7 Workshops & Classes in Kathmandu Worth the Money

1.Knife (Khukuri) Making Workshop- Forge of the Gurkhas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 143 reviews · from $68Our pick

Travel from Kathmandu to blacksmith Indra’s workshop, where you’ll hammer and help finish a small khukuri under expert supervision. A guide such as Swoyam or Namrata can help with translation, and the group is limited to five. Expect about four hours, a working forge, and a knife to take home.

“This was a highlight of our trip - great welcoming family in a traditional village. This is one of those dying arts of tradition and to experience it in its raw form was a blessing.”

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2.Knife Khukuri Making Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 38 reviews · 4 hours · from $73

Spend about four hours with a Nepali blacksmith who has roughly 40 years of khukuri-making experience. With hotel pickup and a guide such as Namrata, Sajeena, or Swayam, you’ll learn the blade’s history, hammer iron, and help with an early grinding step. The blacksmith handles the more demanding and hazardous work.

“very fun experience, friendly guides, delicious tea, and now I have a good sturdy knife! highly recommend this activity”

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3.Gurkha Knife Making

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $66

Spend about four hours making a Gurkha kukri with local smith Indra and an accompanying guide such as Aayam or Aachal. In a small group of up to four, you take part in the blacksmithing process, fit a quality Indian rosewood handle, and stamp your initials on the blade. Tea and cookies are provided, and each knife carries a 100-year guarantee.

“Friendly people, fun experience, and a high-quality knife at the end of it. I don't know where else you will get to actively participate in the blacksmithing process while they explain it to you. I would highly recommend to anyone even remotely iRead more”

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4.Wood Carving Workshop with Local Artisan (Thamel)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 17 reviews · 3 hours · from $42Best value

Spend three hours in a small Thamel workshop learning to outline, chisel, and detail a wooden design with a local artisan. Hera has guided sessions, and you may work with traditional motifs such as lotus flowers or mandalas. Tools and materials are supplied, and you take your finished piece home.

“I had a lovely time carving with Hera, learning the different techniques. Hera and his wife were very warm, kind and funny. I think I would have liked to learn more about the history/context of the craft.”

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5.Women Empowerment Project(Nepali cooking class & jewelry workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $50

Spend two three-hour sessions with Kathmandu’s Human Welfare Committee: cook masala chai, pakoda and buff or vegetable momos, then make jewelry. Aastha and Syanbi, known as the Momo Queen, are among the cooking instructors named by participants. The advertised price is $50 per person for this two-day activity.

“Brilliant experience learning to make momos with Aastha and the Momo Queen Syanbi, followed by delicious lunch with volunteers and project members. Wonderful group and project.”

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6.Handmade Jewellery Workshop with Nepali Women

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $60

Spend about three hours making jewelry with women artisans at a Kathmandu handicraft shop. You choose your designs and work through the process with guidance, using natural stones for some pieces. A welcome drink and lunch made by women from the organization are included. The activity is private, and the stated take-home amount varies between five and up to seven pieces.

“I joined the jewelry-making workshop and it was such a wonderful experience. The teacher was incredibly kind, patient, and talented. They explained every step with care and made the whole process so much fun.”

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7.Thangka Painting Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $72

Spend about five hours at a working thangka workshop in Kathmandu, learning to paint alongside experienced artists. You can choose one of three designs, arrange a pickup location, and ask an English-speaking guide and the artists questions as you work. The finished piece is yours to take home. The activity is private, and pickup is offered.

“This was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Kathmandu! The master is so patient and sits with you throughout the whole process and teaches you how to paint it. Even if you make mistakes he will help you correct it. You don’t feel rusheRead more”

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