Nepal

Better World Adventures partners with Nepal’s Himanchal Education Foundation – a groundbreaking leader in sustainable fair-trade community development. Working with HEF we will hike to the remote mountain village of Nangi, where we will spend a week volunteering on a range of community projects and directly interacting with the local Magyar people. The Annapurna-Dhaulagiri area where we will trek and volunteer has been specifically chosen as it is one of the only regions in Nepal where not only will our volunteering directly benefit the mountain community, but all of the money generated by our trekking is also returned directly to the local villagers.

The mission of the Nangi volunteer program is to encourage individuals from around the world to travel to Nepal to learn about the people, village culture and environment in the mid-western hills of Nepal through voluntary service with members of the local community in a way that helps them achieve their own goals of sustainable development, without creating unhealthy dependencies or undermining the values of the local culture.

There are many different projects that volunteers can get involved in including teaching English in the public school, work in the local plant nursery growing and planting trees, provide assistance to income raising projects, help villagers with building construction, undertake sports coaching, assist in the medical clinic, implement projects to improve environmental conservation, particularly in the area of garbage disposal and clean water sources, assisting with the installation of solar power equipment, or other activities that are appropriate to a volunteer’s skills and the needs of the community. We may even choose to design and implement our own community project with the assistance of the Himanchal Education Foundation

It is expected that volunteers will demonstrate a sincere commitment to participating in the community in Nangi or surrounding villages, while also maintaining genuine respect for the people and culture of the region. If there are any local festivals or social events such as a marriage ceremony, worshiping and village fairs in the village while you are volunteering, you will be invited to participate as you will be considered members of the community.  Life in Nangi will certainly be a world away from the familiar life we have at home in New Zealand.

While on our volunteering project in Nangi in the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri alpine region, our group will be hosted in dormitory roundhouse accommodation in Nangi village, purpose built by the Himachal Education Foundation for its village volunteers. The accommodation is basic and rustic but comfortable.

This project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• 4. Quality Education
• 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
• 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
• 11. Sustainable Communities

In most developing countries, rural areas typically build with mud, stone or clay because these materials are cheap and readily available. Unfortunately, these materials succumb easily to natural forces such as erosion, flooding and earthquakes. Cement, steel and wood are often unavailable or far too expensive for poor villagers.

Earthbag construction is a perfect compromise as it is a structurally sound building technique, that is very affordable, extremely environmentally sustainable, and easy to work with. Earthbags are sturdy sacks that are filled with local soil and materials to create buildings that are very strong and very quick to build.

The Earthbag project you will be working on in Nepal helps to build homes and toilet facilities in rural villages. Volunteers will take part in a building workshop in Kathmandu before starting work on a construction site in rural Nepal. Earthbag construction is so quick that the work is highly rewarding as you can continuously see the progress being made on the construction site.On the site, you will work alongside an English speaking supervisor, and local villagers, most of whom live in poverty. You will be expected to work up to 7 hours per day. A typical day on site may be as follows:

7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Volunteering on Earthbag Project
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Lunch on site
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Volunteering on Earthbag Project
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Tea break
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Volunteering on Earthbag Project
6:30 PM: Dinner

While volunteering on the Earthbag construction project, we will be accommodated in tents on the construction site. Our location will be very rural and the living conditions will be very rustic, possibly without continuous running water or internet or cellphone coverage. During the week, you will have an opportunity to stay a night in a village homestay with a local family. Local Nepali meals will be provided. Most meals consist of rice and vegetables. Meat (chicken or goat) is considered a luxury and not eaten regularly by Nepalese. Beef is not eaten in Nepal as the cow is considered sacred.

This project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• 1. No Poverty
• 3. Good Health and Well-being
• 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
• 11. Sustainable Communities

The focus of Better World Adventures’ School Renovation and Construction Project is to rebuild school buildings and public buildings around the city of Kathmandu, that are in disrepair or were damaged during the huge earthquake that shook central Nepal in 2015.  Nepal is a very poor country and even with international financial assistance, has struggled with the scale and cost of the post-earthquake rebuild. The goal of this long-running and ongoing project is to enable children to return to schools and rebuild their future, and to provide better standards of living for local communities.

Previously project groups have worked on renovation and construction activities in schools, orphanages, and women’s empowerment centres. Activities vary depending on the needs at the time. However, the main tasks of the project volunteers include:

• Demolishing broken structures,
• Clearing building sites of rocks and debris,
• Building walls using cement, sand, stone, bricks,
• Painting,
• Basic carpentry work,
• Fencing the school premises,
• Preparing mixture of cement, sand and water.

Participants on the Construction and Renovation project will stay at a project volunteer house 5km from the centre of Kathmandu city.  Volunteers are accommodated in 4-6 person, lockable single-sex dormitory rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. The volunteer house has mini library where you can read, a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow participants. The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15-minute walk away from our accommodation.

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants, with permission from your Better World Adventures group leaders.

This project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• 4. Quality Education
• 11. Sustainable Communities

The aim of this ongoing project is to resolve issues around abandoned animals within the greater Kathmandu Valley in need, in particular to counter the growing number of stray street dogs.

You won’t have to spend much time in Kathmandu to see that the streets and squares are flooded with injured, impoverished and unfed stray dogs that have been abandoned by their owners. They are poorly kept and often kicked out of their homes as puppies or older dogs, often left to fend for themselves. A lot of these animals suffer from the agony of infected wounds, skin disorders, worms and parasites, and run the risk of losing their limbs.

This project is a chance to not only learn more about Nepal, but is also a unique opportunity to learn about dogs, to understand them, and learn how to handle and care for them.  After being rescued from the streets and neglectful owners, stray dogs are kept in the animal shelter  while they are nursed back to a healthy state, and then later offered for adoption and a better life.

Volunteers will shadow veterinary doctors and may be called upon to assist them and to also go out onto the streets of Kathmandu to identify and rescue dogs that need treatment. Tasks vary depending on the needs at the time. However it is likely that volunteer duties will include:

• Rescuing injured street dogs,
• Help in feeding stray dogs,
• Socialising and playing with rescue dogs,
• Cleaning their enclosures,
• Walking the dogs, cleaning and bathing them,
• Assisting veterinary surgeons with the treating and sterilisation of stray dogs.

Please note that all Canine Rescue project volunteers must have completed an anti-rabies vaccination program before arrival into Nepal.

Participants on the Canine Rescue Project will stay at a project volunteer house 5km from the centre of Kathmandu city.  Volunteers are accommodated in 4-6 person, lockable single-sex dormitory rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. The volunteer house has mini library where you can read, a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow participants. The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15-minute walk away from our accommodation.

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants, with permission from your Better World Adventures group leaders.

This project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• 15. Life On Land

The aim of this project is to assist agricultural educators to encourage and support sustainable, organic vegetable farming in the Nepal agricultural sector. You will learn how famers can increase production and reduce environmental damage by pesticides and chemicals, through the use of organic fertilizers and organic pest control.

Project volunteers get the opportunity to experience a genuine Nepalese village lifestyle while working on an organic farm in the simple and peaceful Kathmandu Valley.

Volunteers shall work for approximately 5 hours per weekday Monday Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Participants shall be assigned to do several tasks and activities on the farm, including:

• Digging
• Planting
• Weeding
• Harvesting for market
• Packaging of the seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Participants on the Organic Farming Project will stay at a project volunteer house 5km from the centre of Kathmandu city.  Volunteers are accommodated in 4-6 person, lockable single-sex dormitory rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. The volunteer house has mini library where you can read, a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow participants. The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15-minute walk away from our accommodation.

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants, with permission from your Better World Adventures group leaders.

This project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• 2. Zero Hunger
• 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
• 11. Sustainable Communities
• 12. Responsible Consumption and Production

The aim of this project in the Kathmandu Valley is to help children grow in confidence and develop greater proficiency in English which will help them in many ways in the future.

Volunteers will teach basic English skills to children between 3 to 6 years old at several kindergartens in Kathmandu that cater primarily to children from underprivileged communities living below the poverty line. The kindergartens usually consist of 35 to 45 children, who are taught basic English, alphabet, numbers, rhymes, names of various objects etc. You will assist the kindergarten teachers with extracurricular activities and inspire children to achieve their full potential and broaden their perspectives through creatively structured lessons.  Other volunteer duties may include:

• Coordinating with the teachers and supporting them on daily schedule and activities,
• Help children to improve creative skills such as coloring, and artwork,.
• Teaching basic written and conversational English,
• Teaching children some interactive games

Please note: Casual dress is appropriate during your time at the school. However, no-see through clothes or low-cut tops are permitted..

Participants on the Canine Rescue Project will stay at a project volunteer house 5km from the centre of Kathmandu city.  Volunteers are accommodated in 4-6 person, lockable single-sex dormitory rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. The volunteer house has mini library where you can read, a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow participants. The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15-minute walk away from our accommodation.

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants, with permission from your Better World Adventures group leaders.

This project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• 4. Quality Education

Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, is the political as well as cultural capital of the country. Visiting Kathmandu is like stepping into another world where ancient traditions rub shoulders with the chaos and crowding of a modern South Asian city.  Approximately 6 million people live within the Kathmandu Valley in the foothills of the mighty Himalayan mountains.

Kathmandu is and has been for many years the centre of Nepal’s history, art, culture and economy. It has a multi-ethnic population where the majority of people are either Buddhist or Hindu. It is also the home of the Newar ethnic community. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. 

Archaeological excavations in parts of Kathmandu have found evidence of ancient civilizations dating back 2000 years. Whilst the city was once considered a fictional and inaccessible Shangri-La, Kathmandu now serves as a thriving gateway to tourism.

Since the 1960s Kathmandu has continued to draw in travellers to this developing-world city, resulting in an incredible urban growth throughout recent decades. Although first-time visitors may find such the chaos of the city a little overwhelming, you will quickly fall under its spell as you discover wonderful restaurants, hidden gardens, fascinating historic sites, and hospitable people. The city is the gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas, and home to seven world heritage sites, so tourism is understandably an important part of the Nepalese economy.  Visitors can soak in the atmosphere at Buddhist and Hindu pilgramage sites, visit ancient city squares full of medieval temples, or rickshaw through the narrow maze-like alleyways of the old city or the backpackers and mountain climbers district of Thamel.

Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city enjoys a delightful setting on the shores of Phewa Lake, beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna mountains, 200 km west of Kathmandu. It is considered the tourism capital of Nepal, being the starting and finishing point for many treks in the Annapurna Conservation Area in the Himalayas.  Three of the ten highest mountains in the world (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu) can be seen from the city, although the skyline is dominated by the distinctive Mt Machhapuchchhre (6,993m) also known as Fishtail –  are within 40km of Pokhara.

Pokhara will certainly be on any Better World Itinerary where we are trekking in the Annapurna mountains – including the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Ecotrek, or the hike into the spectacular Annapurna Base Camp, making it an excellent place to relax and contemplate the physical trekking that lies ahead. 

Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet and into China. In the 17th century, it was part of the Kingdom of Kaski. Many of the hills around Pokhara still have medieval ruins from this time. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and heroic warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. Many Tibetan exiles reside in well-built refugee camps in and around Pokhara, and Tibetans have become a visible minority in the city.

The area of Pokhara on the shores of Phewa lake, called Lakeside, has developed into one of the major tourism hubs of Nepal. While not on the scale of Thamel in Kathmandu, Lakeside has great shopping opportunities and plenty of cafes where trekkers and international visitors can relax.  The main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of overpriced Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. If you need to hire or buy some extra trekking gear then there are numerous shops available offering everything you could possibly need.

As well as being a jumping off point for Annapurna region trekkers, Pokhara has numerous visitor attractions within its city limits. Phewa Lake is popular for boat rides, and on the southern shore of the lake is the World Peace Pagoda, built in 1996 and offering awesome views across the lake to Pokhara, and of the nearby Annapurna mountain range, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare.  The city also hosts the worthwhile International Mountain Museum where you can learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions.  More recently the city has seen the opening of bungy jumping and zipline tourist operations. The porous underground of the Pokhara valley has created several large caves within the city limits, which are also popular with tourists.

While trekking we will share one porter between two trekkers, to carry the bulk of your luggage. You will still be responsible for carrying your day bag. Hiring a porter does not mean that you are weak, it means you value the Nepali culture, you are providing an extended Nepali family with an income and at the same time you are making a friend and trekking with a local person who is well versed in the local cultures, festivals, and all the other issues that can turn a good trek into an outstanding experience of a life time.
Better World Adventures is a strong advocate for fair working conditions for alpine porters, and requires that the porters that we employ are provided with suitable clothing, meals and accommodation, and medical insurance, and carry loads with ethical weight limits as determined by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).

It is worth noting that the extreme popularity of trekking in the Everest region, combined with the requirement for a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport make this trek more expensive than similar length short Himalayan treks.

Itinerary
Day 1.  Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m)
Walking Distance: 8km – Walking Duration: 3 hours

Day 2.  Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Walking Distance: 12km – Walking Duration: 6 hours

Day 3.  Acclimatization Day. Hike to Everest View Hotel
Walking Distance: 4km – Walking Duration: 3-4 hours

Day 4.  Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m)
Walking Distance: 11km – Walking Duration: 5 hours

Day 5.  Tengboche to Namche Bazaar via Khumjung Village (3,700m)
Walking Distance: 13km – Walking Duration: 6 hours

Day 6.  Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m)
Walking Distance: 19km – Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 7. Lukla to Kathmandu flight

Highlights

• Magnificent panoramic views from Tengboche monastery
• Sherpa museum, shops and markets around Namche Bazaar.
• The milky waters of the Dudh Kosi River, thick rhododendron, magnolia and fir tree forests, herds of yaks carrying supplies.
• Kala Patthar- the highest point of the trek- a vantage point for the Everest view
• Visit a school established by Sir Edmund Hillary in Khumjung village

Trek Duration: 7 days
Trek Category: Moderate
Accommodation type: Teahouse
Maximum Elevation: 5600 meters, Kala Patthar
Best Season: March-May and October-November

The Annapurna-Dhaulagiri Community Eco Trek is a new trekking route located in Annapurna’s foothills that winds through oak and rhododendron forests and Magyar villages from Pokhara to Banskharka and on to Nangi and finally the alpine viewpoint of Mohare Danda.  This is an “off-beaten” trek which gives you the opportunity to see the real Nepali life while walking in quiet and peace without the crowd that you can usually find in other trails, in particular, the nearby Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, which has become one of the most popular and overcrowded short treks in Nepal.

Mohare Danda itself is located on a ridge top at 3,300m overlooking the world’s deepest gorge, providing you with stunning panoramic views of the massive Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), South Annapurna (7219m) and Fishtail/Mt. Machhapuchhare (6997m).  

On this stunning trek the profits generated from your trekking will be shared across the Parbat and Myadgi villages you stay in, benefitting more people, and supporting the local hospitals and community based schools. Trekkers will stay in family run homestays and community lodges. In addition, the area is making a big effort to become carbon neutral, to maintain the area’s natural beauty.

While trekking we will share one porter between two trekkers, to carry the bulk of your luggage. You will still be responsible for carrying your day bag. Hiring a porter does not mean that you are weak, it means you value the Nepali culture, you are providing an extended Nepali family with an income and at the same time you are making a friend and trekking with a local person who is well versed in the local cultures, festivals, and all the other issues that can turn a good trek into an outstanding experience of a life time.
Better World Adventures is a strong advocate for fair working conditions for alpine porters, and requires that the porters that we employ are provided with suitable clothing, meals and accommodation, and medical insurance, and carry loads with ethical weight limits as determined by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).

Itinerary

Day 1.  Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus.
Bus Ride Duration: 7 hours

Day 2.  Drive to Galeshwor (1,170m) and trek to Bans Kharka (1,525m)
Walking Duration: 3 hours

Day 3.  Bans Kharka to Nangi (2,230m)
Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 4.  Nangi to Mohare Danda viewpoint (3,300m)
Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 5.  Mohare Danda to Ghorepani (2,750) via Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m)
Walking Duration: 5-6 hours

Day 6:  Ghorepani to Ghandruk village (1,900m)
Walking Duration: 5 hours

Day 7:  Ghandruk to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara
Walking Duration: 4 hours

Day 8.  Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus

Highlights

• Trek to the incredible Mohare Danda viewpoint, to see sunrise over the Himalayas
• Stay with the villagers you meet along the way in a community homestay initiative
• Travel through an area working to become a carbon-neutral trekking destination
• Be part of a social economic pact where tourism revenue goes further to develop the local community

Trek Duration: 8 days
Trek Category: Easy
Accommodation type: Homestays and Community Lodges
Maximum Elevation: Mohare Danda (3,300m)
Best Season: March-May and October-November

Travel writer and climber Bill Tilman described the Langtang Valley as “one of the world’s most beautiful valleys”.  He wasn’t wrong.  Although located only 30km north of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border, this is actually one of the most wild parts of Nepal and you’ll be very much away from civilization and the crowds of trekkers that head directly to the Annapurna and Everest regions.

On the Langtang Valley Trek you will discover an off-the-beaten track world filled with Tibetan culture, natural diversity, and fantastic Himalayan landscapes of lush vegetation, raging streams and dominating peaks. You will pass glaciers and snow-capped mountains, hike through pine forests, cross stony streams, grassy meadows and wide pastures, with continuously panoramic views of Mt. Langtang-Ri (7,245m), Langtang Himal, Gajala Peak.  

Langtang has over 70 glaciers of varying sizes, the Langtang and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges, and numerous high-altitude lakes. Glaciers spawned by the slopes of Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung and other peaks feed the Langtang Khola (river) which passes through the high, gentle Langtang Valley before emptying in a raging torrent into the Bhote Kosi River through a long, narrow chasm at the west end of the Langtang valley.  The path of the river forms an important corridor and ancient trade route through the mountains between Nepal and Tibet.  In contrast to the Gurung people of the Annapurna region and the Sherpas in the Everest region, the inhabitants of the Langtang valley are almost entirely Tamangs people who are strictly vegetarian, and whose culture goes back to ancient times to their origins in Tibet. The craftsmanship, cotumes, traditionally-built stone houses, and the beautifully carved wooden porches reflect their rich Tibetan heritage. They are mainly sheep and yak herders, but grow some hardy grains and vegetables. The daily life of the villagers include raising livestock, agriculture, and trade with Tibet.

The Langtang Valley was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake, but it’s on the rebound, and trekking groups such as ours help to employ locals, and generate important revenue for the local communities.  While trekking we will share one porter between two trekkers, to carry the bulk of your luggage. You will still be responsible for carrying your day bag. Hiring a porter does not mean that you are weak, it means you value the Nepali culture, you are providing an extended Nepali family with an income and at the same time you are making a friend and trekking with a local person who is well versed in the local cultures, festivals, and all the other issues that can turn a good trek into an outstanding experience of a life time.
Better World Adventures is a strong advocate for fair working conditions for alpine porters, and requires that the porters that we employ are provided with suitable clothing, meals and accommodation, and medical insurance, and carry loads with ethical weight limits as determined by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).

Itinerary

Day 1.  Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi (1,462m) by bus.
Bus Ride Duration: 7 hours

Day 2.  Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel (2,500m)
Walking Duration: 5 hours

Day 3.  Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,307m)
Walking Duration: 5 hours

Day 4.  Langtang Village to Kyanjing Gompa (3,798m) via Kyanjin Ri (4,773m)
Walking Duration: 7-8 hours

Day 5.  Hike to Chorkari Ri (5,050m) and return to Kyanjin Gompa (3,798m)
Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 6:  Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2,500m)
Walking Duration: 5-6 hours

Day 7:  Lama Hotel to Syabru Bensi (1,462m)
Walking Duration: 5-6 hours

Day 8:  Drive from Syabru Bensi to Kathmandu by bus

Highlights

• Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang Gompa
• Astonishing sunrise views from Tserko Ri
• Langtang National Park
• Gosaikunda, Vairab Kunda, Surya Kunda, Saraswati Kunda
• Helambu village
• Yak farms and Cheese factories

Trek Duration: 8 days
Trek Category: Moderate
Accommodation type: Teahouse
Maximum Elevation: 4,984 meters, Tserko Ri
Best Season: March-May and October-November

Mt. Annapurna (8091m) of Nepal is the 10th highest mountain in the world and the 10 day trek from Pokhara to the Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most popular walks on earth with more than 70,000 people completing the hike each year. 

Annapurna Base Camp is a fantastic, relatively short trek that still enables trekkers to experience a stunning Himalayan amphitheater of mountains. This trek covers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and terraced rice paddies, through lush rhododendron forests and peaceful Gurung villages, to powerful glaciers, and stunning mountain views with the Annapurna Range in view most of the times. Along the way, see thundering waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers on swingbridges, and reward yourself with a soak in natural hot springs.  There are few treks that combine so many different landscapes and bring you so close to the base of 7,000 and 8,000 meter peaks in a such a short period of time as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. The trek is not only visually superb, but also offers a chance to learn about local cultures.

The setting of Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m is unique and incredibly spectacular, set in a tight cirque of mountains amidst the towering peaks of Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m) and Hiunchuli (6441 m).  The atmosphere of the base camp site is magical, particularly at sunrise.
Our lodges in the Annapurna Trekking Region are well equipped with extensive menus ranging from the typical Nepali dahl bath (rice with lentils) to pizza and fresh hot apple pie. Hot showers are readily available as well.

While trekking we will share one porter between two trekkers, to carry the bulk of your luggage. You will still be responsible for carrying your day bag. Hiring a porter does not mean that you are weak, it means you value the Nepali culture, you are providing an extended Nepali family with an income and at the same time you are making a friend and trekking with a local person who is well versed in the local cultures, festivals, and all the other issues that can turn a good trek into an outstanding experience of a life time.
Better World Adventures is a strong advocate for fair working conditions for alpine porters, and requires that the porters that we employ are provided with suitable clothing, meals and accommodation, and medical insurance, and carry loads with ethical weight limits as determined by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).

Itinerary
Day 1.  Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m) by coach
Bus ride duration: 6-7 hours

Day 2.  Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga (1,495m)
Distance: 9km – Walking Duration: 4 hours

Day 3.  Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani (2,850m)
Distance: 13km – Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 4.  Hike to Poon Hill Viewpoint, the trek to Tadapani (2,500m)
Distance: 9km – Walking Duration: 6-7 hours

Day 5.  Tadapani to Sinuwa (2,310m)
Walking Duration: 6 hours

Day 6.  Sinuwa to Deurali (3,150m)
Walking Duration: 6 hours

Day 7.  Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (4,230m)
Distance: 8km – Walking Duration: 5-6 hours

Day 8.  Return from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,310m)
Distance: 18km – Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 9.  Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Hot Spring (1,780m)
Distance: 12km – Walking Duration: 6 hours

Day 10:  Jhinu Danda to Pokhara

Day 11:  Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by coach

Highlights

• Pass through Beautiful Views from Dhampus, a gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area
• Enjoy Hot springs at Jhinu Danda
• Watch Spectacular sunrise views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill
• Enjoy classic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli
  

Trek Duration:  10 days
Trek Category: Moderate to Steep
Accommodation type: Teahouse
Maximum Elevation: 4,130 metres
Best Season: March-May, September-December

With over 30,000 trekkers each year, the Everest Base Camp Trek is by far the most popular trek in Nepal. The iconic trek in the Sagarmatha region follows the original route laid down by Hillary and Tenzing in their famous and successful summit attempt in 1953.  If you’re drawn to tall mountains then this is the trek for you!

After a thrilling flight from Kathmandu into the mountain airstrip at Lukla , a gentle two-day trek up the Dudh Koshi valley leads to the famous Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar with its abundance of tea houses. We will acclimatize in Namche before following the Imja Khola valley with spectacular views of Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama Dablam mountains, and the giant peaks of Lhotse and Everest. The most common night stop after Namche is at the top of a steep climb from the Imja Khola at Tengboche. The Tengboche Monastery is the most famous monastery in Nepal, due to its unrivalled backdrop, Mt. Ama Dablam.  The monastery is the leading Buddhist centre in the Khumbu region with a residing Rinpoche (senior monk) who blesses pilgrims, mountaineers and travelers to the area. 

Following the Imja Khola from Tengboche, the trail to EBC ascends through Pangboche until Dingboche is reached, where we stop for another day of altitude acclimatization before hiking to the base of the Khumbu glacier and arriving at the last settlement on the trail known as Gorakshep. You’ll see several ancient Buddhist monasteries along the way and the views of Everest itself are simply stunning, especially if conditions enable our group to ascend to the excellent viewpoint at Kala Patthar above Gorakshep. The final trek along the glacier to Everest Base Camp (5,380m) at the base of the Khumbu Glacier can take up to five hours. Although you can’t physically Everest’s summit from Base Camp, you’ll get up close to the infamous Khumbu Ice fall.

There is no permanent settlement at Everest Base Camp, but expedition teams are permitted to set up their tents in preparation for climbing Everest. During the climbing season a bustling mini-city of tents and support facilities is erected with hundreds of climbers and staff living onsite. For every one foreign climber, there are three to four local workers living in base camp as well—either climbing sherpas working on the mountain itself or base camp staff—the cooks, dishwashers, servers, and team managers who all look after the guided climbers.

After visiting Base Camp, we will return to Gorakshep which is the last village on the EBC trekking trail.

While trekking we will share one porter between two trekkers, to carry the bulk of your luggage. You will still be responsible for carrying your day bag. Hiring a porter does not mean that you are weak, it means you value the Nepali culture, you are providing an extended Nepali family with an income and at the same time you are making a friend and trekking with a local person who is well versed in the local cultures, festivals, and all the other issues that can turn a good trek into an outstanding experience of a life time.
Better World Adventures is a strong advocate for fair working conditions for alpine porters, and requires that the porters that we employ are provided with suitable clothing, meals and accommodation, and medical insurance, and carry loads with ethical weight limits as determined by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).

It is worth noting that the fame and extreme popularity of the Everest Base Camp trek, combined with the requirement for a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport make this trek more expensive than similar length Himalayan treks.

Itinerary
Day 1.  Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m)
Walking Distance: 8km – Walking Duration: 3 hours

Day 2.  Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Walking Distance: 12km – Walking Duration: 6 hours

Day 3.  Acclimatization Day. Hike to Everest View Hotel
Walking Distance: 4km – Walking Duration: 3-4 hours

Day 4.  Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m)
Walking Distance: 11km – Walking Duration: 5 hours

Day 5.  Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
Walking Distance: 12km – Walking Duration: 5 hours

Day 6.  Acclimatization Day.  Hike to Nagerjun and return to Dingboche
Walking Distance: 5-6km – Walking Duration: 4-5 hours

Day 7. Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)
Walking Distance: 12km – Walking Duration: 5 hours

Day 8.  Lobuche to Gorekshep, via Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Walking Distance: 15km – Walking Duration: 8 hours

Day 9.  Gorakshep to Pheriche (4,210m) via Kala Pathar viewpoint (5,545m)
Walking Distance: 14km – Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 10:  Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440)
Walking Distance: 15km – Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 11.  Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m)
Walking Distance: 19km – Walking Duration: 7 hours

Day 12. Lukla to Kathmandu flight

Highlights

• Stunning panoramic views amongst the world’s highest peaks
• Namche Bazar- a high altitude Sherpa village considered the gateway to Mount Everest
• Khumbu Glacier
• Visit a school established by Sir Edmund Hillary in Khumjung village
• The thrill of making it to the famed Everest Base Camp

Trek Duration: 12 days
Trek Distance: 128km
Trek Category: Moderate
Accommodation type: Teahouse
Maximum Elevation: 5,380 metre, Everest Base Camp
Best Season: March-May and October-November