Explore Nepal

Himalayan Learning Experience: 21 Day Tour

Explore Nepal

This experience will be based in and around the majestic Kathmandu

valley, a place with the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in

the world, and where ancient traditions and modern development collide. Experience trekking

along the rim of the valley, stopping off at the hilltop town of Nagarkot,

where we hope to get a glimpse of the Himalayan peaks, then on to Dhulikhel.

Experience a homestay in a rural village close to Dhulikhel, where we will get a unique insight

into life in a subsistence farming community that was badly hit by the 2015 earthquake.

Getting an introduction to Buddhist philosophy by staying in the Tibetan monastery of Namo

Buddha, living and eating with the monks. Meet development organizations and activists, as

well as see some of the stunning old temples and architecture found in Patan. Then get

another unique cultural insight by staying in a Hindu ashram for three days. End your trip in

the Tibetan hub of Boudha, staying in the shadow of this enormous Buddhist monument,

where you can see how Tibetan refugees have been integrated into

Nepal over decades.

Throughout the journey you will have the chance to learn from local NGOs, businesses and

scholars about the tensions between cultural survival and sustainable development, and visit

grassroots projects working for positive change. We will also visit a few of the must-see

religious and cultural sites of the valley that make the area so renowned and unique.

The trip includes:

• All accommodation

• All meals and drinking water

• Entrance fees

• Transportation for all listed activities

• Tours instructors to lead and facilitate the trip

• A $50 donation to all NGOs and social businesses visited throughout the trip

• VAT (13%)

The trip does not include:

• Nepal visa, available on arrival ($25 for 15 days)

• Travel insurance

• International flight to/from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport

• Snacks and drinks other than water

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Day 1: Arrival

Welcome to Nepal! After meeting at the airport, we will go to the medieval town of Bhaktapur to

orient ourselves to this experience and country. We will enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional

Newari cuisine.

Day 2: Bhaktapur

We will spend our morning continuing our cultural orientation, including our first language class.

We will introduce our main learning theme – how do ancient cultures survive both earthquakes and

the huge influx of aid that comes in its wake? In the afternoon, we will take a tour through the

cobbled backstreets of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO Living World Heritage site to explore the stunning

temples and architecture, and start to understand some of the challenges of modern development.

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Day 3: Bhaktapur

Today we will start exploring our theme of earthquake recovery. We will look at how the city

crumbled in the 2015 earthquake, interview aid workers who were on the ground at that time, and

look at the long-term plans for rebuilding.

Day 4: Bhaktapur

A representative from PHASE Nepal will join us for the morning to talk about their work in relief and

development, specifically after the earthquake. In the afternoon we will meet and learn from

artisans have kept alive their family crafts over hundreds of years.

Rising with the sun, we will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of majestic Himalayan

peaks. After breakfast we will head towards the outer rim of the valley for our ashram stay. A

spiritual community, a non-profit and functioning organic farm, it is a unique insight to Nepali

culture.

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Day 5: Nagarkot

From today we will head out on our adventure into rural Nepal. We start by trekking into the

foothills of the Himalayas, and stop off at the oldest temple in the Kathmandu, Changu Narayan

(400 AD). We will continue up to the ridge to stay in the hilltop town of Nagarkot.

Day 6: Dhulikhel

It is a stunning day’s trek along the ridge from Nagarkot to the town of Dhulikhel where we will

spend the night.

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Day 7: Homestay

Our next three days will be spent in a hillside village close to Dhulikhel, living and eating with the

families there who are mainly subsistence farmers. This area was also badly affected by the

earthquake. This first day will be spent becoming acquainted with our new families and with the

area, and joining in with the agricultural life of the village.

Day 8: Homestay

Today we will meet and interview some aid workers and volunteers who came into the community

to help with earthquake recovery about their challenges and successes. We will also have the

chance to observe some of the sustainable rebuilding processes

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Day 9: Homestay

In our final day in the village we will explore how the families sell their agricultural products at the

market, and also learn some other crafts and skills that are practiced in the village. In the evening

we will have a final celebration with the families.

Day 10: Namo Buddha

This morning we will pack up our things and head out on the trail again, towards the cliff top

Tibetan monastery of Namo Buddha. This was the site where it is claimed Buddha in a previous life

gave himself to a starving tiger and her cubs. We will explore this beautiful sight and stay overnight

in the monastery, eating with the monks and sharing their routine.

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Day 11: Namo Buddha

Today we will receive a teaching from a high khenpo and also have a chance to practice a simple

mediation. We will be able to observe a puja (offering) by the monks and also discuss about how

the Buddhist principles can be applied in modern living.

Day 12: Patan

Leaving the quiet of the monastery we will head down into the bustle of the city. We will be based

out of a lovely Newari traditional inn. Exploring the old part of the city, we will look at the

restoration of the ancient temples.

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Day 13: Patan

This morning have the chance to meet some artists and social entrepreneurs who are working to

improve this vibrant city, and visit and maybe participate in some of their projects! This afternoon is

half a day on your own, including dinner out anywhere you’d like to go in the city.

Day 14: Patan

In the morning we will head out on an excursion to see the famous Swayambuth monkey temple. In

the afternoon we will visit a large development NGO to compare their approach to aid.

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Day 15: Ashram

After breakfast we will head towards the outer rim of the valley for our ashram stay. A spiritual

community, a nonprofit and functioning organic farm, it is a unique insight to Nepali culture. We

will have a tour of the area and have an audience with the head swami, who can explain some of

the history of the ashram, as well as about Hindu philosophy and how it relates to modern

challenges.

Day 16: Ashram

We will have a full day to participate in the daily life of the ashram. Starting off with a morning yoga

class, we will then participate in community service with the rest of the community. In the

afternoon we can learn from ashram members about organic farming, explore the income

generation projects and understanding how the ashram is fighting child trafficking. In the evening

we will participate in kirtan (singing).

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Day 17: Ashram

After morning yoga and service, we will have a session with the ashram doctor about the ancient

medical system of Ayurveda. We will also have a dance class. In the evening we will have a small

farewell celebration with the ashram community.

Day 18: Boudha

Saying goodbye to our ashram friends, we will head to the final stage of the journey, the Tibetan

area of Boudha. Boudha is centered around an enormous monument, and here we will see pilgrims

and monks headed out for daily worship. We will meet some organizations which have worked in

integrating Tibetan refugees into the area.

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Day 19: Boudha

Today we will visit one of the most important Hindu spiritual sites in the world, Pashupatinath

temple. This afternoon is yours to spend how you would like, including an on your own dinner.

Day 20: Boudha

Wrapping up our learning themes, we will meet some development organizations and activists that

work in Kathmandu. We will also have some time to review our main questions and themes and to

discuss what we have learned as a group

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Day 21: Departure

We will have a day of closing and reflection (and shopping!) before saying farewell and heading

back home.