Nepal International Award Gold Expedition: 10 Days

Trek through dense forest against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of Nepal and set-up camp in traditional Nepalese villages. This itinerary is designed to develop your key skills enabling you to complete the Qualifying Venture of your Adventurous Journey section of the Gold International Award and includes additional practice hikes.

  • Location Nepal, Asia
  • Duration 10 days
  • Expedition Type Adventures By Camps

Starting in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, this expedition takes you deep into Nepal’s diverse terrain, from panoramic hilltops to lush valleys and sacred pilgrimage sites. Along the way, you’ll connect with local communities, discover traditional village life, and challenge yourself on unforgettable treks.

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Hiking in Nepal on a International Gold expedition.

A fully supported expedition, from start to finish

Your expedition cost is comprehensive and covers the incredible activities you’ll be taking part in, as well as the extensive support you’ll receive in the lead up to, and during, your expedition.

Don’t forget you’ll also need your vaccinations, visas, kit and some spending money. You can find guidance on all of these on your personal Traveller Gateway once you sign up.

  • International flights
  • Expedition Leader
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • All meals
  • Unlimited drinking water
  • All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for all sights mentioned in the itinerary
  • All transfers mentioned are in private vehicles
  • Local Expedition Guides
  • Project costs and management
  • 24 hour support throughout expedition

This sample itinerary will give you an insight into what you’ll be getting up to. Please note, the exact projects, activities and camps may change closer to the time of your expedition.

Day

Activities

More details
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu Arrive in the lively capital of Nepal and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll meet your team for a welcome briefing about the expedition ahead, followed by dinner together.
Day 2 Drive to Godawari and Hike to Gurdum Hill via Phulchoki Hill After breakfast, journey to Godawari where your trek begins with an ascent of Phulchoki Hill. From the summit, enjoy panoramic 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and Kathmandu Valley before descending to Gurdum Hill to set up camp.
Day 3 Hike from Gurdum Hill to Lakuri Bhanjyang Today’s trek takes you down to Mane Dovan through rural villages, offering a glimpse into daily life in the hill regions of Nepal. The route continues and climbs up to Lakuri Bhanjyang where you’ll establish camp and take in the serene mountain surroundings.
Day 4 Hike to Lamatar and drive to Kathmandu Take down camp in the morning and trek down to Lamatar before driving back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free to relax and refresh before regrouping for dinner.
Day 5 Preparation Day Today you’ll focus on final preparations for your Adventurous Journey. Working in small groups, you’ll set out to explore Kathmandu and visit the local market in order to purchase your food for your trip. You will be provided the necessary equipment such as tents, mattresses, stoves and cooking utensils. In your groups, you’ll also plan routes, organise supplies, and practice self-reliance with the expedition equipment provided. The day ends with packing and getting ready for the trek ahead.
Day 6 Drive to Jarsing Pauwa and hike to Nagarkot After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Jarsingpauwa before trekking onwards to Nagarkot, one of Nepal’s most scenic hilltop destinations. From camp, enjoy sweeping views of the ice-capped Himalayan mountain range stretching across the horizon.
Day 7 Trek to Dhulikhel Trek through forests, valleys, and terraced farmland on your way to Dhulikhel. After breaking for lunch near the small town Nala, you’ll climb to Mane Bhanjyang and descend down to Rabi Opi village. The route offers incredible Himalayan views and plenty of opportunities to connect with local communities along the way.
Day 8 Trek to Balthali via Namo Buddha Begin the day with a hike to the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha. After lunch, it’s time to hike to Sankhu village and continue down to Roshi river. You’ll travel across suspension bridges, traditional villages and beautiful scenery before reaching Balthali, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Day 9 Trek to Panauti and drive to Kathmandu After breakfast, you’ll trek to the historic town of Panauti, passing through Nepane, Salmitar and Sunthan village along the way. From here, return to a hotel in Kathmandu for your final evening in the city, with time to relax before a farewell dinner.
Day 10 Departure Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy some free time to explore Kathmandu or shop for souvenirs in the bustling streets of Thamel before transferring to the airport for your journey home.
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See what life is like on expedition

Check out the photos from our previous travellers for a first-hand view into life on expedition.

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Playing Football with local community in Nepal.
Hiking in Nepal on a International Gold expedition.
Travellers testing out their tents on International Gold Award expedition in Nepal.
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Playing Football with local community in Nepal.
Hiking in Nepal on a International Gold expedition.
Travellers testing out their tents on International Gold Award expedition in Nepal.
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For more of our travellers’ best photos visit our photo competition gallery. See more

Went on a DofE Gold Expedition to Nepal and had a really fun (and challenging) time there. It was an educational and eye-opening experience to see a polar opposite life style to your own. I’ve made some great memories and had an opportunity I never would have had any other time.

Patryk, Camp Nepal 2019

Interested in this expedition?

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