Kathmandu: Nepal welcomed 200 young people from Spain in July as part of Ruta Inti–international educational and cultural exchange program of Spain. The expedition is one of the largest youth adventure and learning programs in the Spanish-speaking world.
Under the title “Echoes of the Himalayas” the participants spend 28 days travelling across Nepal, learning about the country’s history, culture, communities and natural heritage through direct experience and cultural exchange. The journey began in Kathmandu on July 14 and it took participants for four weeks through three of Nepal’s most emblematic regions: Kathmandu Valley, Mustang and Chitwan. As per the itinerary, the expedition was expected to visit places such as Bhaktapur, Simpani, Lamjung, Pokhara and Lubra.
Ruta Inti stated that throughout the expedition, participants will explore the historical and spiritual heritage of Kathmandu Valley, discover the unique Himalayan landscapes and traditions of Mustang, and experience the biodiversity and environmental importance of Chitwan. Through workshops, lectures, field activities and interaction with local communities, the young participants will gain a deeper understanding of Nepal’s rich cultural and geographical diversity.
According to the organizers, Nepal was chosen not only for its extraordinary landscapes, but also for its unique position as a meeting point of cultures, religions, traditions and ways of life. “Many young Europeans know Nepal through the Himalayas, but we want them to discover a much deeper reality: The people, the heritage, history and cultural diversity,” said the Ruta Inti expedition team. “This journey is an opportunity for hundreds of young people to learn directly from Nepal and to build lasting connections with the country and its communities.”
The first few days were spent in Bhaktapur where they visited the old town. They walked to Changu Narayan then returned to Kathmandu where they visited Pashupatinath, Swayambunath and Durbar Square.
The expedition represents a milestone for the organization, becoming the first Spanish academic expedition to develop a program of this scale in Asia. Since its creation, Ruta Inti has organized educational journeys across Europe, Africa and the America, bringing together more than 1,200 young participants.
According to the organization, the program combines adventure, cultural immersion and environmental education through what the organizers describe as a “travelling university”, where learning takes place not only in classrooms but also through daily experiences, dialogue and coexistence. The 2026 edition is supported by several Spanish public institutions and universities. Journalists from major Spanish media outlets accompany part of the expedition, helping introduce Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage to audiences across Spain.
