Terraced rice paddies, fluttering prayer flags, dew-drenched mornings: discover the beauty of the Himalayas, experience life in remote mountain communities, participate in a meditation retreat, and study traditional arts with local masters.

Since ancient times, travelers, monks, merchants, artists, and warriors have passed through Kathmandu in their journeys across the great Himalayan range. Some never left, and today, ethnic groups 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 summer abroad 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. Moving into rural Nepal, we trek through lush green forests and stunning valleys, before settling into a homestay with subsistence farmers.

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