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Nepal Tour Guides, Scholars & Lecturers
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| Beena Ghimire
is an Associate Professor at the Central Department of Culture at
Tribhuvan University of Kathmandu. She received her Ph.D. from Benaras
Hindu University in India in 1991 in Nepalese iconography. Beena is
an expert on Hindu sacred art, Nepalese architecture, history, culture,
and religion. Her knowledge of Nepal's rich cultural heritage and
her warm friendly personality leave a lasting impression on anyone
who participates in one of her cultural tours. |
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| Ngawang
Gelek Sherpa is a Buddhist monk who is fluent in English,
Tibetan, Sherpa, Nepali, and Hindi. He comes from the Khumbu region
near Mt. Everest and is our expert cultural guide in both the Kathmandu
Valley and the entire Everest region - the homeland of the Sherpas.
As a Buddhist monk, he knows all the sacred Buddhist sites on and
off the beaten path and is always able to bring our groups into monasteries
and temples that are not always open to the public. Gelek's gentle
presence, great sense of humor and ocean of patience, makes him a
true pleasure and valuable person to have on all of our tours in Nepal. |
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| Ngawang
Namgyal is a fully ordained Buddhist monk. He has been
a monk for more than 30 years and is a resident teacher for the novice
monks at his monastery. Having been a monk for the majority of his
life, Namgyal is an expert on Buddhist philosophy and spiritual traditions
and shares this knowledge enthusiastically with others. He is our
Buddhist guide and translator and often leads optional morning meditation.
Namgyal's radiant smile, genuine hospitality, and hearty laughter,
always make you feel like family and not merely a visitor. |
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| Kirti Shakya
is a renowned Nepalese sculptor of sacred art. He has learned and
perfected the lost-wax process of bronze casting from his father and
grandfather who have been commissioned by many monasteries throughout
India and Nepal for generations. Kirti's excellent command of English
and expert statue-making skills make a visit to his studio fascinating.
There he explains and illustrates the process of statue making. Of
course this means meeting his entire family and drinking many cups
of Nepali tea - a Nepalese custom! |
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| Surrendra
is our local Nepali Tangka painting expert. Having been an artist
for many years, he now operates a studio with many artists who create
paintings in the ancient tangka painting traditions. Surrendra is
fluent in English. One of the friendliest people in Nepal, he invites
us into his studio where he explains the entire process of painting
sacred images. There we observe artists creating images that can often
take years to complete. After one of Surrendra's insightful tours,
it is easy to see why the Nepalese have become famous throughout Asia
for their artistic traditions. |
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