What to do at Joy Source? Well, the choice of activity depends upon the individual. One can either lay back or soak up the sun while enjoying the mountain views, or switch to a meditative mood and practice yoga in solitude. The community also offers a great opportunity to socialize with the children at Bird’s Nest Kids’ Home, or volunteer for a day of teaching at the Dolphin Magic School. (www.himalaya-development.org)
For outdoor lovers, Joy Source can be a hub for several unaccounted short hikes around Kathmandu Valley. If Chisapani and Nagarkot have become too banal to even think of, look south. Pharping village is a cultural tour in itself, with traditional Newari hamlets, and Buddhist monasteries. Among the many hikes, these are some of the more notable ones.
Hiking trails:
Lamagaun – Dhadikhel – Chaukatdevi – Humane (5 hours, all season)
Lamagaun – Kharpa – Champadevi – Hattiban resort (6-7 hours, all season)
Pharping cultural tour: 14 Buddhist monasteries, Dhaksinkali temple, Manakamana temple, Vajrayogini temple. (all day, all season)
Lamagaun – Asura cave (4 hours, all season)
Khulekhani Lake (7-8 hours)
Lamagaun – Jatipokhari (3 hours)