tonight we check in to Gokarna Forest Resort, located in one of the Valley's few original forests and hit the official opening gig of Jazzmandu 2010.

Meals: B,L,D
Gig: Jazz Headliner, Gokarna Forest Resort

October 30: Jazz, Jazz, Jazz

Today is a big one of jazz with gigs starting in the early afternoon and running late into the evening. You're in great shape to hit as many or few as you like as your room is right at the venue for the day. Fill your boots with jazz.

Note: for those wanting to see Everest and the Himalayas up close we can arrange an early morning scenic flight (additional cost)
Meals: B
Gig: Jazz Bazaar, Gokarna Forest Resort

October 31: Tibetan Buddhism and Thanka Painting

A Smiling Albino classic day: get ready for action and culture as you experience Kathmandu's major cultural sites perched on the back of classic Royal Enfield motorcycle. You'll have one of the city's best drivers chauffer you pillion-style so you take in the sights safely. Our first stop is Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important Buddhist Shrines and a Thanka (a type of Tibetan art) painting school. Learn about the inner workings of a Tibetan monastery, have lunch above the stupa, then it's off to Swayambhunath (aka: Monkey Temple), a 2,000-year-old stupa overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Spend the rest of the day/night strolling and enjoying as you wish and cruise into your ideally-located room at Hotel Himalaya.

Meals: B,L

November 1: Stone Carving, Metal Work & Jazz Fusion

Immerse yourself in two ancient crafts for which the Kathmandu Valley has been renowned for centuries: stone carving and metal work. We'll visit family-run shop houses in the villages of Bungamati and Patan, to see trades people working as they have for hundreds of years. We also have an in-depth look at the stone palaces of Patan's Durbar Square (Royal Square) and then learn a bit about Nepalese sculptures. We bed-down again at the Shagri La, which is close to tonight's gig.

Meals: B,L,D
Gig: Jazz Fushion, Patan Palace

November 2: Terra Cotta, Wood Carvings and & Jazz Finale

Bhaktapur is arguably the best preserved of the three ancient cities in the Kathmandu Valley. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often described as a living museum. Cars are not allowed in the city's walls and we'll witness the essence of daily life as it has continued, little changed, for centuries. Brilliant visuals abound - farmers drying their harvest, potters spinning their wheels and wood carvers creating beautiful pieces. A final dinner together prepares us for the Jazzmandu finale where musicians from various bands play sets together - the perfect capstone!

Meals: B,L,D
Gig: All Star BIG JAM, Shangri La

November 3: On, On

A final breakfast together, then enjoy the rest of the morning as you wish. We'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home. See you at Jazzmandu 2011?

Meals: B
Note: Shorter versions of this trip can easily be arranged for those that do not have seven full days - just let us know and we'll customize it for you!