Art in the Himalayas with Lora Murphy
January 3rd - 14th, 2026
Join Lora Murphy and the Essence of Mulranny team for an unforgettable excursion to The Kingdom of Nepal. This 12 day trip of a lifetime will include a few days in the colourful, ever friendly chaos that is Kathmandu, several days of painting in gorgeous Pokhara at the foot of the mighty Annapurna range of the Himalayas, an event at the Art Institute of Nepal and an invitation to exhibit with the Nepal Academy of Fine Art Plus sightseeing some of the most beautiful places on earth.
Discover the Artistic Soul of Nepal:
A Journey of Inspiration and Cross-Cultural Exchange
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the heart of Nepal's artistic heritage with our exclusive art retreat. This is not just a trip; it's an immersive experience designed for artists, creatives, and anyone with a passion for cultural exploration.
Kathmandu: A Tapestry of Culture and Art
Your adventure begins in the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, a city that harmoniously blends ancient traditions with the buzz of modern life. Spend a couple of days wandering through bustling markets, finding inspiration on every corner. Marvel at the majestic Monkey Temple, where playful primates add life to sacred sites. Explore the rich history of Patan and Bhaktapur, cities that are treasure troves of traditional art and architecture. These ancient kingdoms offer an unfiltered glimpse into Nepal's past, with their exquisite temples and intricate wood carvings.
Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA) and Nepal Academy of Fine Art: Celebrating Diversity and Creativity.
One of the highlights of your Kathmandu experience will be a visit to BIA, where you'll witness the incredible art created by disabled artists. This is a chance to see resilience and talent manifest in breathtaking artworks. Furthermore, embrace the honor of exhibiting your work alongside the best of Nepals contemporary artists at a special event hosted by the Nepal Academy of Fine Art. This cross-cultural exhibition is not just an opportunity to showcase your art but to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas with Nepali artists. You will be invited to have your work become part of the Nepal Academy of Fine Art Permanent collection.
Pokhara: Nature's Canvas
From Kathmandu, we take a short spectacular flight along the line of the majestic Himalayas, to Pokhara, a serene oasis that contrasts the hustle of the city. Our studio, nestled on the banks of the tranquil Phewa Lake, offers uninterrupted views of the sacred Machapuchare Mountain. This setting is more than picturesque; it's a source of endless artistic inspiration. The reflection of the holy peak on the lake's surface at dawn and dusk is a sight that will stay with you forever.
Creative Explorations and Spiritual Insights
In Kathmandu, we will have an introduction to traditional Nepali art forms and techniques at the BIA Institute (Artists with diasabilites) who will give us a short workshop led by a local Thangka artist. This is an astonishing art form and will be a fun, friendly and fascinating exchange for all of us. Create your own Thangka-inspired piece using learned techniques and enjoy a profound Cultural exchange evening with local artists – share stories, art, and experiences. I guarantee you will be moved by this experience. We will also be invited to the Nepal Academy of Fine Art for cross cultural exchange and exhibition . Details to be decided
In Pokhara, your days will be a blend of artistic creation, exploration, and spiritual awakening. Choose to join a gentle 10 mile day trek, accessible to all, and find yourself surrounded by the majestic Himalayan range and the warm beauty and joy of the local villagers. Visit the exquisite Hindu, Lord Shiva Temple and the iconic Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist temple that stands as a beacon of peace and tranquility. Each site tells a story, adding layers to your creative journey
Following an optional trek in the Annapurna region for landscape photography and sketching.(you can do this part by car if you feel it will be too much) We will paint away to our hearts content in our balcony studio overlooking Phewa Lake. This will be a mixed media exploration using numerous media, all supplied, working with gorgeous Nepalese handmade paper and looking at new ways to work on landscape and portrait using collage, paint over collage and lots of mark making
Lake Phewa: A Blend of Nature and Culture
A boat trip across Phewa Lake to the sacred Barahi Temple is a must. The tranquility of the lake, combined with the spiritual ambiance of the temple, creates a perfect setting for contemplation and artistic inspiration. Along the lakeshore, indulge in the culinary delights of Pokhara, with a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. The blend of flavors mirrors the diversity of Nepal's cultural landscape.
The Nepalese people are the most friendly people i have ever met and you will be warmly greeted, invited to dance and converse wherever we go.
About Lora Murphy
Lora Murphy is the Director of Essence of Mulranny, located in Mayo, Ireland. An artist and teacher, Lora is also an avid traveller, guide and connector, and she is dedicated to creating marvellously curated retreat experiences in Ireland, Egypt and now Nepal.
Lora works closely with local people everywhere she goes to make such that your experience will be special, valuable and unforgettable.
Lora Murphy was born in Ireland and educated in Ireland, the United States, and Italy. Lora earned honors degrees in both History of European Painting and Archaeology before going on to train as an oil painter in a traditional atelier in Florence, Italy. The discovery of encaustic changed her life and she now works primarily in encaustic and mixed media.
As she says, "Once I tried encaustic, I was totally hooked, and I have been fortunate to be able to apply my traditional knowledge of painting to the encaustic medium. And I found along the way that I just love teaching. I am so inspired by watching all of my students gain so much confidence and reach new levels with their work. Even those with no experience of either encaustic or portraiture can do amazing work.”
After living and painting all over the world, Lora moved back to her Irish roots in 2018, and created a vibrant and hugely popular art school in the West of Ireland, Essence of Mulranny (EOM) Studios at Mulranny Co Mayo where she welcomes visiting teachers and students from many countries. Lora teaches workshops in Contemporary Portraiture in Encaustic at EOM Studios and online as well as a yearly painting trip to Egypt.
Lora sold her first paintings at 12 years old and has shown her work since 1985. She has exhibited widely in Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the United States; and counts collectors from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.
Education
1983 — BA Honors History of European Painting & Archaeology U.C.D. Dublin, Ireland
1984 - 1991 — Art Students League, West 57th Street, N.Y.C.
2008 - 2010 — The Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork, Ireland
2011 — The Angel Academy of Art, Florence, Italy
2014 — Jungian psychology with art therapy at Limerick Institute of Technology
“A trip with Lora isn’t a touristy vacation; it’s a life-expanding opportunity where you connect physically, emotionally, and spiritually with a place, its history, and, mostly, with the people who live fascinating lives there.”
On my last morning in Kathmandu, I noticed a couple at breakfast who were obviously “tourists”. I asked them about their time in Nepal, and they answered, “Well… it’s been interesting.” I knew immediately that their time in Nepal had not gone deeper than comparing and judging the surface of where they had been. Thankfully, my experience had been quite different.
Thanks to Lora, our group’s experiences involved donating wheelchairs to disabled artists, dancing with Nepali girls and women, observing ancient rituals, and meeting Nepali artists, craftspeople, and shopkeepers. Our group appreciated the traditions, art forms, and generous humanity of Nepal and its people.
Never will I hesitate to travel with Lora Murphy. She opens doors of opportunity, connects people with kindness, and encourages everyone to savor the moment. If you can follow her to Egypt, Nepal, Ireland, or anywhere, don’t hesitate to say “Okay”!
— Joan Fullerton, Artist
Here is a general itinerary for your time in this magical place.
There may be a few changes here and there, depending on weather, schedules and such but we will let you know.
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We will collect you all at The Kathmandu Airport at whatever time you get in, whisk you away to our gorgeous Hotel which about 30 mins drive. After a small reception, we will gather for a delicious Traditional Nepalese dinner and sharing. and discuss the itinerary.
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Exploration of this glorious, chaotic and breathtakingly beautiuful city.
Morning: Visit the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Stupa).
Afternoon: Explore local art galleries shops. and visit the nepal Art Council for a reception and exhibition discussion.
Evening: Dinner at a renowned Japanese restaurant in Kathmandu.
Opportunity for shopping, massage and swimming in our lovely infinity pool.
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Visit BIA Institute for a demonstration of Thangka painting by artists with disabilities.
Participate in a short Thangka painting workshop.
Visit Patan Durbar Square and local art studios.
Visit the Living Goddess, Kumari and lunch at a fabulous local Restaurant
Evening: Return to Kathmandu.
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Today we will visit Nagarkot to see the majestic Himalayas. Prepare to be speechless!
Morning: Drive to Nagarkot. Lunch in a lovely Hotel with amazing views of the Himalayas.
Afternoon trip to Baktapur.
Explore Baktapur Durbar Square and local markets.
Evening: Return to Kathmandu. Dinner at a lovely local restaurant.
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Today we return to the airport for a very short and exquisitly beautiful flight to Pokhara. We will be flying along the line of the Himalayas and the view as we land in Pokhara will forever be a highlight! We get settled in our lovely hotel on the shores of Lake Phewa and eat together in the evening.
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This is our first studio day where we will start work (or continue) on our travel journals.
Evening, shopping in the fabulous stores that line the shore and eat together in a wonderful vegetarian restaurant.
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Today is an opportunity to see the mountains close up. This is an easy trek of a couple of hours but if you are unsure, you can stay in the bus and join us later. Evening in the studio and shopping.
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Take a serene boat trip on Lake Phewa followed by a lakeside lunch.
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Half day studio work. Return to Kathmandu in the afternoon.
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We will have interviews, cross cultural discussion with some of Nepal’s best known artists and visits to art studios.
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Discussion and show and tell. Opportunity to work on journals.
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We will schedule a bus to bring you back to your airport for your flight.
This itinerary is built to encourage experimentation and personal growth. Feel free to diverge and explore your own creative paths in the studio.
The team on the ground in Nepal are simply fabulous! Experienced, kind, open and extraordinarily helpful.
Interactions with local artists and the community are integral – they provide unique insights and inspirations.
Most importantly, enjoy the process and let the serene beauty of Pokhara guide your artistic journey!
A Retreat Like No Other
This art retreat is more than a trip; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in Nepal's artistic and cultural richness.
Whether you're sketching in the shadow of sacred mountains, exchanging ideas with local artists, or finding inspiration in the everyday life of the Nepalese people, this journey promises to be a profound experience.
Join us in embracing the artistic soul of Nepal, where every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of your creative journey. Book your spot now and get ready to be part of an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most inspiring destination.
Please note: We ask that if you can, you bring a wheelchair with you. It can be a used one, not motorized and it needs to be in good repair. The Airline will check it in for free and we will help at the baggage claim in KTM to collect it. I know it is a hassle but it will mean the world to them! We work with the BIA (Boddhisattvas in Action) to bring wheelchairs to artists who are in need. Their aims are helping differently-abled people to make their way back to a life worth living. They help disabled persons train as artists and craftspeople. You can read more about it here.
Included in your workshop:
Workshop instruction
Most art supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
11 nights lodging at 4 star Hotels, one in the centre of Kathmandu, with free WiFi, great restaurants and room service. Among the various facilities are an outdoor infinity swimming pool on the roof, a fitness centre, as well as a garden. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, an ATM and currency exchange for guests. Our hotel in Pokhara is equally lovely.
Transportation from airport to hotel. All ground transportation and internal flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
2 lunches & 2 dinners.
All tour & excursion fees.
New friends and an art tribe!
Not Included:
Airfare from your home to Kathmandu.
Most dinners.
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable.
Additional nights lodging.
Pricing
$4,550 for shared accommocation
$4,950 for private accommodation
It is required to have insurance to cover your travel to Nepal and to cover your workshop fees for your possible cancellation in the event of illness. There are no exceptions for this policy. Read the cancellation policy here.
Ready to reserve your spot?
A US$700 non refundable deposit will secure your place. This goes directly to our partners in Nepal to secure your place and services.