Pulteney Nepal Service Learning Program 2024

Annapurna mountain view

Playing with the local school children at the project site

A sardhu at Bodnath, Kathmandu | Peter Walton

Tailor your school trip to Nepal's Annapurna region

Prayer flags in Kathmandu, Nepal | Keri May

Code: SOG6295

Overview

Highlights

Service learning program at Texas international College and Shadberry International School
Exploring Kathmandu's many world heritage religous and cultural sights
Stunning views of the Annapurna Range
Walking through Gurung Villages, experiencing the rural communities of Nepal
Himalayan Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara return
Celebration dinner at Rumdoodle restuarant
Returning home with an insight into the Nepali culture
Trip accompanied by 3 teachers from Pulteney
This program is 100% carbon offset. World Expeditions Schools absorb the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.

Our journey will start with a flight from Adelaide to Kathmandu. On arrival you will meet your guide who will be with your group for the period of your stay in Nepal. We transfer to our hotel where we will have a full trip briefing with our guide and a welcome dinner to celebrate our arrival. This afternoon we have the chance to explore this exciting city filled with hustle and bustle and action at every turn. It is a great opportunity to get familiar with Nepal and its people before we start our community service learning program. We base ourselves in Kathmandu as we spend 4 days service at the Texas International College and Bul Bul School engaging with the local community in a program arranged by both the local school's and Pulteney. This is a key focus of our program, an extremely rewarding part of the journey, and gives us the opportunity to give something back to a local community in need. Our time here will be combined with visiting important cultural and religious landmarks, gaining a deep insight into Nepal and it's people. Over 80% of the population live in remote rural areas and depend on subsistence farming and tourism for their livelihood. We fly to Pokhara in the West and trek out to Dhampus and Prithivi Narayan Higher Secondary School, the site for our continued service program. Our walk will not only enable us to trek through small villages in the foothills of the mountains and provide wonderful cultural interaction, we will also travel with the World Expeditions support crew on the spectacular fully supported trek. Our crew will number around 20 staff helping to provide employment for the local peoples and putting money back into the rural villages in need. We trek through small villages and remote forests away from the main trails and encounter small communities not accustomed to seeing a lot of travellers. With our Nepalese crew walking side by side this is a great way to get to further enhance our knowledge of the local people and their culture and customs. Whilst at the school we will stay in our private eco lodge, exclusive to World Expeditions Schools. We then walk back out to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu enjoying a celebration dinner at the famous Rumdoodle restaurant. Back in Kathmandu we visit the Texas International College before enjoying a farewell dinner with a cultural show. This trip is a tailor made adventure especially for the students of Pulteney and the opportunity to continue our relationships with our new friends.

Countries:

Starting Point:

Adelaide

Activities:

Grading:Introductory

Addressing:

Itinerary

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Day 1
23 SEP 24 Depart Adelaide, fly to Kathmandu

After many months of planning and preparing, the wait is finally over! Please make your way to Adelaide airport to meet at the designated point for your flight to Kathmandu.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
24 SEP 24 Arrive Kathmandu, trip and safety briefing, meet Prem Oli, school orientation

On arrival you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transfer to the Manaslu Hotel where we will have a short introduction and orientation about Shadberry International School/Texas International S. School and Nepal with Mr. Prem Oli/Apurba Subedi and Meet Rana (World Expeditions). Texas Int’l S. School 3:00 – 5:00pm - Warm welcome at TIS. Buddy Meet and Greet. Official Welcome Program by TIS (Speech, Dance, Song, Tiffin) 5:00 pm onwards – Head back to Manaslu hotel and rest before heading out to dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel Manaslu

Meals: D

Day 3
25 SEP 24 Shadberry International School immersion

Today we will spend the day at Shadberry international School in Dahachowk. • Warm welcome at the SIS/Official Welcome Program • Lunch at Shadberry school • PGS students visit classes at SIS • PGS students take traditional Nepali dance class at SIS Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel Manaslu

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
26 SEP 24 Shadberry International School immersion

Today we will spend the day at Shadberry international School in Dahachowk. • SIS students’ presentations/performances related to Nepali festivals/culture. • Lunch at Shadberry school • PGS students take traditional Nepali dance class at SIS • PGS Students shortly visit Gumba and Switzerland Park (Historical places). Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel Manaslu

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
27 SEP 24 Texas international College immersion

Today we will spend the day at the Texas International Secondary School. • PGS students attend the morning assembly at TIS • Presentation on Nepalese Culture by Grade 10 students of TIS • PGS students along with their TIS Buddies visit Texas Montessori School • Lunch at TIS • Classroom visit and sharing by PGS students along with their TIS Buddies. • Friendly Basketball/Volleyball game between PGS and TIS • 5:30pm Momo party at Prem’s house Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel Manaslu

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
28 SEP 24 Explore highlights of Kathmandu, Shadberry international School

This morning after breakfast we will explore some of the historic and iconic highlights of Kathmandu including Durbar Square and Swayambnath. After lunch we will join the Shadberry International School in a traditional dance lesson. Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel Manaslu

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
29 SEP 24 Fly to Pokhara, explore Pokhara, Trek to Dhampus, inspect project site PRITHIVI NARAYAN SCHOOL

This morning we take an early flight west to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest town (820m). In good weather we are greeted with stunning sights of the entire Annapurna Range. On arrival we can spend some time exploring this charming town and preparing for our trek. After a final gear check we board our coach and drive to the road head and the start of our trail. Today we start our trek to the small settlement at Dhampus, located near to site of our community service project at Prithivi Narayan Higher Secondary School. 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. 80% of Nepalese people live in rural areas and depend on subsistence farming and tourism for their livelihood. In some areas close to 50% of the villages live below the poverty line. On arrival at Prithivi Narayan Higher Secondary School we will be greeted by the students and school heads and start our program. Prithivi Narayan Higher Secondary School is located in Deurali, Dhampus.. There are total 275 students from Nursery to Standard 10 servicing students from the surrounding farming communities and villages in the area. The school is the only school in this area hosting classes to standard 10. Overnight Dhaulagiri View Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8-9
30 SEP 01 OCT 24 Prithivi Narayan Higher Secondary School project

The next 2 days will be a working side by side the local students at the Prithivi Narayan Higher Secondary School on our community service project. Overnight Dhaulagiri View Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10
02 OCT 24 Trek to Landruk

It is important we take our time and not rush this section. You can see the curated fields on the slops of the hill as we trek through farming communities. The mountain views are stunning as we walk into Landruk. This afternoon can be spent exploring Landruk and the surrounding communities. We have time to explore the village and visit the nearby waterfall before we overnight at our private eco camp site. Overnight Peaceful Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
03 OCT 24 Trek to Chomromg

We rise to stunning views and a hearty cooked breakfast before hitting the trail. We pass through small villages with people greeting us with the familiar cry of Namastee. The trail then ascends steeply to a walk via a stone staircase to Chhomrong (2170m). Chhomrong is a village which offers spectacular views of Annapurna South & Machapuchare. Overnight Mountain View Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12
04 OCT 24 Trek to Gandruk

Our destination today is the attractive Gurung village of Ghandruk, As we trek up the staircase, we enjoy the beauty of Himalaya at a relatively close range. It really is a magnificent location and a photographer's delight. On our 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 we can take a tour of the old village including visiting the museum, health clinic and National Parks HQ gaining an insight into how the local mountain peoples are looking after their country as well as their people. Overnight: Jungle Paradise Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Day 13
05 OCT 24 Trek to Kimchi, drive to Pokhara (approx 2 hours), fly to Kathmandu

This morning we trek to the roadhead at Kimchi and bid farewell to our Nepalese crew and new found friends as we drive the 2 hours to Pokhara and board our flight to Kathmandu. On arrival you will be met in our private vehicle and transferred to your hotel. Tonight we celebrate the end of our trek with a meal at Rumdooble restaurant Kathmandu. This is a restaurant that has been frequented by some of the best mountaineers and adventurers in the world and all have left there signature scribble on the wall. Our group to will be able to immortalize our adventure with a group signing to leave our mark. Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel Manaslu

Meals: B,L,D

Day 14
06 OCT 24 Shadberry International School immersion

Today we will spend the day at Shadberry international School in Dahachowk. • Morning assembly • Visit classes • Farewell/Cultural Program with the presence of community leaders/members and other guests • Hi-Tea at Shadberry Int. School • Dinner with teachers, student buddies (SIS only), Administration • Pulteney and World Expeditions to provide dinner Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel Manaslu

Meals: B,L,D

Day 15
07 OCT 24 Explore Kathmandu

Today we will continue to explore the highlights of Kathmandu including shopping in Thamel. We then meet with our buddies and explore Bouddha Stupa and Pashupatinah Temple. We head back to the hotel and prepare for our departure back to Australia. Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner before heading back to our hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel Manaslu

Meals: B,L,D

Day 16
08 OCT 24 Fly Kathmandu to Adelaide

This morning we rise and have breakfast before our buddies come to the hotel for farewells. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Australia.

Meals: B

Day 17
09 OCT 24 Arrive Adelaide

Meals: Nil

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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

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

Responsible Production and Consumption: Responsible Production and Consumption

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

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

14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners
International flights ex Adelaide to Kathmandu
Three teachers from Pulteney escorting journey
Flight Kathmandu/Pokhara return valued at US$238
All airport transfers and transport as per itinerary
Expert bilingual guide with you for the entire journey
Group medical kit
Good quality accommodation in Kathmandu on a twinshare basis
Accommodation on trek in our comfortable eco lodge and eco permanent campsite
The use of a trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated mat, valued at USD $500
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
Private vehicle transportation
All park entrance fees and trekking permits and site entry fees
Porters to carry all personal and group equipment and porter's insurance
All activities listed in itinerary
All staff and group tips
Day use room in Singapore and tour
This program is 100% carbon offset. World Expeditions Schools absorb the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.

What's not included

Meals not listed in itinerary
Bottled water in Kathmandu and aerated drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
Nepal Visa
Travel Insurance
Activities in Singapore to be decided

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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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.