Xtreme Nepal Experience
Have you always dreamed of immersing yourself in a foreign exotic culture, and learning all about the history, language, religion, traditions and people? Would you like to do all of this in one of the most fascinating, spiritual and breath-taking lands on earth, home to the epic Himalayas and the worlds largest mountains. An exciting 4 week journey with just the right mix of discover, adventure adrenaline and cultural experience.
Highlights Include
- Comprehensive intro week to discover more about Nepal
- Whitewater Rafting through the Himalayas
- Temples and traditions in Kathmandu
- Trekking through the mountains and valleys
- Chitwan National Park
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sharing fun active adventures with the rest of the group
Photos
Nepal Road Trip
Xtreme Gap Year now runs a new Xtreme Nepal Experience program in which you can experience all this and more! The program involves four full weeks of exciting adventure, deep cultural immersion and incredibly rewarding action packed white water rafting and trekking, in the stunning and enthralling little country of Nepal, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayan Mountains.
The programme takes you through four vastly different and charming parts of the country; Kathmandu, Pokhara, Annapurna and the Chitwan District; all very unique and captivating areas.
Working closely with local communities on cultural exchange activities is a strong part of this experience. Becoming part of the community, you will contribute to the growth of the local villages, as well as receiving incredible personal rewards in return. Visiting orphanages will get to meet some of the young members of the community, who will undoubtedly capture your adoration with their big smiles and even bigger hearts.
After your time in Nepal, you will leave, knowing you have contributed to the continued improvement of life in these communities, no matter how big or small. Not only is this program extremely rewarding, but it is also beneficial to the environment too. We strive to ensure our Nepal Road Trip is as kind to you and the locals as it is to the earth.
When you’re not discovering more about the Nepalese, you have lots of time to learn about Nepal. Enjoying some incredible sights around the country, famous for its epic landscapes. From the stunning spiritual Buddhist temple, the Boudhanath Stupa, in Kathmandu, to the vast and rural Royal Chitwan National Park, in the Chitwan District, you will never forget the beauty and charm of Nepal.
Of course, no Xtreme Gap Year itinerary is complete without some fun adventure activities, and this one is no different. White water rafting, trekking through villages and hiking in the stunning Himalayas have been organized to help satisfy the adventurer inside you.
To counteract all the adrenaline-rushing adventure, you can bring your body and mind back into balance by taking some relaxing yoga and meditation classes in the peaceful surrounds of the spectacular Nepalese countryside.
With exciting outdoor adventures, powerful inner journeys, deep cultural exploration and rewarding local interactions, our Nepali programme is the perfect way to spend four weeks in this exotic corner of the world.
So, let’s take a closer look at a more detailed itinerary for your 30 day experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Week 1: Kathmandu
After arriving to Kathmandu (where we will meet you at the airport), we want you to get accustomed to the culture and traditions of the country, as quickly as possible. We have set up some great introductory culture classes for your first week in the city, which focus on some basic Nepalese language skills and introduce you to the way of life here in Nepal. You will learn about the interesting customs and rituals of the country, deepen your understanding of the religions of Nepal and see how they have shaped the history of the country.
Learn more about the intro week
Week 2: Adventure Week: Kathmandu and Pokhara Adventures
Once you’ve become more accustomed to the city and culture, the adventurous activities will begin. Hiking, white water rafting and more await you in the adventure-packed second week of the program.
Learn more about the adventure week
After the village visit, we speed up the pace of our adventure by going white water rafting on the picturesque Trisuli River. With two full days of exciting adventure on the rapids, you will be both invigorated and tired by the end.
To relax from your river adventures, we will then head towards the spectacular Royal Chitwan National Park. Here, we will stay for two nights and three days in a beautiful natural setting, where you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the magnificent Bengal tiger, rhinoceros and over 543 species of exotic bird.
Next we will travel to Nepals second largest city, Pokhara. Surrounded by the giant white peaks of the Himalayas piercing the clouds, Pokhara is the perfect place to unwind after a week of outdoor adventure. Relax with a book by the large, quiet lake, or simply enjoy the awe-inspiring mountain views before embarking on our next adventure on Poon Hill
Week 3 Trekking Week : Annapurna Region Adventure Trek
Week three is an intense physical and mental endurance challenge, that requires lots of motivation and encouragement, but the end results are beyond rewarding. After a 5-day trek through stunning natural beauty, we will reach Poon Hill, at 3,190m or 10,465 ft. Naturally, it is a tiring trip, but the personal accomplishment of completing this journey is incredibly fulfilling. The feeling you get when you reach the top, and look out at two of the most spectacularly immense peaks on our earth; Annapurna (8,091m or 26,545 ft.) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m or 26,794 ft.), is simply mind blowing.
More on Trekking Week
The good news is that the most rewarding part of the program is yet to come, in your fourth and final week in Nepal.
Week 4: Cultural Exchange in Kathmandu
The final week of your Nepali adventure will be a hugely rewarding one. With cultural exchange options at either a local school or in an orphanage, you will have the chance to give back to the community and country, which has provided you with such a magical 3 weeks of learning and adventure so far. By now you should feel accustomed to the culture and feel comfortable saying a few things in the local language. During this week, you will make great new friends with the local people and your fellow travellers. Of course, you will also form powerful relationships with the kids.
Discover more about week 4
After an incredible four weeks in the land of spirituality and smiles, we are sure that you will never forget the time that you have spent here. The people you will meet, the places you will visit and the experiences you will have, will make this one of the most memorable trips of your lifetime. Leave Nepal confident in the knowledge that you have received and given back to the country during your time here.
Accommodation:
During your travels, you will stay at various guesthouses and hotels. During the volunteering and adventure parts, participants will stay in our centres, which are based in the community. All will have access to the basic conditions. Centres have 3-4 bedrooms, which can house 12 people maximum. Rooms will be single gender in either the twin or dorm style. All are comfortable and clean with adequate toilet and bathroom facilities including hot running water and showers. A DVD player, a fridge and a TV with SKY, and a computer with Wi-Fi are readily available for use. The Xtreme Gap representatives will be staying here with you. Hand washing your clothes will be a necessity. Only vegetarian food will be served. We ask that you try to be environmentally conscious, and use resources such as water and electricity with restraint. Alcohol and cigarette use should be limited at all times and is not allowed anywhere in our centers but is permitted in designated areas.
Arrivals & Departures
An Xtreme Gap rep will receive you at Kathmandu Airport with a board displaying your name to ensure that the process is nice and simple.
At the end of the trip return airport transfer is not included (as many choose to stay on or travel elsewhere) so you just jump in a cab back tot he airport, our co-ordinators can arrange this for you but you need to make a small local payment.
Trip Frequently Asked Questions
What should I Bring
WHAT TO BRING:
Please bring the following items with you:
- Light clothes, not too revealing. These are not appropriate while working in schools with children or for the small villages, which you will be visiting. For the school, a shirt and some trousers are a must. Shoulders should be covered all the times. Shorts that are cut at the knee are acceptable, only in the villages but not in schools. Clothes in case it rains. Some formal wear may be required.
- English teaching materials and some games.
- Sun tan/sun screen lotion and a hat
- Sleeping bag is advisable during the winter period (from Nov. to Feb.)
- Flash light.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Toiletries and a towel.
- Medicines as you deem necessary.
- Spending money for personal items.
- Closed shoes if you plan to walk or do sport activities.
Optional (but welcome):
- Pictures of your family, friends and country to share with fellow volunteers.
- Cooking recipes, some cooking material and other things to share your culture through food and drinks.
- Musical instruments and some traditional games from your country.
How fit should i be?
Price
4 Weeks £1199
Included
- Airport Pickup in Kathmandu
- Local co-ordinators to support you and guide you in country
- 24/7 support in case of emergency
- 3 tasty meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Shared accommodation in a standard room (2-4 persons per room)
- Local transport to get around
- Program as stated in the itinerary with entry fees covered for visits to specified places and the various activities.
- Access to the DVD player, TV with SKY and Wi-Fi facilities
Excluded
- Phone Calls
- Flights/ Visas/ Insurance etc.
- Airport Drop Off
Dates
Programme depart first Sunday of the month.
Extras
WHAT TO BRING:
Please bring the following items with you:
- Light clothes, not too revealing. These are not appropriate while working in schools with children or for the small villages, which you will be visiting. For the school, a shirt and some trousers are a must. Shoulders should be covered all the times. Shorts that are cut at the knee are acceptable, only in the villages but not in schools. Clothes in case it rains. Some formal wear may be required.
- English teaching materials and some games.
- Sun tan/sun screen lotion and a hat
- Sleeping bag is advisable during the winter period (from Nov. to Feb.)
- Flash light.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Toiletries and a towel.
- Medicines as you deem necessary.
- Spending money for personal items.
- Closed shoes if you plan to walk or do sport activities.
Optional (but welcome):
- Pictures of your family, friends and country to share with fellow volunteers.
- Cooking recipes, some cooking material and other things to share your culture through food and drinks.
- Musical instruments and some traditional games from your country.
“For me the rafting through the Himalayas was ace! more reviews here.”Patrick Gavin
” I enjoyed every moment in Nepal and hoped that I could have stayed longer. more reviews here.”Alice K.