Nepal
OTW NEPAL Routesetting
DISCOVER hidden gems only locals know about AND make unique, unforgettable memories
UNDERSTAND Nepal’s culture, history and politics through meaningful interactions with local people
DO GOOD through our local conservation partner
Embark on an epic 12 day quest through Nepal with a small team of driven and inspiring peers. Note – this is a ROUTESETTING expedition to a new destination. Your trip leader will be familiar with the country having travelled it before, but the route and planned itineraries will be more flexible and open than existing OTW destinations. Perfect for proactive adventurers who love spontaneity and action. Examples of things we might do include:
- Volunteering with a local environment conservation organisation
- Marvel at ancient, breathtaking sites like Patan
- Spot majestic elephants in the wild and other incredible animals native to Nepal
- Learn to cook local cuisine
- Get a dose of adrenalin through white water rafting the Trishuli river
- Enjoy breathtaking views and scenic hikes in the shadow of the Himalayas
preliminary itinerary – subject to change
NOTE: AS THIS IS A ROUTESETTING TRIP THERE WILL BE SOME VARIATION ON THE ITINERARY BELOW
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Morning: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore Thamel, a vibrant neighborhood filled with shops and cafes.
- Evening: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
- Morning: Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) for panoramic views.
- Afternoon: Explore Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal.
- Evening: Dinner in the Boudhanath area.
Day 3: Patan and Bhaktapur
- Morning: Visit Patan Durbar Square and the Patan Museum.
- Afternoon: Head to Bhaktapur, explore the ancient city and its temples. Visit a local family who live in an ancient house off the main square.
- Evening: Try local specialties like king curd (juju dhau) and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 4: Travel to Pokhara
- Morning: Drive or fly to Pokhara (6-7 hours by road or 25 minutes by flight).
- Afternoon: Check in and relax by Phewa Lake.
- Evening: Stroll along the lakeside, enjoy dinner with a view of the mountains.
Day 5: Pokhara Exploration
- Morning: Visit Sarangkot for sunrise views of the Himalayas.
- Afternoon: Explore the International Mountain Museum and Devi’s Fall.
- Evening: Optional boat ride on Phewa Lake.
Day 6: Begin Trekking (Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek)
- Morning: Drive to Nayapul (1 hour), then trek to Tikhedhunga (3-4 hours).
- Afternoon: Settle in at a guesthouse.
- Evening: Enjoy a communal dinner and prepare for the next day’s trek.
Day 7: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
- Morning: Trek to Ghorepani (6-7 hours), with scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive and rest at your guesthouse.
- Evening: Prepare for an early start for Poon Hill.
Day 8: Poon Hill Sunrise and Trek to Tadapani
- Early Morning: Hike to Poon Hill (1 hour) for stunning sunrise views.
- Morning: Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek to Tadapani (6-7 hours).
- Evening: Arrive in Tadapani, enjoy dinner, and relax.
Day 9: Tadapani to Ghandruk and Return to Pokhara
- Morning: Trek to Ghandruk (2-3 hours), a beautiful Gurung village.
- Afternoon: Explore the village and then trek back to Nayapul (4-5 hours) for the drive back to Pokhara.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.
Day 10: Fly or Drive back to Kathmandu
- Morning: Fly back to Kathmandu (25 minutes) or drive (6-7 hours).
- Afternoon: Free time for shopping or relaxing.
- Evening: Attend a traditional Nepali cultural dance show.
Day 11: Day Trip to Nagarkot
- Morning: Drive to Nagarkot (1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the area and enjoy the views; visit local villages.
- Evening: Watch the sunset over the Himalayas, stay overnight in Nagarkot.
Day 12: Return to Kathmandu for Departure or onward travel
- Morning: Early morning sunrise views from Nagarkot.
- Afternoon: Drive back to Kathmandu, last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Transfer to the airport for departure.
- If you are travelling on in Nepal we will be happy to recommend routes
What’s included in the programme price
While you won’t have to worry about finding accommodation during the trip, please note that you will be backpacking and this won’t be a luxury experience in 5 star resorts. This will allow you to get more immersed in local culture, with more budget dedicated to enriching experiences and activities.
We will provide:
Food (3 meals a day, usually local cuisine)
Shared accommodation, individual beds (guesthouses, hostels, homestays, mid-range hotels). As a rule of thumb, we select accommodation rated 8.5 or above on platforms like Booking.com (or equivalent). In cases where such options are unavailable online, such as certain family-run guesthouses, we find alternatives of comparable quality. For a supplementary fee we can arrange private rooms if preferred
All domestic transport (trains, taxis, buses, private shuttles etc.)
Tips to local guides
24/7 support from your OTW guide
Personal development opportunities and mentorship
Note: unlike our established routes, activities are not included in the price for our routesetting trips
Trips may seem comparably priced, so you might think going with the more established operator is the obvious choice, right? WRONG! Here’s why choosing us over others is the real deal:
Age-Appropriate Groups and Activities: Say goodbye to mixed-age groups (unlike the two largest and longest-running providers in the market, where the age range spans 18-60+ and the average group age falls in the mid-30s to 40s). More active, less passive
Curated Teams with Diverse Skillsets: Learn and explore with an inspiring team
Personalised Attention in Small Groups: Get the attention you deserve. Our small group sizes foster camaraderie
Leadership Opportunities, Get Paid to Travel: Become a Team Lead on your next trip and get paid to travel and lead
Skill Development: Work on improving communication, adaptability, teamwork, intellectual curiosity, responsibility and more
Volunteering Opportunities: Make a positive impact on the communities you visit and be awarded for your time with an official letter and certificate from our partner organisation
A Longer Experience: Travel slowly and responsibly, unlike some of the whistle-stop tours of other providers
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded, ambitious individuals
Mentors as Team Leaders: Benefit from guidance beyond the trip from team leaders who’ve balanced their love for travel with a strong professional and academic track record
Fees for activities and admission, INCLUDED: Anything that’s part of the group itinerary is covered in the trip price. Other providers usually get you to pay extra. Some additional activities are offered as add-ons
Dates
(1) January 22nd 2025 – February 2nd 2025 (8 PLACES REMAINING)
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 27th 2024
£690 per person. Please read note below*
* As this is a ‘routesetting’ trip, our itinerary is more flexible and less planned than our established routes. Our routesetting price reflects this and is lower than the price for the established route (to be launched after the trip). Perfect for people open to an adventure and keen to play a part establishing our Nepal route.
Can’t make these exact dates? Get in touch and we’ll see what we can do
Limited subsidies available for certain roles. Please see application page for more details.
We are more than just a travel company; we curate unique travel experiences for the curious and adventurous. Our selective application process ensures creates an exclusive and enriching journey for all participants.
You can choose from one of the following two application types:
- Just want to travel with a cool group of people, take it easy and enjoy the experience?
- Step 1 – Submit Your Application: Begin by completing the application form via the link below
- Step 2 – Receive confirmation
- Keen for some responsibility? Apply for a Student Representative, Deputy Lead or Media Representative position
- Step 1 – Submit Your Application: Begin by completing the application form via the link below
- Step 2 – Video Interview with the Founder: If your application is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a brief interview with our founder
- Step 3 – Receive Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive a confirmation of their place
Applications closing soon – sign up today
What benefits do you get?
- As OTW representatives, you will receive £50* for each participant you refer who is accepted onto the programme. There is no limit to this bonus (up to the maximum number of places available)
- The responsibility of the role adds depth and experience to your resume, and gives you concrete real-life examples to use in interviews
- Sales and marketing experience
- No need to reapply – you can stay a representative until you turn 30
Who are we looking for?
OTW Representatives should demonstrate some or all of the following qualities:
- Sociable, friendly, well-connected
- Go-getter energy
Trips cannot run unless at least 4 places are filled. The OTW Representative role will be to market these positions to their extended networks in order for the trips to go ahead. So bonus items for your application (not essential) include:
- Shows potential to be good at sales during interview or written responses
- Knowledge of or experience with socials, both organic and paid (Tiktok, Instagram etc.)
- Creative skills e.g. videography, photography, graphic design
- Proficiency in additional languages (as well as English)
- Signing up to an OTW trip yourself
How do I apply?
Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to go to the Sri Lanka application page, follow the instructions for the OTW Representative role. If you want to be a OTW Representative but don’t have time to go to Sri Lanka this summer, please use the same link.
Can I apply for other roles?
Yes, you can select to be considered for all available roles through the application form
What does the role involve?
The Deputy Lead plays a crucial role in supporting the Team Lead to ensure the smooth operation and success of our Global Travel Programmes. This position requires a highly organised and adaptable individual with strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The Deputy Lead will assist in planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of the trip, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for all participants. Key responsibilities include:
- Travel coordination (e.g. assist the Team Lead in planning and coordinating travel between different destinations)
- Organising activities (e.g. attractions, classes and events)
- Emergency assistance (e.g. provide support in any emergency situations and maintain an emergency contact list)
- Timekeeping and group management (e.g. assist in managing the group’s activities and movements, keeping everyone informed and organised)
- Participant wellbeing and situational awareness (e.g. keep an eye on both internal group dynamics and external factors, escalating any potential issues to the Team Lead promptly.
- Mentorship (provide guidance and support to participants, helping them navigate challenges and make the most of their experience, foster a sense of community and teamwork within the group)
- Administrative duties (assist as required e.g. expense tracking)
What benefits do you get?
- Programme cost partially subsidised by OTW (£200 subsidy towards the 16-day programme cost, £100 subsidy towards the 12-day programme)
- Progression to Team Lead after assessment
- Resume enhancement
- Strong examples to use in competency-based interviews for graduate jobs
Who are we looking for?
Deputy Leads should have the same qualities as Student Representatives, as well as the following:
- EITHER: 1 or more OTW trips under their belt
- OR: No OTW trips taken yet but an experienced solo traveller
- OR: No OTW trips taken yet but demonstrates strong leadership and/or organisational capabilities
Deputy Leads will always be paired with a Team Lead
How do I apply?
Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to go to the Sri Lanka application page and follow the instructions.
Can I apply for other roles?
Yes, you may choose to be considered for all available roles through the application form. However, please note that you cannot simultaneously serve as both a Deputy Lead and a Media Representative. If you apply for both positions, OTW will determine which role, if any, will be offered to you.
DEADLINE: 30 AUGUST 2024
EXCLUSIVE opportunity this summer – subsidised trip available for amateur media and content creators (e.g. photographers, videographers, micro-influencers, student press).
How do I apply?
Apply here (this will take you to a different application form)
Can I apply for other roles?
Yes, you may choose to be considered for all available roles through the application form. However, please note that you cannot simultaneously serve as both a Deputy Lead and a Media Representative. If you apply for both positions, OTW will determine which role, if any, will be offered to you