Eastern Himalayas (4-Week Sample Itinerary)

The following is a sample itinerary based on past courses; actual itineraries may vary.

Week 1 We embark on our international flight and land in New Delhi, India’s vibrant capital city. The next day we fly to Bagdogra, the gateway to the Himalayan region of Northeastern India. Jeeps wind through from the plains into the foothills to the quaint hill station of Kalimpong, where we orient ourselves to the region. Here, in this this rustic town steeped in colonial history we begin our inquiry into the ethnic, cultural and ecological diversity of the region, gain a basic understanding of the region’s history and focus on acquiring basic Nepali language skills.
Midway through our first week, we begin an urban homestay in Kalimpong, where we stay with local Nepali, Lepcha and Tibetan families, visit ancient gompas (monasteries), and explore traditional ways of life. We start our Independent Study Projects with local mentors and independently explore the bustling hill station, including its markets and alleys, villages and fields. Various guest speakers come to share on topics ranging from the political history of the region to environmental issues to the workings of tea plantations. We also undertake a small community service project as a team and work with the teachers of a local school.
Week 2 We finish our urban homestay, and then head from Bengal into Sikkim, we head to Rumtek Monastery for an introductory Tibetan Buddhism retreat, settling into the slower rhythm and routine of the monastery.
Week 3 We then venture north to Gangtok, the capital city of the state of Sikkim. There, we visit monasteries, shrines, and explore Sikkim ethnicities, Buddhist and iconography and symbolism, diaspora culture, and communities in exile. By visiting local artisans, we get a survey of Sikkim’s rich artistic traditions. From Gangtok, we head to our village homestay, where we spend several days in a rural homestays.
Week 4 From our rural homestays, we embark on a 2 - 3 day hike exploring the Himalayan foothills to an area that is famous for its renowned tea plantations. We then settle into Darjeeling, another nearby hill station, for our final few days to reflect on the journey and prepare for the journey home.