Nepal

Nepal: Mountain Adventure

Q: Is Nepal: Mountain Adventure Right for My Child?

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.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

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

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What Does a 13-Day Program Include?

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

Depart for Nepal

Arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Nepal. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight to Nepal.

In Transit

The flight to Nepal is long, but will be worth it when you step out int o the mountains!

Welcome to Nepal!

Arrive into Tribhuvan International Airport, 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’s to the culture, hustle and bustle of Nepal. Students will share comfortable rooms with private bathrooms in a comfortable guesthouse.

Whitewater Rafting the Trishuli River

Wake up to the cool mountain air and enjoy your breakfast. Head out for your first adventure in Nepal: white water rafting! Get a safety and skills briefing from our rafting partner company and set out on your rafts down the river. You’ll pass through Snell’s Nose, Monkey Rapids, and Teen Devi Rapids today, and experience being in the isolated nature of beautiful Nepal. After a long, exciting day, head to the shore to camp in the wilderness overnight, relax, and share stories before another big day out on the river.

Rayale Village

After a relaxing morning and breakfast, head out to Rayale village. It is located Southeast of Kathmandu valley. This village is the perfect example of unity and diversity where Hindu and Buddhist people are living together. Upon arrival you will be welcomed in a traditional way with a Tika and garland. Once you arrive meet with the head of the village and visit the local community members' houses and see how they live and what their daily routine is like. Play cricket or soccer with the village students, learn Nepali dance, and enjoy evening chiya with your homestay families. You can expect daily debriefs with your group during which you’ll start to reflect, unpack your experience, and explore your identity.

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Village and Homestay Life

Wake up to the cool mountain air and enjoy your home cooked breakfast. For the next two days you’ll put on your service shoes and dig into the ongoing projects of the village. You will be building protection for the clean water source in the valley to ensure safe drinking water for the village. Spend the morning with your homestay family for breakfast then meet as a group for your service project. Have lunch together and then jump back into service in the afternoon. Evenings will be spent exploring the village and the culture of Nepal. Play cricket or soccer with the village students, learn Nepali dance, and enjoy evening chiya with your homestay families. You can expect daily debriefs with your group during which you’ll start to reflect, unpack your experience, and explore your identity. After all the adventure and sit down in the evening, 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

Trek in the Namo Buddha

After breakfast, hop on to your vans to head out to the starting point of the Namo Buddha trek. Namo Buddha Hiking - "The finest trekking route in the KTM valley." Namo Buddha Hiking route, at 2565m. This is best known for its culture that is still conserved and followed. It is one of the few hiking routes near the valley that takes you to the Stupa’s flattering colorful prayer flags and peaceful environment. Culturally, the reason is home to Tamang and Newari ethnicities. Be ready to experience some amazing views of Rhododendron bushes, sacred and ancient temples and monasteries including Namo Buddha, Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, and the Brahmayani Temple and of course the views of the snow peaked Himalayas.

Trek to Nagarkot

Nagarkot is touted as having the best mountain views near Kathmandu with a chance at seeing Everest. Nagarkot trek is one of the perfect short trek destinations to the east of Kathmandu, away from the city crowd. This trek allows you to experience typical Nepali hospitality while enjoying amazing natural sceneries - including panoramic sunrise views over several mesmerizing snow-capped mountains. After all the adventure and sit down in the evening, 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.

Kathmandu

Wake up to the cool mountain air and enjoy your breakfast. After leading the rustic life in the mountains head back to Kathmandu. Boudha stupa is semicircle shaped and contains the relics and remains of Buddha. The stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. Boudha Stupa was listed in the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979 and it is one of the most popular tourist sites in Kathmandu.. After visiting Boudha, stupa heads out to learn about the “THANGKA PAINTING". It is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangka paintings are important tools to depict Buddha and his teachings as well as that of other deities and bodhisattvas. The most prominent subject is the Bhavachakra (Wheel of Life) which is how the Art of Enlightenment is visually represented. After having lunch, head out to the cultural and spiritual fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism monument called Swayambhunath Temple which is also famously known as Monkey Temple”. Swayambhu is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. The Tibetan name for the site means "Sublime Trees", for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. It's all to do with a group of monkeys that have lived in the northwest part of the Swayambhunath temple complex for generations. It's said that they came into being when the Buddhist deity; Manjushri spent time on the hill that the temples are set on.

Farewell Nepal!

Wake up for a hot breakfast, and hop into your vans for Kathmandu. Say your namastes and dhanyabads with your new friends at the airport and keep your eyes on the mountains. We hope the people you’ve met, experiences you’ve had and lessons you’ve learned will help guide you in all future endeavors. Safe travels and we hope to see you again soon!

Return home

Arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in the morning for your connecting flight or ride home.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

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

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Nepal

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

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).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

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's supervising my child?

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 I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Nepal: Mountain Adventure Right for My Child?

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.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Nepal?

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, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

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 2026

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