Discover the beauty of the Himalayas: experience life in remote mountain communities, participate in a meditation retreat, and study traditional arts with local masters.
Note: This program may offer multiple sessions (same dates, separate groups). TBD sessions open based on demand.
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.
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…
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.
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 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.
Click on the gallery below to browse photos, videos and quotes from our participants and instructors.
Examine environmental issues, tourism, the preservation of traditional culture, concepts of ethnicity, land management, education, gender issues and healthcare.
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.
Delve into a broad introduction to the philosophy and spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, including an introduction to yoga and meditation.
Look at ethnic and cultural diversity, religious traditions, artistic traditions, and current development issues.
Travel by bus and van through mountainous terrain with our time split between urban and rural areas.
10+ days of homestays with both rural and urban families.
Options for group and individual volunteer work during the rural home-stay.
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.
Study basic Nepali through formal instruction and local immersion.
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.
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