Compare Annapurna Homestay Trek by Intrepid Travel vs Volunteer in an Orphanage in Nepal by Global Vision International
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 5 days | 14 days |
Price From | $ 665 | $ 1,213 |
Price Per Day | $ 133 | $ 87 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Basic | Basic |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Travel to Nepal and hike through the Annapurnas, one of the most naturally beautiful regions on the planet, on this active adventure. Through rocky terrain, lush forests and fields of wildflowers, and under the shadow of snowy peaks, spend each day walking through the wonder of nature. Stop and rest at rural villages for a glimpse into a simple, traditional life. Reach a prime vantage point which offers panoramic views of the awesome Annapurna region – a true highlight of an unforgettable journey. |
Immerse yourself in the rich Nepalese culture amongst breathtaking Himalayan scenery and volunteer in a care center or children’s home depending on your skills and local needs at that time. Nepalese traditions are an important part of local life that have remained largely unchanged in centuries, allowing you to fully experience life in this amazing country. Upon your arrival into the beautiful country of Nepal, volunteers will have an orientation in the second largest city of Nepal and visit traditional Hindu and Buddhist sights. During this time, you have the chance to explore the area, live with a host family, learn some basic Nepali and visit many of the local sights. |
Day 1 Pokhara/Kalikasthan - Yangjakot trek (1440m)
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Meet your trek leader at the Pokhara office at 9.00AM ready to embark on a scenic drive to the outlying village of Kalikasthan. Enter a world of friendly villagers, terraced fields, alpine meadows and rhododendron forest set before a back-drop of snow-clad peaks. Begin with a walk down to the Modi river (2hrs approx). Along the way pass through delightful little villages and enjoy mesmerizing vistas of the Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II mountains. Cross over a long suspension bridge in the Modi Valley, pass through a densely shaded Sal forest, and ascend steeply to the village of Chachowk. Continue on to the village of Yangjakot where we spend the night in a homestay (3hrs approx.) (1440m). Trek Distance: 10 km Approximate Duration: 5 hours Ascent: 800 m Descent: 530 m
Day 2 Yangjakot - Tanting trek (1580m)
This morning take a gradually descending track down to the Modi Valley (1.5hr approx). Cross the river and follow the path on the western flank of the river to the village of Chasu (1.5hr approx). A long flight of steep but well-laid stone steps tests your fitness and takes you past verdant terraced fields to Tanting (2hrs approx). This Gurung village is typical of the raw beauty of traditional Nepalese hillside villages. We spend the night in a homestay (1580m). Trek Distance: 14 km Approximate Duration: 6 hours Ascent: 1150 m Descent: 950 m
Day 3 Tanting - Siklis trek (1980m)
This morning take the gradual descending track down to the river (1.5hr approx). After crossing, head to uphill to Siklis, where we stop for the day ( 2.5 hr approx) (1980m). You'll be hard pressed to find a more delightful place to spend your day than Siklis, a village with welcoming inhabitants, picturesque terraced fields, alpine meadows and views of the giants of the Annapurnas section of the Himalayas: Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna II (7,937m) and the monolithic hulk of Lamjung Himal. There are many activities with which to fill your time in this village. You can hike to viewpoints, explore the surrounding villages, and soak up the rhythm of local life. You can also help your host with the daily chores, perhaps getting your hands dirty in the farms! Trek Distance: 6 km Approximate Duration: 4 hours Ascent: 725 m Descent: 420 m
Day 4 Siklis to Ghale Gaun trek (1620m)
After a tranquil day in Siklis, set out on the longest section of your trek. Leave the village and enter deep woods trekking westwards with snow-capped peaks to your right. Make a steep climb up to a grassy wooded knoll known as Tara Top (4hrs approx) (2800m). This is the vantage-point for a spectacular 360-degree view that encompasses most of the Annapurna massif. Clear skies will allow for unforgettable memories of this majestic panorama. Descend through shady forests of rhododendron hung heavy with lichen and moss, with wild flowers on the sunnier banks and wild orchids attached to the branches above us, before arriving at Ghale Gaun (approx 3hrs), our stop for the night (1620m). Trek Distance: 13 km Approximate Duration: 8 hours Ascent: 910 m Descent: 1220 m
Day 5 Ghale Gaun to Bhurjung Khola trek/Pokhara
Head down to Bhurjung Khola, a tributary of the Seti River, following it south until you reach the road-head (2hrs approx) where your transport awaits to return you to Pokhara (1.5hr drive). Our trip finishes in Pokhara this afternoon around 1pm. Extra accommodation or a transfer back to Kathmandu are available. If you wish to leave today, you will need to book a flight as buses to Kathmandu all leave before 1pm. Please speak to your agent when booking.
Project Life
Monday to Friday
You will play sports, lead games and activities and create art projects with the children at your placement care center where you will spend the majority of your volunteering time. Evenings are free time for you to relax and get to know your fellow volunteers.
During orientation and program you will enjoy home cooked meals in your home stay.
Field Conditions
Your accommodation will be shared bedrooms and bathrooms in a local family near to your volunteer placement, giving you the rare opportunity to truly experience life inside a Nepalese community. Typical food will include fresh vegetables, beans and rice for breakfast and evening meals, both of which are provided for you.
Accommodation Upgrades
If you would prefer to stay in private accommodation while on this project, this location does offer upgrades. Contact us for more information, or mention to your Country Expert who will be able to assist you.
Project Details
Nepal is a naturally and culturally beautiful country, but the unfortunate truth is that the streets of Nepal’s cities and towns are where a lot of children end up when their families can no longer support them. Hundreds are found each year in this situation.
Through placements in Nepal you will help create a nurturing and positive environment to provide the much needed educational support for these children.
Volunteers provide the local teachers critical support with the funding from program fees being almost the only source of funds. Our main aim is to keep these facilities running to allow the provision of education to continue.
Free Time
Volunteering with GVI not only allows you to participate on programs assisting disadvantaged communities or endangered ecosystems but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your down time or further afield either before or after your program. Many decide to travel after volunteering, solidifying the lifetime friendships established on program.
Our long term field staff are a great source of advice and are here to help you make the most of your time abroad. Remember to ask about discounts on local activities and side trips through your association with GVI. Our field teams have helped us put together the following information on trips and travel options in Nepal!
Project Details
Nepal is a naturally and culturally beautiful country, but the unfortunate truth is that the streets of Nepal’s cities and towns are where a lot of children end up when their families can no longer support them. Hundreds are found each year in this situation.
Through placements in Nepal you will help create a nurturing and positive environment to provide the much needed educational support for these children.
Volunteers provide the local teachers critical support with the funding from program fees being almost the only source of funds. Our main aim is to keep these facilities running to allow the provision of education to continue.
How this project makes a difference:
In Nepal children are frequently abandoned and found in horrible working conditions. If these children don’t have care centres to turn to, they wouldn’t receive an education and other crucial basic needs.
GVI keeps numerous care centres in Nepal operating by providing needed funding and volunteer aide. These facilities provide children with the tools they need to have a better future.