Summer Volunteer and Adventure Program Nepal (5 Weeks)
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)
Come to Nepal and be part of a landscape that encompasses the Himalayas , the lush valleys and the rivers. On these rough and rugged terrains, incredibly diverse cultures have flourish fascinating people who dare to venture. Though poverty permeates every corner of the country, the people of Nepal have a big heart and welcome visitors as if they are gods. Be part of this experience. IFRE summer volunteer program is tailored to bring out the best of Nepal . You will not only explore Nepal as a visitor but you'll also work to better the lives of common people and get to know them intimately. It's an experience many have described before as astonishing.
Cultural Immersion Program with Orientation and Language Class in Katmandu (7 Days)
 Begin your month long voyage into discovering Nepal with an orientation program. Soak in information about Nepali culture, religion and the challenges the tiny country is currently facing. Tour to fascinating places inside Kathmandu Valley is also part of the program. You'll travel to the center of Kathmandu city and witness ancient courtyards and building that Newari kings inhabited. In Thamel, enjoy backpackers mingle with the local crowd. You will then travel to Lamatar, a rural village and discover a typical Nepali village life for 3 days. During the village stay, enjoy the hikes to local villages, temples, monasteries and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas .
June 26: The day you will arrive at Kathmandu . You will be met by IFRE's representative at the arrival lounge of the hostel and be swiftly transferred to the hostel.
June 27: You will be part of an orientation program. You will learn about what to expect in Nepal , how you can greet local people and how is the best way to talk to them. You'll also learn simple greeting words in Nepalese.
June 28: Today, you'll be part of a short cultural tour to see the historical town of Kirtipur . The town stands on a hill top. You'll enjoy views from there and see how local people go about living their lives. In the morning, there will be a two-hour language class.
June 29: Watch video clips and learn about the cultures of Nepal . The language classes will also continue.
June 30: Kathmandu Valley has fascinated tourists for more than centuries. The landscape and the culture that has thrived has been a magnet for travelers. You'll today enjoy all the sights and sounds the valley has to offer. Get up early for that and enjoy breakfast before setting off on a tour. You'll visit Pashupatinath temple, the famous Hindu temple, you'll then travel to Swayambhu, a Buddhist Stupa at the heart of Kathmandu , situated on a hilltop. Enjoy Kathmandu Valley from there and watch all the surrounding mountains of Kathmandu Valley . You're free the whole day after completing the tour.
July 1: Today is less hectic. Be part of a two hours morning class. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy what you like to do. You can travel to Thamel and check out numerous bars and restaurants. Another tourist hotspot is Durbar Marg.
July 2: Enjoy early morning breakfast to start your day. Your language will be assessed today. There will be a small celebration to mark the culmination of language class. You will receive a certificate stating your participation. Lunch will be served after that. The rest of the day is free. Prepare to leave for your project site tomorrow.
 July 3 - 16: Home Stay and Community Service Project
With the cultural immersion program over, it's time to volunteer. There are two places, in Kathmandu and Chitwan, where volunteers will travel to work in orphanages. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. Orphanages are littered with children of parents who have died because of HIV/AIDS, of poor health care system and lack of medical facilities, and some children have been abandoned because their parents simply can't afford to raise them. Provide them with plenty love, care for them by tidying their beds, changing their clothes, showering them and making sure they are well fed. You will also teach them English and nursery rhymes.
July 17 - 31 - Annapurna Trek (14 Days)
With the work over, it's time to enjoy Nepal with 14 days of trek to one of the awe-inspiring routes. Pokhara, a small valley west of Kathmandu , is where most trekking routes start. You will leave on a bus to Pokhara and be on your way as you trudge along to enjoy the views.
July 17: Preparation for the trekking
July 18: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Enjoy the bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara as the road snakes its way through hills and rivers. The journey can take from 4-6 hours. Once in Pokhara, you'll receive further instructions about your trek.
Overnight: hotel/guest house; Meals: None
July 19: Pokhara to Tirkhe Dhunga
Your excitement will no doubt start to build as you make your way to Naya Pul from where you will be on foot. Start with an easy stroll as your slowly warm your muscles and prepare for harder climbs ahead. You'll walk along sub-tropical Modi Khola River Valley to Birenthanti. The place is a large village on the old Nepal-Tibet trading route. You'll walk along terraced rice fields and arrive at Tirkhe Dhunga.
Overnight: Tea house; Meals: None
July 20: Tirkhe Dhunga to Ghorepani
You'll walk through rhododendron and oak forests and the sound of water trickling from nearby stream will constantly accompany you as you climb steadily to Ulleri, a Magar village situated at 2070 m. From there, you'll pass through similar landscapes as you are at Ghorepan at 2850m.
Overnight: Tea house; Meals: None
July 21: Poon Hill Hiking – Ghorepani back – onwards to Tadapani
The sunrise over Poon Hill is described by many as simply dazzling. On top of a 3195m peek at Poon Hill, you'll watch a big round mould simmering as the sun ascends over the towering Himalayas . On a clear, cloudless day, the rays shoot in all directions as the sun begins its upward journey. It's like being in a light show. The Himalayas , a ghostly figure, silhouetted at a distance, slowly emerges with luster as the sun makes it presence. It's a magical moment. Get up early for that the trek to Poon Hill before sun comes out. You'll be able to watch vast range of peeks from Poon Hill. You'll also see 6 thousand meter deep Kali Gandaki Gorge. After the sunrise, descend back to Ghorepani and travel to Tadapani, passing the village of Banthanti on the way.
Overnight: Tea house; Meals: None
July 22: Tadapani to Chhomrung
Travel to Chhomrung, a Gurung village. You'll stroll through oak forests and relax at the sight of rhododendrons. The village is unique in that it's the highest permanently settled place in the valley around. From the village, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Macchapuchhare mountains.
Overnight: Tea house; Meals: None
July 23: Chhomrung to Dovan
You'll today first walk downhill before walking alongside a stream and forests. The stone staircase from Chhomrung will take you to Chhomrung River , which you will cross to move to the west of the river. You'll then hike to Kuldi before returning back to Dovan.
Overnight: Tea house; Meals: None
July 24: Dovan to Machhapurchhe Base Camp/Annapurna Base Camp
From the place of your overnight stay, you'll climb higher on to a ridge and climb down the other side. Arrive at the bed of a glacier before you finally make it to Annapurna Base Camp (4237m) for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Tea house. Meals: None
July 25: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Watch mesmeric sunrise from the base camp. You'll enjoy early morning breakfast while doing so. You'll specially enjoy hot cup of tea in the cold environment of base camp. After that, you'll return to Bamboo.
Overnight: Tea house; Meals: None
July 26: Bamboo to Chhomrung
It's all downhill at the start. You'll use the stone staircase to arrive at Kuldi. Pass along rhododendron forests and enjoy the cool breeze as you walk down. There is never a dull moment during the trek. Watch the changing landscape also. You'll then arrive at Sinuwa and walk downhill again to Modi Khola. At long last, you'll finally climb. Reach Chhomrung, where you'll halt overnight.
Overnight: Tea house; Meals: None
July 27: Chhomrung to Ghandrung
You'll pass through forests and changing landscape as you arrive at Taglung. At Ghandrung, you'll again be privy to a vista of Annapurna range.
Overnight: Tea house; Meals: None
July 28: Ghandrung to Pokhara
It's all downhill from Ghandrung as you make your way to Pokhara. Pass Syauli Bazaar, passing terraced fields and make your way to Naya Pul where you'll board a bus to arrive at Pokhara.
Overnight: Tea house/hotel/guest house; Meals: None
July 29: Explore Pokhara
You'll spend the day exploring Pokhara. You'll take a boat to enjoy Fewa Lake , tour the city and enjoy life around lake side.
Overnight: hotel/guest house; Meals: None
July 30 : Pokhara to Karthmandu
You'll leave Pokhara on a bus and arrive at Kathmandu . The ride takes 4-6 hours. The tour finishes with the Kathmandu arrival.
Overnight: None; Meals: None
July 31: Departure
Program Fee Covers:
- An experienced tour leader, guides and porters.
- Meals while in the community project
- Teahouse/Guesthouse accommodations during the trek
- Ground transportation
- Guides and porters
- Entrance fees and permits
- Baggage storage
- Travel Insurance
Program Fee Does Not Cover:
- Meals during the trek (estimated budget $5-15 per day)
- Optional Tips to Group Leader and Sherpa Staff
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Airport Tax
- Items of Personal Consumption (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- Sleeping Bags (A good quality sleeping bag and down jacket are required for this trip.
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 .
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