Valleys, Villages and Vibrant Traditions

Nepal offers students a powerful setting to explore how cultural heritage, community life, and environmental stewardship intersect. Beginning in Kathmandu Valley, students encounter historic cities, Buddhist and Hindu sites, traditional craft practices, and the everyday rhythms of contemporary Nepal.

The journey then continues to the Mahnebanjang area, where students learn alongside local hosts and a partner organization through community-based activities shaped around locally identified priorities. Through cultural exchange, guided reflection, and time in Nepal’s varied landscapes, students consider the connections between identity, livelihoods, equity, and care for the natural world.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Morning& Afternoon: Take a flight from Nanjing to Kathmandu; meet your Beyond Classroom leader at the airport.

Evening: Kick off your journey with a traditional Newari welcome dinner. Orientation meeting & course debrief.

Day 2

Morning: Meet a project manager involved in earthquake restoration to understand the challenges of preserving history while balancing culture, economics, and bureaucracy. Visit Patan Durbar Square, a historic capital within the Kathmandu Valley. Discover its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and how these ancient cities blend tradition with daily life.

Afternoon: Participate in a craftsmanship workshop: Learn copper working.

Evening: Coursework

Day 3

Morning: Explore the grand Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world, and understand its Buddhist importance.

Afternoon& Evening: Engage in a hands-on Nepali cooking class where students prepare their own dinner.

Day 4

Morning: Transfer to Mahnebanjang area(3-hour drive), Orientation followed by village hike.

Afternoon: Meet local families, begin service project. The community consists of Dalit households. The Dalits are unfortunately regarded as one of the lowest strata of the Hindu-based Nepali society. The Dalits have been denied the right to earn a livelihood by running a business of their interest, i.e., tea shops, dairy, small hotels, and trading in animal milk, amongst others.

Evening: Coursework

Day 5

Morning& Afternoon: Immersion in Dalit family life (service activities, farming, chores, greenhouse building etc… )

Evening: Coursework

Day 7

Morning: Explore the medieval city of Bhaktapur, known for its breathtaking architecture, pottery workshops, and vibrant festivals. Engage in a “Snap and Sketch” activity, capturing and drawing your impressions of the city.

Afternoon: Visit Swayambhu (the Monkey temple)& Pashupatinath

Evening: Celebrate at Fire & Ice, transfer to airport

Day 6

Morning: Continue service project

Afternoon: Project wrap-up and travel back to Kathmandu.

Evening: Coursework

Reminder: Every school trip is unique! We’re happy to tailor the trip length, activities, and accommodations to match your school’s needs and learning objectives.

Contact us to create a personalized campus tour experience for your students!