St Andrew's Cathedral School - Annapurna Trek & Community Project

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: SOG7558

Overview

Highlights

Awesome views of the Annapurna mountain range including the fishtail mountain, Machapuchare
Work side by side with locals on a regenerative service project
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 on a regenerative service project. 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:

Sydney

Activities:

Grading:Introductory

Addressing:

Itinerary

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Day 1
Depart Sydney/Arrive Kathmandu

After all the preparatons, your wait is over! Depart Sydney on your Malaysian Airlines flight MH122 departing at around 13:10, via Kuala Lumpar and arrive in Kathmandu on MH114 at around 22:30. 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, Le Himalaya Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Fly to Pokhara, commence trek to Dhampus (1790m) - walk approx. 3 hrs

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 an hour to a pass between two river valleys to the village of Phedi, where we commence our trek. There is no need to rush as this is a short day with plenty of time to reach our overnight stop. The trail ascends for the first hour, following a ridge through fields of bamboo clusters to magnificent rhododendron forest. Villagers greet us with “Namaste”, the traditional Nepalese greeting, as we pass their homes and continue to the ridge top where at the crest the scale of the mountains astounds us. Machapuchare (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South (7219m) can be seen from our immediate viewpoint. Overnight eco lodge.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Trek to Landruk (1600mtrs), walk approx 5 hours

The views from our campsite are excellent, and morning generally offers the best opportunity to view the huge peaks. As we walk, the peaks of the Annapurnas will be visible through the scattered rhododendron forest, offering a sample of the trek to come. After our longer uphill morning session, this afternoon will be a more gradual. We descend towards the Mardi Khola, trekking through dense forest of rhododendron, oak and birch until we reach the terraced fields of Landruk. We have time to explore the village and visit the nearby waterfall before spending the night at our private eco camp site. Accommodation: Private Eco-campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
To Ghandruk (1740m). Walk approx. 4 hrs.

Our destination today is easily seen across the valley, the attractive Gurung village of Ghandruk, We descend the valley floor through terraced fields and cross steel suspension bridge to commence our ascent. As we trek up the staircase, we enjoy the beauty of Himalaya at a relatively close range and observe the glaciers flowing from them to form the river below us. It really is a magnificent location and a photographer's delight. On our leisurely approach along these ridges 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. The afternoon can be spent at leisure, or take a tour of the old village. Overnight in our private eco campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
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 7
Poon Hill & Upper Phulbari (2950m), panoramic views. Walk approx. 6-7 hrs.

The walk this morning offers excellent views of the Dhaulagiri range as the trail zigzags until we reach our lunch stop at Ghorepani. This is a sizeable town on the main tourist trail. You may wish to wander through the bazaar for a short period following lunch, as there are many Tibetan wares on display and also a bakery or two. Ghorepani is the last stop before we head into the more uninhabited regions of our trek. Most trekkers to Ghorepani make the pre dawn 45 minute climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3200m). We will make the climb in the afternoon, when there are no crowds. From Poon Hill we leave the main trail and traverse on old yak herder trails to Upper Phulbari. The location affords even more spectacular views than from Poon Hill, which we enjoy from the comfort of our eco lodge and with the luxury of no pre-dawn start. 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 8
To Swarga (2100m), via Jaljala Dil (2600m). Walk approx. 6-7 hrs.

Our start this morning is an uphill walk for an hour. We get excellent views of the mountains from Mohare Danda (3313m) which is higher than Poon Hill and the highest point throughout our trek. We eat lunch at Jaljala and continue for 2 hours downhill walk till we reach Swarga. Our campsite tonight is a Wilderness campsite at Lesper. This is a lovely section of our journey, with quiet trails and tiny villages set above the main trails far below. Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9-11
Project Work at Lespar

Over the course of the next two days we will work with the local crew and village community on a grassroots regerative agriculture program. More specific details of the project work will be available prior to departure.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12
To Ghibrang (1950m). Walk approx. 5-6 hrs.

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.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 13
Trek to Nayapul (1070m) and drive Pokhara. Walk approx. 3-4 hrs, drive approx. 2 hrs.

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,D

Day 14
Fly to Kathmandu. Late evening departure

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. You will have some free time in the afternoon to explore with your teachers and peers before freshening up and joining for a final farewell meal. After dinner you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight on MH115 departing at 23:30.

Meals: B,D

Day 15
Arrive Sydney

You will arrive in Sydney today on MH141 at around 20:30. A warm welcome awaits!

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 group flights from Sydney to Kathmandu
All meals as outlined (except lunch on Day 13 & 14)
private airport transfers and vehicle transportation throughout
flight Kathmandu to Pokhara return
expert bilingual local guide
fully supported camping based trek including 3 hearty meals per day prepared by our cooks
7 nights camping (eco-camps & wilderness camp) and 3 nights at an ecolodge
3 nights good quality accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
use of trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated mat
souvenir World Expeditions Schools kit bag - 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
Travel Insurance
Teachers from St Andrew's Cathedral School accompanyng the trip

What's not included

Lunch on Day 13 &14
Bottled water and aerated drinks
Items of a personal nature such as laundry etc
Tips - guidelines for tipping will be provided
Visa
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 (approx $300 - 400AU per student)

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 St Andrew's Cathedral 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.

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

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