As many schools look to lock in their overseas educational journeys for the coming years, one of the questions we are often asked is “What is the best destination for senior school students to travel to from a service perspective as well as to encourage self-growth?” 

Our answer every time? Nepal.

Nepal itself is a destination of immense beauty and diversity. Home to 8 of the world’s 14 – 8000m peaks, treks often start in lush rhododendron and magnolia forests and lead up along ridges to the very basecamps of the mountains themselves. 

Combine this with huge valleys kilometres deep from the top of the mountains to the thundering rivers below makes the trails in Nepal some of the best trekking trails in the world. 

Trekking in such wilderness areas encourages a real respect and deep appreciation for the environment students travel through as well as allowing young people to disconnect with screens and re-connect with the natural environment.

But it’s not just the mountains and scenery that makes Nepal one of the truly great destinations in the world for people of all ages.

There are ancient, medieval villages, steeped in history, sacred sites and mystical temples just begging to be explored. 

From a cultural perspective there is a rich melting pot of cultures in Nepal, with many ethnic groups influenced both from Tibet to the north and India to the south.

Groups trek through small remote mountainous villages along the old trade routes and pilgrimage trails locals have been walking and trading goods along for centuries.

The real focus of many school programs to Nepal is the regenerative service project element. To join with members of the local community and work side by side in locally identified projects that help improve the livelihoods and capacities of the local community in a sustainable, regenerative, and far-reaching way, is a transformative and often life-changing for many students.

And, finally, it is the people of Nepal that often leave a lasting impact on a student’s journey. The strong, humble, resilient, and welcoming local people that you meet and interact with along the way enables students to learn and deepen their understanding of another’s culture and customs - a rare privilege. 

Nepal is also one of the most affordable destinations for school groups, compared to other destinations in Asia, and the world.

When you weigh everything up, no other destination can quite compare to Nepal. It provides an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, face new challenges, and develop resilience, self-reliance, and confidence.

Contact us now to learn which part of Nepal is best for your school, or to arrange a meeting to discuss your schools’ international programs for next year.