Project Life
Volunteer and Adventure in Nepal

Typical Four Week Outline

If arriving on the official start date, volunteers will be met at the airport and taken to the hotel to relax and rest. The orientation begins the day after, during which you will spend the next four days in Kathmandu and the surrounding countryside in family homestays. Each morning you can work on your basic Nepali language skills and then explore the Kathmandu Valley with all its amazing sights, great monuments and rich cultural heritage. Following your orientation you will enjoy two days rafting the white water of the Trisuli River (NB: the timing of this trip may change).

By now you should feel well equipped to start your volunteering placement period. The locations and roles of different volunteers will vary and will be based on the most suitable available placement, as well as attributes and preferences of the volunteer. The placements themselves will, for the most part, be individual ones, however the living quarters provided during this period are usually shared with other GVI volunteers. At the end of the volunteer placement, you will return to Kathmandu for a pre-trek briefing, and you will have the opportunity to pack and prepare for the trek.

Below is an outline of the planned trek (please note that due to weather and unforeseen events the itinerary is subject to change):

Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2820m/45mins) and trek to Phakding (O/nt Altitude 2610m/4hrs approx).

Take a stunning early-morning flight to Lukla, the ‘Gateway to Everest’. Start the trek from this region of the legendary Sherpas, who have distinct features much apart from the Nepalese encountered so far. Trek north towards Phakding along meandering trails which are lined with stone walls, eventually leading to the night stop.

Day 2: To Namche Bazaar (O/nt Altitude 3440m/6hrs approx).

Following the Dudh Koshi, the trail heads north as it gently starts to rise through rhododendron and magnolia forests with giant fir trees to the village of Jorsalle, where the lunch-break will be taken. After a brief stop-over for lunch, the climb proceeds towards Namche Bazaar, a delightful mountain village and the so-called ‘Sherpa Capital’ of Khumbu.

Day 3: In Namche Bazaar.

This particular day is used to allow you to get acclimatised to the high altitude. One can explore the local markets, mingle with the people, walk up to the Everest viewpoint, visit the museum, and happily laze around and bask in the sun later in the afternoon.

Day 4: To Tyangboche (O/nt Altitude 3860m/5hrs approx).

The trail turns northeast from Namche along a tributary valley and the mountain views start to open up, becoming more dramatic as the steep climb approaches the holy ground of Tyangboche. Tyangboche Monastery is the highest monastery in the world, which offers amazing views of a myriad of impressive mountains, including Mount Everest, Mount Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse & Ama Dablam, and it is also the home to the highly revered Rinpoche, a Buddhist Monk.

Day 5: To Dingboche (O/nt Altitude 4360m/5hrs approx).

Continue to trek from Tyangboche past Pangboche, where a Gompa holds the famous 'Yeti scalp'. This region lies in high altitude, which makes agriculture only barely possible, and therefore the lives of the local Sherpas are Spartan by any standard. Much of the walking in this area is comparatively of gentle gradient, although a leisurely pace is recommended due to the high altitude.

Day 6: In Dingboche.

There will be another acclimatisation day. There are day hikes available to Nagajun Hill (approx. 5050m) or Chukung village, which offer magnificent views of the Amadablam and Makalu mountains and other peaks, as well as those of lakes and glaciers in that region.

Day 7: To Lobuche (O/nt Altitude 4930m/5hrs approx).

Leaving Dingboche, the trail ascends gently but still at easy pace. Walking past frozen rivers, we reach Lobuche where stone houses sit amongst an icy wilderness of stunning beauty.

Day 8: To Everest base camp (5300m) and Gorakshep (O/nt Altitude 5160m/9hrs approx).

You will spend the whole day trekking to Everest Base Camp, and then back to Gorakshep. The trek Sirdar will navigate the Khumbu Glacier as the trial makes its way to the base camp of Mount Everest. The infamous Khumbu icefall can be seen at the base of the tallest mountain on Earth. Eventually, the reverse set off descends back to Gorakshep for the night.

Day 9: To Kala Patthar (5545m) & Pheriche (O/nt Altitude 4240m/6hrs approx).

The day will start earlier than usual as we aim to reach Kala Patthar before sunrise – the best vantage point for viewing Everest and the other surrounding peaks. As you ascend to the top of Kala Patthar, the views are amazing views and Everest is breathtaking. You will continue to descend to sandy flat expanse of Gorakshep, and then travel on to Pheriche, where an overnight break is taken.

Day 10: To Tyangboche (O/nt Altitude 3860m/4hrs approx).

Trek down back towards to Tyangboche on a trail that descends gently, then cross Dudh Koshi through a wooden bridge. The trek continues downwards, passing several yak herders and tea shops to Shomare. Leaving behind alpine meadows, the trail descends to Tyangboche for the night stop.

Day 11: To Monjo (O/nt Altitude 2700m/6hrs approx).

Descend to Monjo via Namche Bazaar where the trail descends steeply to Dudh Kosi River. The slightly warmer climate of Monjo greets you at this altitude.

Day 12: To Lukla (O/nt Altitude 2820m/41/2hrs approx).

On the last day you spend in the Khumbu Region, the trail you follow is fairly easy. You will have some steady climbs through scrub forests, then a final steep ascent that leads to a Tamang village and shortly thereafter to Lukla, where you will have time to relax and experience the Sherpa ambience.

Day 13: Contingency day.

Guides will use this day as they see fit, depending on how group is doing and/or how bad the weather is.

Day 14: To Kathmandu (O/nt Altitude 1400m/45mins approx).

The flight back to Kathmandu is short but spectacular. The rest of the day can be spent exploring, shopping or simply just chilling out in numerous cafes in Thamel, before the group meets for an end-of-the-trek celebration dinner at The Rum Doodle Restaurant.