Compare Volunteer in an Orphanage in Nepal by Global Vision International vs Nar Phu Valley Trek by Himalayan Glacier Adventure
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 19 days |
| Price From | $ 1,213 | $ 3,590 |
| Price Per Day | $ 87 | $ 189 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
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. |
A fantastic journey to the wild and unexplored vicinity located north of Annapurna, this rugged and wild trek takes us to the exotic and enthralling valley of Nar Phu. Nar Phu Valley trek starts from Jagat following the popular trekking routes of Annapurna Circuit trail and then branch off from Koto to follow the off the beaten track to Nar Phu valley in the north of Manang and pass the Kang La pass with magnificent panorama of Annapurna massifs. The Kang La pass links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Neyshang valley. The valley system above opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements. Trekking to this hidden mountain valley offers medieval Tibetan culture in undisturbed form, dramatic mountains view and great alpine sceneries. We then head west over the Thorong La Pass and down through lower Mustang before heading on to Jomsom. We finally fly back to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu next day. |
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.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take us to our hotel. After checking in, we may take a rest or visit Himalayan Glacier’s office. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at Himalayan Glacier’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Jagat Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 1,410m/4,626ft
We begin our journey at early dawn as we have a long drive ahead of us. We head-start right after breakfast and leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning. We see picturesque views of Nepali countryside, lush greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and mountain vistas en route throughout the drive. After 8-10 hours of drive we reach Jagat via Besishahar. Drive up to Besishahar will most likely be smooth owing to black-topped roads whereas after Besishahar, the roads get dusty and coarse but the scenic view from our windowpane is more than compensating for the bumpy ride. Overnight in Jagat.
Day 4: Jagat to Dharapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 1,410m/4,626ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Upon breakfast, we slowly begin our trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 5: Dharapani to Koto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
We begin our trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about one hour passing through pine and fir forests. We can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then we continue our trek till Danaque which takes about an hour. The trail is steeply ascending up to Timang. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. Now the trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about one and half hour. We break for lunch here and again resume through forests whereby we have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally we arrive in Koto village. Overnight in Koto.
Day 6: Koto to Meta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,560m/11,680ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
In the morning, we register our restricted area permit at the Police Check Post. Then we trek through the River bank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharmasala. We have our packed lunch on the way. We then continue the trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village. Finally we arrive on the Tibetan Plateau where we have a very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Meta.
Day 7: Meta to Phu Gaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,250m/13,944ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
We start our day traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After almost 4 hours of trek we reach Kyang where we can see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived). We further keep walking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail and finally reach the Phu village in another 3 to 4 hours. Overnight in Phu Gaon.
Day 8: Acclimatization at Phu Gaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,250m/13,944ft
Today is the scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized with the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale in here. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding and seasonal migrations in such remote location or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight at Phu Gaon.
Day 9: Phu Gaon to Nar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 6-7 hrs
The trail descends passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. We pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. We have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Nar Village which takes about 2 hours. We find several Buddhist Monasteries here to visit coupled with the glorious vistas of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight in Nar.
Day 10: Acclimatization and preparation at Nar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
This is the second scheduled acclimatization/rest day for this trek. We spend the day taking a day hike nearby and explore Nar village and have a close look over the local culture and lifestyle. We also prepare for the trek next day. Overnight in Nar.
Day 11: Nar to Kang La Pass to Ngwal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,660m/12,008ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Today is adventurous day with long day hike so we get up early in the morning and head to Kangla pass. From pass we can see the Annapurna massif. We further trek down to Ngwal from there. Overnight in Ngwal.
Day 12: Ngwal to Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,519m/11,546ft
Hiking: 4-5 hrs
From Ngwal, we head for Manang today. We pass through the isolated village of Paugh overlooking the amazing views of Annapurna range. We then move gently uphill to Mungli and then to the main trail of Annapurna Trail at Mungli. We eventually reach Manang, where we set up our camps for overnight stay. Overnight in Manang.
Day 13: Manang to Yak Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
Day 14: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, Himalayan Glacier’s team leader does not advise this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can have sound sleep in lower altitude rather than risking sleeping in a higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Day 15: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La to Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 5,416m/17,770ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Crossing the arduous Thorong La Pass at a dizzying height of 5,416m/17,764ft is another highlight of this trek. An early start is important to go through the icy high-altitude trail. But the picturesque mountain vistas are more than compensates the strenuous walk through the grueling trail. We reach Muktinath by sunset which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. We can stroll around the area which hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Overnight at Muktinath.
Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 2,700m/8,859ft
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
We begin descending down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge through the arid land. We pass by Jharkot and Khingar villages which has typical Tibetan architecture. Following the valley floor most of the way sprawled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, we reach Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Mount Kailash Resort)
Maximum Altitude: 827m/2,713ft
Flight: 30 Min
After breakfast we fly to Pokhara. The scenic flight takes us through the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to lakeside hotel. We get some rest and explore the beauty of Pokhara Valley in the evening. While we leisurely walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal while admiring the mountain view of Machhapuchhare. We can also go for a boat-ride in Fewa Lake or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can end the day with a leisurely stroll around the mesmerizing lakeside area.Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Driving: 5-6 hrs
Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize our photos. We can spend the evening leisurely or perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. Either way, we celebrate the successful completion of our journey with a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final departure from Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Himalayan Glacier representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
