Nepal is truly one of the most amazing places on earth. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet boasts the hishest mountain, the deepest valley and an astonishing array of wildlife, birld life and plant. The extreme changes in altitude have created everything from lush steamy jungles inhabited by tigers, rhino and elephants, to deserted freezing mountains. The geography has also contributed to a large variety of ethnic and religious diversity. On this trip you will explore many of Nepal's fascinating and beautiful landscapes as well as different etnic communities. The highlight will be the time you spend living in the community and working on the school.  

We will spend the first few days in Kathmandu, visiting our partners in Nepal. Maiti Nepal offers girls a place of refuge, healing and education after being rescued from lives of sexual slavery in the brothels of Bombay. We will also take in some of the most interesting historical and religious sites in the valley.

From there we will journey to the village of Kavre for our homestay and school building work project. You will spend your days working with community memebers on the school and your evenings in the home of your host family. The accommodations will be very simple and rustic, and the food you eat will be grown and prepared by the families. Even with the work project, there will be time to relax and truly experience what rural life in Nepal is like.

Following the homestay, we will explore Nepal's Royal Chitwan Park on safari, where we will ride elephants through the jungle as we go on safari in search of the park’s diverse wildlife, which includes the famous white rhino and the seldom-seen Bengal tiger, as well as crocodiles and hundreds of species of birds.  The final four days will be spent on a locally-supported trek in the breathtaking Annapurna area of the Himalayas, enjoying stunning views, visiting traditional Gurung villages, and learning about ongoing efforts to create a sustainable trekking industry. These days will be a wonderful time to reflect on your Nepali experience and to get some great Himalayan air flowing through your lungs.

Terrai & Annapurna Program length: 21 days Dates: 04 Apr to 24 Apr, 2009 03 Oct to 23 Oct, 2009 Grade: Easy-Moderate Price: $2,795 plus airfare Sample Itinerary (PDF)   for Nepal!

Highlights!

Homestay and work project

Kathmandu area temples

Medieval city of Bhaktapur

Royal Chitwan National Park

Trek in the Annapurna district