A Journey of Culture, Connection, and Compassion: 27 Dutch Students Trip Nepal with Volunteer Society Nepal
The sun was beginning to dip behind the hills of the Kathmandu Valley when the group of twenty-seven Dutch students, accompanied by their two teachers and two guides, finally arrived in Nepal — their faces bright with a mix of curiosity, excitement, and fatigue. It was October 21st, and as the airliner touched down at Tribhuvan International Airport, the crisp evening breeze carried a faint scent of incense, street food, and festival flowers. For the next nine days, Nepal would be their classroom — its people, traditions, and landscapes teaching lessons far beyond textbooks.
This was not just a tour; it was a cultural exchange journey organized by Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN), combining service, exploration, and immersion. Through homestays, school visits, language lessons, temple explorations, and village life, the group experienced the very soul of Nepal — one built on simplicity, spirituality, and the strength of community.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – A Festival of Lights and First Impressions
The team from Volunteer Society Nepal — Ishwor, Bishal, Sushil, Sarbin and Tiya — were waiting at the airport gate with broad smiles and a garland of marigolds for each guest. “Namaste and welcome to Nepal!” greeted Bishal as each student received their floral necklace, a gesture of warmth that instantly dissolved the fatigue of travel.
Their vans wove through the evening traffic into the Pepsicola Townplanning area, a vibrant suburban community of Kathmandu that was alive with the rhythm of the Tihar Festival — Nepal’s festival of lights. At every corner, small clay lamps flickered, doorways were lined with colorful rangoli designs, and music filled the streets.
Upon arrival at their Nepali host families, the students were divided into smaller groups, each warmly received by their aama (mother) and buwa (father). For many, it was their first time being welcomed not into a hotel, but into a real Nepali home. The smell of home-cooked dal bhat filled the air — rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles, lovingly served on steel plates.
That evening, the group joined their hosts for Tihar celebrations, dancing to deusi bhailo songs and sharing laughter with neighborhood children. “I didn’t expect the festival to be this lively,” said Amber, one of the students. “It feels like we’ve stepped into a movie scene — everyone is dancing, smiling, and inviting us in.”
For Volunteer Society Nepal, cultural immersion begins not in classrooms, but in living rooms — through shared meals, laughter, and light.
Day 2: Women’s Center Visit and Learning the Language of Connection
The next morning, after breakfast with their host families, the group gathered at the VSN Women’s Center in Pepsicola — a bright and busy space where local women come together to learn English, computer skills, and life training.
The Dutch students were greeted with traditional tika and flower garlands before sitting down with the women to learn how to make momo, Nepal’s beloved dumpling. The kitchen buzzed with laughter as Nepali and Dutch hands worked side-by-side, folding dough and sharing stories. “My momo doesn’t look right,” joked Willem, as one of the women, Maya, patiently showed him how to twist the edges.
After enjoying their self-made lunch of steaming momos, the group attended a basic Nepali language class led by Sushil, Sarbin and Bikesh. They learned greetings, numbers, and phrases like “Namaste” (Hello), “Dhanyabad” (Thank you), and “Ramro cha” (It’s good). The sound of students practicing — shy at first, confident later — filled the hall with energy.
Later that afternoon, they explored the Pepsicola Town area, visiting local shops and trying on traditional attire — kurta suruwal for the girls and Dhaka topi for the boys. “Wearing Nepali clothes felt like becoming part of the culture,” said Maartje. “Everyone smiled at us when we walked by. It was such a beautiful moment.”
That evening, as the Tihar lights still shimmered across rooftops, each host family invited the group to join the final day of the festival — Bhai Tika, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.
Day 3: Bhai Tika and Boudhanath Stupa – A Day of Blessings and Beliefs
The morning of October 23rd began with music, rituals, and love. At their homestays, students witnessed the deeply emotional tradition of Bhai Tika, where sisters apply colorful tika on their brothers’ foreheads, offering blessings for long life and happiness. Many of the Dutch students participated, receiving tika from their Nepali “sisters” — a symbolic gesture of kinship that transcended nationality.
Wearing their traditional outfits, the group then traveled north to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. The white dome gleamed under the sun, encircled by fluttering prayer flags and the scent of butter lamps.
Monks circled the stupa in meditation while vendors sold incense, malas, and thangkas. The students visited a nearby Buddhist monastery, where they interacted with young monks — playful, curious, and wise beyond their years. Together they shared stories, laughter, and even a quick football match in the monastery courtyard.
“I felt such peace here,” said Babet, one of the students. “The monks were so kind, and they made us feel like we were part of something bigger.”
As dusk fell, the group returned to their homestays for a final dinner with their families, closing the Tihar festival with gratitude and new friendships.
Day 4: Kathmandu Exploration – Faith, Art, and Humanity
Day four was a deep dive into Kathmandu’s cultural and spiritual heart. After breakfast, the group set out for Swayambhunath Stupa, famously known as the Monkey Temple. The climb of 365 stone steps was rewarded with panoramic views of the city and a closer glimpse of Nepal’s spiritual diversity — prayer wheels spinning, monkeys leaping, and incense smoke rising like whispers to the sky.
At midday, they attended a social circus workshop at Circus Kathmandu, a non-profit organization empowering youth through art and performance. The students learned basic acrobatics, juggling, and movement — but most importantly, they learned how creative expression can transform lives.
After a quick packed lunch, the group visited Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s holiest Hindu site on the banks of the Bagmati River. Here, the realities of life and death coexist in profound harmony. “It was emotional,” said Lotte. “You can feel the spirituality here — not in grand temples, but in the people’s acceptance and peace.”
That evening, dinner was relaxed and joyful, either at their homestays or a cozy local restaurant, Burger House, where laughter filled the tables as students reflected on the day’s intensity.
Day 5: Journey to Musure Village – Into the Heart of Rural Nepal
The next morning, the adventure took a new turn — a journey to Musure Village, a serene rural community surrounded by green hills and terraced fields. After a three-hour drive and a twenty-minute uphill walk, the students were greeted by villagers wearing traditional attire, offering tika, khada scarves, and flower garlands.
The house mothers — known affectionately as aama — led the students to their homes. The simplicity of rural life was humbling: wooden houses, fields of maize and millet, children waving along dusty paths. “This is the real Nepal,” whispered Chloe, as she helped her host mother fetch water from the communal tap.
After a light snack, the group explored the village, visited the local waterfall, and joined villagers in tree planting and small farming activities. Laughter echoed across the hills as Dutch hands dug into the Nepali soil — a symbol of unity between two worlds.
That night, the air filled with music, dancing, and the crackling of a campfire. The villagers sang folk songs, and the students joined in, blending Nepali rhythms with Western tunes. Under the starlit sky, the connection was genuine and unforgettable.
Day 6: Yoga, School Visits, and Rural Healthcare
The sixth day began with the sunrise and the sound of birds. On an open meadow overlooking the valley, a morning yoga session was led by local instructors. “It was the most peaceful morning I’ve ever had,” said Emma. “You could feel your mind quiet down, even with the sounds of nature all around.”
After breakfast, the group walked 45 minutes to the local school, where they were greeted by hundreds of smiling children waving flags. Together, they painted walls, organized games, and held a clean-up campaign in the schoolyard.
As part of their cultural exchange, the students donated 125 school bags, educational materials, and a small fund to support the school’s infrastructure — all collected back home before their trip. The school principal, speaking with emotion, said, “Your kindness will stay in the hearts of our children for a long time.”
The group also visited the local health post, learning about rural healthcare challenges and the resourcefulness of local health workers. “It made me appreciate how much can be done with so little,” shared Noah, reflecting on the visit.
As the sun set, the students returned to their host families, tired but fulfilled. The evening was calm, marked by stories, laughter, and homemade chiya (Nepali tea).
Day 7: Farewell to Musure – Off to The Last Resort
The final morning in Musure was bittersweet. After breakfast, the families gathered to bid farewell. Tears flowed freely as hugs and handmade garlands were exchanged. “It felt like leaving family,” said Laura softly. “We didn’t expect to get so attached in just two days.”
After a short walk downhill, the group boarded the bus toward The Last Resort, with a brief stop at Sukute Beach for lunch. By afternoon, they arrived at the resort, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of the Bhote Koshi River rushing below.
Evening at the resort was relaxed — swimming, playing games, and gathering around a bonfire. Music filled the air as the group celebrated the journey so far. “It’s hard to put into words,” said teacher Marleen. “Nepal has given us so much — not just sights, but feelings, memories, and new perspectives.”
Day 8: Rafting Adventure and Return to Kathmandu
The morning of October 28th brought excitement — white-water rafting on the Bhote Koshi River. The students geared up with helmets and paddles, ready to take on the rapids. Guided by professional instructors, they learned teamwork, communication, and courage as they navigated through splashing waves and laughter.
After a riverside lunch at Sukute Beach, the group began their journey back to Kathmandu. That evening, they gathered for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant — a night of reflection, gratitude, and laughter. Awards were given for “Best Dancer,” “Most Curious Learner,” and “Best Momo Maker.”
As candles flickered across the tables, Bishal and Ishwor thanked the group for their energy and kindness. “You came as visitors,” said Ishwor, “but you are leaving as friends and ambassadors of Nepal.”
Day 9: Farewell and Reflections
On their final morning, the group departed early for Kathmandu Airport, sleepy but smiling. Breakfast was packed neatly in the bus — Nepali bread, fruit, and tea.
As the plane lifted above the valley, many gazed down at the patchwork of fields and temples below, quietly reflecting on all they had seen and learned.
Back in the Netherlands, the memories of Nepal’s warmth, simplicity, and resilience would stay with them — in stories they would tell, photos they would share, and perspectives forever changed.
Reflections from the Journey
When asked what stood out most, the students’ answers painted a collective picture of transformation.
“I learned that happiness doesn’t come from things,” said Bente, “but from connection.”
“I’ll never forget my host mother,” said Krithi. “She didn’t speak English, but her kindness spoke louder than words.”
For teachers Tessa and Arienne, it was about watching their students grow. “They came here to learn about another culture,” Tessa said, “but I think they learned more about themselves.”
Volunteer Society Nepal’s mission — to connect hearts through service and culture — came alive in these nine days. Through festivals, food, temples, teaching, and teamwork, the group not only saw Nepal but became a part of it.
As the marigold garlands wilted and the festival lights faded, one thing remained — the bond between Nepal and the Netherlands, built on shared humanity, curiosity, and compassion.
A Journey Beyond Travel
The trip ended, but the experience continued — in memories, friendships, and a deeper sense of global citizenship. For Volunteer Society Nepal, programs like this are more than tours; they are pathways of empathy, cultural understanding, and hope.
In a world where differences often divide, the sight of Dutch students dancing barefoot in a Nepali village, making momos in a Kathmandu kitchen, or rafting through Himalayan rivers reminds us of something simple yet profound — that kindness and curiosity can bridge any distance.
Volunteer Society Nepal continues to welcome groups from around the world to share in such transformative journeys — where travel becomes more than sightseeing; it becomes a story of giving, learning, and belonging.
If you are considering organizing a group trip to Nepal with your students, we encourage you to reach out to us. We provide the finest, safest, and most unique Nepal tour itineraries for your student group. As one of the leading educational tour organizers in Nepal, we take pride in collaborating with various schools, colleges, and universities from Asia, Europe, and America.
Please feel free to contact us. We can design a perfect travel itinerary for your group tailored to your specific requirements, budget, and other needs.