Join the gap year Nepal experience for an epic adventure, combining travel with community volunteering. Tick off all the “must-see” opportunities that this intriguing country has to offer. From exploring the colourful temples and markets of Kathmandu, trekking through the mighty Himalayas, to discovering the charm and wildlife in Chitwan. The whole experience will be fun, diverse and culturally enriching. Meanwhile, you'll also be making a positive impact on the local community.
SUMMARY OF THE REAL NEPAL EXPERIENCE
The Real Nepal Experience offers ambitious individuals the opportunity to join together and embark on a thrilling adventure across Nepal. Our local team provides a structured, fast-paced and thrilling group itinerary across a number of amazing sites around the country. Your group will also dedicate time to volunteering projects to give back to local communities, developing and showcasing your skills. On the gap year Nepal experience, you will arrive in Nepal on a set date, joining your group before travelling and volunteering across a 4 week period. This makes the Experience trips ideal for anyone who wishes to explore and engage in new experiences in the company of others.
Individuals on this experience trip have the unique chance to explore different aspects of this vibrant country, from exploring the wildlife on safari in Chitwan, hiking through the Himalayas to visiting ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples. Your adventure will pan across the best sites in the entire country, before dedicating your time to meaningful volunteer projects. Across this 28-day itinerary, be prepared for breathtaking sites, friends for life and complete cultural immersion. The gap year Nepal experience is perfect for anyone looking to travel within a safe, structured and social environment.
From one destination to the next, you won’t need to worry about a thing. All your in-country transport and accommodation will be arranged by our local teams on the gap year Nepal experience. This helps to ensure that your experience abroad is as smooth as possible. Our team will arrange numerous activities for you to enjoy and engage in during your trip. For any spare time, our local experts will be able to help you discover the impressive range of activities you can get involved in during your trip to Nepal. A portion of your time will also be dedicated to making a difference within a community in Nepal. This will allow you to put your skills and enthusiasm into practice to make a meaningful difference to local communities overseas.
The trip’s group set-up makes the gap year Nepal experience an exceptional social occasion. You have the chance to meet individuals from across the globe, forming friendships that will last a lifetime. You will stay together for your entire adventure, sharing moments and memories that will stay with you forever. You will also have the chance to immerse yourself with members of the local community, making your gap year programs in Nepal even more special.
EXPLORING NEPAL
Nepal is simply sublime. From the colourful, fluttering prayer flags to the ever-present dramatic mountainous backdrop, this awe-inspiring country beguiles travellers. It has been a hotspot for intrepid travellers for decades. Whilst the world has changed, Nepal is still catching up – one of the many reasons that make it such a fascinating country. The landscape is diverse and harsh yet beautiful beyond belief.
Many of the Nepalese people live in poverty, yet remain as proud and welcoming as ever. You may leave the country at the end of your gap year Nepal experience, but you are certain never to forget it. The huge earthquake that struck on 25th April 2015 had a devastating effect. Nevertheless, Nepal has slowly bounced back with a strong, determined spirit. It is now considered very safe to travel to Nepal and as you travel the breadth of the country, you will probably not be aware there was a recent earthquake.
The gap year Nepal experience starts in the bustling capital of Kathmandu. Meanwhile, we will prepare you for the upcoming weeks through a combination of cultural briefings, language lessons and sightseeing. The trip continues onto Pokhara for a 5 day trek through the spectacular Himalayan mountain scenery, stopping on the way for a full day of white-water rafting.
After that, we then move onto Chitwan National Park where we will take a walk through the jungle and a bicycle tour around 20,000 lakes (a.k.a Bishazari Tal) and indigenous villages, followed by a 10 day volunteering placement, before returning to Kathmandu to complete the gap year Nepal Experience. Phew!
Your group will travel together by private and public transport, visiting some of the best destinations Nepal has to offer, as well as some of the hidden gems most visitors never see. A coordinator will accompany you throughout your gap year Nepal experience, so you’ll get the chance to learn so much about the local culture and history throughout your travels.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Itinerary Schedule - The itineraries for our experience trips are subject to change, as a result of unforeseen circumstances. We will always do our best to notify participants of changes in advance of the program start date. However, activities day to day during time in-country also remain subject to unanticipated changes.
Project Flexibility - Participants on the Real Nepal Experience are advised to be flexible when it comes to the Nepal volunteer program aspect of the trip. The type of volunteering experience and location can differ as it is often dependent on factors such as the size of the group, the need at the time and volunteers’ project preference. So the volunteering program is finalised when in Nepal and our local team will run through the options for this accordingly.
Travel Insurance - For this trip it is essential to check that your Travel Insurance will cover you for being over 3,000m on your trek.
