Exploring Buddhist traditions, sacred spaces, and modern literature in the ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and Lumbini.
Kathmandu, Nepal's ancient capital, is a South Asian city where Newar Buddhist traditions thrive alongside modern life. This course explores that living culture through visits to sacred sites, monasteries, museums, and art studios, paired with readings from modern literature shaped by the city's Buddhist heritage.
Students will engage with Nepali writers, artists, and scholars; journey to Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace; and hike landscapes woven into Buddhist legends — examining how place, religion, and community shape storytelling, and how stories, in turn, transform our experience of a place.
The program includes two weeks of travel and learning in Nepal, primarily in the Kathmandu Valley, with an excursion to Lumbini. Students will team up to explore Patan firsthand, conducting field observations that form the foundation of a collaborative group project.
The official Reed program page is available here.
The program begins with a fall orientation at Reed (REL 100, 0.25 units) before departing for Nepal in January. The in-country program spans two weeks, moving between the Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini.
Four preparatory meetings introducing Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, readings from Sugata Saurabha, and a visit to Portland Baha (Nritya Mandala Mahavihar). Guest visit by Todd Lewis.
Travel from PDX (or airport of your choice). Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel Atisha by Pema Boutique, Boudha.
Seven rich days exploring the Kathmandu Valley. Morning tour of Boudha Stupa and Swayambhunath. Guided tours of Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares, four historic Viharas (Baha and Bahis) led by Vajrayana scholar Rajendra Man Bajracharya, Jana Baha, the Chittahar Museum & Asa Archive, Museum of Nepali Art, Kwa Baha, Simrik Atelier Paubha painting workshop, and a tour of Patan led by novelist Rishi Amatya. Group project field research and presentation.
Bus journey to Lumbini (approx. 9 hrs). Visit Maya Devi Temple & Ashoka Pillar, Eastern & Western Monastic Zones. Excursion to Tilaurakot (Ancient Kapilvastu) and Kudan monastery site. Return to Kathmandu.
Heritage walk and Bahas tour in Bhaktapur. Hike to Namo Buddha Shrine (associated with the Mahasattva Jataka). Hike to Jamacho Shrine. Shopping and personal exploration in Kathmandu. Farewell group dinner.
Late evening departure from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Arrival in Portland (PDX) or locale of your choice on January 20.
This program is structured as two Reed courses. Students should register for both the fall orientation component and the January travel component.
For full cost details, financial aid eligibility, and program fees, please visit the official Reed IPO program page or contact the program directors directly.
Email Kritish or Kristin with any questions about the program, academic fit, or logistics before applying.
Apply through the Reed IPO application portal. Deadline: May 19, 2026.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the program end date (July 2027).
Enroll in REL 100 (Fall 2026) and REL 100 (Spring 2027) once accepted into the program.
Complete assigned readings, obtain recommended vaccines, and fill out the travel preferences worksheet.
Kritish is originally from Nepal. He researches and teaches at the intersection of South Asian and African literature, Indian Ocean cultures, postcolonial theory, and critical ocean studies. He received his BA from Reed College and PhD from Northwestern University in Comparative Literature.
His recent book studies how novels from South Asia and Eastern Africa reimagine cross-cultural encounter and exchange in the Indian Ocean. He is currently working on an edited volume for Cambridge University Press, two new book projects on the monsoon in South Asian literature and on language politics, Buddhism, and modernism in Newar literature, and translates poetry from Nepalbhasa to English.
He also teaches in Reed's Humanities 110 and the Comparative Race and Ethnicity Studies (CRES) program.
Kristin is a scholar of South Asian religions. She serves as Chair of the Religion Department, Co-PI for the Mellon-funded Environmental Humanities Initiative, and Vice Chair of the Academic Relations Committee of the American Academy of Religion.
She received a BA from Colby College, an MTS from Harvard Divinity School, and an MA and PhD from Harvard University. Her research spans Hindu and Buddhist history, Pāli narrative literature (vaṃsa), rhetorical strategies in Pāli and Sanskrit texts, and the environmental humanities.
Her publications include Buddha Blueprint: A Storied Life (Oxford University Press, 2024) and Reading the Mahāvaṃsa (Columbia University Press, 2016).
Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to Reed students. Contact the program directors for specific eligibility questions and to discuss whether the program is a good fit for your academic goals.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is May 19, 2026. Apply through the Reed IPO portal.
What academic credit will I earn?
Students earn 0.25 units for the fall orientation (REL 100, Fall 2026) and 0.25 units for the two-week January trip (REL 100, Spring 2027), for a total of 0.5 units.
What is the housing situation in Nepal?
Students stay in comfortable shared double rooms with twin beds and a private bathroom — 12 nights at Hotel Atisha by Pema Boutique in Boudha, Kathmandu, and 3 nights at Hotel Ananda Inn in Lumbini.
Do I need prior knowledge of Buddhism?
No prior background is required. The fall orientation will introduce key concepts and traditions. The program is designed to be accessible to students from any discipline.
What required texts will I need?
Two primary texts: Sugata Saurabha by Chittadhar Hridaya (Harvard University Press, 2009) and Radha by Rishi Amatya (Safu Press, 2023), plus additional scholarly readings provided by the faculty.
What does a typical day look like?
Days typically begin at 7am with breakfast, followed by guided excursions, site visits, and scholarly discussions in the morning. Afternoons include workshops, independent group work, or additional site visits, with meals included throughout.
Where can I find more official program information?
Visit the official Reed IPO program page for full program details, or the application portal to apply.
Photos from Nepal by program faculty.
Reach out to either program director with questions about the program, eligibility, coursework, or logistics. We're happy to chat before you apply.