Feminist Writing, Creative Practice + Care

Immerse yourself in the company of like minds in a city layered with sound, spice and spirit.

Tucked into the hills on the edge of the Himalayas, Kathmandu is a place where rooftops hum with conversation, ancient brick alleys lead to hidden temples and the streets beat with the rhythm of craft and devotion.

For 14 days, we'll stay in a charming family-owned cottage in Thamel that wraps around a gardened courtyard – gathering daily for thoughtfully programmed workshops, talks and excursions centred on writing, creativity and feminist practice.

Together, we'll study the Nepali language; try our hands at folding momos, pottery and mandala making; stretch our bodies out in yoga and sound healing; and visit heritage sites, feminist libraries and creative happenings in the city's galleries and bars.

For the duration of our time in Kathmandu, we'll have free access to a beautiful woman-run coworking space, Tumbaha~laya, where we can work, create and hang out. A short stroll from our accommodation, this is also where we'll be holding our writing classes – creative non-fiction, opinion and essay, anti-patriarchal writing, media literacy and ethics, and poetry.

'Retreat' can be a loaded and luxurious word in a world where the concept of "care" is commodified and sold back to us as an individualist pursuit only – often against the backdrop of a place where value is extracted and not returned.

This project is not that. In borrowing the language of fieldwork, we embrace the practice of being in Kathmandu rather than just passing through.

Kathmandu has just lived through a revolution: a youth-led uprising against deep-seated government corruption that has resulted in Nepal's first woman leader being elected, Sushila Karki – a feminist jurist whom Gen Z chose to represent them through a poll on Discord. She will lead an interim government for the next six months.

"I did not wish for this job. It was after voices from the streets that I was compelled to accept," she said.

Karki is no stranger to resistance. She was part of the people's movement that helped overthrow Nepal's absolute monarchy in the 1990s — an act that led to her arrest. From prison, she wrote कारा (Kara, meaning "Prison"), a powerful novel about the experience of incarcerated women that explores themes of justice, confinement and political struggle.

We stand in awe of the organising prowess shown by young Nepali people, and mourn the lives lost to state violence in pursuit of their goals. As a hopeful future begins to take shape, tourism businesses welcome international visitors back.

Our aim as your hosts – Nirvana, Jam and Heena – is to create travel and learning experiences that are grassroots, centre reciprocity and connect directly with women-led ventures.

Though we acknowledge that self care is important, equally, we prioritise collective care: for each other, for the people we meet, and for the places we visit.

In assembling this field trip, we wish to create a safe space for women and queer writers to exist and express with authenticity, and provide an experience that combines culture, connection and self-exploration.

We welcome 16 participants in total, with a sliding-scale payment system. 13 places will be charged at $2,350; with 3 scholarships available at NPR20,000. Nepali locals will be prioritised for these supported places.

To apply, fill in the form at the bottom of this page.