Introduction
The Langtang program is ideal for students interested in the study of botany, ecology, conservation, wildlife, and life in rural Nepal. The Langtang National Park area is rich in a wide range of flora and fauna with about six different kinds of rhododendrons, many different wild flowers, and orchids. Also available during August and early September are more than 40 different kinds of mushrooms. Seen in the area are wild animals like red panda, Himalayan bear, musk deer, wild boar, leopard, four different kinds of monkeys including the white head langur. More than 200 different species of birds are found in the area.
 
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A Truly Rural Experience
The Langtang region falls in central Nepal although easily accessible from Kathmandu.  It is largely inhabited by the Tamang ethnic group whose religious practices, language and dress more are similar to those of Tibet than to the traditions of their cousins in the middle hills.
 
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The program will include home stay with Tamang families, experiencing their way of life and helping with daily chores and related independent study projects.

Taking advantage of the stupendously beautiful landscape, a trek through the Tamang Heritage trail, Kyangzin Gompa or climbing a 5100m peak will be included in the program.  During the trek you can visit villages, spend time with yak shepherds, milking and making butter as well as visit the cheese factory.
 

 

"I thought the program was coordinated very well, and I had a world of resources and information at my disposal just by picking my coordinator's brain on any of the topics that we were studying (and some that we were not).  I came to Kathmandu with few expectations and the program greatly surpassed them.”
- Sapna, Tibetan Spring Semester 2004