For the ultimate volunteering and travel adventure, the Annapurna trek has to be one of the most stunning! At a slightly lower altitude than the Everest base camp, and with many variety in landscapes, this trek is one of the most stunning!
You will spend the first week on an introduction in the capital Kathmandu, before heading to Pokhara to start the Annapurna trek. After your trek you will spend a week volunteering back in Kathmandu at your chosen project!
This is a fantastic program to give back on your travels whilst exploring this amazing place. Below is an idea of what to expect.
First Week: Introduction Week – Kathmandu
Starting in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, this week you will learn all about Nepalese culture, the language, dos and don’ts, and lifestyle of the local people. You will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt race at a local market!
Second and Third Week: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from trailhead Nayapul, across riverbeds and terraced hillsides, past beautiful rhododendron flowers and oak forests, to picturesque villages of the Gurungs.
We will go on to the deep narrow corridor of Modi River Gorge, see a spectacular mountain amphitheatre formed by the towering peaks of Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna I and III, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome and Machhapuchhre. The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek allows trekkers to pitch camp at approximately 14,000 ft, in the middle of stunning surroundings!
On return, we descend through the gorge and cross the Deorali Pass from where you can see views over the Kali Gandaki valley.
We have a rest day, usually at Ghorepani, where a short climb up to Poon Hill is worthwhile to get a sweeping view of the entire western Himalaya, including the giant Dhaulagiri. Don’t give this a miss!
Fourth Week: Community Service
After driving back to Kathmandu, you will have a choice of several volunteer projects for your final week. This is a great way to give back to the country and to really experience Nepalese hospitality.
You will have the chance to voluntter at the animal shelter aiding injured dogs. This is a popular project and very rewarding.
*This is a 4 week program which can be extended to spend more time volunteering at the end.
