The Challenge

Nepal has established itself as the true home of adventure and this charity challenge trek is a great opportunity to witness the culture and tradition of the people who live in the Nepalese countryside. Along the way there are spectacular views of the snowy peaks of the Annapurnas and a fascinating mountain panorama from Poon Hill. Average trekking time per day will be 5-8 hours depending on the group pace and you will cover approx 8-15km (5-10 miles) per day.

Do Something Different...

You will spend two days helping a non-profit hospice care organisation in Kathmandu which offers services and support to terminally ill patients and their families. It was set up by a team of local doctors in 2000 and since then has provided free medicine, therapy and support to those in need. The tasks we expect to be involved with will include basic refurbishment at the hospice, such as repainting and decorating rooms or improving the kitchen or bathroom facilities.

Itinerary

Day 1-2: London - Kathmandu
Depart for Kathmandu on an overnight flight (via a Middle East or Asian hub). Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to a central hotel. Depending on flight times there may be an opportunity for you to explore the local area before gathering together to meet the local team and receive a briefing on the days ahead. Welcome dinner tonight.

Day 3 - 4: Kathmandu
We will spend the next two days assisting at the project in Kathmandu on a range of tasks depending on the most urgent need at the time.

Day 5: Kathmandu - Pokhara
After breakfast, we depart for the scenic drive to Pokhara (approx. 6 hours). You will spend the afternoon in this beautiful lakeside town where you can take in the sights or even do some last minute shopping in preparation for your trek! Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 6: Pokhara - Nayapul - Ulleri
This morning we transfer to Nayapul (35km / approx. 2 hours) from where you commence the trek. You will follow the banks of the Bhurungdi Khola River as far as Tikhedhunga (1575m) where your final challenge for the day is a steep uphill walk to Ulleri where you stay the night in a teahouse (2073m). Approx. 10km trek / 530m ascent.

Day 7: Ulleri - Ghorepani
A day of ascent! Today we will gradually gain more altitude as we walk for about 5 hours to the overnight teahouse in Ghorepani (2800m). As we approach Ghorepani we will pass through stunning rhododendron forests. Approx. 11km trek / 1400m ascent.

Day 8: Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani
An hour-long pre-dawn ascent gives us the opportunity to see the fascinating views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri glowing in the morning sun from Poon Hill (3400m). After breakfast back at the teahouse, it is a mostly downhill walk through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests, to reach Tadapani, where you will have another chance to enjoy views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain). Overnight at teahouse in Tadapani. Approx. 11km trek / 330m ascent / 640m descent.

Day 9: Tadapani - Ghandruk
The descent to Ghandruk is a shorter and relatively easy walk, mostly downhill. From Tadapani you descend through mossy forests and deep gorges, before the scenery changes to a drier more sparse forest as we approach Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung Village, where most of the inhabitants were Gurkhas. Overnight in a teahouse. Approx. 8km trek / 700m descent.

Day 10: Ghandruk - Pokhara
Today is our final day of trekking as we descend back to Nayapul, from where we travel by road back to Pokhara. Overnight in a guesthouse. Approx. 13km trek / 1000m descent.

Day 11: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Transfer back to Kathmandu (6 hours' drive) and freshen up before a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 12: Kathmandu - London
Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight home, possibly arriving the next day, depending on flight schedules.

N.B. The day-to-day program is subject to weather, general conditions and the progress of the group. While we do not anticipate any changes to the itinerary, we cannot be held responsible for changes made due to unexpected circumstances. Ultimately the safety and health of the group takes priority in all circumstances.

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