Nepal Nutritional Outreach Tour

$3990 per person twin share. 

Come and experience the trip of a lifetime with over two weeks of volunteering, sightseeing and trekking in beautiful Nepal.

Join Focus Tours leaders Anna and Jim along with Registered Nutritionist, Susan Smith to volunteer and assist with community health planning in a local Nepalese village.

Whether you are a nutrition student seeking work experience or just willing to volunteer your time and give back, there is something for everyone on this tour as we make a real difference in the nutrition challenges that face many communities in Nepal.

A major public health challenge for Nepal is nutritional deficiency. Currently 36% of children under 5 experience stunted growth due to malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. The major causes of nutritional deficiencies in Nepal are poverty, lack of food security and nutrition education.

Our time spent educating mothers, families and children regarding the importance of healthy food and living a healthy life can be the best way to control and prevent nutritional deficiency disorders at a community level.

Studies done in Nepal have shown substantial increases in dietary intake due to nutrition promotion programs. Communities are able to access vegetables grown in their own gardens, increase protein rich foods and take up healthier living practices.

This tour is an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and put your skills to the test, making a real impact in the local village community of Nepal.

Accommodation is in 3 star hotels, comfortable guest houses in the village and trekking lodges.

Finish your experience with an incredible 6-day trek through the lower Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Experience panoramic views of the mountains, lush greenery, waterfalls and even relax in hot springs.

The adventure of a lifetime awaits.

Contact us now to secure your spot for 2021.

About Susan Smith our registered nutritionist……

Susan is our registered Nutritionist on the trip. She is a born traveler, having traveled to 25 countries before age 25 and has lived for periods of time in Canada and the UK. In her early 20’s Susan made the realization that her fast food diet was directly impacting her energy levels, immune system and preventing her from living her best life. Years later Susan is now a registered Nutritionist living a healthy, balanced lifestyle and helping others do the same. 

Susan is passionate about creating change and knows the way to make big changes is to start small. Her number one mission is to help as many families are she can get more vegetables into their diets and show that healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive, time consuming or hard. Susan focuses on educating people to make sustainable changes that can be maintained for the long run. 

Her passion for travel, outdoor adventure and nutrition makes her the perfect person to join this nutritional outreach tour.

Tour Dates

Coming in 2022!

Please email jim@focustours.com.au for payment options

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

What is included in this tour?

Items that are included in the cost of tour price

N

All accommodation

N

All breakfasts

N

All vegetarian main meals whilst on trek (excluding soft drinks, dessert, and snacks)

N

Fruit and veg for vegetarian self-catering in village

N

Six-day trek - including experienced guide, porters, permits, transportation to and from the trail. Our porters carry max 16kg.

N

All transport in Nepal. Airport transfers for group designated international flight etc. NB, Airport transfers and Kathmandu activities are run by local Nepali staff. Focus staff meet in Lakeside (Pokhara).

N

Welcome hotel dinner in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in Pokhara.

What is not included in this tour?

Items that are not included in the cost of tour price

N

International Airfare, Travel insurance and Nepali Visa

N

Tips for porter and guide ($50 AUD per person)

N

Soft drinks and snacks in meals not included in itinerary.

N

Wi-Fi, heater or gas shower charges on trek

N

Extra condiments (brought from Australia) to help create meals during self-catering in village during nutritional outreach.
Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu. Airport transfer by hotel staff

Inclusions:

  • Airport pick up

Day 2

Kathmandu (Pashupathinath / Bhaktapur / Boudanath Stupa) tour by local guide.

Pashupathinath. Hindu cremation place on the holy Bagmati river. Observe ancient rituals associated cremation in this atmospheric location.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples, mostly dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses grouped around a 55-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of the kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place — struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows — all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony.

At Boudanath the Buddhist stupa of Boudha Stupa dominates the skyline; it is one of the largest unique structure’s stupas in the world. The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 gompas (Tibetan convent) around Boudha. As of 1979, Boudha Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inclusions:

  • Breakfast

  • Transportation for tour and entry to sites

  • Hotel group dinner

Day 3

  • Early am drive to Pokhara in private van. Arrive Lakeside meet Focus Tours staff

  • 5.30am departure to beat the traffic out of Kathamndu. Drive through the picturesque Kathmandu valley to the delightful Lakeside town of Pokhara. The trip takes approximately 7 hours’ subject to traffic.

Day 4

Lakeside. Boat and hike to Peace Stupa. Free afternoon.

Today we take a calming boat ride across Fewa Lake and then walk for 1.5 hours up to the World Peace Pagoda.

Standing on top of the Anadu Hill, Shanti Stupa adds beauty to the Pokhara Valley. It is a perfect holiday place providing a clear view of the Himalayan range, Fewa Lake and Pokhara city. The hilltop provides a splendid view of sunrise and sunset. TripAdvisor has ranked Shanti Stupa as the second top attraction in Pokhara.

We descend via a path that winds it way down to Damside. There we catch a local bus or taxi back to Lakeside

Inclusions:

  • Breakfast

  • Boat, taxi and guide

Day 5

To village. 1-hour in vehicle + 1.5-hour walk

Today we head out of town for our nutritional outreach program. First stop is the extensive local fruit and veg market. Here you get to select the fresh vegetarian produce you will need to cook your group lunch or dinner meal. The vehicle ride is about another hour and then a delightful walk for another 1.5 hours to the village.

This afternoon we just settle in to our accommodation and get prepared for the start of tomorrow’s nutritional outreach program

Inclusions:

  • Breakfast

  • Transportation and guide

  • Fruit and vegetables for group meals (self-catering)

Day 6

Village. Nutrition outreach

Today we spend the day observing in the village. Meet some local families, have a tour of their local and homegrown produce and discover where they access their food supplies. Tonight, we eat with a local family and observe how the traditional Dhal Bhat is made.

Day 7

Village. Nutrition outreach

This morning is spent as a group discussing yesterday’s observations and learning about the nutritional deficiencies that Nepal faces. We brainstorm some ways we can make in impact in our time in the village. Together we cook a group lunch using the local ingredients we sourced from the market.

After lunch we visit the local school where we spend time with the kids and run a fun, interactive education session.

Late afternoon is spent with families implementing the strategies that were set earlier in the day.

Day 8

Village. Nutrition outreach

The next two days are spent implementing nutrition strategies and interventions. We spend most of this time with the mothers in the village and will have the help of a Nepali translator to help convey our messages.

Day 9

Village. Nutrition outreach

After a morning of nutrition education, we prepare some healthy snacks for the school kids to enjoy. We return to the school for an afternoon with the kids and enjoy a shared afternoon tea.

Day 10

Return Lakeside. Free afternoon

After breakfast we return to Lakeside. Walk and vehicle. Arriving back in time for late lunch in. Now it’s time to sample the delights of delightful Lakeside!

Inclusions:

  • Transportation and guide

The Trek!

Over the next six days we trek through the lower Annapurna range of the Himalayas. It’s of moderate difficulty but we have plenty of time to complete our walk each day. Most days are about 4-5 hours including breaks. We get amazing panoramic and close up mountain views. Beautiful lush greenery and waterfalls. We even get to relax in hot springs. It doesn’t get any better. The accommodation is in basic tea houses and is comfortable but basic. Vegetarian main meals are included and the menu is quite extensive.

Day 11. Trek 1

Ghandruk 2000m

After early breakfast transfer by vehicle (approx 3 hours) to the trail head just above Syauli Bazaar. Walk approximately 3 hours to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung Village

Day 12. Trek 2

Chiule 2000m

Up and down down through lush greenery as we make our way to Chiule. We have open air views down the valley. Tonight we get to sit around the wood fire.

Day 13. Trek 3

Chomwrong 2170m

We continue with ‘Nepali flat’ as we hike toward our closest location to the mountains. Chomwrong is the junction of several trails that lead to Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 14. Trek 4

Landruk 1500m

We start by descending down to Jhinu Danda (hot springs) about 1.5 hours. We leave our packs at the hotel and walk a further 30 minutes down to the river and immerse ourselves in the hot springs. Bliss. After Lunch we continue for two hours and cross an amazing suspension bridge to reach Landruk.

Day 15. Trek 5

Pothana 1900m

Traverse the side of the mountain enjoying waterfalls and greenery for 5 hours to Pothana…..famous for its sunrises and sunsets.

Day 16. Trek 6

Pokhara 800m

After sunrise enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Present our trusty Nepali staff with their tips before heading four hours down the mountain to the highway. Your transport will take you back to Pokhara (approx 1 hour) for a hot shower!

Day 17

Lakeside free day. Group dinner

Enjoy a hot shower & comfy bed back in Lakeside.

Inclusions:

  • Breakfast

  • Group dinner

Day 18

  • Drive to Kathmandu in private van

  • Depart Pokhara after breakfast and wind your way back to Kathmandu by private van. Optional flight back adds approx $200 including airport transfers

Inclusions:

  • Breakfast

  • Transportation by private van to Kathmandu

Day 19

    • Depart Kathmandu

    • Take it easy today before your airport drop off.

Day 20

    • Arrive Australia