Volunteer School Program

duration 14 days
difficulty Easy
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
group size Min. 2 pax
max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 10,535 feet at Poon Hill

trip overview

The beautiful village of Archaldi will be your home for five days where you will carry out your volunteer work while the remaining days of the trip will be spent sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara and trekking in the Annapurna region.

The (insert name here) School in the remote Archaldi village can greatly be benefitted if foreigner tourists with wealth of experience come and share their knowledge with the children. For most of the children, tourists are the only way to learn about other cultures and places as modern learning devices and materials are unavailable. You will spend five days in the village volunteering in the local school and enjoy the rest of the holiday trekking and sightseeing.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu (4,600 feet).

A Mountain Kick representative will receive you as you land into Kathmandu and take you to your hotel.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Pre-trip Meeting.

We will take you on a guided tour to three iconic monuments in Kathmandu which are included in the Unesco’s World Heritage List. Our first stop will be the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the biggest and holiest shrines in the world of Hindu god Shiva.

We visit another World Heritage Site of Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the country. It is believed that the Stupa is a tomb of an incarnation of Lord Buddha.

We then drive to Bhaktapur to visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The square is a former royal courtyard where there are several ancient temples and monuments to visit. The place is rich in culture and preserves the traditional way of living.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Drive to Archaldi.

We drive to the village of Archaldi in western Nepal in a private vehicle and it takes about six hours to get there. We stop at the beautiful town Bandipur on our way there for lunch. At Archaldi, the local community will organize a formal program to welcome us.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 04
Explore the village. Teacher training program

In the morning, we will walk around the village and meet the locals. The people are very friendly and are always excited to see tourists. In the day, we visit the local school where the training program is scheduled to take place and meet the teachers and students. The students are also very eager to learn and understand.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 05
School program.

These will days will focus on the volunteer program you came here for. You will spend the day in the school with the teachers and students while you can travel around the village at mornings and evenings. Several locals will definitely invite you into their homes for tea or lunch or dinner.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 07
School program. Farewell program.

This will be the last day of the training program. And as is the culture in Nepal, the school and the village community will organize a farewell program for us which will be more like celebration than formal event.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 08
After breakfast drive to Nayapool(3,477 feet). Trek to Tikhedhunga (5,060 feet).

We leave Archaldi village behind and head towards the Annapurna region. It takes six hours in a private vehicle to reach Nayapool where the trekking circuit around Mount Annapurna begins. We will walk six miles alongside forests and streams from here to Tikhedhunga to begin our own trek.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 09
Trek to Ghorepani (9,416 feet).

Steps have been laid all the way up to Ghorepani. Walking up the steps for five to six hours will definitely put a lot of pressure on your legs but we will pass through several villages and stops to keep you fresh. The forests and hills provide a very good distraction from your fatigue.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 10
Trek to Tadhapani (8,628 feet).

Poon Hill lies in Ghorepani so you might want to trek to its summit as it is a great vantage point for viewing the Himalayas. People say the western part of the Himalayas look more beautiful than the eastern ranges and nowhere is this true than from Poon Hill at 10,535 feet above the sea level. After the summit, we trek towards Tadhapani. The Himalayas will accompany you throughout the way to Tadhapani as we pass through forests and streams. It takes five hours to get here but the clear view of the majestic mountains from Tadhapani makes the tough trek worth the effort.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 11
Trek to Syauli (3,870 feet) via Ghandruk (6,398 feet).

It’s three hours downhill to the beautiful village of Ghandruk. Ghandruk is perfect to mix with the local people, who are very friendly, and get a sense of the culture. There is a monastery, a temple and even a museum here to keep you busy throughout the day. The view of the Annapurna Range is another prime attraction. Oh and yes, you have to try the local food here. It is something to die for. Two hours further downhill from Ghandruk will take us to Syauli Bazaar where we will rest for the day.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 12
Drive to Pokhara. Sightseeing in Pokhara.

We drive back to Pokhara and go see some tourist attractions before leaving. There are lakes, rivers and caves to see in Pokhara while there are also temples, pagodas and museums. The happening lakeside area in the city is the perfect place if you wish to go for an end-of-trek celebration to wash away your pain.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 13
Drive to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.

We will leave for Kathmandu in the morning passing through beautiful hill towns and villages. There is a complementary farewell dinner in the evening to officially end your trip.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 14
Final Departure.

We will drop you to the airport. Return home amusing yourself with memories of beautiful Himalayas and the Himalayan villages.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.
Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will also be taken care of.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for entering Annapurna Conservation Area and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
Fully paid round-trip bus tickets for Kathmandu-Archaldi and Pokhara-Kathmandu ride. Other rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment. (click here)
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 50.Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Nepal?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Nepal?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How long do I have to trek each day?

On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six to eight hours of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
How much help do I get during the trek?

Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?

The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customized trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see here for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook every day.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?

Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?

You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
How do I book a tour?

Choose from a variety of tour packages available (click here to view). Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

There are four days of short trekking in this trip. You will have to walk for five to six hours on those days so you need to be fit. But you can complete the trek with some determination even if you are trekking in the mountains for the first time.
You have to bring all your trekking equipment by yourself. See our standard equipment list here. If you forget anything, you can purchase these in Kathmandu or rent it for the trip from us for a small fee.
Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 Season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs.

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Camera.
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Binoculars.
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

view all equipment list

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csr

As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.