Our international travel first brings us to Kathmandu, Nepal, the starting and ending point for this journey. Based in an idyllic Himalayan foothills village for our several days, we spend this time getting to know one another and learning about the shared geographic and cultural foundations common to this Himalayan region.

Moving into homestays in the Kathmandu Valley, students settle into a routine of Dzongkha and Nepali language classes, gaining an important familiarity with topics in local environmentalism, sustainable agriculture, and Hindu & Buddhist religions. Students will be able to engage in hands-on Independent Study Projects with local mentors during this time.

After one of the most breathtaking landings we have ever experienced, we touch down in the lush rice paddies of Paro. After a few days orienting ourselves to Paro, we head to Thimphu on foot along the Druk Path as a way of getting better oriented to the special land and landscape. We pass by high lakes, monasteries, and take in some fine mountain views while getting adjusted to life in Bhutan. We orient ourselves to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, going on excursions to nearby monasteries and sites such as the ruins of Drukyel Dzong, and visiting one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.

We travel through winding mountain roads to reach the remote, rural region of Bumthang, Bhutan’s cultural heartland. Nestled deep in the mountains at around 2900 m/9,500 ft, the the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research (UWICER) is an international leader of conservation efforts in the fields of forestry, biology, water, and policy. We will spend around 10 days living on their campus, engaging in hands-on learning about the natural environment we’re living in with some of the country’s top scientists. We’ll take some excursions to explore the surrounding landscape, which is dotted with sacred Buddhist sites including hidden cliffside lhakangs and remote village stupas. Possible excursions include visits to the local amchi to learn about traditional medicine, an archery tournament, the Burning Lake, a women’s weaving cooperative, hikes and excursions into the forest.

We’ll trade the UWICER campus life for family life, settling into rural homestays an hour from the UWICER campus. Staying with families for nearly two weeks will provide insight into daily routines and ways of being, local agriculture, and daily religious practices. We will spend our days working with our families in the fields, helping make meals and meeting as a group for discussions.

We set off from Bumthang with the mountains in mind, traveling closer to the Tibetan border. Trekking in Bhutan offers a glimpse at Bhutan’s rare wildlife, the chance to cross high passes, meader through pristine forests, and take in unimaginable views. We will plan to trek between 8 and 12 days.

After concluding our trek, we will transition into a more sedentary pace of life at a local monastery. There, we receive teachings in Buddhist philosophy and meditation from a respected lama.

We begin the winding journey back to the capital city, taking our time to visit several exciting stops on the way. First, the impressive Trongsa Dzong which at one time served as the capital of Bhutan. Next, we stop in Phobjikha, the valley that houses the famous black-necked crane, where we may do a communal farmstay. We may visit Gasa, Haa or Punakha before arriving in Thimphu. Upon our transfer to Paro, we will hike up to the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taksang), before saying farewell to Bhutan.

We return to Nepal, as we have found that spending time here gives us important perspective from which to understand our experience in Bhutan. Students plan an expedition of their choice to flex their travel skills and see another region of their choice in Nepal.

In the final 4 or 5 days of the program, we settle into a cozy lodge in the Kathmandu Valley to reflect, celebrate our accomplishments, give gratitude for the journey, and prepare to return home. We enjoy good meals, beautiful views and celebrate together before returning home.