E A S T E R N H I M A L AYA S WEST BENGAL TO SIKKIM 4-Week Summer Abroad Program
30
DAYS
DESCRIPTION
DATES
AGES
Experience the mysticism of remote mountain communities: work with local artists and healers, and gain insight into the myriad spiritual traditions of the Eastern Himalaya.
June 28 – July 28
15 – 17 HOMESTAY
DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
ISPs
COMPARATIVE RELIGION
NESTLED DEEP IN THE EASTERN END OF THE
“You gave me such an opportunity this summer, not just to travel to this magical place, but
GREAT HIMALAYAN MOUNTAIN RANGE, WEST
something to hold on to that has sparked a new light, purpose and ambition in my life.”
CHINA BENGAL LEH
AND SIKKIM ARE INDIAN STATES THAT SIT
— B R I G E T T E B A R N AT O
SNUGLY BETWEEN NEPAL AND BHUTAN. The tension between modern influences and traditional values is strikingly apparent TIBET
DELHI
PROGRAM COMPONENT EMPHASIS
N E PAL K AT H M A N D U
L A N G TA N G KANCHENJUNGA GANGTOK KALIMPONG DARJEELING
BHUTAN
apprenticeships with artists, musicians, healers, cultivators,
in this region, as various ethnic groups
and practitioners of Hinduism, Buddhism, and types of
work to safeguard their heritage amidst
shamanism. We delve more deeply into Buddhism
the draw of globalization. Dragons
by sitting in meditation for a short retreat at a
students engage with local communities and explore ancient Buddhist and Hindu traditions,
local monastery, complementing our more theoretical understanding of the religion
gaining insight into the age-old wisdom that has held
with personal practice. Heading further
Himalayan people together for centuries. Our course
into the Himalayas, students witness
begins in northern West Bengal, an area—renowned for
Sikkim’s incredible biodiversity, with day
its fine tea—that serves as an introduction to the cultures
hikes through lush forests with potential
and traditions of the region. Amidst verdant hills of tea waiting to be picked, we learn about the living blend of religious and cultural traditions which rival the beauty of the landscapes. In
views, when monsoon rains abate, of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak.
W W W.W H E R E T H E R E B E D R A G O N S . C O M / S T U D E N T S
ASI A: S UM M E R
INDIA
Kalimpong, we live with homestay families and work with local mentors, taking up
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