Nepal

Nepal’s Sherpa people are renowned for their mountain savvy, strength, and roles as guides and porters on Himalayan climbs. A favorite fueling dish of these high-altitude residents is the Nepalese staple of dal bhat: a spiced lentil soup, served over rice, with curried or steamed vegetables. We meet Sherpa families, share meals, and hear epic stories of their mountaineering feats as we trek through the Solukhumbu Valley on the trail that leads up to Mt. Everest.

Village Immersion, Monasteries, & the Everest Valley

• Teach English to local youth and help build a community building • Trek between villages in the picturesque Everest Valley • Learn to meditate on a retreat with young Buddhist monks • Follow the monkey calls to the temple of Swayambhunath

Destination • In the foothills of the Himalaya, volunteer in a remote village in the Solukhumbu region below Mount Everest. At the midpoint of your service, head out on a short trek in the Everest Valley through traditional Sherpa villages, and finish with a retreat at the Taksindu Monastery with monks of all ages.

Projects • Stay in a center for Sherpa youth and help the community with construction projects at their school. Work alongside Nepali activists who run grassroots education, health, and youth empowerment projects. Exchange stories with young Nepalis about their heritage and experiences of development and cultural change.

Activities • Learn traditional dances and prepare Nepali culinary specialties. Hear stories from Tibetan refugees, follow the footsteps of Everest climbers with Sherpa guides, and wake to stunning views of the world’s tallest mountains. Explore Kathmandu’s bazaars and royal architecture and walk with pilgrims to Asia’s most magnificent temples.

Detailed itineraries and more at goputney.com

June 27–July 18 July 18–August 8

Completing Grades: 9–12 • 22 days • $5,990 + airfare Group Flight: Departs from New York