A Journey of Contrasts, Culture and Connection in Kathmandu - We had an incredible day exploring Kathmandu with Aayam, a certified guide and founder of Queermandu who has an innate understanding of the magic of duality and intersections. This wasn’t your average gay tour—it was thoughtful, adaptable and culturally rich, feeling more like a day out with a friend who truly knows the soul of his city. Aayam picked us up from our hotel and tailored the day to what we’d already explored, seamlessly weaving new areas and experiences into our itinerary. Our first stop was a surprisingly gentrified farmer’s market where we indulged in chocolate and swapped coffee for Sherpa craft beer. This modern boutique space was a striking contrast to our next stop—the spice market, one of Kathmandu’s oldest and most chaotic bazaar areas. The energy there was wild! From there, we were guided into hidden squares tucked behind unassuming doors. These spaces revealed Kathmandu’s remarkable spiritual diversity, featuring European Christian style statues, Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim origins coexisting harmoniously in a single sacred area. We learned how Hindu mythology is rich with deities that embody both masculine and feminine aspects, symbolising the unity and balance of these energies. Every turn of this tour highlighted how different worlds live side by side, blending and thriving in ways that felt deeply moving and relatable. We also visited Aayam’s home where we made “homo momos” with his mum and sister. The experience was playful and warm—a personal and intimate glimpse into local life and a colourful twist on tasty traditions. Next, we took a taxi (a cost-friendly option pushed by budget us) and climbed to the hilltop for Swayambhu Mahachaitya. The panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley made you stand still. On the descent, Aayam took us into a local Newar neighborhood where a Sasa Twa celebration was taking place. We picked up some great dance moves by the guys and heard some new favourite songs! We sat on the ground to share a communal meal and felt the essence of Newar culture—equality, togetherness and connection. The flattened rice bowls (chiura) paired with rice wine were delicious! This gay tour wasn’t just a surface-level exploration or “just” an LGBTQ+ tour; it was an honest and heartfelt dive into Kathmandu’s intricate layers—spirituality, culture and community all woven together. Aayam has a unique gift for uncovering the contrasts and connections that make the city so extraordinary. We covered so much more but my thumbs hurt from typing!! We spent a full day, from 11am to 9pm, immersed in this rich world that we’d never have found without Aayam. Every moment was worth it and we left with our hearts full. Highly recommend this for anyone searching for something real, deep and unforgettable. Thank you Aayam 🙏

Kathmandu NYE!!! - Aayaam was a fantastic host and tour guide. I booked this experience a little over a month ago in anticipation of my trip to Nepal for NYE! Aayaam was extremely kind, accommodating, and passionate about all things Queer in Kathmandu and Nepal in general. As a solo traveler and a proud member of the rainbow community, Aayaam ensured I felt welcomed and safe throughout the entire experience. It was an incredible to be able to explore the city with a guide who was knew the language, culture, history, food, economy, religion, and their respective impacts in the Nepali Queer Community. If you are going to Kathmandu, don’t hesitate to book this wonderful experience.