Nepal: Nature, Culture & Adventure Trip with TRIFC

Price: $150

REGISTER HERE: 

https://trifc.org/events/

Depart from Seattle bound for Kathmandu, Nepal.

Please be sure to let Global Family Travels your flight arrival and departure details, so we can help arrange airport transfers for you.  Email us at [email protected]  

Arrive Kathmandu on various flights.  Be greeted at the airport upon arrival and transfer to Excelsior Hotel. Relax & recover from jet lag and explore the city.

Arrive in Nepal or Free day in Kathmandu if you’ve already arrived!

Get settled into your hotel and enjoy the sights and sounds of Thamel, the main tourist district of Kathmandu.

*Note - crossing the international date line results in an additional travel day.
Overnight at Excelsior Hotel – Thamel (B)

Overview:
• Morning sightseeing of Swayambhunath Stupa & Boudhanath Stupa with lunch at Boudhanath. Afternoon/Evening Free
• Overnight at Excelsior Hotel

Details:

• 9AM: Group meet-up with sightseeing guide and review itinerary at hotel over breakfast.
• 10:30AM Start: Swayambhunath (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO)

Atop a green hillock west of Kathmandu, stands the great ‘Stupa’ of Swayambhunath. This is a site that is over 2500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushri discovered the lotus of the ancient valley lake. Constructed to specific rules each with a symbolic meaning, the Stupa of Swayambhunath is a model of its kind.

• 1PM: Boudhanath (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) & Lunch (included in package)

This is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world located east of the Kathmandu valley. It was built by the Lichchhavi King Mana Dev in the 5th century A.D. The Rinpoches who reside here have established Boudhnath as one of the most flourishing centers of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. The colossal ancient Stupa is 36 meters high!

• 3PM: Return to Hotel / Dinner on your own at Hotel or Thamel Restaurant (there are many to choose from!)

Overnight at Excelsior Hotel (B,L)

Overview:

• AM/PM: Volunteer Project. Carnival Day with kids from Disabled Newlife Centre (DNC) and kids visiting from Disabled Help Centre (DHC).
• TRIFC-sponsored lunch for all kids and volunteers.
• Overnight at Excelsior Hotel – Thamel

Details:

• 9:30AM Hotel Pick-up and transfer to out to DNC (see below) where we’ll be visiting with the children from both organizations, having lunch, making new friends and having fun with low-tech, carnival-style games.

Both DNC and DHC provide are residential centers that provide children with disabilities and marginalized children with a safe and healthy environment within which to grow, learn and develop life-skills.

TRIFC provides funding for surgeries, prosthetics, physiotherapy, food/nutrition and tutoring at DNC, which is home to 35 children with disabilities.

At DHC, TRIFC provides all of the educational funding costs for the 12 students that live at the center. All 12 students attend East Pole School in Kathmandu, Nepal. We also provide funds for medicines, school snacks and other needs.

• 4 - 5 PM: Depart DHC/DNC

Overnight at Excelsior Hotel (B,L)

Overview:

• Sightseeing at Pashupatinath Temple
• Visit Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA) handicrafts.
• Overnight at Excelsior Hotel – Thamel
• Optional Early Morning Mountain Flight / Approximately $225 USD

Details:

• 5:30 AM Optional Mountain Flight: Per person- approximate cost $225. Take-off from Kathmandu airport in the early morning for an hour’s worth of spectacular mountains scenery. The mountain flight is suitable for all categories of traveler.
• 10 AM: Pashupatinath Temple (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO), dedicated to Lord Shiva it is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. It lies 5 km. east of Kathmandu Valley on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple every year during Shivaratri, the birthday of Lord Shiva.
• Entrance to the temple precinct is forbidden to non-Hindus. The Large, gilded triple-roofed temple was built in 1696 A.D. though 300 years earlier this was a structure on this site.
• Afternoon: Visit BIA Bodhisattvas in Action - BIA official website. People with disabilities create spectacular artwork, handbags and incense. We’ll stop by to see this outstanding work in-action and you’ll have an opportunity to purchase items at the retail shop. Plus, we’ll have snacks with the craftspeople and enjoy meeting and chatting with each other!

Overnight at Excelsior Hotel – Thamel (B)

Overview:

• Morning visit Historic Bhaktapur City with lunch
• Afternoon visit to Patan Durbar Square
• Attend RC Patan meeting at 6:00pm
• Overnight at Excelsior Hotel

Details:

• 9AM: Depart Hotel for Bhaktapur Durbar Square (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) & Lunch.
• A former capital of the valley, Bhaktapur was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet. It has preserved its traditional character better than the other two cities, due to its more isolated location. It is regarded today as a classic showcase of medieval Nepalese town life. It is situated in the east of Kathmandu valley about 14 km. away. It today retains much of its beauty in ornate woodcarvings and in the famed Golden Gate.

Overnight at Excelsior Hotel

Overview:

• Depart Hotel at 8:30-9:00am for Kavre-Banepa/Dhulikhel
• Visit Deaf Women's Empowerment Group at 10:00am
• Afternoon, check into hotel and have lunch
• Following lunch, visit Blind/Visually-Impaired students at Sanjiwani school in Dhulikhel
• Evening walk in scenic Dhulikhel with students
• Overnight at Dhulikhel Lodge Resort

Details:

• AM: Morning walk w/mountain views (weather permitting) and Lunch (not included in package) in Dhulikhel or Kavre-Banepa

Deaf Women’s Empowerment Group (DWEG), Empowering Women with Deafness/Hearing-Impairment!

In 2010, TRIFC Director, Rose Stevens designed a wonderful greeting card embroidery program that we took to Nepal and introduced to an inspiring group of 15 deaf women. This group became our ‘Deaf Women’s Empowerment Group’ (DWEG). The proceeds from the sales of these exquisite cards help these women support themselves and their families.

In 2012 Rose gave training in sewing and assembling sanitary protection kits. Without a proper sanitary pad solution, this sensitive issue can keep girls home from school for a week each month, or they may find it too difficult to manage and abandon school altogether. To date, we have distributed over 950 kits to girls with disabilities as well as victims of the 2015 earthquake.

Our group will visit the Kavre-Banepa School for the Deaf to meet with our deaf/hearing-impaired women’s group and try a bit of embroidery with their help!

Overnight at Dhulikhel Lodge Resort 

Overview:

• Early Morning Drive to Riverside Springs Resort, about a 3.5 hour ride from Kathmandu, halfway to Pokhara. This beautiful resort is located on the Trisuli River.
• Upon arrival at resort, relax by the pool, go horseback riding or take a walk down by the river. Rest, relax and enjoy the beauty of Nepal and the resort!

Overnight at Riverside Springs Resort (B) - NOTE: an additional $36 dollars will be collected for lunch/dinner

Overview:

• Drive to spectacular Bandipur, a scenic hillstation about a 2 hour ride from Riverside Springs Resort
• Stay at local resort and take a walk around the quaint little historic Nepali village

Banipur:
Bandipur, an ancient Newari mountain town, is a treasure waiting to be discovered by travelers. Situated 7 kilometers above Dumbre Bazaar at an altitude of 1,005 meters, this ancient trading post lies cradled in the saddle of some of the country's most peculiarshaped hills. Untouched by modernization, and laced with an abundance of ancient houses, temples of great significance, and historical architecture, this medieval-era town boasts of festivals all year around besides offering a plethora of cultures.

The neighboring villages with majority population of Magars, Gurungs, Bahuns, Chhetris, Damais and Sarkis contribute to the cultural diversity of the region. The hilltop town not only overlooks the incredible expanse of the Marsyanngdi river valley, but also offers a breathtaking sweep of the Himalayan range, from Langtang in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west. From nearby hilltops, one can see as far as Manakamana and Gorkha to east, and the great Chitwan plains to the south, among others. Once a bustling commercial center along the trade route linking Tibet with British, the town’s people heartily welcome travelers from near and far.
While the Siddha Gufa (the largest cavern in the country) and Patali Dwar (also known as the Gateway to Heaven) are must-sees, this place also offers endless hiking possibilities in the surrounding hills.

Overnight at the Bandipur Mountain Resort. (B,L,D)

Overview:

• Drive to Pokhara (3 hour drive)
• After lunch, boating on the lake! (depending on wind, boat tour might need to be later in the afternoon/evening)
• Dinner on your own (or together with the group!) in Pokhara (not included in package)
• Overnight at Glacier Inn Resort (B)

Choose to join the Austrailian Camp Trek and

• Trek and stay overnight in the Austrailian Camp (qualifier hike required 3 hours/2000 Ft. elevation gain)

Stay in Pokhara and

•  Cross the lake by boat and hike to Shanti (Peace) Stupa
•  Go boating on Lake Fewa and/or shopping & lunch lakeside
•  Overnight in Pokhara at Glacier Inn Hotel 

Non-Trekking Group:

• Free day in Pokhara. Go boating on the lake, paragliding or hang-out by the lake with local shopping and restaurants. Meet the returning trekking group for lunch at Glacier Inn!

Australian Camp Trekkers:
Overview:

• Trek down hill to POKHARA LAKE SIDE via Dhampus about 2-3 hours, meet for lunch back in Pokhara with the non-trekking group!

Details:

• After finishing our breakfast at the Lodge, we will walk to Dhampus which will take about 2 hours. Then we’ll drive 60 minutes back to Pokhara for lunch at the Glacier Inn in Pokhara.
• AM: This morning, weather-permitting you will be rewarded by magnificent sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas from Australian Camp. After finishing your breakfast in the restaurant of your Lodge, we’ll then commence our walk to Dhampus.
• PM: Lunch at Glacier Inn 

Overnight at Glacier Inn Hotel (B)

Fly back to Kathmandu (Approximately 30 mins) and enjoy the sights of the city for one last day!
Overnight at Excelsior Hotel (B)

Departure transfer for onward destination.

Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs.  In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.  

Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.    
 
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip!  Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels 

The primary mission of The Rose International Fund for Children (TRIFC) is to improve the lives of children in Nepal with disabilities. TRIFC raises funds through donations, grants and hands-on fundraising activities.  The organization provides support in the areas of education, medical needs, nutrition and facilities improvements. Learn more here:. 

During our tour, we will experience many of the sights, sounds, culture, beauty, nature and people of Nepal! 
 
Guided Sightseeing visits include:  
 

• World UNESCO heritage sights, including Swayambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath Stupa, the historic city of Bhaktapur & Pashupatinath Temple. 
• Patan Durbar (Palace) Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square. 
• Visit beautiful Pokhara and enjoy boating on the lake, and hikes to Shanti Stupa  
• Moderate level 2-day trek to Australian Camp with overnight lodge accommodations (No formal climbing experience is necessary but qualifying hike prior to trip is required)  This trek is optional. 

Volunteer Activities:
 

• With TRIFC’s Deaf Women’s Empowerment Group
• Carnival for children with disabilities
• Blind/Visually-Impaired students at Sanjiwani School 

Other Activities 
 

• Shopping opportunities
• Demonstration and shopping at a center where people with disabilities create beautiful craft work 

Download Full Itinerary Here: Nepal 2019 TRIFC Itinerary (pdf)