Overview

 Highlights


  • Immersion program at Bhadure School
  • Savour uninterrupted views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
  • Trekking through the Annapurna Mountain Range
  • Enjoy a fully supported camping based trek with hearty meals
  • Visit the famous Hindu shrines and Buddhist stupas of Kathmandu
  • Time to explore the vibrant lakeside town of Pokhara

This trek is one of the most spectacular "off the beaten path" treks in the Annapurna region. The scenery ranges from the fertile splendour of the Pokhara Valley with its panoramic views of Machapuchare and the Annapurna massif, through splendid rhododendron, hemlock and fir forest, to the high alpine ridges and meadows that lead towards the greater Himalayan peaks. We trek above the tree line for uninterrupted views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This trek provides a wonderful over-view of all that Nepal has to offer - mountains, forests and diverse village life, as well as an opportunity to visit the Bhadure School to witness the benefits that the school has enjoyed through the involvement of The Wilderness School. We will spend 2 days on an immersion program with the school before relaxing in the vibrant town of Pokhara before our flight to Kathmandu. Add to this the friendly and welcoming people of Nepal, and the days spent exploring the sites and markets of Kathmandu, and you have a fascinating journey to one of the most alluring destinations on earth.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Adelaide

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate   


After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over! Meet at Adelaide International Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu (1330 metres) we will be transferred to the Radisson Hotel. Overnight Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Meals:  Nil

This morning we make a leisurely start. After breakfast we meet with our trek leader for a trek briefing and distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. We then have a quick Nepalese language lesson so you can practise your new found skill during the program. A little effort goes a long way! We then embark on an a half day exploration of the cultural and historical highlights of the city.

Meals:  B,D

After transferring to the airport we fly to Pokhara and begin our trek. On arrival we drive out of town for around an hour, stopping at Phedi where we leave the bus. A large hill hides the mountain views from us, and we hike to the top on stone staircases through forests of bamboo and rhododendron. As we reach the crest, the scale of the imposing mountains astounds us, and we rest and gaze at the adjacent peak of Machapuchare (6993m), and the many other huge peaks of the Annapurnas spread to the east. It is a short walk from here to our overnight accommodation.

Meals:  B,L,D

We trek through forest, and in and out of small gullies, as the path continues closer to the mountains. The rhododendron forests are lush and offer a protective canopy for the smaller delicate flora, such as primula and daphne. It also provides a haven for birdlife and you can hear their varied calls as you move through. The trail soon opens onto cultivated fields as we approach the village of Landrung, with its excellent views of Annapurna South. There are many opportunities today to observe rural life and to gain some appreciation of village life.

Meals:  B,L,D

After following the trail down towards the river, and trek towards the high peaks along a deep and often shaded valley that hides ferns and small delicate plants. It is not a long walk today, but there are some stepped ascents that will slow you down as we work our way up the west side of the valley.

Meals:  B,L,D

The trail starts with a steep ascent to the ridgetop where the trail flattens and we start to enjoy the spectacular views. Steady patient walking is the best approach. When you reach camp at the ridge top you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Machapuchure.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spectacular views of the mountains will greet you this morning as you take breakfast and prepare for the walk to Gandrung. It will take most of the day, with the trail ascending and descending as you make your way through fields and forest. The most dramatic views will be behind you, so take your time and turn to admire the view. At camp you will be rewarded with magnificent views. The sunset views of Annapurna South from the village are magnificent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into the forest of rhododendron and magnolia. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for daphne, and many small ferns and delicate plants. Tadapani is a small settlement and we stay in an ecolodge here. Once again, our efforts are rewarded with magnificent mountain views.

Meals:  B,L,D

We follow the trail through rhododendron forest to the pass at Deorali. We will pass above the tree-line, and now have excellent views of the dramatic range of mountains known as the Dhaulagiri Himal. At Ghorepani we join the busy Pokhara-Jomosom trail, which is the old Tibet-Nepal trade route and provides an interesting insight into the daily life of this area.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise early and make our way up to Poon Hill to enjoy the stunning views from the summit. The views here are tremendous, with huge snow-capped mountain ranges soaring high above a foreground of terraced foothills. Sunrise at Poon Hill splash's spectacular colours across the mountains. From here we return to Ghorepani for breakfast and a free day to explore this vibrant bustling village town.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we continue our trek to the quiet location at Upper Phulbari. We stay on the ridge-top between the Kali Gandaki and Ramche valleys, and sunset and sunrise views should be at their best. We are well away from the main trails and you will enjoy the traditional village lifestyle. If the group are feeling up to it we can trek to the nearby small village of Ramche and enjoy the local village life here.

Meals:  B,L,D

We descend this morning to the village of Nah and make our way over the next foothill by slowly climbing and traversing its ridges. There are excellent views today as we meander through the forests on little-known trails where terraced fields are grazing lands are interspersed with neat houses. The local people attend to their traditional tasks and welcome our visit with interest. We pass through the village of Sailijan, crest the forest-covered ridge and continue on through rolling country to our camp near Lespar.

Meals:  B,L,D

We follow the ridgeline down, towards the valley floor, but head north near Ligdi and cross the ridge to the next valley. Once again we are stunned by the magnificent Annapurna peaks as they expand before us. We descend towards the Bhurungdi Khola, a river that flows from Poon Hill. The views of terraced fields, white-washed villages and snow-capped peaks that unfold are a delight.

Meals:  B,L,D

We follow the well-marked trail to Birethanti. These trails are a delight to travel, offering a variety of forests, villages and small settlements. The local people attend to their traditional tasks and welcome our visit with interest. At Birethanti we cross the Modi Khola and ascend on an ancient stone path to the village of Jhobang, once a trading town in the days when everything was carried by porters, but now by-passed by a road and modern transport. We traverse terraced fields, winding our way past small settlements where farmers till the ground by hand, and buffalo pull wooden ploughs. Each farmhouse has a buffalo, lots of chickens, and probably a beehive high under the eaves. Cooking is on an open fire, and little has changed over the years – except that children now mostly attend school.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we walk through terraced fields to gain altitude for our hill-top camp at Bhadure. We pass clumps of bamboo and pass through terraced fields as our trail levels, and passes through well-kept Gurung villages. We will have some time to relax in the village this afternoon, and the villagers will delight in our visit and treat us as honoured guests. The mountain panoramas from our campsite on the edge of the forest are excellent and Red Pandas are sometimes seen at this camp.

Meals:  B,L,D

Over the next two days we will visit the school and spend time with the students and meet the teachers. It is a wonderful and humbling experience to be made so welcome by people who genuinely appreciate what the Wilderness School Community is doing for their children’s education.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a walk of around 90 minutes, we have a short drive to Pokhara, where we will enjoy a farewell lunch with our porters and crew. We check into our hotel in Pokhara and have a chance to do some washing and explore our surrounds in this beautiful lakeside town. This afternoon is at leisure in Pokhara. Overnight Hotel in Pokhara, Landmark or similar with pool

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we travel to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. We have the afternoon free to explore Kathmandu or relax at the hotel before enjoying a farewell dinner. Overnight Radisson Hotel

Meals:  B,D

Today our journey ends with a transfer to the airport for our flight to Adelaide.

Meals:  B


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

  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • All international and domestic airfares and tax
  • All transfer in private vehicles
  • expert bilingual guide and group medical kit
  • good quality accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • 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
  • all park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • porters to carry all personal and group equipment along with porter's insurance
  • sightseeing and site entry fees in Kathmandu
  • accommodation in a combination of our comfortable eco lodges and private eco campsites with off the ground camp beds, mattresses and pillows

  • Some lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, airport meals, drinks and snacks on trek
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Visa costs for holders of non-Australian passports, if the costs are greater than costs for Australian passport holders
  • Passport costs (please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from return date to Australia)

Grading

Introductory to Moderate


Why travel with us

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.


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