Nepal: Yeti Expedition

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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