💼 What the programme involves
During this week, you will learn about Nepalese culture through a series of introductory culture classes which are designed to help you develop your Nepalese language skills and deepen your understanding of the Nepalese way of life complete with details on rituals and customs. You will learn about Nepal's history and the religious influences which have shaped it. Moreover, we will pay a visit the local shops and markets that will get you learning as you go with the local culture and how to become a part of it. As part of your city tour and orientation, you will also visit some amazing sites such as the temple of Boudhanath: one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu whose ancient spherical stupa dominates the skyline and is one of the largest in the world.
Introduce you to Nepal's diverse geographical and cultural environment by fostering a deeper understanding of cultural similarities and differences through experiential learning in Nepal and to help you develop awareness and deeper understanding of the country.
🏠 Accommodation on site
About the Accommodation :
There is a mini library where you can read, a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow participants. Furthermore, there is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages.
Food Arrangements :
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can chose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.
📍 About the location
Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is like no other city in the world. The decaying buildings in the heart of the city are a contrast to the lively atmosphere that permeates the streets. The smell of incense wafts from the stores while street sellers push their wares, and people go about their daily lives, all against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.
For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. Situated in close proximity to each other, today these three almost run together. The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here.
Kathmandu's Durbar Square was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake, with many buildings destroyed beyond repair.
For most visitors to Nepal, Kathmandu Valley is the arrival point and the primary focus of the visit. This small, mountain-sheltered valley is the historical centre of Nepal, a place where kingdoms rose and fell, where palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and where Nepali art and culture was developed and refined. Rivers and streams interlace with the landscape, the brick-red villages cling to ridges to preserve precious land and even from the bustling centres of each of the cities, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Himalayas against the intense blue skies.
ℹ️ Additional information
Open all year, starting on Mondays, participation fee 175€ per week. Program runs Mon-Fri (free weekends). Mandatory to start the programme.