Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:

You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Tour and Trekking Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:

We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Tour and Trekking Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara by Tourist Bus:

At the beginning of the journey today we head to Pokhara. The journey to the city of lakes begins from the valley heading out of its twisty roads and reaching Prithvi Highway and the thrashing Trishuli River. The tranquil journey gives us a peek at the majestic Himalayas right as we enter the mesmerizing Pokhara valley. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and Ulleri Trek:

We are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna and several others. We pass through sub-tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. We cross the Bhurungdi Khola via a bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward will really prove a test of our stamina. Overnight stay in Ulleri. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 05: Ulleri – Ghorepani Trek:

We make our way ascending towards Ghorepani. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means ‘horse water’ due to it being an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker’s stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and crafts. The town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather, especially in the evenings. Overnight stay in Ghorepani. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 06: Ghorepani –  Poon Hill  – Tadapani Trek:

Today is a big day for us, so we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m/10,529ft.) to witness the most amazing sunrise views over the Himalayas. Poon Hill is the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great vantage point to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest mountains, including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After spending some time taking pictures and having coffee, tea or hot chocolate, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani to spend the night. Overnight stay in Tadapani. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 07: Tadapani – Ghandruk Trek:

We leave Tadapani making a steep descent through the dense forests of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into amazing gardens. Depending on the travel season, by afternoon we get to enjoy cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After hiking for some more time, we enter the village of Ghandruk, which is a slope settlement comprising stone houses, mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. Enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. Overnight stay in Ghandruk.

Day 08: Ghandruk to Forest Camp Trek:

Our trail passes through a lush forest dotted with red rhododendrons. The flowers are a common sight in Nepalese hills and it is no surprise that it is Nepal’s national flower. Our trail is very quiet until we reach a clearing of the forest camp. We can take a rest and explore the area which is also known locally as Kokar. Overnight in Forest Camp.

Day 09: Forest Camp to High Camp Via Low Camp Trek:

We start our patrol to Low camp through murky forest viewing and applauding the beautiful forest filled with rhododendron and other admirable flora and fauna. From Low camp, we can get a very peaceful and charming view of Mt. Machapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail). We also enjoy the cultures and lifestyles of local residents. After lunch at the low camp, our trek starts leaving the dense forest behind and admiring the beautiful view towards Mardi Himal and Machapuchhre. On the way, we can view the beautiful appearance of the Danphe (The national bird of Nepal) if our fortune becomes on our side. We reach to the High camp and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains and the environment around us. Overnight in high camp.

Day 10: Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp Trek:

We trek uphill alongside a ridge towards Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhre. The tree lines start getting thinner and the area mostly consists of shrubs with isolated rhododendron bushes along the trail. If lucky, we might even come across the Daphne pheasant (the national bird of Nepal) on our way to high camp. We ascend up to the high camp, which is the final destination of the day. From here the mountain views are stunning. Overnight in High Camp.

Day 11: High Camp to Siding Village Trek:

We take a different route in the high camp that takes us to Sidhing instead of going back down to Mardi Himal. The different route lets us experience something different and makes our trek exciting. Siddhing offers a quiet stay for trekkers as it is tucked away from the busier trails. Overnight in Siddhing.

Day 12: Trek to Lumre and drive to Pokhara:

We walk towards Lumre finally reaching the road from where we begin our drive to Pokhara. After reaching the city. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus:

After breakfast, transfer to the Tourist bus station and 06: 30 am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.