Zander was fortunate to embark on a meaningful journey to Kathmandu, Nepal, as part of a school trip. His school, ICS in Zurich, has a strong and ongoing partnership with Shree Mangal Dvip (SMD) in Nepal, founded on the values of heartfelt intercultural exchange, global understanding, and transformative education. For over twenty years, ICS has welcomed SMD students and assisted them in pursuing their IB diplomas. The ICS school community has united to raise funds for the improvement of the SMD school’s facilities and education.

As parents, we said goodbye to an excited group of Grade 10 learners at the airport. The rest of this letter is my account of their trip, pieced together from messages, photos, and Google research. It was a joy to follow their journey from afar, and I hope these reflections capture even a fraction of the excitement and growth they experienced.

A warm welcome at SMD and Kathmandu

Upon their arrival at SMD School in Kathmandu, the principal warmly welcomed them with a cup of tea, followed by a guided tour of the school. Zander shared, “The school reminded me of our primary school in South Africa. The students are kind, friendly, and cheerful. It was wonderful to meet the other Grade 10 students from SMD and get to know each other better.“

At the end of the school day, their new friends accompanied them on a visit to the Boudha Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shape of the Stupa symbolises the Buddha, crowned and seated in a meditative posture on a lion’s throne. In Buddhism, a Stupa is a domed, semicircular structure that holds various types of sacred relics.

On their second day in Nepal, the group had a unique opportunity to witness Saka Dawa, one of the holiest celebrations in Tibetan Buddhism. This sacred day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing) of Gautama Buddha.

Zander shared, “After the celebration, we played fun games like basketball and soccer with our new friends. Just ten minutes of playing here leaves me completely out of breath—I think it’s a combination of the high altitude and the air pollution. Later, the girls gathered us in a hall and taught us some traditional Nepalese dances.”

Different Worlds, Same Dreams

Zander’s feedback on the climate and food experiences: “The climate in Nepal is hot and tropical. However, 30 degrees here doesn’t feel like 30 degrees in Switzerland or South Africa; it is much more humid. In the evenings, intense thunderstorms are accompanied by heavy rain. During the day, the sun shines brightly, but by 6 p.m., the skies open. I enjoy the food, especially the Nepalese momos and Indian curries.”

He also shared insights about privileges: “The Nepalese kids have the same interests as we do. We listen to the same music and speak in similar ways; we’re just ordinary teenagers. However, the boy I met must travel five days by bus and then hike far into the mountains every time he visits his parents. His family barely has enough money for school. He’s the only person in his entire family who can read and write. His parents sacrificed everything so he could have an education.”

Collaboration Across Cultures at SMD

During the first week, Zander and his group attended classes alongside the SMD learners and collaborated on group projects. They not only learned with the SMD students but also learned from them. ICS and SMD students collaborated on sustainable development solutions for mountainous, landlocked countries such as Switzerland and Nepal. At the end of the week, the teams presented their ideas to the Grade 9 students and school staff. 

Exploring Kathmandu

In the second week, the group went on a cultural excursion that included visits to Patan Durbar Square, an early morning vegetable market, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the Swayambhu Nath Temple, which offers a stunning view of the city. The highlight for many was exploring the vibrant Thamel district, where students had free time to wander, shop for souvenirs, and pick out gifts.

Shivapuri Summit Trek

Over the weekend, ICS and SMD students embarked on a hike to the summit of Shivapuri Mountain, located in the national park at the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. The 10-kilometre ascent, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,100 meters, took approximately four hours to complete. Along the way, they spotted deer and a troop of macaques in the lush tropical rainforest. Unfortunately, they did not catch a glimpse of the elusive clouded leopards or Himalayan black bears that also inhabit the area.

At the summit, the group rested in a circle, sharing snacks and recharging their energy for the descent. They chose a different, shorter but much steeper path down. The 6-kilometre return journey, which involved hundreds of stairs, took about two hours. After such a physically demanding day, their soft beds were especially welcome.

Tranquillity at Namo Buddha Monastery

The group had an overnight experience at Namo Buddha Monastery. I have read that, from a Buddhist perspective, Namo Buddha is one of the most sacred religious sites in Nepal. Together with the Budha Stupa and Swayambhu Nath Stupa, it comprises three of the country’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.

According to Zander, Namo Buddha is not only spiritually significant but also breathtakingly beautiful and profoundly peaceful. The surroundings are serene and clean, with cool, fresh air that feels rejuvenating. It serves as an ideal place for meditation and quiet reflection. In the early morning, a stunning sunrise greets visitors, while the evenings offer equally mesmerising sunsets. In the distance, the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas emerge, radiating a sense of purity and majesty.

Travel is a gift

I close with the words of one of the teachers on the trip. It has been a wonderful two weeks, an experience none of us will ever forget.  I suspect that the lessons learned from Buddhism, SMD students, Nepali culture, and their way of life will manifest themselves differently in each of us here, and those learnings will appear at varying times and places for all of us over the coming days, weeks, months, and years.

I am grateful to Zander’s school and teachers for making this experience possible. A journey like this shifts your perspective on the world, its people, and the values that truly matter in life. Travel is a gift that keeps on giving.

I share some pictures that the students and teachers captured in the video below.

Regards

Emsia