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Nepal

Nepal: Yeti Expedition — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 0 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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From the colors and magic of Kathmandu’s markets to the serenity of Himalayan trails, this 10-day adventure offers a blend of well-paced excursions through ecosystems and cultures. The rugged foothills of the Annapurna Range will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning views of mountain vistas, you’ll come away with a full and real appreciation of this land and its people.

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

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 in Kathmandu (KTM) 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, head out to learn about local culture and religion, visit the city’s temples, and explore Kathmandu.
2

Rafting the Trishuli River

Head out for your first adventure in Nepal: whitewater rafting! Get a safety and skills briefing from our rafting partner company and set out on your rafts down the river. Pass through Snell’s Nose, Monkey Rapids, and Teen Devi Rapids today, experiencing the isolated nature of beautiful Nepal. Camp in the wilderness overnight, relax, and share stories before another big day out on the river.
3

Head Downriver and Roadtrip to Pokhara

Head back onto the river for your next run through more exhilarating rapids: Monsoon, Upset, and Coffee Pot. Run the river’s path to lower elevations and head for shore, shaking off your sea legs and taking in the beautiful scenery. Dry off and pack up for the three-hour road trip to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city, to explore the culture and get to know the people of Nepal.
4

Explore Pokhara

Explore the Peace Pagoda, stroll around the lakeside, and wander through the markets of the city. This is the best place to buy adventure gear as you prepare for our upcoming trek and optional bungee jumping or zip lining.
5

Hike from Nayapul to Hile

Take a short drive to Nayapul, the starting point for the trek. Sip on some Nepali tea and relax a bit before starting our hike. Start by walking through local villages and then through some steep patches to reach the town of Hile. Once you arrive, explore the nearby villages and get to know the locals over dinner in this unique part of the world. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you will begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.
6

Trek through the Rhododendron Forests

Start your hike today with a steep ascent to Ulleri for your first view of the Himalayas! Continue through Asia’s biggest rhododendron forests. After a full-day hike to the town of Ghorepani, spend the evening in another charming tea house getting to know your over dinner as the sun sets on the Himalayas.
7

Climb Poon Hill

Wake before dawn for an early climb to the summit of Poon Hill, which stands at 3200 meters. Watch the sun rise and take in the views of the of the highest mountain range on Earth. After breakfast, follow a long ridge through rhododendron forests to the town of Deurali, passing impressive river gorges, and if you’re lucky, spotting some Langur monkeys in the trees!
8

Continue Exploring Pokhara

Trek back to Nayapul, your original starting point, and drive to Pokhara. Check into your hotel to drop your bags and head back out for an afternoon shopping and exploring the city to buy local, handmade gifts for your friends and family. Eat dinner at a local spot and enjoy the vibe of this remote city for one more night.
9

Enjoy the Last Night in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and take some time in the city to explore the shops and markets, and spend the afternoon participating in a group discussion about your village experience, reflecting on your time in Nepal over walks and your last hot Nepalese dinner with your group. 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!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

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

Nepal

What Do School Organizers Ask?

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 →

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?