College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Iowa Small Towns Project
Search Close Search
Toggle Menu

Nepal Study Abroad


Trip Leaders

CALS Study Abroad

Follow on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/agpolicyISU

Overview

Our study abroad program to NEPAL will give students the ability to understand the linkages between climate change, indigenous farming systems, and U.S. development agencies as it relates to: South Asian food security and international trade, co-existence of indigenous knowledge and Western technology adoption, rural human capital and infrastructure challenges, and community social systems related to gender and caste. Will offer firsthand knowledge about the everyday struggles of smallholder farmers, mostly women and the feminization of agriculture.

We will visit small villages and meet with indigenous farmers in two areas of Nepal. The first is the lowlands of Chitwan in the south, where we will also do a jungle safari. The second is in the mountain areas of Kaski in north, where we will also spend 4 days hiking to Mardi Himal base camp (watch a YouTube video). We will also explore cultural sites in the Kathmandu valley; and also explore Doha, Qatar during our flight layover.

Itinerary for Spring Break 2025

Date

 

 Location

 

 Activities

 
Fri
3/14/2025		 In-Transit
  • Bus from Ames to Chicago departs 10:00am.
  • Flight ORD-DOH departs 7:45pm.
Sat
3/15/2025		 In-Transit
  • Arrive Doha, Qatar 5:00pm. 8 hour layover.
  • Explore Doha cultural and entertainment sites during layover.
Sun
3/16/2025		 Kathmandu District
  • Flight DOH-KTM departs 1:15 am.
  • Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal 8:15am.
  • Stay in Kathmandu Guest House.
  • Visit cultural sites. Explore city.
Mon
3/17/2025		 Kathmandu District
  • Meetings with development agencies and college students.
  • ICIMOD. USAID. Mercy Corps. Peace Corps. US Embassy.
Tue
3/18/2025		 Chitwan
District
  • Bus from KTM-CHT. Stop at cultural and natural sites.
  • Arrive CHT late afternoon. Explore Sauraha village.
  • Stay at Maruni Sanctuary Lodge.
Wed
3/19/2025		 Chitwan
District
  • National park jungle safari for half-day.
  • Meet with Tharu farmers and families.
Thu
3/20/2025		 Chitwan
District
  • Bus to remote side of Chitwan National Park, including Bhairabpur and Chirauli villages.
  • Meet with Tharu farmers and families.
Fri
3/21/2025		 Chitwan
District
  • Meet with Tharu farmers. Meet with local students.
  • Tharu cultural event/dancing and evening meal with villagers.
Sat
3/22/2025		 Kaski
District
  • Flight from BHR-POK departs late morning.
  • Bus from Pokhara (2670ft) to Kalimati (5580ft).
  • Hike to Forest Camp (8530ft). Stay at lodge.
Sun
3/23/2025		 Kaski
District
  • Meet with Gurung farmers and families.
  • Hike to Low Camp (9745ft). Stay at lodge.
Mon
3/24/2025		 Kaski
District
  • Hike to High Camp (11810ft).
  • Explore village and meet locals. Stay at lodge.
Tue
3/25/2025		 Kaski
District
  • Hike to Mardi Himal base camp (14600ft). Optional hike.
  • Hike back down to Kalmati village. Stay at lodge.
Wed
3/26/2025		 Kaski
District
  • Meet with Gurung farmers, families, and students.
  • Midday meal. Gurung cultural events and dancing.
  • Bus from Kalmati to Pokhara. Stay at Waterfront Resort.
Thu
3/27/2025		 Kaski
District
  • Leisure and recreation in Pokhara.
  • Stay at Waterfront Resort.
Fri
3/28/2025		 Kathmandu District
  • Early flight POK-KTM.
  • Development agency meetings. Recreation.
  • Stay at Katmandu Guest House.
Sat
3/29/2025		 Kathmandu District
  • Visit cultural sites or recreation.
  • Shop for gifts.
Sun
3/30/2025		 In-Transit
  • Flight KTM-DOH departs 2:15am.
  • Arrive Doha, Qatar. 3 hour layover.
  • Flight DOH-ORD departs 8:25am.
  • Arrive Chicago 3:25pm.
  • Bus from Chicago to Ames, arrive 10:00pm.