What is Flow Arts?
Flow Arts is a term to describe the intersection of movement-based disciplines including dance, juggling, fire-spinning, and prop or object manipulation. Flow Arts combines technique with creative expression to achieve a state of present-moment awareness known as “flow”.
Is the event suitable for beginners and experienced flow artists?
Sure! Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience in flow arts, circus, or juggling, there’s something here for everyone. Most workshops are open to all levels, so you can jump in wherever you’re comfortable. Some workshops are stand-alone sessions, while others run as a series throughout the week, giving you time to deepen your skills. We’re also proud to host some very high-level teachers who offer workshops that even seasoned flow artists will find inspiring and challenging. Some workshops have specific experience requirements, which will be clearly mentioned to help you plan your schedule. Everyone’s welcome to join, learn, and flow together!
Flow Spaces
Our event at Purnata Farm offers four unique spaces for workshops and jams, many with shaded areas to keep you cool. A few spots also have waterproof shelter, perfect for any unexpected showers. In April, rain is rare here, and if it does occur, it’s typically a warm, tropical drizzle that won’t chill you. We’re working on a detailed Purnata map to guide you around the spaces—stay tuned!
What is the weather like, early April in Pokhara?
Early April, Pokhara experiences warm and pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures probably ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). Evening temperatures typically still above 19°C (66°F). At night, temperatures are mild, ranging from 14–18°C (57–64°F). Rainfall is minimal during this period, with approximately 128mm (5 inches) over about 3 days in the entire month. The city enjoys around 9 hours of sunshine daily and the UV index is high, so sun protection is recommended. Pokhara is just 827 meters (2,713 feet) above sea level.
Travel to Nepal & Arrival
Nepal is well-connected by international flights via Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu (KTM), with frequent direct flights from hubs like Delhi, Bangkok, and Istanbul. If you’re already in South Asia, crossing into Nepal by land is an interesting option via border points like Sunauli (south of Pokhara/Kathmandu) or Kakadvitta (near India’s Darjeeling). Flights from Europe to Kathmandu are often pricier than to Delhi. For overland travel from Delhi, you’ll need an Indian visa. Take a train to Gorakhpur or Varanasi/Benares and continue by bus, or opt for the Delhi-Kathmandu bus, which takes about 30 hours. The direct Delhi-Kathmandu bus is an epic overland adventure, offering great views of the diverse landscapes of northern India and southern Nepal.
Visas & Docs
Apply for your visa online, this process is quick and easy! In the Netherlands, it should arrive via email the next day. Bring a few extra passport photos for things like a SIM card and trekking permits. Also most visitors, including those from Europe and the Americas, can just buy a visa on arrival in Nepal, but lines for this can be long—consider arranging it in advance!
Also note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Nepal.
Phones, internet, WIFI and electricity
A local phonenumber can be quite handy. At the airport after getting your luggage, you could easily buy a Nepali SIM card (passport photo needed) from Nepali Telecom or Ncell. They both have good deals. An unlimited data pack, valid for 30 days, from Nepal Telecom costs less than 10 euros. SIMs from Ncell do offer more high speed in cities, but have less rural coverage. Free WIFI you will find at most hotels and restaurants.
Load shedding (scheduled power cuts, so areas have electricity only during specific hours) has been resolved in Kathmandu and Pokhara for almost 10 years now.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is an amazing city where you will probably love to spend some extra days to visit at least some highlights like Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple), Durbar Square, the Boudha(nath) Stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple.
Kathmandu sits in Kathmandu Valley, a legendary land of Gods, Kings and Art. The whole valley was once filled with water, and it is said that the God Manjushree drained the valley of water with a flaming sword 🗡️🔥, so people could live there and worship a sacred lotus flower representing enlightenment, in the center of the lake. The spot where the lotus flower landed turned into the legendary Swayambhunath Stupa, home to many sacred and playful monkeys.
If you have more time in Kathmandu Valley, don’t skip Bhaktapur’s and Patan‘s great Durbar Squares.
Also it’s easy to escape the busy city life for a bit. Just use public or other transport and visit Godavari Botanical Garden, see a Himalayan sunset from a place like Nagarkot, or take the Chandragiri Cable Car to 2550 meters (8,343 feet) and much more is there to discover!
Thamel is the famous tourist center with loads of hotels and hostels, from 2 to 5 euro per day for those on a tight budget, to luxury five-star hotels and everything between. Alternatively you could find a place more near the rim of the valley surrounded by trees and nature. Or at different areas in Kathmandu, for example in:
– Freak Street, famous for its hash shops in the 60’s and 70’s, has its own vibe. (Old) Freak Street — to some only known as Jhochhen Tole — you find next to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The narrow streets nearby make you step into another world and time.
– Boudhanath area, for a more spiritual vibe. It is also a hub for Tibetan Buddhism.
How I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara & Travel in Nepal
When you travel by plane you will most likely land in Kathmandu. Tourist buses are an affordable and easy way to travel between Pokhara and Kathmandu, costing €7 to €15 depending on comfort. The journey usually takes 7 to 10 hours. For (shared) private taxis directly to Purnata Farm & Art Residency, or tips on hidden gems between Kathmandu and Pokhara, feel free to reach out! It’s also possible to use a domestic flight to travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, this takes just 25 to 30 minutes, but then you miss the great views from the road and option to stop to visit places like Manakamana (by cablecar) and the historic town of Bandipur.
Planning to drive, even scooters? Get an international driver’s license. In the Netherlands, just drop by an ANWB store with €24.95, your driver’s license, and passport photos. More info click here. Just don’t forget Nepali roads are often in challenging condition with frequent potholes.
The Uber app doesn’t work in Nepal. Instead of this you can use the InDrive app for a ride with taxi or motorbike.
Stay Healthy
Check with a travel doctor for tips to stay safe and healthy, especially if you also travel to the more tropical South of Nepal. One important tip: avoid using tap water to brush your teeth, as it may not be safe. Use bottled or purified water instead to prevent stomach issues. Better safe than sorry!
Pokhara
Next to a very beautiful lake with breathtaking mountain views, Pokhara sits 700 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Himalayan Annapurna range. This vibrant hub for travellers and flow arts enthusiasts is known for its natural beauty, offering everything from shanti lakeside strolls and panoramic hikes to short trips to nearby sites like the World Peace Pagoda and Sarangkot. The city is very traveller-friendly, offering all kinds of accommodations and restaurants to suit every budget.
Pokhara Lakeside is the most happening area and the tourist centre. Also, you can nowadays even dance the night away in one of its fancy night clubs like Club Catwalk. Adventure seekers can enjoy boating, trekking, paragliding, the world’s steepest zipline, and much much more. Many fell in love with Pokhara. Also you might love to check-out Site restaurant.
What should I pack?
Let’s not bore you with general packing advice. Still it’s handy to check a Nepal specific packing list at some point. Some things we like to highlight;
– travel sheet: For extra hygiene and to sleep comfortably in case it’s still quite warm, like 18+ degrees, in the night.
– extra passport-sized photos: For SIM, trekking permits and more.
– flip-flops: When you don’t go up high into the mountain, in April, even in evenings, you barely need warm shoes.
– flow props: We have many props in Nepal like 10+ polypro hoops and 10+ contact staffs, some poi sets and much more. Also we offer some workshops to make your own tools and various teachers bring props for their workshops. Still, bring your favourite prop(s)—sharing is caring!
– reusable water bottle: Handy to refill from our large water containers.
– ear plugs: no luxury in some parts of Thamel, Kathmandu.
– eco-friendly toiletries: the only soap to use in case you prefer the outdoor shower above the indoor shower.
Camping
Book a tent with sleeping gear, to experience our event on the site, with lake view when waking up. Our camping area is on our own grounds two minutes walk up. There is a extra (natural) toilet on the camping, as water and electricity.
Trekkings and Himalayas
Nepal is famous for trekking, you might have heard about the Annapurna Circuit trek, but this is just one of many options.
The Himalayas are a young mountain range. Unlike Europe’s older, time-worn peaks, the Himalayan mountains are fresh, sharp, rugged and still growing. They give a sense untamed forces of nature that make you feel truly alive. This mountain range is home to 14 peaks towering over 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). The Himalayas rise like nature’s ultimate flow. Their immense scale an endless playground for artists, dreamers, adventurers, peace-lovers and wanderers alike.
Other travel in Nepal
For starters you might love to check out a national park like Chitwan National Park, or a park a little more of the beaten track like Bardia National Park or Rara National Park.
And Lumbini, also more south in the Nepali lowlands, is the birthplace of Buddha. Here, ancient and many new monasteries, meditation gardens, and the sacred Maya Devi Temple. There is much more to see & discover, stay tuned.
Links
Find all the links regarding the Flow Arts gathering Nepal in our Linktree.
This page will be updated with more information shortly, if you have questions contact us at info@flowartsnepal.com