Nepal - Volunteer Project & Trek: 8 September, 2009 - AU$2826 (land only) CLOSED
Adventure Code: TTW003
Duration: 17 days
Available: Nationally
Day 1 - Depart Australia
Arrive in Bangkok, transfer to hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 2 - Depart Bangkok (B) / Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be welcomed by our local transfer representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in. The rest of your day will be at your leisure. Tonight, you will meet our local guide at the hotel for a tour briefing and later enjoy dinner together as a group.
Day 3 - Kathmandu (B, D)
This morning we depart our hotel and explore the culturally diverse city of Kathmandu by private tour with a local guide and learn about the amazing sites on this tour. These sites include a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) and Patan Durbar square. Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal, and one of the largest in the world. It is the religious centre for Nepal's large population of Tibetans. Around the base of the stupa's circular mound, there are 108 images of the Dhyani Buddah Amitabha, and many prayer wheels, and from the stupa fly hundreds of prayer flags. Pashupatinath is Nepal's most important Hindu Temple, and it stands on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple draws devotees from all over India, and you will often see many sadhus, or Hindu holy men there. The Bagmati River is a holy river, and like the Ganges is a popular place to be cremated. The burning ghats found immediately in front of the temple are reserved for the cremation of royalty. The six square cremation ghats south of the bridges are for the common people. Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) is the Buddhist temple situated on top of a hill with good views from the top over Kathmandu. It is known as the Monkey Temple because of the large numbers of monkeys living there. Patan is the second largest town in the Kathmandu Valley, separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati River. Patan has a long Buddhist history, and the four corners of the city are marked by stupas. Your final stop will be Patan Durbar Square for an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the centre of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. Later, return to your hotel. (Tour duration approximately 6 hrs)
Day 4 - Kathmandu / Volunteer Programme (B, D)
Today we drive to Jorpati, where we will be volunteering in a school for children with special needs and disabilities. We have chosen to volunteer at this school specifically, as it receives very little support and therefore feel that we can really make a difference here. The school is situated on the banks of the River Bagmati between Kathamandu and Gokharna and is approximately 1 hour's drive from our hotel. Today we will familiarise ourselves with the school, meet the teachers and committee members.
Days 5 & 6 - Volunteer programme (B, L, D)
You have the opportunity to spend two days working with the school, students and teachers to improve their local school. Many schools in Nepal do not have basic facilities such as toilets, adequate classrooms or drinking water. In the evening of Day 6 we will meet at 6.30pm in the Marshyangdi Conference Hall for our Trek briefing.
Day 7 - Pokhara (B, D)
After breakfast we drive to Pokhara and transfer to Barahi Hotel.
Pokhara has a beautiful setting on the edge of Fewa Lake, and is the access point to the Annapurnas, one of the most popular trekking areas in Nepal. Pokhara at 884m, has a mild climate, and beuatiful views, often with the snow capped mountains reflected in the lake. The stunning Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail) mountain dominates the skyline. In the evening, we take a boat trip on Fewa (Phewa) Lake. (Boat trip duration 1 hr).
Day 8 - Pokhara (B, D)
The day is at leisure for you to explore this pretty lakeside town on your own, or perhaps enjoy a massage, yoga & meditation, visit the Tibetan refugee centre, or hire a bike (all at additional cost).
Day 9 - Annapurna Foothills Teahouse Trek (B, L, D) This morning we take an hour scenic drive to Nayapul where we begin our teahouse trek. Trek to Ulleri. (Trek approximately 4 hours)
Day 10 - Annapurna Foothills Teahouse Trek (B, L, D) Begin our climb through the Rhododendron forest and reach Ghorepani. (Trek approximately 4 hours)
Day 11 - Annapurna Foothills Teahouse Trek (B, L, D) Trek into poon hills where you can see panoramic mountain views and sunrise before returning to Ghorepani. Enjoy breakfast and continue trek to Tadapani. (Trek approximately 5 hours)
Day 12 - Annapurna Foothills Teahouse Trek (B, L, D)
Trek descends to Ghandruk and continues down to Nayapul where you have finished your trek. Return by vehicle back to Pokhara for your overnight stay.
Day 13 - Chitwan (B, L, D)
Our journey takes us through the valleys of central Nepal to the banks of the Rapti River beside Chitwan National Park.
Day 14 - Chitwan (B, L, D)
Our full day exploration of Chitwan includes an elephant safari, jungle walk and canoeing the water-ways in search of wild animals.
Day 15 - Kathmandu (B, D)
We drive to Kathmandu by private vehicle (minibus). The rest of the day is spent at your own leisure to relax, stock up on souveniers, grab a bargain and later if you wish, visit one of the rooftop bars and enjoy the music & ambience of the Thamel district.
Day 16 - Depart Kathmandu / Arrive Bangkok (B)
After breakfast and hotel check-out, our transfer representative will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Kathmandu airport where you will depart for Bangkok. Transit in Bangkok (4hrs) and perhaps do a bit of last minute shopping.
Day 17 - Arrive Australia
PACKAGE PRICE EX PERTH - AU$4231* (TWIN SHARE- FLYING THAI AIRWAYS - 1 NIGHT 3 STAR HOTEL BANGKOK - ALL TRANSFERS - plus taxes/subject to availability at time of booking)
COMPETITIVE PACKAGE PRICES (INCL FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS) EX OTHER AUSTRALIAN DEPARTURE POINTS QUOTED ON REQUEST
*Please note that the price may be subject to change should the airline impose any further fuel
surcharges / tax increases and is subject to availability at the time of booking.
* Price for single supplement on request.
Deposit: A $400 non refundable deposit is required per person to secure a place on this tour.
Maximum group size: 12 / Minimum group size: 4
This Tour is Fully Escorted by Adventurous Women and is facilitated in conjunction with Peregrine Travel Perth (Lic No: 9TA00490) .
Please Note This tour requires a minimum of 4 people to guarantee departure.
Service Includes:
Australian Tour Manager/Escort
Transportation - Private minibus
English Speaking Local Guides
Porters on Trek
6 nights Hotel Marshyangdi, Kathmandu
3 nights Hotel Barahi, Pokhara
2 nights Island Jungle Resort, Chitwan National Park
3 nights tented camping at Tea Houses during trek with cook & staff
All activites, meals, sightseeing, permit & entrance fees as specified above
Staff & Porters Insurance
Service Excludes:
Visas and visa fees
Airport taxes
Services & Meals not mentioned in the above itinerary
Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
Personal Expenses
Tips/gratuities
Optional excursions.
