Our Guide in Kathmandu: Susan Manandhar
Our Kathmandu guide Susan Manandhar
When we arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal on March 2nd of 2020, we were met by our guide Susan Manandhar who ended up filling such an important role in our film exploration of traditional craftspeople still working in the Kathmandu Valley.
I first met Susan on my Nepal trip in 2019 where she served as a guide to the group I was with and was very excited when she agreed to serve not only as our guide in 2020, but that she would also take us to see and film some of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur’s finest craftspeople which would end up including a family of 10th generation wood carvers, thangka painters, singing bowl makers, paper makers and sign painters as well as tours of some of the amazing temples and monasteries in the Valley. She even arranged a one on one meeting with the Kumari living goddess for us.
Filmmaker Sarah Reyes receiving a blessing from the Kumari
Susan’s ancestry is Newar, the ancient people of Nepal who are credited with creating the Nepali heritage and civilization still in existence today, so she was the perfect guide to introduce us to the many craftsmen who traditionally are made up by primarily Newar families. You can learn more about the fascinating history of the Newar people here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar_people
Kathmandu artisan making a signing bowl
Night market in the Thamel shopping district in Kathmandu
Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu
Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) in Kathmandu
Wood carvings in the ancient city of Bhaktapur
From Left: Christophe, Sean Starr, Jennifer Baker, Susan Manandhar, Sarah Reyes & Daniel Driensky
Simply put, Susan is the best and if you want to experience the real Kathmandu, we couldn’t recommend anyone more for your tour. When you see the Nepal Art is Love film, you will see why we enjoyed working with her so much and look forward to another trip to Kathmandu when we can all meet again.
Susan has extensive rave reviews on Trip Advisor and is currently ranked 2nd in all of nearly 1,000 guides in Kathmandu on Tour HQ, which should tell you everything you need to know about this awesome lady we now call friend.
You can also find her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/susan.manandhar.50
