Description

Program Description

First Week: Introduction Week

Our introduction week will get you kickstarted into this amazing country located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Not only will you get to learn about the language and lifestyle, but you will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt race at a local market!

Second and Third Week: Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from trailhead Nayapul, cross river beds and terraced hillsides, on trails disappearing into blazing rhododendron clusters and oak forest, to picturesque villages of the Gurungs. We will go on to the deep narrow corridor of Modi River Gorge, the entrance to the sanctuary, a spectacular mountain amphitheatre formed by the towering peaks of Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna I and III, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome and Machhapuchhre. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek allows trekkers to pitch camp at approximately 14,000 ft, in the middle of breathtaking surroundings.

Annapurna Sanctuary is also popular as a natural amphitheatre because of its dramatic views from where trekkers can enjoy real natural wonders. On return, we descend through the gorge and cross the Deorali Pass from which can be had a bird’s eye view of the Kali Gandaki valley. On a rest day normally planned for Ghorepani, a short climb up to Poon Hill is worthwhile to get a sweeping view of the entire western Himalayas, including the giant Dhaulagiri.

Fourth Week: Community Service

You will get the chance to give back to Nepal by helping out in some of our projects. Your choices will be teaching at a local school, helping out at a kindergarten or aiding injured dogs in our shelter (Rabies Vaccination required).

What is included in the program

• Airport transfers as per the policy – Airport Pickup in Kathmandu – Tribhuvan International Airport
• Presence of a dedicated program coordinator throughout your travel, at the projects and facilities- Logistical management support in case of emergencies
• Authentic Nepali meals and European (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the duration of the entire program as per the meal plan
• Accommodation at hotels, tea houses, and at our accommodation facility – Shared accommodation
• Local transportation to all venues
• Entry fees to all places
• Extensive pre-departure information
• Overland public local transportation

What is excluded in the program

• Personal expenses such as table drinks, room service items, laundry, telephone calls, tips, portage at hotels or airports, bottles of water during your road trip etc.
• Any additional expenses caused by or liability for disturbance in the program due to circumstances, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, riots etc.
• Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods.
• Our program does not cover any liability and does not insure participants. Participants must have appropriate insurance before joining the program.
• Any camera fee where applicable.
• Any service not specified above.

Few things to consider when you are with us!

• Returning to the accommodation after your personal trips before 22.00 every day
• You will not be allowed to hire any vehicle on your own
• Consumption of alcohol inside the accommodation is strictly prohibited
• Respect and adhere to our code of conduct
• Our staff is there to support you, guide you and make your trip memorable. We kindly request you to follow their instructions at all times
• You will not be allowed to bring outsiders inside our centres/ tea houses or hotels

Add-on: +Learning

There is no +Learning add-on available for this program.

Aims & Objectives

To bring you closer to authentic Nepal and the majestic Himalayas. It is aimed to immerse you fully into the Nepali lifestyle, culture and customs.

Schedule

• Welcoming Ritual – Puja to the Gods & goddess and name giving ceremony with Ice breaking activities
• Review the schedule,
• Social behaviors norms dos & don’ts in Nepali culture
• Cross culture seminar on eating, drinking, clothing bathing & toileting customs in Nepal
• Lunch
• Talk on safety & security during the program. Signing up the Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy and Release & Waiver of Liability. Collection of passport copies, photos, and police clearance
• Information on placement and visiting the placement site.
• Assignment to find the local civics places in and around the program house neighborhood. Get personal accessories (Photocopy, money exchange, ATM and take picture). Clothing shopping at the local market.
• Dinner

Week 1: Introduction in Kathmandu

Monday

• Puja to the gods & goddesses and name-giving ceremony
• Go over the week’s schedule and handling of documents
• An introduction game to get to know fellow participants
• Cultural seminar on social behavioral norms, dos & don’ts in Nepalese culture. Intercultural eating and drinking habits, bathing and clothing customs in Nepalese culture.
• A little assignment for you to explore your neighborhood and find local civic places such as banks (ATM), temples, schools, restaurants etc.

Tuesday

• A social interactive session to get to know each other and an opportunity to bring out concerns about your health etc so that we will be aware.
• Nepali language training
• Shopping at the local market
• Orientation tour of the city of Nepal with an interesting game called “Scavenger Hunt”, we will tell you more about this when you are here
• Movie Night

Wednesday

• Yoga and meditation
• Nepali cooking session
• Cultural as well as historical orientation tour to Sleeping Bishnu, Jamchen Vijay Stupa and ISKON Temple as ISP

Thursday

• A cultural as well as historical orientation tour to the famous Swayambhunath temple
• A talk on schooling and education system in Nepal and placement sites
• Culture Night

Friday

• It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
• Feedback sharing (evaluation)

Day 6: Saturday

• Free time to explore on your own or relax

Day 7: Sunday

• Free time to explore on your own or relax

Week 2: Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Day 8: Monday

• Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 km)
• Overnight stay at the Center in Pokhara

Day 9: Tuesday

• Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,577 m)
• Two-hour drive to Nayapul (1070 m)
• Trek following Bhurung Khola to reach Tikhedhunga
• Overnight stay at a lodge

Day 10: Wednesday

• Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,855 m)
• Ascend to Ulleri Village through a pleasant Rhododendron forest and arrive at the top of Ghorepani pass

• Overnight stay at a lodge

Day 11: Thursday

• Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,680 m)
• Early wake up and walk up to Poon Hill for one hour to observe the sunrise and a magnificent mountain view
• Walk back to Ghorepani for breakfast
• Trek to Tadapani
• Overnight stay at a lodge

Day 12: Friday

• Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170 m)
• An easy way down to Kimron Khola for lunch
• Ascend again to Chhomrong village which lies at the base of Himchuli at the elevation of 6,441m, which also offers a close view of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre
• Overnight stay at a lodge

Day 13: Saturday

• Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel (2,873 m)
• Forward to Kuldi Ghar for about 3 hrs and down to the bank of the Modi river viewing thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge
• Passing by the pasture of Tomo and Panchen Barah, climb up to the hotel
• Overnight stay at Himalayan Hotel

Day 14: Sunday

• Himalayan Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m)
• Keeping up on the west bank of Modi, follow a more open valley at the side of Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Overnight stay at a lodge

Week 3

Day 15: Monday

• Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
• Descend and follow the same way to a pleasant camp spot at Bamboo
• Overnight stay at a lodge

Day 16: Tuesday

• Bamboo to Jhinu
• Walk up to Chhomrong and further way down to Jhinu
• Overnight stay at a lodge

Day 17: Wednesday

• Jhinu to Pothana (1980 m)
• Walk downwards to Modi river
• Ascend to Landrung, a beautiful Gurung village and lunch at Tolka
• An easy ascent up to Deurali
• Overnight stay at Pothana

Day 18: Thursday

• Pothana to Pokhara (820 m)
• About 3-4 hours easy way down via Dhampus village to Phedi
• Then one hour drive to Pokhara
• Overnight stay at the Center in Pokhara

Day 19: Friday

• Drive back to Kathmandu by Bus
• Overnight stay at the Center

Day 20-21: Saturday to Sunday

• Free days
• Overnight stay at the Center

Week 4

Day 22-26: Monday to Friday

You can choose from the following options:

• Teaching at local schools
• Helping out at a Kindergarten
• Working with rescued dogs at our Canine Rehabilitation project (Rabies Vaccination Required)

Day 27: Saturday

Departure

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Starting Dates

During 2023

During 2024

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

Minimum age:                –

Maximum age:                –

Minimum English level:        Basic

CRB required:                On Signup

Passport copy required:        On Signup

Resume copy required:        No

Required qualification:        None

Additional Requirements

There are no specific requirements.

Additional Equipment

We recommend the following equipment and items to pack for your trekking trip.

For head

• Sun Hat/baseball cap
• Fleece/Wool hat (to cover ears) for winter
• Sunglasses & reading glasses
• Scarf to cover face (dust/wind)

For lower Body

• Undergarments
• Hiking shorts – 1
• Lightweight walking pants – 1
• Lightweight thermal leggings – winter
• Fleece or tracksuit pants

For Feet

• Thin cotton inner socks
• Thick warm wool hiking socks
• Hiking boots
• Sandals
• Walking poles

For Upper Body

• T-shirts
• Lightweight thermal tops – winter
• Fleece long shelve tops
• Down vest/jacket – winter
• Poncho rain cover

For Hands

• Lightweight fleece gloves – winter
• Playing card
• Trail map & guide book

For Sleeping

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag liner
• Pillow slip/case

Medical Kit

• See your Doctor for complete medical kit Including Dimox – for high elevation

Accessories

• Headlamp & spare batteries
• Dry packs
• Open neck water bottles
• Watch with light & alarm
• Pack cover
• Day pack
• Money belt
• Toiletries & Personal Hygiene
• 1x quick dry towel & face cloth
• Shampoo & Conditioner                  
• Toothbrush & paste (biodegradable)
• Multipurpose wipes (face & body)
• Deodorant
• Face & Body moisturizer
• Nail clippers/file
• Small comb/brush
• Clothes washing soap (biodegradable)
• Toilet paper (you can buy more on trek)
• Anti-Bacterial wipes (4x packs)
• Hand sanitizer (small bottle)
• Sun block face/body high UV protection
• Lip block with UV protection
• Feminine hygiene products

Extra Items

• Camera & extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Reading books
• Journal & pen                          
• Energy/protein bars
• Walkman & Steripen

***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.***