Trishuli rafting, Pokhara's lake and caves, a project day at a local school and the jungle of Chitwan in eight days.
Price on request
This trip is packed with soft adventure: scenic drives with mountain views, white-water rafting on the Trishuli River, sightseeing in Pokhara, a visit to a local community school, and the culture and traditions of a beautiful country.
It is an invaluable source of learning for students, helping them develop skills such as communication and a better understanding of culture, geography, science and other topics. They get a feel for mountains and white-water rafting, take part in social and environmental activities, and learn about wildlife and its importance to us.
Sleeping altitude, walking time, meals and lodging for every day.
The Ultimate Explorer Nepal: day by day
8 days
On arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative meets the group and transfers everyone to the hotel, with help at check-in. Afterwards students receive a full briefing on the trip, followed by dinner.
After breakfast we leave the Kathmandu Valley along the Prithvi Highway. After a few hours we reach the put-in for a rafting trip on the Trishuli River, Nepal's most popular rafting river, with impressive gorges, exciting rapids, some easier sections and easy access, which also makes it a good break in the journey to Pokhara. Its grade 2 to 3+ rapids and gentler stretches suit first-time and experienced rafters alike. After the rafting we continue to Pokhara, taking in the scenery on the way. Set on the shore of Phewa Lake beneath the Annapurna range, Pokhara is a great town to explore, and the evening is for dinner and rest.
After breakfast we start sightseeing in Pokhara with Mahendra Cave, a natural limestone tunnel that visitors can walk into, where the rock walls sparkle when light strikes them. From there we go to Mahendrapul, where the Seti River runs through a deep, narrow gorge and disappears from view in many places on its way through the city. After lunch we visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where meeting residents and visiting the monastery, the carpet workshop and the souvenir shops are the highlights.
After breakfast the team heads to a local school for a community project day: about half an hour by road, then an hour's walk. Students meet local students, play games and do some physical work, to be decided closer to the visit. Nearer the time we will send details of the work the school needs, how students can help, and what donations they might bring. After the visit students walk back towards Pokhara via the Peace Stupa down to the lakeside, and take a boat across Phewa Lake on the way back to the hotel.
After breakfast we drive from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park, about four and a half hours of fine scenery. On arrival students have lunch and check in at the hotel. Later they can visit the national park visitor centre or go down to the banks of the Rapti River for the sunset. In the evening there is a performance of traditional cultural dance.
Today is action-packed. After breakfast at the lodge students set off on a jeep safari in the Chitwan jungle, returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon there is a ride in a traditional wooden canoe, and after it students split into small groups for a jungle walk before returning to the lodge.
Students transfer back to Kathmandu, about four to five hours by road. On arrival we visit Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, whose founding is linked to the legend of the Kathmandu Valley's creation from a primordial lake. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in Nepal, said to be around two thousand years old. In the evening there is dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant.
After breakfast students check out of the hotel (or arrange a later check-out) and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for centuries the social, religious and urban heart of the city. Nepal's coronations and major state ceremonies were held in its courtyards, and the old palace now houses a museum. After lunch there is time to shop in colourful Thamel, whose narrow streets are crowded with shops and stalls selling local handicrafts. After shopping we transfer to the airport for departure from Kathmandu.
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Budget for these separately
The full breakdown, the kit list and the insurance requirement are sent to you before any deposit.
Request the leader packWhat each student should pack for this programme.
Swimwear and a quick-dry towelFor the rafting day
Spare clothes in a dry bag
Sunglasses with a strap
Quick-dry T-shirts and trekking trousersNo jeans on the trail
Fleece or warm mid layer
Waterproof jacketShowers are common in spring and autumn
Sun hat and a warm hat
Underwear and socks for every day
Broken-in walking boots or trail shoes
Sandals or trainers for the evenings
Daypack, 25 to 35 litresWith a rain cover
Water bottle, 1 litre or more
Personal medicationWith a copy of the prescription
Sunscreen and lip balm
Hand sanitiser
Insect repellent
Passport valid for six months
Two passport photographsFor the visa and any permits
Copy of your travel insurance
Shot on this trail by our guides and the groups who walked it.
Blue rafts full of paddlers in helmets and life jackets gathered on a wide river below forested hillsA small boat on the calm water of Phewa Lake below green forested hillsThe gilded spire of Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu hung with prayer flagsThe tiered brick and timber towers of the old royal palace in Kathmandu Durbar SquareYes. The Trishuli's grade 2 to 3+ rapids, with easier sections in between, suit first-time and experienced rafters alike.
They visit a local school near Pokhara, meet the students, play games and do some physical work for the school. We confirm the work closer to the visit and send details of how students can help and what donations they might bring.
A jeep safari in the jungle, a ride in a traditional wooden canoe and a jungle walk in small groups, plus a Rapti River sunset or a visit to the park visitor centre and a cultural dance performance on the first evening.
Still deciding? The people who answer are the people who run the trek. Ask us anything: fitness, insurance, kit, or whether your dates are a sensible idea.
Message a trek specialistThe same care and paperwork, at a different length and pace.
D of E GoldModerateModerate5–6 hours a day · 3,500–4,500 mLonger days with real ascent, and at least one acclimatisation day built in. Some training helps; hill walking most weekends for two months is enough.7 days · Kathmandu Valley rim, Nepal
Price on request
D of E SilverModerateModerate5–6 hours a day · 3,500–4,500 mLonger days with real ascent, and at least one acclimatisation day built in. Some training helps; hill walking most weekends for two months is enough.6 days · Kathmandu Valley rim, Nepal
Price on request
EasyEasy4–5 hours a day · Below 3,500 mWell-made trails, teahouses close together, and nothing that needs a head for heights. Anyone who walks regularly at home will be comfortable.
ModerateModerate5–6 hours a day · 3,500–4,500 mLonger days with real ascent, and at least one acclimatisation day built in. Some training helps; hill walking most weekends for two months is enough.
ChallengingChallenging6–7 hours a day · 4,500–5,600 mConsecutive days at altitude, cold nights and a pre-dawn start or two. You need to arrive fit rather than plan to get fit on the trail.We reply with a costed plan for your group.
At least one adult for every eight students. Every leader and guide holds a first aid qualification.
Yes. Our itineraries are flexible and are shaped to the students' needs and the school's requirements.
Yes. We arrange charity treks and community projects with schools, orphanages and villages, from fundraising to building, painting, farming and cleaning.
Price on request
8 days
