Why thIs
Matters
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas. Mix spiritual discovery with vital wildlife conservation in some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes.
Make a Difference: Your participation supports ethical wildlife conservation including tigers and gharials.
Travel with Purpose: Experience Nepal's incredible culture, wildlife and mountain scenery in an uplifting way.
Unforgettable Memories: From mountain drives to jungle wildlife sightings, this journey is packed with powerful moments.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Over five days in the Chitwan region of Nepal we’ll work side by side with the team at the Nepal Tiger Trust. Our role includes setting up and monitoring cameras, tracking tiger and leopard paw prints and sharing vital information.
The
Journey
Arrival in Kathmandu
We'll arrive in Kathmandu where our guides will greet us at the airport with warm smiles and a marigold mala, a beautiful welcome into Nepalese culture. From there, we'll drive through the lively streets to the iconic Kathmandu Guest House, our base in the heart of the Thamel district. Just over 7km away, the great white dome of the Boudhanath Stupa rises into the sky, a sacred pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
After we check in, we'll have time to settle, unpack, and perhaps relax in the garden with a beverage from the café or wander the side streets filled with shops and prayer flags.
In the evening, we'll gather for an orientation and enjoy our first group dinner together.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House, Kathmandu (shared rooms; single supplement available)
Day 1
Bhaktapur: Ancient City, Pottery and Newari Cuisine
After breakfast we'll head out to Bhaktapur, one of the best preserved medieval cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Wander through brick-paved streets, temple squares and courtyards that feel largely unchanged for centuries. You'll take part in a hands on pottery lesson with a local potter in the historic pottery square, gaining insight into this traditional craft. Lunch is a traditional Newari meal offering a taste of the valley's distinctive cuisine.
We'll return to Kathmandu in the late afternoon with time to relax or explore independently.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House, Kathmandu (shared rooms; single supplement available)
Day 2
UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Optional Everest Scenic Flight
If you've always wanted to see Mount Everest but didn't want to climb, today is your golden opportunity to do just that. You can choose (as a paid option) to take the early morning flight over the Himalayas and see the absolute breadth and majesty of this mountain range. Each person on the flight gets a window seat and there is ample opportunity to look in awe and take as many photos as you please.
After the Everest crew return and have breakfast, the group will drive to nearby Patan. Patan, also known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty), is a historic city famous for its rich Newari art, architecture, and skilled metal and wood craftsmen. We will also visit the famous KTM Durbar Square Royal Palace.
We'll eat lunch locally then finish the day watching the sun set from the UNESCO World Heritage site Swayambhunath Temple.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House, Kathmandu
Day 3
Introduction to Volunteering in Meghauli
This morning we will head to the airport and take the very short flight from Kathmandu to Chitwan and from there we will ride by jeep to Meghauli — about 40 minutes.
On arrival we'll settle in and have lunch and meet the team from the Nepal Tiger Trust. They'll tell us more about their vital work in protecting and supporting the population of tigers and leopards in Nepal and share their success stories with us. You'll get a full introduction into the type of work we'll be doing here over the next few days.
After this briefing, we'll go for a jungle walk in the community forest where we will be given an introduction to footprint observation and reporting techniques. We'll also take the opportunity to do some bird spotting.
In the evening, we'll relax after dinner and enjoy a slide show with more information on the type and value of the volunteering that we're here for.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Siddharta Wildlife Retreat or similar
Day 4
Tiger Tracking, Meghauli
This is an early morning rise and first we'll have breakfast and plan to leave the accommodation around 7am.
Group A will go for a 3-4 hour slow, flat jungle walk in prime tiger habitat in the community forest. Accompanied by experienced trackers and naturalists we'll be looking for prey species as well as tiger and leopard footprints, checking camera traps as well as taking photos and notes of evidence found.
Group B will take a 40 minute ride down the river in a wooden boat followed by a jungle walk in the National Park looking for evidence of all wildlife.
Both groups will return to the Lodge for lunch and a well deserved rest! You'll also have a chance to write up your notes from the morning activities, a vital part of this process.
Once you're rested and the notes are up to date, we'll split up again for the afternoon sessions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Siddharta Wildlife Retreat or similar
Day 5
Jeep Safari and Gharial Conservation Project
Today is safari day! We'll get into our jeeps and spend a large portion of the day on a game drive into the core zones of Chitwan National Park with the focus on broad wildlife observation including Bengal tigers (if we are lucky), one horned rhino, spotted deer, wild elephants and so much more. We'll be able to stop for birdwatching and short walks along the way.
Today we also get the chance to visit the Gharial Conservation Project to learn about the breeding and reintroduction of this endangered crocodilian. We'll have a simple packed lunch today while out on safari.
In the evening we'll enjoy a relaxed dinner and get a chance to enjoy a traditional dance performance by local villagers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Siddharta Wildlife Retreat or similar
Day 6
Tiger Monitoring in Riverine Forest (2nd Day)
Today we will continue our work alongside Nepal Tiger Trust and we will do the same tasks as Day 5 but the Groups will do the tasks in a different order. Group A will start on the wooden boat in the river followed by a jungle walk, while Group B will start in the community forest.
After lunch together at the Lodge, we will continue the activity started in the morning and mirror what was done on Day 5.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Siddharta Wildlife Retreat or similar
Day 7
Community Based Projects
Today we will have the opportunity to work on a community based project. Nepal Tiger Trust works collaboratively with many stakeholders such as the national park authorities, community members, local nature guides, women's groups, schools, etc on such projects.
The exact activity will depend on local needs at the time and may include plastic reuse initiatives, tree plantation, village or riverside clean-ups, or removal of invasive plant species. This flexible approach ensures your contribution is both relevant and impactful.
In the evening, gather around a bonfire for a relaxed dinner and your final evening with your naturalist and tiger tracking team.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Siddharta Wildlife Retreat or similar
Day 8
Scenic Drive to Dhampus
After breakfast, drive to Pokhara (c.4 hours), where we stop for lunch. We will then continue for about one more hour to reach Dhampus, a picturesque village perched in the Himalayan foothills. Take in sweeping views of the Annapurna Massif and surrounding valleys, explore the village and its traditional Gurung culture before enjoying dinner at your teahouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House in Dhampus
Day 9
Dhampus to Astam Eco-Village
After breakfast, embark on a gentle three or so hour downhill walk from Dhampus to Astam, an eco-village renowned for its 360-degree views of surrounding valleys and peaks.
Along the way, take in the terraced fields, local villages, and panoramic landscapes.
Enjoy lunch in Astam and learn about its sustainable, community-led initiatives.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House in Astam
Day 10
Pokhara, Jangchub Choeling Monastery
Morning drive to Pokhara after breakfast, stopping off to visit the Jangchub Choeling Monastery along the way enabling you to get an understanding of Tibetan Buddhist practices.
After lunch in Pokhara we will visit a local women's development project, offering insight into one of Nepal's many social initiatives.
Evening at leisure in Pokhara. You may wish to explore Pokhara's vibrant Lakeside area, stroll along the lake, take a boat ride, or visit cultural sites and local cafes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Karuna, Pokhara or similar
Day 11
Cable Car to Sarangkot for Sunrise
Today you'll be headed towards Sarangkot before dawn for the magical sunrise view over the Annapurna Massif and the valleys below.
After breakfast, and a suitable time for your meal to settle, we'll gather for a late morning yoga class to help gently stretch out those muscles used on the mini trek.
After lunch you'll drive to the Peace Pagoda and enjoy a gentle walk down through the surrounding hillside to Phewa Lake. Cross the lake by boat to Barahi Temple on the small island and you might get a chance to capture reflections of the Annapurna range along the way on a clear day.
Spend the rest of the day freely exploring Pokhara at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Karuna, Pokhara or similar
Day 12
Return to Kathmandu
Today you'll return to Kathmandu from Pokhara via an early morning 25-mins flight.
In the afternoon, you will visit two of Nepal's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu complex along the Bagmati River, and Boudhanath Stupa, a monumental Buddhist site and hub of Tibetan culture.
In the evening, enjoy a final dinner at a restaurant overlooking Boudhanath Stupa. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath is not only Nepal's most important Hindu temple but also one of the most important Shiva temples on the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the Kathmandu Valley's 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Boudhanath is one of the most important religious and cultural centres for Nepal's considerable Tibetan in exile population and is one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House
Day 13
Departure or Travel onwards to Bhutan
We'll share one final breakfast together this morning in the lush gardens of our Guest House before saying goodbye. We'll help to arrange transports to Tribhuvan International Airport for departing flights.
OR!! You may wish to extend your journey for a few more days with us and come to Bhutan.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Day 14
Extend Your Journey — Bhutan Add-On
6 nights, 7 days — from USD 3,395
A spectacular Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Paro. Visit Thimphu's Memorial Chorten and the immense Buddha Dordenma. Cross Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens. Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's most iconic fortress monastery. Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail. Complete the journey with the iconic hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery.
BHUTAN — Fly Kathmandu to Paro, Transfer to Thimphu
The flight from Kathmandu into Paro is genuinely cinematic, sweeping past Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey as ridgelines drift by like a moving mural. As you descend into Paro, the landscape tightens into forested slopes, the silver ribbon of the Pa Chu, and Paro Dzong resting like a guardian above the valley.
After immigration, your guide will welcome you and begin the one-hour drive to Thimphu. En route, you'll pause at Tamchog Lhakang, crossing its restored iron bridge built with links from the original 13th-century chainwork.
On arrival at your hotel, take a moment to decompress before heading out in the early evening to visit the Memorial Chorten, a revered stupa built in honour of Bhutan's third king. Dinner will feature classic Bhutanese flavours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in Thimphu
Day 15
Explore Thimphu, Buddha Dordenma Viewpoint Hike & Cultural Sites
After breakfast, you'll drive up to Kuensel Phodrang where the 169-foot Buddha Dordenma keeps watch over the valley. From here, an easy 6km hike leads along wooded trails to Changangkha Lhakhang, a temple that has watched over Thimphu for centuries.
Back in town, lunch will be at one of Thimphu's favourite cafés; the kind of spot where office workers, monks and travellers all intersect. The afternoon opens up Bhutanese culture in sharper focus: first at the Folk Heritage Museum, a traditional 19th-century farmhouse offering a lens into rural life, and then at the Royal Textile Museum & Academy, where Bhutan's intricate weaving traditions take centre stage.
You'll end your day wandering the Crafts Bazaar, a row of stalls showcasing local artisans' work.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in Thimphu
Day 16
Dochula Pass, Trans-Bhutan Trail Walk & Chhimi Lhakhang
Today you leave the city behind. After breakfast, you'll drive to Dochula Pass (3,140m), where 108 chortens sit poised against the Himalayan skyline, prayer flags framing mountain silhouettes.
You then continue to Lamperi for a descent along a restored section of the Trans-Bhutan Trail, passing through thick old-growth forest and scattered villages. A picnic lunch awaits at the trail's end, overlooking the rice terraces below.
After lunch, the landscape softens into the rice-growing valley of Lobesa, where a short walk through fields leads to Chhimi Lhakhang — the monastery dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, Bhutan's eccentric saint known locally as the Divine Madman.
Before reaching your hotel, you'll visit a local Thangka artist whose work keeps ancient Buddhist painting techniques alive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in Punakha
Day 17
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Hike, River Float & Punakha Dzong
This morning begins with a 45-minute uphill walk through terraced fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal, a temple famed for its intricate design and wide valley views.
Back at the river, you'll board a boat for a gentle float downstream; a serene way to absorb village life and spot Bhutan's bird species. Lunch will be a picnic at Zomlingthang, a riverside clearing often used by locals for archery, the national sport.
After lunch, you'll visit Punakha Dzong, arguably the kingdom's most beautiful fortress, set at the confluence of two rivers and the winter residence of the monastic leadership. The day ends with a drive into the broad, glacial-carved basin of Gangtey Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in Gangtey
Day 18
Gangtey Nature Trail, Gantey Gompa & Transfer to Paro
After breakfast, you'll walk the nature trail that wraps around the roosting grounds of the black-necked cranes; migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometres from the Tibetan Plateau each winter.
The path moves through quiet hamlets and banks of towering bamboo, eventually opening to a cluster of traditional homes with carved windows and wood-panelled roofs. From here, you'll visit Gantey Gompa, one of Bhutan's oldest Nyingmapa monasteries, with the chance to spend time among the monks or join a short meditation session.
In the afternoon, you'll drive back to Paro, crossing Dochula once again before arriving at a local farmhouse for a traditional hot-stone bath and dinner featuring regional dishes unique to this valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in Paro
Day 19
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) & Kyichu Lhakhang
This is the marquee moment. The trail to Taktshang rises steadily through pine forest, with over 800 steps leading to the monastery perched on its cliff. Built in 1692, Tiger's Nest has become a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality and endurance. Ponies can be hired for the uphill half, though the final ascent is always on foot.
After descending, you'll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples and home to a revered statue of Jowo Jamba, said to radiate a profound sense of calm. Back in Paro, there's time to refresh before your farewell dinner and a final wander through the town's shops and lanes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in Paro
Day 20
What's Included
What's Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Local transport
- Guided excursions
- Volunteer project fees
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Your Questions
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