Trinity College Gladstone - Nepal Trek & Service

Sun shining on Machapuchare | Erin Williams

Alternative Schoolies in Nepal | Indigo Axford

Our Service Learning trips offer genuine cultural exchange and real opportunities to help local communities

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

The view of Machapuchare from Nayapul | Brad Atwal

Code: SOG7918

Overview

Highlights

Awesome views of the Annapurna mountain range including the fishtail mountain, Machapuchare
Help repair a remote school that otherwise receives little assistance
Join an expedition style trek, complete with porters & sirdars
Trek to the summit of Poon Hill (3200m) and beyond for even better views
Gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture, society, and people of Nepal
Enjoy a fully supported camping based trek including 3 hearty and hygeinic meals per day prepared by our well trained cooks
Explore Kathmandu including Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Bodhinath
Travelling with your peers and broaden your horizons on an immersive cultural experience

Gigantic Himalayan peaks, authentic mountain culture and a meaningful community service project are what you will embark on during this journey in Nepal. Your adventure begins in the fascinating capital city of Kathmandu, where you'll soak up the atmosphere and visit Hindu and Buddhist temples before flying to the Annapurna region. Beginning in the foothills we trek through delightful villages and rural landscapes where we take in the local way of life. Making our way to Poon Hill we are rewarded with the stunning panorama of the Annapurnas at sunrise. From here we depart the main trail to work in a small village in the Annapurna region where you will work side by side with the locals to improve the local school. This will be a real highlight where you will be fully immersed in village life. Following our Service we make our way to Nayapul and the end of a very memorable trek in the Himalaya.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Gladstone

Activities:

Grading:Introductory

Addressing:

Itinerary

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Day 1
Depart Brisbane/Arrive Kathmandu

After all the preparatons, your wait is over! Depart on your Singapore Airlines flight from Brisbane at 09:20 and arriving in Kathmandu at around 22:10. Upon landing and clearing customs you will be met by your Nepalese guide and transfer to your hotel in the city to rest for the night. Overnight Kathmandu, Le Himalaya Hotel

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Explore Kathmandu

This morning you will have a full trip briefing with your Guide where you can ask any questions and prepare your gear for the upcoming project and trek. Following your briefing you will head out with your Guide to explore Kathmandu. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to Nepalese culture and history. You will get to meet some Nepali people at the main meeting place, Durbar Square as well as taking in the UNESCO World Heritage Boudhanath Buddhist Stupa and the Pashupatinath Hindu Temple. Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. In the afternoon you will have some time to make your final preparations for your trek tomorrow. Overnight Kathmandu, Nomad Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Fly to Pokhara, drive to Sewai, and trek to Ghandruk (approx 4 hours)

This morning we take a flight west to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest town (820m). In good weather we are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna Range. From here we drive for approx 2 hours to Sewai. We then commence our trek following the Modi Khola to Ghandruk. On our approach we savor the magnificent scenery with fine mountain views. Ghandruk is the second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal and provides a further insight into the lifestyles of villages that have traditionally provided the backbone of the famous Gurkha regiments. Overnight private eco-campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
To Tadapani (2650m). Walk approx. 4-5 hrs.

Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into forest of rhododendron, magnolia and lichen covered fig. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for many small ferns and delicate plants such as exotic orchids bursting with colour. We reach Tadapani which is a small village home to our eco lodge, where we will spend the night.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
To Ghorepani (2880m) Walk approx 6-7 hours

The walk this morning offers excellent views of the Dhaulagiri range as the trail zigzags until we Ghorepani. This is a sizeable town on the main tourist trail. You may wish to wander through the bazaar, browse through Tibetan wares on display and enjoy local treats from the bakeries. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Early morning Poon Hill and Trek to Ulleri, walk approx 5-6 hours

This morning we make the pre dawn 45 minute climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3200m), affording spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. From Poon Hill we leave the main trail and traverse on old yak herder trails to Ulleri. The photography is superb from here and you may wish to get up early to catch the sunrise over the Himalaya.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
To Ghibrang & Project Site, Burkha School. Overnight Ghibrang. Walk approx 30 mins to project site each day

Our walk today is through jungle with gradual uphill sections. We mostly come across Himalayan brown oak, alder and rhododendron. The trail is unpaved and it is a villagers trail. We stop for lunch at Tharo Khola near a stream. After lunch a 20 minute uphill walk through trees and through a ridge rewards us with excellent views of the mountains. The danda we walk today is called Bhamarkot danda. We then descend towards Ghibrang. Trekking along the ridge of Bharmakot Dhanda we gain excellent views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and the Manaslu ranges. Ghibrang is a delightful village, largely untouched by western influence, and our private eco campsite offers yet more stunning views in a peaceful terraced setting amidst this pretty village. Overnight eco-camp.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8-10
Project Work at Burkha School

Over the course of the next three days we will work with the local crew and village community on refurbishment of a local School which will have long term benefits for the local students providing a safe and enjoyable learning space. More specific details of the project work will be available prior to departure.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
Trek to Nayapul and drive Pokhara, walk approx. 4-5 hours, drive 2 hours

Have your trekking poles at the ready today as our descent is approx. 1000 metres. We pass through interesting villages situated on steep rocky hills and terraces. The villages we pass are mixed communities of predominantly Gurung, Brahmin & Chettri. The final descent into Nayapul is 20 minutes on stone stairs. Here we will have a quick lunch break and then board the bus for Pokhara and our overnight accommodation. Once settled in we highly recommend you take a stroll down to the lake at Pokhara, there are many stores selling Tibetan wares which are less expensive than Kathmandu. The main street running along the lake is vibrant and an interesting place to sit and watch the world go by. We will enjoy a celebratory meal this evening in Pokhara. Overnight Hotel in Pokhara

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12
Fly to Kathmandu. Farewell Dinner

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu, a spectacular mountain flight along the face of the Himalaya. On arrival we transfer to the hotel.The afternoon is at leisure. Evening farewell meal. Overnight Kathmandu

Meals: B,D

Day 13
Depart Kathmandu

Free day at leisure until your late evening departure. Depart Kathmandu at 23:10

Meals: B

Day 14
Arrive Brisbane

Arrive Brisbane at 19:30. Onward arraangements organised by Trinity College Gladstone.

Meals: Nil

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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.

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

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

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

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:
• 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

Return economy flights from Brisbane to Kathmandu
All meals as outlined
private airport transfers and vehicle transportation throughout
flight Kathmandu to Pokhara return
expert bilingual local guide
comprehensive group medical kit
fully supported camping based trek including 3 hearty meals per day prepared by our cooks
8 nights eco-camp/eco-lodge
4 nights good quality accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
sleeping bag, inner sheet, down or fibre filled jacket
souvenir World Expeditions Schools duffel bag (approx 80L) - yours to keep!
porters to carry all personal and group equipment along with porter's insurance
sightseeing and site entry fees in Kathmandu and all national park entrance fees and trekking permits
Teachers from Trinity College Gladstone accompanyng the trip

What's not included

Transport to/from Brisbane/Gladstone - organised by Trinity College Gladstone
Lunch on Day 12 & 13
Bottled water and aerated drinks
Items of a personal nature such as laundry etc
Tips
Visa
Travel Insurance-compulsory
Optional activities in Pokhara
costs associated with the community service project, such as the purchase of materials, transport of materials to the project site and wages of a local trades person to oversee the project work - to be advised once project details are determined.

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 Trinity College Gladstone 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.

Testimonials

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.