Nepal International Award Gold Expedition

Trek through dense forest against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of Nepal and set-up camp in traditional Nepalese villages. This 7 day itinerary is designed to develop your key skills enabling you to complete the Adventurous Journey section of the Gold International Award.

  • Location Nepal, Asia
  • Duration 1 week
  • Expedition Type Adventures By Camps

Starting in the charming city of Kathmandu, you will be trekking across a variety of terrains from mountain paths to dirt tracks through the jungle. You’ll come across several villages where you’ll have the chance to interact with the local community and learn more about Nepalese culture.

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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 Arriving in Nepal’s chaotic and charming capital city Kathmandu, you will transfer to your hotel for an expedition briefing and then head out for dinner at a local restaurant before getting a good night’s sleep. You will have the opportunity to look over the preparation work you should have completed prior to the expedition and make plans for possible obstacles you may face.
Day 2 Preparation Day Preparation is key – today you will set out to explore Kathmandu and visit the local market in order to purchase your food for your trip. In the afternoon you will work in teams with your route maps to finalise your adventurous journey. You will also have a chance to practice pitching your tent and cooking with the local equipment provided.
Day 3 Drive to Jarsing Pauwa and hike to Nagarkot Setting out early in the morning you will drive to Jarsing Pauwa where the hike will begin. As a group, you will make your way to Nagarkot, a popular destination with stunning views over the Himalayan range and ice-capped mountains.
Day 4 Hike to Dhulikhel The first part of today’s hike is along a wide beaten dirt track through the jungle before descending into a valley and stopping for lunch near the small town of Nala. After lunch, you will climb up to the town of Mane Bhanjyang and descend to Rabi Opi village. Meeting and interacting with the local people along the way to Dhulikhel adds another dimension to your Himalayan experience.
Day 5 Trek to Balthali via Namo Buddha Setting out early in the morning you will hike towards Namo Buddha – one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhism followers. After stopping for lunch at Namobudhha, you will hike down to Sankhu village and continue further down to the Roshi river, eventually climbing back up to Balthali village. Balthali is an outstanding location isolated by spectacular Nepali countryside; the perfect place to spend the night.
Day 6 Trek to Panauti and drive to Kathmandu Starting the morning with a final camp-site breakfast you will then hike towards the expeditions’ final destination – the small town of Panauti. Taking approximately 3 hours you will pass the villages of Nepane, Salmitar and Sunthan. Upon reaching the end of your incredible trek, you will be driven back to Kathmandu. Once checked into your hotel you will have time to rest and reflect before dinner.
Day 7 Departure Depending on your flight times, you may have some free time to explore Kathmandu and the vibrant Thamel area for some souvenir shopping before transferring to the airport for your flight 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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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

Our local camp legends

Our camps are staffed by members of the community who will make you feel like a local in no time. These legends will make your expedition spectacular and will show you the very best of their home country.

Having worked with Camps International for over five years, I love seeing the change in our travellers when they come back from an expedition with us. It is amazing to see how they grow in self-confidence, empathy and have a greater understanding of the world around them and the adventures it holds for them.

Meet our Crew

Interested in this expedition?

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