Nepal & India Adventure

Highlights

• Jungle Safari in the Royal Chitwan National Park
  
• White Water Rafting on the Trishuli River
• Trek to Poon Hill
• Sunset at the Taj Mahal
• Visit the home of the Dalai Lama
• Assist on amazing Tibetan Refugee project
• Relax on pristine white sand beaches of Goa

NEPAL

Week 1: Jungle Safari - Kathmandu • Chitwan

The adventure begins in Kathmandu, ancient capital of Nepal. After arrival, get to know your fellow travellers as you navigate the secret ways of this vibrant city, exploring ancient temples and bustling markets.

Experience the rush of white water rafting to break up the journey to the little-known tropical south of Nepal, home to incredible animals including elephant, rhinoceros, leopard and Bengal tiger. In Chitwan National Park learn about the unique local culture; visit an elephant training centre; and venture into tiger territory for thrilling jungle safari by jeep and traditional dugout canoe.

Week 2: Community Volunteering - Pokhara

From Chitwan the road leads north to Pokhara, an idyllic lakeside town among the foothills of the Annapurna range. Here you will have the opportunity to give back to the local community by engaging in some meaningful volunteer work, a hugely rewarding experience! 

The exact nature of your project will depend on what is needed by the local community at the time and may include teaching at a local school or monastery, organising games and activities for children and immersing yourself in the community's way of life. Depending on community needs, you may also assist with environmental cleanup or local development efforts.

Week 3: Poon Hill Trek

It’s time to step up! No trip to Nepal is complete without experiencing the majestic mountain kingdom on a multi-day trek.  The Annapurna range is home to some of the most beautiful trekking routes in the world, and you'll be ending your Nepal adventure on a high (literally!) with a trek to Poon Hill. 

The trek takes you among some of the tallest peaks on earth, home of panoramic views and Buddhist prayer flags. Demanding conditions call for determination and grit, rewarded by breath-taking vistas of timeless Sherpa villages, isolated monasteries, woolly yaks, giant vultures, glaciers and colossal peaks. This trekking adventure may at times leave you breathless in more ways than one, but you’ll never forget it!

INDIA

Week 4: Tibetan culture in Dharamsala 

For the next stage of your adventure, you’ll swap the delights of Nepal with the incredible sights and sounds of India. Your introduction will be the bustle of New Delhi, the county’s capital and economic powerhouse. From there you will journey north to the old colonial station of Dharamsala in the foothills of the Himalayas and now the home-in-exile of the Dalai Lama. 

During your time in Dharamsala, you will volunteer on an amazing project teaching English to Buddhist monks in training at the Tibetan Open School. Language lessons are incredibly important to newly arrived Tibetan refugees enabling them to build a new life for themselves in India.

Week 5: Amritsar and the golden triangle

Leaving Dharamsala behind, your journey continues to the city of Amritsar with its renowned Golden Temple, the preeminent spiritual site of Sikhism. From here it’s on to Jaipur, the Pink City, an essential stop on any journey through India where you can take in the intricate architecture and rich history of the city including the Red Fort and city Palace. Last but by no means least, you will visit Agra and the famous Taj Mahal, a mind-blowing marble mausoleum which was recently included as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Week 6: Road-tripping through Rajasthan

Your journey continues through the state of Rajasthan, land of kings, famed for its stunning landscapes, forts and palaces. First stop is the fascinating blue city of Jodhpur with palaces and Mehrangarh fort, and then onward to Udaipur with its enviable location on the shores of Lake Pichola, before ending the week in the bustling city of Mumbai. Delve deeper into the culture and heritage of India, past and present, as each city yields its unique secrets.

Week 7: Beaches of Goa

Completing our epic journey from the mountains to the sea, we arrive at the white sand beaches of Goa. This pristine tropical paradise has drawn travellers for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Goa is the perfect place to conclude your adventure, relaxing on the sand, swimming in the warm waters and reflecting on your remarkable journey as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

7-weeks: £4250

For available start dates check out the 'Dates & Availability' section below - you may need to scroll right to view the prices and book on! You can secure your place on your chosen adventure with a deposit of either £300 or 10% of the trip price, whichever is higher. The remainder is paid leading up to the program departing.

What's included:

• Pre-departure support
• WhatsApp group created prior to travel
• Airport pick-up and return transfer
• Gapforce Expedition leader traveling with the group from start to finish
• All accommodation for the duration of the trip
• Three meals a day for the duration of the trip
• Program transfers
• All activities and tours as described in the brochure
  
• 24/7 Emergency Backup
• Financial Failure Protection

What is not included:

• Flights to/from destination
• Travel Insurance
• Visa & Vaccinations
• Spending Money (souvenirs, optional activities, etc.)
• Tips and gratuities for local tour guides and drivers
  

Who is this program designed for?

This program is for anyone looking to volunteer and travel through Nepal and India’s most sought-after destinations. There is no prior experience required although the minimum age is 18 and you must also have your doctor sign our medical form confirming you are medically fit to participate. A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate, and if you plan to take part in any open-water based activities without a life-jacket eg. beach swimming or surfing, you must be able to swim 200m. On most days, you may find yourself on your feet for 6 hours or more, so a reasonable level of fitness is required to participate.

Where will I be staying?

You will stay in a variety of diverse accommodations throughout your trip including local hotels, hostels, bunkhouses and volunteer guesthouses. Most accommodations will be dorm style with shared bathrooms. 

What is the food like?

Three meals a day are included, and these will be a mixture of local and western cuisine. Meals whilst at the volunteering projects are cooked for you, then whilst we are travelling we will either buy food to cook at our accommodation or visit local restaurants and cafes. Expect lots of rice, lentils, spices and flavour! Vegan and vegetarian diets can be catered for. Please check with us regarding further dietary requirements and/or allergies. 

What type of transport will I be using?

You are responsible to getting yourself to and from the start point of the expedition. During the expedition, program transfers are included. Travel is a combination of day and overnight journeys using a range of transport including public and private buses, internal flights, trains, boats and taxis. Please give us a call for more information on individual journey details.

Who will be supervising me?

Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce Expedition Leader. At various stages of your expedition we utilize the services of local support staff including project coordinators, drivers and guides.

How much spending money do I need?

You will need money for extra meals, drinks & snacks, as well as for any activities not on the itinerary. We advise you to budget for £70 / €80 / $100 per week (this is a guideline only).

*Please download the program brochure for full details!

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