A Better Schoolies 3 WEEKS IN NEPAL

A Better Schoolies 3 WEEKS IN NEPAL

Cairns State High has partnered with Take on Nepal to offer graduates of 2018 A better Schoolies: Three Weeks In Nepal You ve worked really hard over the past 12 years and now it s time to paaarrrt icipate in something really special! Don t follow the crowds to the Gold Coast, come to Nepal instead where you can experience a life changing experience. Step outside of your comfort zone and into a world that resembles images that you have seen in National Geographic magazines. Here s a few of the awesome things that you ll experience: Let s do Kathmandu, NEPAL: Explore the sights of this ancient city. Namaste, Batase: Volunteering and chilling with the most awesome people you could meet. Hello, Himalayas: Get up close and personal with the mightiest mountains in the world. Jungle Boogie: Say G day to the tigers, rhinos and crocs during your jungle safari in Chitwan. ABOUT TAKE ON NEPAL Take On Nepal provide volunteers and trekkers with a rich and meaningful cultural experience in Nepal. In doing so, Take On Nepal is committed to: Improving the standard of education received by children in remote Nepalese villages. Providing employment and training opportunities to some of the most disadvantaged people in Nepal, in particular women. Promoting Nepal as an adventure destination for travellers searching for a purposeful experience. Ending child trafficking through educational programs facilitated by volunteers in the villages of Nepal. Providing a professional and affordable program with meaningful outcomes for both the villagers and volunteers.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Kathmandu Arrival Day (1400m) Your arrival in Kathmandu. You ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city, by our awesome Take on Nepal team. Kathmandu Introduction & Exploration Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel. A Take on Nepal Team Member will provide orientation and information about the following day s trek, to Chisopani. You will be reminded of everything that is needed for your time in the village and shown shops to stock up for the trip ahead. After breakfast you ll be guided to the famous Buddhist Swayambunath Temple in Kathmandu. This temple attracts Buddhists and tourists from around the world. The view of Kathmandu valley from the top of the temple is stunning. The group will then enjoy a local lunch at a typical Nepali restaurant. The time after lunch is allocated for purchasing items for your time in the village. The group will come together in the evening, to enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner, after which you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns and will be briefed on the following day s plans. Kathmandu to Chisopani Time to hit the road, so put on your walking boots. The day starts early, with a 7am breakfast at you hotel, after which a car/mini bus will take you on a one hour drive to Sundarijal, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The trek from Sundarijal to Chisopani takes about six hours. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2300m.) This will be a long day, taking in some truly stunning scenery, and should provide you with some great memories. The pace will be slow, so you don t need to be super fit to enjoy the experience. [Breakfast, lunch & evening meal included] Chisopani to Batase Village Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayan mountain range. We strongly encourage everyone to wake up to this unforgettable experience. After breakfast, we will commence our downhill walk to Patybanjyang, where you will experience some great views of the Himalayas. After a short stop in Patybanjyang, we will walk uphill towards Batase Village. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking, looking across a vast valley to see rice fields, villages and people going about their daily lives in rural Nepal. Upon arriving in Batase village at approximately 3pm, you will meet Som s family and enjoy your first meal in the village.

Day 5 Day 6-9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Batase Village The sounds and sights of the village, children chattering, cocks crowing and a sunrise over the Himalayas, is what will greet you this morning. Enjoy it with a hot cup of tea, in the shadow of snow topped mountains, followed by a group orientation session with your group leader. After breakfast, you will be guided to the village school where you will be introduced to the principal, teachers and students. You will return to the volunteer hostel for lunch. Dinner will be provided at approximately 6:30 pm. The evening is your free time to do with as you choose. Many volunteers have loved spending time with the hostel children, teaching and learning through stories, dance and song around the fire. Batase Village The Volunteer Work Begins After breakfast, you ll go to the local school where you will be connected with the village students. During your time at the school you will be sharing knowledge and stories, we encourage you to bring photos from home. It s a time to have fun with the village students, play some soccer, teach some dance moves and get creative. The students of Batase will embrace this opportunity and will be excited to share their village life with you. Batase Village Final Day of Volunteering On this, your last day of volunteering, you will spend the morning at the village school. You will enjoy your last lunch in the village. After lunch, you ll say your goodbyes to the teachers and the students, before returning to the hostel. Departure from Batase Village Enjoy your final breakfast in the village, before a 2-3 hour walk down the mountain to catch a bus to Kathmandu. This is an experience in itself. Drive to Pokhara (820m) You will depart Kathmandu early in the morning and arrive into Pokhara at approximately 3pm. It is an interesting drive, with a stop along the way for lunch. Your hotel in Pokhara will be close to the Lakeside. [Breakfast included]

Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Drive to Naya Pul and Trek to Tikhedhungga (1540m) You will begin your trek after a 90-minute drive to our starting point, Naya Pul. You will trek to the Gurung village of Ghandruk and if you arrive with time to spare, a visit to the Gurung museum in Ghandruk is a must do. Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2860m) Today you will enjoy incredible views of the Himalayan mountains. You will see the infamous Fishtail mountain, Annapurna South and Himchuli. It is a challenging day, with much uphill walking, but ends with an easy downhill walk into Chhomrong. Chhomrong is located in the foothills of the mighty Annapurna Massive. Sunrise Trek to Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani (2630m) Your day of trekking begins with a steep downhill walk, until you cross a river spanned by a suspension bridge. You will walk uphill and through forest, until you begin a pleasant downhill walk into the village of Bamboo Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m) It will be chilly this morning as we go through the bamboo forest. You will exit the deep forest after reaching the Himalaya Hotel. Once existing the forest, you ll be greeted with spectacular views of a river and the landscape it flows through. You will then begin an uphill walk to Deurali. Ghandruk to Naya Pul and Drive to Pokhara Today will be your final day of trekking. After arriving at Naya Pul, a vehicle will pick you up and take you to Pokhara. [Breakfast & lunch included] Pokhara - Free day Today is a well deserved rest day in Pokhara. There s plenty of things for you to do in this beautiful lakeside town. [Breakfast and lunch included]

Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Day 22 Day 23 Drive to Chitwan Today you will have an early morning breakfast, before driving to Chitwan by mini bus or car. The beautiful drive will take you through lush forest and along the banks of the Trisuli river. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and learn about your upcoming activities. The afternoon will be spent enjoying bird watching, with a Tharu Cultural show in the evening. [Breakfast & evening meal included] Jungle Walk After breakfast, you ll be taken on a Jungle walk into Chitwan National Park. This is a fully guided experience led by a knowledgeable host, who will show you a myriad of animal and bird life. A truly special experience. Jeep Safari This morning it s a 4-hour guided jeep safari, which will take you deep into the jungle. During this safari, your guide will point out the incredible wildlife living in its natural habitat. There s a good chance you will see a rhino and if you re lucky, you might see a tiger or even a sloth in the wild. A stop at the crocodile breeding centre will allow you to understand what the government is doing to protect the creatures, that were at one stage close to extinction. Drive back to Kathmandu The journey back to Kathmandu will begin after breakfast. It will take approximately 6 hours and you will travel along rivers, through villages and rugged countryside, until reaching the city. [Breakfast included] Final Day in Kathmandu Your final day in Kathmandu is a free day, for you to do as you choose. Many people take the time to shop (our local guide can advise you on the best shops in the area), others enjoy exploring the cultural side of the city. In the evening, you will enjoy a final traditional Nepali meal with your team. This is a time to reflect on the incredible journey that you have been on, and to say farewells to some of the Take on Nepal team members. [Breakfast & farewell dinner included] Final Farewells! Your team will assist you to get to the airport and will look forward to seeing you in Nepal again.

What s Included: All accommodation Your (return) International Airfare from Cairns to Kathmandu. A professional English speaking guide Most meals Entry into all cultural sites and National Parks Food and accommodation on 2 day trek to Batase Village All transportation within Nepal All government and local taxes A comprehensive medical kit Hotel and airport transfers All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, TIMS) Accommodation in Kathmandu, in Batase Village and teahouses during the trek An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), porters to carry luggage All government and local taxes What s Not Included: Nepalese visa fee Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu Travel and rescue insurance Excess baggage charges Additional hot drinks Deserts and entrees Hot shower during the Poon Hill Trek Internet Access Phone Calls Charging of your devices during the Poon Hill Trek Bottled or boiled water Laundry Tips for guides and porters Cost: $3,300 per person Packing Guide Heavy fleece long sleeve top Mid weight long sleeve top Stretch/lycra type full leg pants Thermal fleece style long pants Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent) or Down Jacket Thermal long sleeve tops (2) Thermal long johns (1) 2 T-shirts for hiking (polyester or equivalent with good wicking properties cotton is not recommended) 2 long sleeve shirts for after hiking (cotton is okay) Heavyweight gloves or mittens with waterproof outer shell Lightweight gloves (synthetic or poly-prop) Warm hat / beanie and neck-warmer Underwear (3 4 pairs) Additional set of thermal underwear (can double up as pyjamas) 3 4 pairs heavy weight woollen hiking socks 2 pairs lightweight / thin comfortable socks 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots with spare laces Joggers or sandals for the end of the day when your trek has finished. Your packing list should include the following equipment: Light weight head torch (LED) Camera Backpack (30 40 litres) Sleeping bag inner sheet (optional but nice to have) Sunglasses and sunscreen Water bottle, buy in Kathmandu (1 litre capacity) Waterproof leucoplast tape or similar for preventing blisters (available at chemists) Small personal towel Personal toiletries (include soap for washing clothes) Wet Wipes (100 plus) First aid kit (Optional) Sweets / chocolate (buy in Kathmandu) Tissues Lip Balm If you do not already own these items, we highly recommend that you purchase or hire these items in Kathmandu. They are made to a high quality and it s always great to support the local economy. Another option is to hire a sleeping bag and jacket at a cost of approximately AUD$50 for each item for a period of 14 days.

WE GUIDE BY THE 3 PILLARS OF: EDUCATION EXPLORATION SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY info@takeonnepal.com.au Ph: 0466 400 415 www.takeonnepal.com.au