Himalayan Learning Experience: 21 Day Tour
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
Day 21: Departure We will have a day of closing and reflection (and shopping!) before saying farewell and heading back home.