Nepal: Traditions of the Himalaya
Below the Himalaya lies Nepal, a country deeply rooted in tradition and changing fast. During March break, students will see how faith, community, and modern life fit together there. We begin in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, learning basic Nepali and exploring its UNESCO World Heritage square. Next, we stay at the Namo Buddha monastery, sharing meals with Tibetan Buddhist monks, observing their morning prayers and meditating with a lama. Then we hike the Mardi Himal trek, sleeping in teahouses run by local families. We finish at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest Buddhist monuments.
The goal is to understand Nepal through relationships with the people who live there. Along the way, students learn about ecotourism and locally led sustainability. They come home more independent and with stronger leadership skills, better at connecting with people from different backgrounds and with new perspective on identity, spirituality, and the tension between tradition and change.
Snapshot
Explore Buddhist monasteries, trek beneath the Himalaya, and see how ancient traditions shape life in a quickly changing Nepal.
Program Dates: March 6-21, 2027
Program Themes: Buddhism, Himalayan trekking, cultural immersion, tradition & modernity, community sustainability
Program Leaders: Mr. Howie Kalter and Ms. Lisa Joel
Maximum cost: $7,600