Summer Volunteer and Himalayan Trekking Program in Nepal (5 weeks)
Want to help make the world a better place?
Are you on a quest for affordable summer volunteer and Himalayan
trekking opportunities in Nepal?
Join our exciting 5-week Nepal volunteer and Himalayan trekking program.
You will have the chance to volunteer, immerse yourself culturally, study the
local language, and venture out on stunning treks and outdoor adventures.
Summer Volunteer and Himalayan Trekking Program in Nepal (5 weeks)
Nepal is a land of some of the most awe-inspiring scenery, cultural treasures, and trekking trails on Earth. Global Crossroad's summer volunteering program in Nepal does not simply offer glimpses of this breathtaking country, but you will also able to experience the beauty of Nepal - filled with the sights, sounds, and spirits of a very culturally-rich past.
Orienation, Language, and Cultural Immersion in Kathmandu (7 days)
In Kathmandu , worshipping the idols of gods and goddesses is a routine part of daily life. Spend your first week in Katmandu– a vibrant city with temples and shrines and the Living Goddess. Join this exciting orientation and learn about the culture, religions, and challenges of this tiny kingdom. Participate in Nepali language and cultural classes, all-the-while experiencing the dazzling tourist bazaars in Thamel.
Homes Stay and Community Service Project (14 days)
During these two weeks of your best summer volunteering program in Nepal, you will work in an orphanage project ( Kathmandu or Chitwan)–bringing a ray of hope into the lives of destitute orphans. You will teach basic, conversational English to the children and organize fun activities in order to encourage their participation as well as easily comprehend things.
Annapurna Trek (14 days)
The final 2 weeks of your Nepal summer volunteer abroad program offers the chance to satiate your thirst for exploration and discovery on a Himalayan trekking experience. The Annapurna is not only a trekking destination, but also a journey where you can witness diverse communities, cultures, religions and most of all, the world famous Gurung or Sherpa ethnic group; it is from these communities that some of the most widely known climbers of the world come.
- Program: Summer Volunteer and Travel
- Highlights: Community Work, Cultural Immersion, Travel
- Departure and End Point: Tribhuvan Airport–Kathmandu
- Language Requirement: None
- Accommodation/meals: As per the itinerary
- Special Requirements: Must be in good physical health for hiking
- Program Fee: $1,899 for 5-weeks program, which includes 14 day Annapurna Trek
Summer Volunteer Program in Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival for Summer Volunteering Program in Nepal
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be met and greeted by a Global Crossroad’s representative and transferred to a hostel in Kalanki.
Day 2: Orientation
Join general orientation and informative presentation about Nepal, Nepali language, culture, and customs. After orientation, you will begin language classes.
Day 3
Two-hour language class and cultural tour of Kirtipur.
Day 4
Language Class
Day 5: Sightseeing
After breakfast, you will set out for a tour of the Kathmandu valley and visit the Pashupatinath Temple.
Day 6
Language Class and Free Time
Day 7: Last Day of Language Classes
Review the Nepali language after breakfast. After the review, celebrate with your fellow students and teachers with a small party where each participant will receive a small gift and proof of participation. After lunch, you are free for the remainder of the day to explore the region and prepare for the next day's community service project.
Day 8-21 : Volunteer in an Orphanage
During these two weeks of your summer volunteering opportunity in Nepal, you will work in an orphanage project (Kathmandu or Chitwan) – bringing a ray of hope into the lives of destitute orphans. You will teach basic, conversational English to the children and organize fun activities in order to encourage their participation as well as easily comprehend things. You will also extend a helping hand in the sanitation and food distribution efforts of the orphanage. In your free time, hike in the beautiful areas surrounding Kathmandu Valley and experience the peace and tranquility of amazing Nepal.
Final Two Weeks (14 days): Annapurna Trek
The final 2 weeks of your best summer volunteering program in Nepal will offer the chance to satiate your thirst for exploration and discovery on a Himalayan trekking experience.
Note: Meals are no included; please budget $180-$280 for your meals.
Day 22
Preparation for Two-Week Trek
Day 23: Kathmandu to Pokhara/Chitwan to Pokhara
Depart for Pokhara by bus. In Pokhara, receive a final briefing and prepare for the first leg of your Himalayan trek in the afternoon.
Overnight Accommodations:Budget hotel/guest house
Meals Included:None
Day 24:Pokhara to Tirkhe Dhunga Transfer to the starting point of the trek
From Naya Pul, starting point, take an easy stroll along the subtropical 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:Tea house
Meals Included: None
Day 25: 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: Tea house
Meals Included:None
Day 26: Hiking to Poon hill back to Ghorepani, and to Tadapani
Rise with the sun and ascend to Poon Hill (3195m) where an awe inspiring sunrise greets you from over the mountains. Clear climate permitting, experience a magical, panoramic view of the mountains of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Annapurna I (8019m), and Manalsu (8156m). Also: views of the 6,000 meter deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the trans Himalayan ranges are viewable forming the border of Nepal with Tibetan China making this one of Nepal's most sought after vantage points. After this panoramic treat, descend to the lodge for a late breakfast before continuing onto Ghorepani (2780m) an important stopover on the old trading route to Tibet. From Ghorepani, the walk is all downhill through beautiful forests before arriving at the village of Banthanti finally ending the day's journey at Tadapani for an overnight stay.
Overnight Accommodations:Tea house
Meals Included:None
Day 27: Tadapani to Chhomrung
From Tadapani, the trail descends through additional rhododendron and oak forests, arriving at Chhomrung for a midday lunch. Chhomrung is a Gurung Village, and the highest permanent settlement in the valley with a tremendously vast view across to Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. The day closes with an overnight stay in Chhomrung.
Overnight Accommodations:Tea house
Meals Included:None
Day 28: Chhomrung to Dovan
Here, the trail descends via a stone staircase, eventually crossing the Chhomrung Khola. Climb high above the Modi Khola, traveling its west bank, and pass through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. This portion of the day's trek is followed by yet another ascent to Kuldi before finally descending a long, steep, stone staircase to Dovan for an overnight stay.
Overnight Accommodations:Tea house
Meals Included:None
Day 29: Dovan to Machhapurchhe Base Camp/Annapurna Base Camp
From Dovan, climb high above the river, on to the lateral moraine, and down the other side to the glacier. This leg of the journey takes you up the bed of the glacier before finally arriving at the Annapurna Base Camp (4237m) for an overnight stay.
Overnight Accommodations:Tea house
Meals Included:None
Day 30: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Beginning with an early morning ascent for a stunning sunrise and breakfast, the journey returns to Bamboo for an overnight stay.
Overnight Accommodations:Tea house
Meals Included:None
Day 31: Bamboo to Chhomrung
Descend a long, stone staircase through bamboo and rhododendrons forests to Kuldi. Continue trekking through beautiful rhododendron forests and down to Sinuwa. From Sinuwa, the trail leads downhill to the Modi Khola, closing the day with a steep climb to Chhomrung where you will remain overnight.
Overnight Accommodations:Tea house
Meals Included:None
Day 32: Chhomrung to Ghandrung
From Chhomrung, heads back to Taglung descending gently through forests to Kummu. Once again, pass Ghandrung offering, yet another, picturesque, panoramic view of Annapurna South–before ending the day's voyage with an overnight stay in Ghandrung.
Overnight Accommodations:Tea house
Meals Included:None
Day 33: Ghandrung to Pokhara
Trek downhill through villages and terraced fields to Syauli Bazaar, then onto Nayapul before being transported back to Pokhara for an overnight stay.
Overnight Accommodations:Tea house/hotel/guest house
Meals Included:None
Day 34: Depart to Kathmandu
Departing for Kathmandu and overnight stay
Overnight Accommodations: hotel/guest house
Meals Included:None
Day 35: Depart back to Home
This program itinerary is merely a proposed sample and may be altered to meet the needs of the volunteers and changes in field conditions. This proposed itinerary will be finalized during orientation in Kathmandu.
Summer volunteering program in Nepal itineraries are merely samples and may change to meet the needs of the volunteers and changes in the field conditions. This itinerary will be revised and finalized during orientation program.
Prices and Dates
Program Fee: $1,899 for 5-weeks program, which includes 14 day Annapurna Trek
Fees include:
- Room and food (3 local meals a day) during entire volunteering period
- Accommodation (teahouse/guesthouse) during trekking
- Services of in country staff
- Entrance fees and permits
- Baggage storage
- Travel insurance
- Airport pickup/drop off
Fees do not cover
- Visa
- Airfare
- Meals during trekking (estimated budget $7-15 per day)
- Daily transportation (to/from project) during volunteering
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Any room/food expenses before and/or after the start of program
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and food