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Nepal

Nepal: Himalayan Photo Adventure — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Like many of our programs, this one can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum.

Bring your camera and explore the Land of the Himalayas while learning about village and city life across beautiful Nepal. See and experience the communities, landscape, and colors of Nepal while honing your photography skills and taking on a true traveler’s adventure. We’ll provide a professional photographer as one of your Program Leaders to ensure you have the technical support and structure to grow and explore your talents as a photographer.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 10-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Nepal!

Arrive into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. After some rest and lunch, visit the city’s temples, and get introduced to the hustle and bustle of Nepal.
2

Buddhist and Hindu Roots

Explore the Kathmandu Valley, chock-full of stunning scenes and contrasts. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Kathmandu and get to know Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, learning about their history and context, and taking time to capture them carefully. If you’re lucky you might see the living goddess Kumari, a child worshipped and respected in both Hindu and Buddhist communities.
3 – 4

Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha

Wake early for a long van drive to the town of Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and Buddhism. Lumbini bustles with people who make the pilgrimage to this holy site. Explore Lumbini and the sacred garden spread over eight square kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage town is celebrated by Buddhists around the globe. Spend an afternoon taking shots and capturing images that resonate the most with you and your group.
5 – 6

Himalayan Landscapes and Pokhara Town

Head to Pokhara, the city of ancient lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and majestic views of the Himalayas. Hike to Peace Pagoda, constructed by the Japanese Nipponzan-Myohoji monks as an example of Buddhist architecture embodying peace and harmony. Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Himalayan ranges, the beautiful Phewa Lake, and the city below. Explore the bustling markets of Pokhara and spend time by the lake watching the sunset. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you'll begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.
7

Australian Camp

Trek to the Australian Camp at Dhampus Village and explore the nearby communities where global climbers come to start their treks. Spend the night at base camp and get a glimpse of extreme athletes and climbers getting ready for their adventures.
8

Hike Back to Pokhara

Start your journey back to Pokhara. After lunch, explore the market or get a massage after your trek. Enjoy the mountain town for another night before heading back to the city in the morning.
9

Back to Kathmandu

Rise early for the van ride back to Kathmandu, watching the mountains unfold until they open into the city cradled in the shadow of Everest. Explore the city sights to learn about Nepal’s unique climbing history and how the country responded to the 2015 earthquake. Kathmandu is the intersection of many Buddhist and Hindu cultures, as well as a range of other global influences. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
10

Namaste, Nepal!

After your last hearty Nepalese breakfast, explore the market and spend your final few hours at Boudhanath, a famous Buddhist monument. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 10 calendar days / 9 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Nepal

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Nepal offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Nepal Asia Photography
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