So what does life on the challenge actually involve? See below for an idea of what to expect…

Day 1: After being met by our staff we will travel to our raft starting point on the Kali Gandaki where you will join up with our experienced rafting guides who will take you through full health and safety guidelines for being on the water.

To give you an idea, the KG runs through the deepest gorge in the world that is formed between the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri. The rapids run thick and fast from the word go just below your put-in point at Beni.

Day 2: From our tented accommodation of the night before, it’s a case of as you were for day 2, as the battle with the KG continues, carrying us through steep-walled gorges and under cascading waterfalls…

Day 3:  Again, from our campsite, we continue on the rafts for a final time to push for our end point. It is a grand finale of spectacular, photogenic, big-time whitewater with stunning upstream views of the Annapurna range, peaceful beach camps on the river bank, and the remote villages of at least five of Nepal’s main ethnic groups.

Back on dry land, we embark for Sarangkot, for one final challenge within the challenge! Regain what strength you can, spending our last night in basic, family-owned accommodation.

Day 4: Onto the final day of the challenge, and arguably one of the most exhilarating (or terrifying…?!) as you return to Pokhara in style: paragliding!!

Day 5 The Project!:  While the challenge might be finished, your trip continues as you get to know more about the very project that you are raising funds for. Meet project staff on the ground; learn about the history of the project; our relationship with the community; aims and objectives; and most importantly, how raised funds will be spent. We work with local community centres that care for abandoned children, an unfortunate frequency in Nepal.

Volunteers make an important difference to the children on the project, improving their educational and personal development. Many are from poor and difficult backgrounds but still have an extraordinary desire to learn and through our efforts, can continue to get the extra support they need.

Field conditions

Your conditions throughout will vary between tented camps and “tea house” accommodation, which are locally owned, basic but comfortable lodges. You should prepare for some early rises and hard work out on the water.

Help Disadvantaged Children and Adults in Nepal

Nepal is a naturally and culturally beautiful country, but the unfortunate truth is that the streets of Nepal’s cities and towns are where a lot of children end up when their families can no longer support them. Hundreds are found each year in this situation.

Disadvantaged children and adults in Nepal need help in order to improve their future.  We currently assist several centres that need help from financial aid in securing basic resources: two children’s homes that provide food and shelter to children who would otherwise be living on the street; two day care centres that provide a stable and safe environment while parents are at work and two therapy centres who provide care and information to disabled children and their families.

How this project makes a difference

In Nepal children are frequently abandoned and found in horrible working conditions. If these children don’t have care centres to turn to, they would not receive an education and other crucial basic needs. The goal is to provide food, water, education and improve healthcare alongside seven community development projects in Pokhara Nepal. Our main aim is to keep these facilities running to allow the provision of education to continue.

Many participants decide to travel after their challenge, solidifying the lifetime friendships established. Our long term field staff are a great source of advice and are here to help you make the most of your time abroad. Remember to ask about discounts on local activities and side trips through your association with GVI. Our field teams have helped us put together the following information on trips and travel options in Nepal!

Optional Side Trips

In Nepal, you are in a true adventure region. Don’t worry if you forget to pack your adrenalin, with these options, there are ample opportunities to top it up!

From a two day rafting or kayaking trip on the white-water of the Trisuli or Seti Rivers, to paragliding over incredible scenery to mountain biking, canyoning and bungee jumping, you could spend weeks here and still not do everything.

But if the adventure side of things becomes too much, Nepal will continue to provide and surprise you. Besides sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you could try a three-day/two-night elephant safari in the Chitwan National Park staying at the Royal Park Hotel, chancing upon tigers and rhinos out on drives.

Also, if throwing yourself off of high places attached to a kite is not your thing, Nepal boasts some of the best hiking trails in the world. Embark on a four-day trek in the Annapurna Mountains, where you will immerse with the villages and communities of the High Himal.

Further Travelling Opportunities

There are a wealth of opportunities in Nepal for further travel and exploration of the rest of the country. This can include the foothills of the Himalayas in Langtang National Park, the ancient temples and villages of Tansen, Newari architecture in Bandipur, the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp, the ancient Hindu centre of Janakpur, and so many other options that will leave you wondering why you didn’t give yourself more time…

Booking Information

Applying is a simple process and our team are available to help every step of the way. To book this fantastic challenge, click on the visit GVI website button at the  top and bottom of the page, which will take you through to the GVI website. On the right side of that page, you will see available dates and the Book Now tab. Here you will find the no obligation online application form.

1. Application phone call - You will be contacted by GVI’s Country Experts within two working days to chat through your application. GVI’s specialists have a wide range of knowledge from their travels in our host countries.
2. Securing your place – A deposit will be required in order to confirm your place. You will also receive pre-departure information and a fundraising manual for your challenge
3. Pre-departure support – GVI have sent over 10,000 people away over the last 10 years, so they have a lot of experience in making sure you are ready.

Program Duration: 1 week            

Departure Date:

• 21st September 2013
• 25th January 2014
• 4th October 2014

Program Cost

• GBP £695.00
• EUR €834.00
• US $1182.00
• AUS $1182.00

What’s Included

• Pre-departure support and discounted services
• 24-hour emergency phone
• Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
• Arrival orientation
• Long term experienced staff
• Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
• All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
• Welcome meeting
• Location orientation
• All necessary challenge training and equipment
• 24-hour in-country support

What’s Not Included

• Flights
• Medical and travel insurance
• Visa costs
• Personal kit
• Additional drinks and gratuities
• Extra local excursions
• International and domestic airport taxes