November 3rd
Day 7 – Free Day in Pokhara
Rest, wander, or follow your own adventure. After a full week of immersive experiences and adventure, today is yours to spend however you wish. Pokhara offers a relaxed pace, stunning lakeside views, and plenty of ways to unwind or explore.
Whether you choose to sip masala tea in a cozy café, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, browse the colorful local markets, or stroll the peaceful streets and temples of the city, the day is yours. You can also opt for a massage, yoga class, or simply relax and reflect on your journey so far.
No scheduled activities today — just the freedom to follow your own rhythm.
Optional activities at your own expense and leisure:
Boat ride on Phewa Lake
Shopping and cafés in Lakeside
Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment
Local hikes or city walks
Accommodation:
- 4 Star Hotel
Meals included:
- Breakfast
November 4th
Day 8 – Tibetan Cultural Tour
A day of reflection, culture, and connection. Start your morning at your own pace — enjoy breakfast at the hotel or venture out for a quiet start to the day in Pokhara. At 2:00 PM, we'll gather for a Tibetan Cultural Tour, led by the remarkable Mr. Thupten Gyatso, a Tibetan native dedicated to preserving and sharing his people's heritage.
This 4-hour immersive journey through Tibetan refugee settlements offers a rare window into the lives, spirituality, and resilience of the Tibetan community in Nepal. With storytelling, ritual, and personal connection, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, culture, and daily life.
Tour Includes:
- Visit to a Tibetan refugee settlement to learn how the community maintains its language, identity, and traditions in exile
- Conversation with a young Buddhist monk about monastic life, education, and spiritual practice
- Visit to a monastery to witness afternoon prayer chanting, including ritual instruments and sacred vibrations
- Cultural teachings on Buddhist symbols such as prayer flags, stupas, and prayer wheels
- Traditional Tibetan butter tea experience in a local Tibetan home, including tsampa, Tibetan bread, honey, and peanut butter
- Deep cultural insight guided by Mr. Thupten's firsthand perspective
Highlights / Included:
- Tibetan Cultural Tour with Mr. Thupten Gyatso (4 hours)
Accommodation:
- 4 Star Hotel
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Packed lunch
- Dinner
November 5th
Day 9 – Pokhara → Pradiya (Travel + Arrival Pradiya)
A journey of purpose begins.
Today we leave the comforts of Pokhara and step into the next phase of our journey — a meaningful volunteer immersion with The Pradiya Foundation. This travel day promises to be both exciting and unforgettable.
Today we leave the comforts of Pokhara and step into the next phase of our journey — a meaningful volunteer immersion with The Pradiya Foundation. This travel day promises to be both exciting and unforgettable.
We’ll start with a morning flight from Pokhara to Nepalgunj. From there, we’ll board an exhilarating helicopter ride to the remote village of Oda — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience offering jaw-dropping aerial views of Nepal’s rugged terrain and wild beauty. After landing near Oda, it’s a short hike to reach the Pradiya Foundation.
Upon arrival at the volunteer guesthouse, we’ll be welcomed by the children of Pradiya, afterwards we’ll take some time to settle in. The evening will be about grounding, connecting, and preparing for the purposeful days ahead.
Highlights / Included:
- Morning flight from Pokhara to Nepalgunj
- Scenic and thrilling helicopter ride to Oda village
- Short hike to Pradiya
- Orientation and welcome at The Pradiya Foundation
- Evening reflection and group gathering
Accommodation:
- Rustic room stay (Pradiya)
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch (en route)
- Dinner (at Pradiya Foundation)
November 6th - 13th
Days 10–17 – Pradiya (Himalayan Village)
Engage, Learn & Contribute in a Remote Mountain Community
Spend a week immersing yourself in both service and serenity as part of the Pradiya Foundation volunteer program. Nestled in the Himalayan highlands, Pradiya offers a unique opportunity to work alongside children, villagers, and staff, making a tangible difference while experiencing rural Nepalese life.
Spend a week immersing yourself in both service and serenity as part of the Pradiya Foundation volunteer program. Nestled in the Himalayan highlands, Pradiya offers a unique opportunity to work alongside children, villagers, and staff, making a tangible difference while experiencing rural Nepalese life.
Special Event: Inauguration of the Pradiya Foundation School
To mark a powerful milestone in the Foundation’s mission, during your time here you’ll enjoy a joyful celebration — the official inauguration of Pradiya’s new primary school and community campus.
Expect a vibrant day of music, dancing, food, and festivities, as local families, schoolchildren, and staff gather to honor the work that brought this vision to life. From music and chanting to shared meals and heartfelt ceremonies, this is a moment of connection, gratitude, and hope — and you’ll be right at the heart of it!
To mark a powerful milestone in the Foundation’s mission, during your time here you’ll enjoy a joyful celebration — the official inauguration of Pradiya’s new primary school and community campus.
Expect a vibrant day of music, dancing, food, and festivities, as local families, schoolchildren, and staff gather to honor the work that brought this vision to life. From music and chanting to shared meals and heartfelt ceremonies, this is a moment of connection, gratitude, and hope — and you’ll be right at the heart of it!
About Pradiya Foundation
Pradiya empowers remote communities in Nepal (and India) through holistic development initiatives: education, health & nutrition, women's empowerment, organic & sustainable farming, and human rights. Their holistic mission is rooted in nurturing self-sufficient communities built to last: from building schools and providing midday meals, to offering vocational training and sustainable agricultural projects. "Pradiya" means "to plant a seed" and "to bring light" in Sanskrit—a reflection of their mission to enlighten and uplift Pradiya Foundation.
Education
A children's home and new primary school (open April 2025) for local youth
Sustainable Farming
Organic farming with livestock for food security and sustainability
Community Wellness
Health, nutrition, and holistic education to empower local women and youth
Your Role & Activities
Over these seven days, volunteers will:
- Support children in the primary school with lessons in English, maths, science, arts, wellness, sustainability, and ed-tech
- Engage in farming, meal preparations, or health & nutrition support
- Connect with the community to exchange cultural perspectives and foster empowerment
- Enjoy hikes through nearby mountain trails and explore local villages during free time
Volunteer Experience
- Housing and meals — shared meals with staff and students
- Volunteer fee included; everything is covered — your impact is direct
- Remote Himalayan location — reach Pradiya via a foundation jeep or helicopter from Surkhet, followed by a short trek
- Living in simple, communal lifestyle. 2 people per room shared accommodation.
Why It Matters
This experience allows you to:
- Make a direct, positive impact by contributing to education and sustainable development
- Learn from Nepalese community self-reliance methods and alternate education practices
- Build lifelong connections with children, staff, and fellow volunteers
- Find peace and rejuvenation in the natural beauty of the Himalayan foothills
Explore more about the foundation and their inspiring work here: https://www.pradiya.org/
November 14th
Day 18 – Return to Kathmandu & Reflection
One final journey through the skies.
After a heartfelt and inspiring week at The Pradiya Foundation, we say our goodbyes to the community that welcomed us with open arms. The morning begins with a scenic helicopter ride from Pradiya back to Surkhet — one last breathtaking flight over Nepal’s dramatic hills and valleys.
From Surkhet, we’ll connect to a short flight that returns us to Kathmandu. Take in the views, reflect on the journey, and let the experience settle in as we cross the country one final time.
Once back in the capital, enjoy time to rest, refresh, or explore at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll gather for a final family-style dinner — a space to share stories, laughter, and gratitude as we celebrate the connections, impact, and memories created along the way.
Highlights / Included:
- Helicopter ride from Pradiya to Surkhet
- Connecting flight from Surkhet to Kathmandu
- Free time to relax and reset in Kathmandu
- Farewell group dinner
Accommodation:
- 4 Star Hotel
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Farewell Dinner
