Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Volunteering – 5 Weeks
Combining the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and volunteering in Nepal creates a holistic and fulfilling experience. It allows travellers to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas while also giving back to the communities that call these majestic mountains home. Whether trekking through rhododendron forests or teaching English to eager students, this dual experience provides a deep and enriching understanding of Nepal’s natural wonders and warm-hearted people.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a pleasant walk-through with diverse scenery and culture complete with rich mountain views, terraced fields, quaint Gurung villages and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Mt. Annapurna (8091m) of Nepal is the 10th highest mountain in the world and the expedition to its base camp, which is at 4130m/13549ft height, is one of the most popular walks on earth. Moreover, we reach our destination via Mt. Machapuchhre (Fishtail) which is revered by the Nepalese for its unique beauty. Furthermore, thanks to the well-groomed itinerary of the Annapurna Base Camp trekking package, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and volunteering is a popular choice among diverse outdoor enthusiasts, from solo female travellers to hikers travelling in groups to Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Volunteering Highlights:
- Explore the quaint Gurung villages and the local traditions.
- Enjoy the 360-degree sights of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, and Manaslu ranges.
- Walk historical the forests of rhododendrons, magnolia, and other wild floras and faunas.
- Poon Hill is the greatest sunrise viewpoint on the top of the Himalayas.
- Amazing hospitality and comfortable tea houses.
- Walk the stone steps and bridges throughout the off-the-beaten trail.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek and volunteering experience in Nepal offers an incredible opportunity for volunteering. Many organizations operate in the region, addressing various social and environmental issues. Volunteering in Nepal allows individuals to immerse themselves in the local culture, contribute to community development, and make a meaningful impact. Projects may involve education, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, or environmental conservation.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek and volunteering work alongside the trek provide a holistic and enriching experience. It enables travellers to connect with the local communities, understand their challenges, and actively participate in initiatives aimed at improving living conditions. This unique combination of adventure and altruism fosters personal growth, cultural exchange, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the Nepalese people.
Program day to day detail itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Volunteer World Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal.
Day 02: Orientation and Nepali lessons:
Volunteer World Nepal offers comprehensive Nepali language and cultural training tailored for expatriates, volunteers, and research students eager to delve into Nepali culture. Our team of seasoned instructors will skillfully lead you through language acquisition while fostering a genuine understanding of Nepali communities. At Tour and Trekking Nepal, we furnish cutting-edge learning resources designed to provide profound insights into Nepal’s culture and way of life. Throughout your orientation and language sessions, you will be fully immersed in the local culture and language, creating a rich and authentic experience. This program is ideally suited for individuals seeking to maximize their time in Nepal and to engage with the country on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Day 03: Local amenities and cultural sightseeing:
Kathmandu stands as the vibrant cultural nucleus of Nepal, an alluring haven for travellers since Nepal first welcomed outsiders within its borders. The city beautifully amalgamates elements of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influences within the encompassing Valley. Adjacent to this hub is Patan and Bhaktapur, two significant cities brimming with cultural and religious importance in Nepal’s tapestry.
An immersive guided excursion awaits, offering a complete day to explore the historical Durbar Square adorned with distinctive architecture and home to the revered Kumari, the living goddess. The journey continues to the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, followed by visits to the renowned ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and the Buddhists’ shrine of Buddhhanath. As dusk settles, an enriching pre-trip discussion is scheduled, where you will meet your trek leader and fellow adventurers, setting the stage for your forthcoming expedition.
Day 04: Drive to Pokhara:
At the beginning of the journey today we head to Pokhara. The journey to the city of lakes begins from the valley heading out of its twisty roads reaching Prithvi Highway and the thrashing Trishuli River. The tranquil journey gives us a peek at the majestic Himalayas right as we enter the mesmerizing Pokhara valley. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 05: Pokhara – Nayapul – Ghandruk Trek:
We drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. From Birethanti, we trek to Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. If time permits, we also visit the Gurung Museum today. Overnight stay in Ghandruk. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Ghandruk to Chhomrong Trek:
The path heads north of the village on an exposed trail past pastures to a ridge, before descending into a green valley and a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. After lunch, the trail climbs out of the valley through stands of rhododendron and oak forest, winding around the hillsides to Chhomrong: with closer views of the giant peaks above. Overnight at Lodge in Chhomrong. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 07: Chhomrong to Himalay Trek:
The trail drops to cross the Chhomrong Khola and then ascends to the charming village of Sinuwa. Thereafter the trail enters the upper Modi Khola Valley through dense forests of cane, rhododendron and oak. It rises then drops to the village of Bamboo (2,310m/7,580ft) on the banks of the river: a perfect lunch spot. After lunch, continue up through the uninhabited forest to Dobhan, later crossing several avalanche chutes before reaching the small village of Himalaya Hotel. Overnight at Lodge in Himalaya Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Himalaya – Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
Climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountainside. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp, we again get to savour mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo Trek:
From the Annapurna Base Camp, we repeat our steps to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill, so it shouldn’t be very difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the extraordinary landscape to cheer us up. Overnight in Bamboo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Trek:
From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs which is just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe our aching body. Overnight in Jhinu Danda. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Trek to Naya Pul Trek then drive to Pokhara:
On our way to Naya Pul from Jhinu Danda, we get to enjoy the wonderful hill scenery of western Nepal. We have lunch on the way. Our trek will end at Naya Pul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus:
We transfer to the Tourist bus station and 07:30 am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 13 – 34: Volunteering work could be started through any of the volunteering programs:
- Teaching in Schools or Monasteries.
- Centre for Disabilities/Special Education
- Construction and Manual Work Volunteer
- Sports/ Physical Education Internship
- Teaching English to Buddhist Monks
Day 35: Farewell Friend and Departure/Fly back to Home
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today. A Volunteer World Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
