Annapurna Trek & Service Learning

Snow capped mountains of the Annapurna range | Kelvin Law

Students embracing culture whilst on trek in Nepal | Indigo Axford

Warming smiles of local villagers | Kelvin Law

Students on trek arriving at Ghorepani

Sun shining on Machapuchare | Erin Williams

Students making friends with a Sadhu in Kathmandu, Nepal | Greg Pike

Snow capped mountains of the Annapurna range | Kelvin Law

Students embracing culture whilst on trek in Nepal | Indigo Axford

Warming smiles of local villagers | Kelvin Law

Students on trek arriving at Ghorepani

Sun shining on Machapuchare | Erin Williams

Students making friends with a Sadhu in Kathmandu, Nepal | Greg Pike

Code: WSAT

Overview

Highlights

Trek with uninterrupted views of the Annapurna Range, including the iconic fishtail peak, Machapuchare
Experience a fully supported expedition-style trek with expert local guides and porters
Participate in a hands-on community project at a remote Himalayan school
Gain deeper insight into Nepal’s rich culture, history and daily village life of the Gurung people
Explore the cultural and spiritual landmarks of Kathmandu including Pashupatinath and the Boudhanath stupa
Unwind in Pokhara, a relaxed lakeside town framed by soaring Himalayan peaks and serene natural beauty

This inspiring program combines hands-on community engagement with an unforgettable trek beneath the soaring peaks of Nepal’s Annapurna Range. After exploring the cultural highlights of Kathmandu and the lakeside town of Pokhara, the group sets off on a fully supported trek through terraced valleys, rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages. Along the way, students stay in eco lodges and exclusive eco-camps, gaining a genuine connection to the landscape and local way of life.

A highlight of the journey is the service project at a remote mountain school, where students work alongside local tradespeople and villagers to improve facilities and support long-term learning outcomes. More than just a trek, this journey encourages teamwork, resilience and cultural exchange – all in one of the world’s most iconic mountain regions. Expert local guides ensure the highest standards of safety, care and insight throughout the experience.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Kathmandu

Activities:

Grading:Introductory

Addressing:

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu, Trip & Safety Briefing

After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over! On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met by your group leader and transferred to your well located hotel. You will have a full trip and safety briefing with your Nepalese guides. Arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket before heading out to dinner as a group.

Meals: D

Day 2
Explore Kathmandu

Today is a chance to explore the cultural heart of Nepal. You’ll visit key spiritual landmarks such as the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the giant stupa of Boudhanath, the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet. There’s time to explore Thamel’s narrow streets, visit sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or go to the World Heritage-listed squares of Bhaktapur or Patan.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Fly to Pokhara, boat and walk to Peace Pagoda

This morning, enjoy a scenic flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city nestled beside a tranquil lake. After transferring to your hotel, you’ll take a traditional wooden boat across Phewa Lake to visit the Tal Barahi temple before hiking up to the World Peace Pagoda. From the top, soak in your first panoramic views of the Annapurna Range.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Commence trek to Dhampus

After breakfast, we drive to Phedi to begin our trek. The trail climbs steadily through terraced farmland and rhododendron forest, passing villages where locals welcome us with warm smiles and a friendly “Namaste.” As you reach Dhampus, enjoy incredible views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South. Overnight in eco-lodge at Dhampus (1900m / 6234ft). Walking time: Approximately 4 - 5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Trek to Landruk

After a glorious mountain sunrise, the trail today follows a ridgeline before descending gently into the village of Landruk. Along the way, you’ll walk through forested paths and small Gurung villages that feel untouched by time. Your private eco-camp offers commanding views of the mountains and peaceful surroundings. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Landruk (1640m / 5380ft) Walking time: Approximately 5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Trek to Chhomrong

Today’s trail winds through terraced hillsides and peaceful forests, with regular encounters with local villagers going about their daily routines. As we gain elevation, views of the surrounding peaks become more expansive. In the afternoon, we arrive at our eco-lodge in Chhomrong, where we’ll be based while supporting a nearby community project. After settling in, you’ll visit the site and meet the local team you’ll be working alongside in the days ahead. Overnight in eco-lodge at Chhomrong (2170m / 7120ft) Walking time: Approximately 6 - 7 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7-8
Community Project Work

For the next two days, you’ll work closely with local community members to support a hands-on school-based project. Whether assisting with repairs, painting, or improving classroom infrastructure, this is a chance to make a meaningful contribution while learning about rural Nepali life. The bonds formed during this shared experience often become the most memorable part of the journey. *Specific tasks will be confirmed closer to your departure date

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Trek to Ghandruk

Leaving the village, the trail gently descends through forest and farmland toward Ghandruk. As one of the region’s most iconic villages, Ghandruk offers spectacular views and insight into Gurung culture. On arrival, settle into your wilderness camp with time to relax and reflect on your project days. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Ghandruk (1953m / 6407ft). Walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10
Trek to Syauli Bazar

The final day of trekking takes you downhill through terraced landscapes to the village of Syauli Bazar or Nayapul. From here, a scenic drive returns you to Pokhara for your final night in the Annapurna region. Enjoy a relaxed evening back in town, where you can explore lakeside cafes or stroll along the waterfront. Driving time: Approximately 3 hours Walking time: Approximately 2 hours *trekking route will vary at the discretion of local guides depending on seasonal conditions

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
Fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast, board your return flight to Kathmandu. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Himalaya from the air. On arrival, transfer to your hotel with time in the afternoon to explore more of the city, visit local markets or unwind with your group. In the evening, we share a final dinner together – a chance to celebrate the journey,new friendships and lasting memories made along the way.

Meals: B,D

Day 12
Depart Kathmandu

Following breakfast, transfer to the international airport for your onward flight. The experiences, connections and memories made in Nepal will stay with you long after you return home.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty: Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.

Good Health And Well-being: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Quality Education: Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

Gender Equality: Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Clean Water And Sanitation: Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in.

Decent Work And Economic Growth: Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

Reduced Inequalities: To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

Sustainable Cities And Communities: There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Responsible Production and Consumption: Responsible Production and Consumption

Life On Land: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

Peace Justice And Strong Institutions: Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

Partnerships For The Goals: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

Learning outcomes for students

World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to align with the United Nations SDG's and to:
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet.
• increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.
• discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.
• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.
• give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.
• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.
We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.

Inclusions

What's included

International and domestic flights as required
All meals as per itinerary
All accommodation as per itinerary, including our fully serviced campsites and eco-lodges on trek
All transfers and local transport
All entrance fees and permits as per itinerary, inclusive of trekking permits
Tips for guides and trekking crew
Use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
Souvenir World Expeditions Schools kit bag - yours to keep!
Medically trained bilingual guide and group medical kit
Porters to carry all overnight personal and group equipment
Porter's insurance
Teachers accompanying the program

What's not included

Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
Visa
Travel Insurance

Grading

Introductory

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trek. The Annapurna Trek is graded introductory. This is primarily due to the low altitude gains and the condition of the trail which is well defined and not unduly demanding. During the trek you will be walking for up to five to six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness (remember there is no such thing as an easy trek) and we suggest 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended.

Customise your program

We can fully customise a School Travel Program to suit your students' learning objectives and budget. Whether you require a Service Learning program, physical challenge, cultural immersion or certain curriculum targets - talk to one of our educational travel experts about the elements you need in your itinerary. We pride ourselves on developing unique itineraries to meet the learning requirements for schools.

World Expeditions Schools is a division of one of the world's leading adventure travel companies, World Expeditions. We can develop itineraries in any destination that is offered by World Expeditions, which is to every continent on earth.

Use our simple Expedition Design Form to contact us with your requirements and an educational travel expert will be in touch to assist.

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

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Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.