A pensive monkey at Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. Photo by Sarah Lippmann, student.

Nepal

Traditions of the Himalayas

A 4-week Summer Abroad Program

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Sample Itinerary

Duration
28 Days
Description

Gain insight into Buddhist & Hindu teachings, learn basic meditation techniques, and explore a traditional Nepali skill or trade with expert mentors. For students interested in discovering the beauty of the Himalayas, experiencing life in remote mountain communities, participating in a meditation retreat, and experiencing the warmth of Nepali culture.

Note: This program may offer multiple sessions (same dates, separate groups). TBD sessions open based on demand.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2026
Group Size (4:1 Ratio)

12 Students
3 Instructors

Tuition

$8,750

Plus airfare & insurance

  • Open
Suggested Ages

16-19

Tuition Details

Beyond your budget? Learn how we increase access.

Kathmandu & Patan

Pokhara

Program Overview

Terraced rice paddies, fluttering prayer flags, dew-drenched mornings.

Since ancient times, travelers, monks, merchants, poets, artists, and warriors have passed through Kathmandu during their journeys across the great Himalayan range. Some never left, and today, a multitude of ethnic groups from across the Himalayan region all peacefully coexist in the peaks and valleys of this dynamic country. Nepal’s rich cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for a larger conversation about the underpinnings of identity, community, and spirituality.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & OUTCOMES
  • Learn a traditional skill or trade alongside a talented mentor such as painting, jewelry making, metal smithing, Ayurvedic medicine, stone carving etc.
  • Gain insight into Buddhism and Hinduism and learn how to integrate ancient and new teachings into your life at home
  • Learn basic meditation and yoga techniques  throughout the program…

Since ancient times, travelers, monks, merchants, poets, artists, and warriors have passed through Kathmandu during their journeys across the great Himalayan range. Some never left, and today, a multitude of ethnic groups from across the Himalayan region all peacefully coexist in the peaks and valleys of this dynamic country. Nepal’s rich cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for a larger conversation about the underpinnings of identity, community, and spirituality.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & OUTCOMES
  • Learn a traditional skill or trade alongside a talented mentor such as painting, jewelry making, metal smithing, Ayurvedic medicine, stone carving etc.
  • Gain insight into Buddhism and Hinduism and learn how to integrate ancient and new teachings into your life at home
  • Learn basic meditation and yoga techniques  throughout the program and at a multi-day monastery retreat
  • Experience renowned Nepali hospitality in both rural and urban homestays
  • Examine local and global issues such as environmentalism, tourism, the preservation of traditional culture, land management, education, gender rights, and healthcare.

Our program weaves a path between rural and urban environments and different religious communities as we explore how ancient traditions can survive in a rapidly developing society.  During our time in the Kathmandu Valley, we meet with local activists and experts who share their insights on Nepal’s history, politics, and culture. They also offer a unique perspective on the socio-political complexities facing a newly-democratic Nepal and the challenges the 2015 earthquake posed to Nepali society.

Moving into rural Nepal, we trek through lush green forests and stunning valleys, before settling into a homestay with subsistence farmers in the Himalayan foothills. Here we learn the daily rhythms of agricultural life and have the chance to talk to local people about their lived experience of pressing global concerns such as climate change and foreign aid.

For the comparative religion aspect of the course, we explore the intertwined religions of Hinduism and Buddhism and also go on a short meditation retreat, where we have the chance to fully immerse ourselves in monastic life. We learn about the foundation of Buddhist philosophy from high teachers and participate in a spiritual practice that is both informative and deeply introspective.

Read More Read Less Sample Itinerary

Program Components

3/5
Social & Environmental Justice

Examine environmental issues, tourism, the preservation of traditional culture, concepts of ethnicity, land management, education, gender issues and healthcare.

5/5
Independent Study Project

Choose a topic of interest and dive into learning alongside an expert mentor. Some options include music, dance, stone carving, jewelry making, bronze casting, religious traditions, traditional cooking, Tibetan or Ayurvedic medicine.

5/5
Comparative Religion

Delve into a broad introduction to the philosophy and spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, including an introduction to yoga and meditation.

4/5
Focus Of Inquiry

Look at ethnic and cultural diversity, religious traditions, artistic traditions, and current development issues.

3/5
Rugged Travel

Travel by bus and van through mountainous terrain with our time split between urban and rural areas.

4/5
Homestay

10+ days of homestays with both rural and urban families.

2/5
Learning Service

Options for group and individual volunteer work during the rural home-stay.

2/5
Trekking

Dependent on weather conditions, there may be an easy 2-3 day hike in the middle hills. During summer months the southern slope of the Himalayas is blanketed in monsoon rains, making trekking in the high Himalaya more challenging.

2/5
Language Study

Study basic Nepali through formal instruction and local immersion.

Optional College Credits

To deepen your experience abroad, you may elect to enroll in one (1) college-level course while participating on this program. Those who enroll in an optional course will be invoiced an additional fee on top of the land cost. To learn more, click here.

Students who take a for-credit course will receive an official transcript from a School of Record after successful completion of the program.

College Course Offerings

Through our School of Record, you may choose to enroll in one (1) of the following courses for-college credit:

  • COLS 191: Self & Culture in Experiential Cohorts
  • CTE 191: Introduction to Leadership Development

See full Course Offering descriptions.

Testimonials

I can feel my life from here on out to be taking a new shape. You gave me such an opportunity this summer, not just to travel to this magical place, but something to hold on to that has sparked a new light, purpose, and ambition in my life. I am so grateful.

Brigette B.

Nepal Summer Program

Erika loved how she bonded with the instructors. The time she spent with these very special people was worth every penny spent and every minute away from her family.

Parents of Erika O. Nepal Summer Program

I learned about myself, others, and Nepal. I woke up to the idea of becoming a global citizen and I saw and experienced things that only Dragons could offer.

Gigi S. Nepal Summer Program

My instructors were incredible people, with incredible hearts, and incredible perspectives. Watching them work together but also laugh and have fun inspired me in the concept of teamwork and true real friendships.

Erika O. Nepal Summer Program

I was struck by the level of independence expected from students from the beginning of the trip which helped them gain self-confidence and also the experience of self-reliance that will serve them well as they continue to grow...

Katherine P., Parent Nepal Summer Program
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