Nepal's fascinating Mini-Venture offers participants the opportunity to explore the mystical, awe-inspiring beauty of this mountainous dreamscape while simultaneously making a much-needed, positive impact in the lives of the underprivileged children of Nepal who live in orphanages that are resource poor and understaffed. During the program, you will stay with a warm and welcoming host family, where you will experience home away from home and immerse yourself in Nepali culture.
The program starts with a week of volunteer work helping the deprived children after which you will then embark on a 4-day journey - joining a Himalayan trekking team as they venture in the heart of Himalayan region to visit spectacular place. Participants will also be treated to a one-day tour of the famous and wondrous city of Kathmandu - experiencing the country through the eyes of its warm, smiling hospitable people.
- Program: Mini-Venture Nepal
- Start Dates: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
- Departure and End Point: Tribhubhan Airport, Kathmandu
- Language Need: none
- Accommodation and meals:Host family and Nepali foods three times a day by host family
- Working Hours:None
- Activities: Please see itinerary
Program outlines
Day 1:
Global Crossroad orientation at the Kathmandu office. Orientation covers children's issues, field conditions, host family or anticipated living conditions, safety issues, climate expectations, working projects, and related topics.
Immediately following the orientation, our staff will lead you through a tour of the cultural city of Kathmandu. Our visits will cover most of the famous tourist, cultural, and religious sites in Nepal.
Day 2:
After breakfast, you will leave for your projects. Introductions will be held with orphans, staff, and host families.
Days 3-6:
Share your love and enthusiasm with the orphans. In your free time, explore the wonders of rural Nepal - its natural beauty, its intriguing culture, and its spirited people. Our local field staff will assist you in pointing out sites that are off the beaten path.
Day 7:
Our one-day village hiking program allows you to discover the delightful village life of Nepal, have a small picnic with the area's children, and enjoy a riveting Nepali cultural program. Days 8: Work continues with orphaned children. You will find that your support and encouragement of Nepal's orphans will be the most enriching part of your Nepali adventure.
Himalayan Trekking (5 Days)
DAY One:
DAY ONE: Kathmandu to Pokhara to Tirkhe Dhunga
Journey from Kathmandu and transfer to the starting point of the trek at Naya Pul - a trading town located along the banks of the Modi River - and take an easy stroll along the sub-tropical Modi Khola River Valley to Birethanti (a large village on the old Nepal-Tibet trading route). Pass through the Nepal/Tibet checkpoint before continuing through the intricately-terraced rice paddies, before arriving at Tirkhe Dhunga for an overnight stay.
Overnight Accommodations: Tourist class hotel/tea house Meals Included: None
DAY TWO: Tirkhe Dhunga to Ghorepani
From Tirkhe Dhunga, cross a stream before ascending a steep, stone staircase to the large Magar Village at Ulleri (2070 m). Then trek through rhododendron and oak forests; across streams before making a short, final ascent to Nangethanti. From Nangethanti, continue the trek up to Ghorepani (2850m) for an overnight stay.
Overnight Accommodations: Tourist hotel/Guesthouse
Meals Included: None
DAY THREE: Ghorepani to Ghandrung
An early morning ascent to Poon Hill (3195m) treats trekkers to an enlightening scene as the sun climbs the sky to peak out from behind the Himalayan titans of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna , and Manalsu. Return to the lodge after this early morning excursion before beginning your return-descent to Ghorepani and setting out for Tadapani. Descend downhill and observe a cornucopia of breath-taking views of the Annapurna mountains before taking a somewhat-steep drop at Kimche (1630m) where you will rest for a moment before pressing onto Chane. Next, walk atop a flag-filled path which slides through the Gurung-inhabited village of Ghandrung . The true beauty of this town is revealed by the astonishing view of south side of the Annapurna as well as the Hiunchuli.
Overnight Accommodations: Tourist hotel/Guesthouse Meals Included: None
DAY FOUR: Ghandrung to Dhampus
From Ghandrung, descend to the river known as Modi Khola, crossing it via a suspension bridge then ascending to the village of Landrung - a small village offering big views of Mt. Annapurna South, Fishtail and Himchuli. All along the trail, capture amazing glimpses of both Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Head for the town of Deurali and view the Dhaulagiri Mountain (the highest mountain in western Nepal ). Fron Deurali, descend gradually to Dhampus - a large village spread along a hilltop inhabited by numerous ethnic groups (Gurung, Brahman, Magar, etc.) - and end your day's journey.
Overnight Accommodations: Tourist hotel/Guesthouse Meals Included: None
DAY FIVE: Dhampus to Pokhara to Kathmandu
Begin your day upon a ridge, departing from Dhampus and trekking through small, sporadic villages and settlements and paddy fields. Take a drastic descent as the trails leads to the Pokhara-Baglung Highway where you can journey back to Pokhara (approximately 30-minute drive) followed by a return-journey to Kathmandu .
Overnight Accommodations: Global Crossroad hostel
Meals Included: Break fast, lunch
*The proposed itinerary is a sample and is subject to change to meet the changes in the local field conditions.
Program Fee Covers:
- Airport pick up
- Services of a professional guide
- Entry fees
- Comprehensive insurance
Fee excluded
- Airport Drop-off
- Tips (for guide and/or staff)
- Other items of personal consumption (i.e. soft drink, bottled water, etc.)