The land of brave Gurkhas, Nepal, is a small, beautiful Himalayan country nestled between India and China. Due to the high Himalayas and numerous hills and mountains, Nepal boasts several lush valleys deeply connected to agriculture. Approx. 65% of the total population is based in farming, and around 28% contributes to the National Gross Domestic Product(GDP). Rural Nepal’s terraced fields, local markets, and traditional agriculture practices are unique experiences to the outside world.
An agro tour in Nepal can have diverse areas to observe and practice together with farmers. The organic agro tour of tea processing and cardamom extraction in eastern Nepal is a totally different agro tour in Nepal. The cash crop has a separate identity in Nepal, whereas traditional farming is based on season, where you have an opportunity to witness the cultivation of staple crops like rice, wheat, maize, millet, and mustard, and in high-altitude hills, potatoes are a crucial factor in the agricultural economy of Nepal.
This blog article is based on our Kathmandu Agro Tour, which takes place around Panauti, a Newari town of Kavre district located 30 km from the capital city Kathmandu in a southeast direction. The Panauti town is significant in several aspects to the people of Nepal. Panauti is situated at the confluence of the Roshi and Punyawati rivers, which is a sacred place for Hindus. The Indreshwor Mahadev temple, Dhaneshwor Mahadev, and many other Hindu shrines and Buddhist stupas make this city culturally rich and vibrant. The wonderful Newari festivals add more value for us to select Panuti for Agro tourism. Panauti is suitable for a Homestay tour experience during your Kathmandu Agro Tour. You will learn traditional and modern agricultural methods while living with a local farmer in a homestay, understanding and getting firsthand insights into Nepal rural economy based on agriculture. Panauti is popular for potato, rice, and green vegetable production. Panauti is also suitable for a Photography tour combined with an Agro tour. The rich heritage sites, numerous Newari local festivals, stunning mountain ranges, including the Gaurishankar Himal, and picturesque Newari towns, along with lovely terraced fields.
What are the Highlighted Activities of the Panauti Agro Tour?
✔ Participate in Farming Activities – Depending on the season, you are involved in different activities such as plowing fields by handset tractor. During spring, planting seeds, harvesting wheat, collecting potatoes, growing green vegetables, and plugging in a tunnel. In the morning and evening, you can even milk cows or buffalo.
✔ Seasonal Agricultural Practices – understand the adaptability of farmers in the diverse climate of Nepal, from monsoon rice planting to early spring wheat harvesting.
✔ Traditional vs. Modern Techniques – understand, observe, and compare the productivity of organic farming with newly introduced technologies in dairy, poultry, and fishery. Understand the challenges of preserving local breeds and crops due to the introduction of advanced hybrid breeds and crops.
✔ Cultural & Historical Exploration – Obviously, we will explore the richest heritage and culture of Panauti during our stay. The alleys of Panauti will give similar vibes to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan city. Because of its rich cultural heritage, Panauti is already been proposed for a UNESCO World Heritage site.
✔ Authentic Homestay Experience – Either stay with a local family in a homestay or stay in a nearby resort based on your comfort and convenience. You can enjoy a home-cooked meal, including regular Dal Bhat. You can experience organic vegetables from the field, directly to the dining table.
A Day in the Life of a Nepali Farmer
Normally, in the rural village of Nepal, the day starts with a cup of tea (Chiya) and heading to the field for work. You can help your host family feed livestock, collect eggs, or grind grains. You may have an opportunity to experience a traditional manual leg meal to grind grains and wheat. During monsoon, you may take part in transplanting rice seedlings, harvesting wheat in the late winter, and harvesting vegetables throughout the year. Take part in the cooking and the evening, share stories and legends of Panauti. If you are lucky, you may experience local festivals.
Kathmandu Agro tour is designed for those travellers who seek an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. On the other hand, Agriculture students, professionals, eco-tourists, and volunteers who are looking to support rural communities can join this type of tour.
The tour time varies for different agricultural work. For instance, rice planting starts from mid-June to July. Spring is the harvest season, whereas dairy farming, vegetable cultivation, and cultural tours throughout the year. The tour can extend up to two weeks based on your interests and commitment. The tour that you join is not only that you are observing and gaining experience, but also about supporting local farmers, preserving traditional knowledge, and promoting sustainable tourism in the lap of the Himalayas.
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