Overview

 Highlights


  • Contribute to a regenerative project empowering female farmers through sustainable agriculture
  • Be swept away by views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna while trekking forested trails and ancient yak herder paths through remote Gurung villages
  • Unwind in exclusive eco-comfort camps and remote lodges set in breathtaking Himalayan landscapes
  • Discover the spiritual landmarks of Kathmandu and the lakeside charm of Pokhara
  • Travel with expert local guides who prioritise safety and enrich your journey with invaluable local insight
  • Gain a deeper appreciation for Nepal’s rich culture and traditions through immersive, everyday encounters

This immersive school program combines the physical challenge of trekking through Nepal’s Annapurna region with meaningful cultural exchange and hands-on community engagement. Beginning in Kathmandu, students explore key spiritual landmarks before flying to Pokhara and setting out on a rewarding multi-day trek through traditional Gurung villages, terraced farmland and rhododendron forest. Along the way, they’ll experience spectacular views of Himalayan giants such as Annapurna South and Machapuchare, while staying at our exclusive eco-comfort camps and remote lodges.

The journey culminates in a two-day regenerative service program supporting female farmers, delivered in partnership with local NGO T-HELP (Trans-Himalayan Environment and Livelihood Program). Students gain first-hand insight into rural livelihoods, climate resilience and food security by actively contributing to long-term solutions alongside local farmers. This is a transformative program designed to challenge perspectives, foster leadership, and leave a positive impact long after the journey ends – a powerful example of how regenerative travel can create lasting benefits for the people, land and culture of Nepal.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Kathmandu

Activities:

Grading:Moderate   

Addressing:


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. Enjoy an introductory language lesson and a chance to learn some basic Nepali enabling you to more easily connect with locals throughout your journey. A group welcome dinner rounds out the day, offering your first taste of Nepalese hospitality.

Meals:  D

Today is a chance for discovery in Kathmandu, 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. This afternoon, gain deeper insight into the impact of local NGOs by meeting the team at T-HELP, who will implement the service program for your World Expeditions Schools program.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, enjoy a scenic flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city nestled beside a tranquil lake. From here, we drive to the village of Phedi to commence our trek. The trail climbs steadily through terraced fields, bamboo groves and vibrant rhododendron forest along a ridgeline. We pass through a series of Gurung villages, where warm smiles and friendly greetings of “Namaste” accompany us on the trail. As we reach Landruk, we’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Annapurna Range. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Landruk (1640m / 5380ft) Walking time: Approximately 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we descend through rice terraces to cross the Modi Khola river, then begin a steady climb to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. The views of the glacier-fed rivers and nearby peaks are spectacular. This area is rich in culture and offers a great chance to observe traditional life in the mountains. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Ghandruk (2050m / 6725ft). Walking time: Approximately 4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, the trail leads us uphill through forest filled with rhododendron, oak and moss-draped fig trees. Waterfalls tumble from narrow gullies and the forest is alive with bird calls. As we ascend, we’ll catch glimpses of the peaks through the trees before arriving in the small village of Tadapani. This is the last village before we head into the more remote regions of our trek. Overnight in eco-lodge at Tadapani (2650m / 8695ft). Walking time approximately 4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving the main trail, we ascend gradually into undisturbed forest. If we’re lucky, we may see Himalayan Thar or langur monkeys in the trees. As we climb higher, we reach yak pastures and alpine meadows with breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Himchuli. We break for lunch at Timuje, a windswept yak pasture perched high on the hillside. Later, we ascend to a ridgeline with views of the Dhaulagiri range before descending through rhododendron forest to our remote campsite, perched high above the valley. Overnight in eco-lodge at Bhaisi Kharka (3420m / 11,220ft). Walking time approximately 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving the main trail behind, today’s trek includes a series of descents and ascents as we enter a more remote and less-trekked region. We cross a stream and pass through the small village of Chistibung before continuing through dense forest. While the terrain is challenging at times, the unfolding views of the Dhaulagiri range and the approach to peaceful Swantha, nestled among terraced hills, make it a rewarding day. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp in Swantha (2400m / 7875ft). Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

We join the old Tibet-Nepal trade route to Ghorepani, a bustling village on the main Annapurna circuit. After lunch, we’ll ascend Poon Hill (3200m / 10,500ft) – a famed viewpoint for Himalayan sunrises. Instead of the pre-dawn crowd, we visit in the afternoon when the trail is quiet. From here, a short, steep climb brings us to Upper Phulbari, a lesser-known ridge above Poon Hill offering even more spectacular views, without the crowds. Overnight in eco-lodge at Upper Phulbari (2900m / 9,515ft). Walking time approximately 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Start the day with sweeping views of Nilgiri, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri glowing in the morning light. The trail weaves through serene rhododendron forest with fir, pine, cedar and bamboo, eventually opening onto grassy ridgelines. After lunch in a colourful forest gully, we follow a little-used southern trail to reach Les Par, a peaceful and secluded location well away from the main paths. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Les Par (2600m / 8530ft). Walking time approximately 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

We continue our descent along an old trail on Bharmakot Dhanda ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Passing through small farming communities and forests, the path eventually leads to Ghibrang, a quiet village where few trekkers visit. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Ghibrang (2000m / 6560ft). Walking time approximately 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Over the next two days, you’ll support a meaningful, hands-on community project in partnership with local NGO T-HELP (Trans-Himalayan Environment and Livelihood Program). This regenerative initiative empowers female farmers through sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism skills and climate-resilient practices. Your group will work alongside the local team to help facilitate a workshop on vermicomposting and bio-pesticide production – practical, low-cost techniques that support long-term food security and income generation in farming communities across Nepal. Hands-on tasks may include building a greenhouse, worm farm or similar. It’s a powerful opportunity to see how travel and community-led development can work hand in hand, and a wonderful way to give back to the people of the region. *Specific tasks will be confirmed closer to your departure date

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day on the trail takes us downhill through hillside villages and terraced farmland, home to mixed communities of predominantly Gurung, Brahmin and Chettri people. The terrain is steep in sections, and as we descend the final stone stairs into Nayapul, a real sense of achievement builds with each step. We’ll pause for lunch before transferring by vehicle to Pokhara. After settling into the hotel, there’s time to relax by the lake or explore the shops, many of which sell Tibetan wares and locally made crafts. Walking time: Approximately 3 - 4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You might choose to wander one of the city’s ancient squares, visit Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), or browse the markets of Thamel for final souvenirs. In the evening, we come together for a final group dinner to celebrate our journey and reflect on all we’ve experienced.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the journey home. As you farewell Nepal, you’ll carry with you a sense of achievement, lasting friendships, and rich insights gained through cultural exchange and shared experiences — from a journey shaped as much by the landscapes explored as by the people you met along the way.

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.

Zero Hunger:  The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty eradication.

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.

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

Industry Innovation And Infrastructure:  Investments in infrastructure are crucial to achieving sustainable development.

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

Climate Action:  Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

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

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our regenerative travel journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek 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
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young citizens to help them deal with adverse situations in life.


Inclusions

  • 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

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

Grading

Moderate

On a moderate trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and altitudes generally not exceeding 5,500 metres. On a moderate adventure the physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on moderate trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare in the mountains. To prepare for a moderate trek you should begin training at least three months before your departure. As a benchmark, an hour of aerobic exercise three times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you know you can cope with a moderately graded trek. Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and rhythm are.


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

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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