Summer Volunteer and Adventure Program Nepal (5 Weeks)

Dates: June 25 - July 29, 2012

Location: Kathmandu and beyond Start/End point: Kathmandu Food: Local meals (3 times a day) Room: Orphanage, host family or homebase Date: 5 weeks (June 25 - July 29, 2012) Program fee: $2069 for 5 weeks (including 14 days of Annapurna Base Camp trek)

Nestled in the lap of the Himalaya Mountains between India and China, Nepal is indeed a true natural wonder. Although a small country, Nepal offers a wide range of diversity (both geographically and ethnically). Its natural wonders are incredible and there are abundant examples of unique flora and fauna. The country is populated by vivid ethnic groups and spotted with colorful festivals. IFRE’s summer program offers a rare chance to submerge into the Nepal’s charismatic culture, dedicate valuable time and effort to a local orphanage project and experience all the majestic natural beauty this Himalayan kingdom has to offer! IFRE invites volunteers to have a summer adventure in Nepal and balance humanitarian and travel experiences as they embark on this meaningful journey of a lifetime.

Orientation, Language and Cultural Immersion in Katmandu (7 Days)

Summer adventure volunteers begin with a Language and Cultural immersion program. The first week in Katmandu – a vibrant city with temples and shrines and the Living Goddess – is full of Nepali language and cultural classes and excursions to charming tourist bazaars in Thamel. In addition, volunteers will stay in a rural village (Lamatar) and explore village life for three days: hiking and visiting temples, monasteries and the numerous sites of cultural importance.

Service Projects – Work In an Orphanage (14 Days)

In this phase, volunteers will work on an orphanage project (Kathmandu or Chitwan) and bring a ray of hope into the lives of needy orphans. Volunteers will teach basic, conversational English to the children and organize fun, yet educational, activities. Volunteers also lend a helping hand with orphanage and kitchen operation. There is free time to hike the beautiful areas surrounding Kathmandu Valley and experience the peace and tranquility of amazing Nepal.

Explore Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp Trek (14 Days)

Now it is time to engage in the most popular tourist activity in Nepal – trekking! These 14-days offer natural discovery via a Himalayan hiking experience.Trekkers depart from Pokhara and spend 14-days trekking this world famous Himalayan route. The Himalayan range is one of the most enthralling treks in the world. The Annapurna and Everest hike is not only a hiking destination, but also an incredible and life-changing journey through diverse communities, cultures, religions. Incredibly, this trek is supported by the world famous Gurung or Sherpa cult - the most widely known climbers of the world.

This program itinerary is a sample and may be changed to meet the needs of the volunteers or changes in field conditions. This itinerary will be finalized upon arrival and during orientation in Katmandu.