GRADE 1 -  This trip is beginner terrain hiking from village to village without any altitude issues. Suitable for 1st time trekkers that have put in some training and are prepared to hike for up to 3 hrs on relatively easy paths. Most days will be a mixture of hiking, sightseeing, vehicle travel and cultural experiences. This may include stairs, dirt roads, terraced fields and village paths.

This family adventure is crafted for young adults as a coming-of-age experience, with a strong emphasis on safety, community, and personal growth. The minimum age requirement is 8 years. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

This is an all-inclusive package covering all meals, hotels, airport transfers, domestic flights, private transport, permits, expedition gear and the Heartspace team. 

Not Included: International flights, travel insurance, extra nights’ accommodation and food outside of the tour dates, tipping.

GRADE 1 -  30km (18mi)

Day 1: BRIEFING AND WELCOME DINNER

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu 1400m (4600ft)

Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! Our airport team will greet you and drive you safely to our hotel near Thamel district. Our location offers easy access to cafes, shops, ATMs, and more. This afternoon join us in the lobby for a trip briefing before heading to one of our favorite local restaurants for dinner.

Day 2: EXPLORE KATHMANDU SIGHTS

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu 1400m (4600ft)

After breakfast at the hotel we will explore the city sights at a relaxed and family friendly pace in our private vehicles. Lunch will be included during the outing and we will return this afternoon for some free time before dinner. This is a chance to get any last minute items for the expedition ....or perhaps a swim in the beautiful rooftop pool sounds good?

Day 3: JOURNEY TO GOGANE VILLAGE 

Location: Gogane Village 1600m (5250ft) Drive 3h - Hike 1h, 3 km (1.8 mi)

After breakfast, we drive north from Kathmandu into the Nuwakot district. There is plenty of time and much to see on the way. On arrival in Sadtobate village we visit the Active Hearts Foundation library project at Sadtobate School. Following this we take the relaxed walk into Gogane village and our camp. You will meet our exceptional kitchen crew as they prepare the first of many delicious, organic feasts.

Day 4: EXPLORE GOGANE VILLAGE AND THE SURROUNDINGS

Location: Gogane Village 1600m (5250ft) Hike 3h, 6 km (3.6 mi)

In the Himalayan foothills, we start the day with a tent-delivered hot drink! After breakfast we take a walk up the Active Hearts Foundation pipeline project (est. 2015) for scenic valley views. After a traditional village lunch we descend the short distance to Gogane Primary School to meet the teachers and students. We will visit the Active Hearts Foundation Gogane Library (est. 2022) and spend time with students in class.... and possibly a game of cricket or two!

Day 5: EXPLORE GOGANE VILLAGE AND THE SURROUNDINGS

Location: Gogane Village 1600m (5250ft) Hike 2h, 4 km (2.4 mi)

Today we will learn all about Nepalese village life. We explore the crop fields surrounding our village and learn about food production. We also take a tour of a local traditional home learning about how villagers live including cooking, sleeping, working, and celebrating festivals. Guests can take part in a cooking class and learn some traditional Nepali dancing!!

Day 6: HIKE TO KISPANG MONASTERY

Location: Kispang Monastery 1900m (6200ft) Hike 4h, 8 km (5 mi)

Today we farewell our Gogane families. The mornings hike gently ascends, offering insights into the local way of life as we pass terraced fields and are treating to ever expanding vistas. We will stop in Khule village for lunch and spend time soaking up this peaceful settlement. Following this we have a short distance to our camp where we will spend the next two nights. Kispang Monastery is a very special place. We have a large campsite perfect for an afternoon game of soccer or volleyball. Tonight we will have a campfire complete with drumming and marshmallows!! , 

Day 7: EXPLORE KHULE VILLAGE AND SCHOOL

Location: Kispang Monastery 1900m (6200ft) Hike 2h, 3 km (1.8 mi)

Today, wake to the chance of monks chanting in the monastery. After a hearty breakfast we depart camp and head back to Khule village to explore the school. We will visit the Active Hearts Foundation Aiselu Bhume Secondary School Library (est. 2016). We can also join a school class and enjoy some soccer and cricket with the students. This school also has a fantastic horticultural department which we will also learn about. Tonight we have a celebration feast and campfire party with all your new friends and team members!

Day 8: TRAVEL TO SIDDHARTHA RIVER RESORT 

Location: Siddhartha River Resort 600m (2000 ft) Hike 3h, 6km (3.6 mi) - Drive 3h

After packing camp, join the Heartspace team to farewell the friends and families who have helped create your Himalayan experience. We will walk back to Sadtobate village to board our private vehicle once again. We take the scenic drive following the Trisuli river to Siddhartha River Resort with lunch on the way. On arrival enjoy the afternoon by the pool or perhaps some yoga overlooking the river.

Day 9: JOURNEY TO LAKESIDE POKHARA 

Location: Pokhara, Lakeside 800m (2600 ft)

This morning, post-resort breakfast, we embark on a scenic 6-hour, 150km (90-mile) drive to the enchanting Lake Pokhara in our private vehicles. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and check into our hotel for the next two nights. In the evening, the group gathers for dinner at one of our beloved lakeside restaurants.

Day 10: FREE EXPLORATORY DAY IN POKHARA 

Location: Pokhara, Lakeside 800m (2600 ft)

Enjoy a free day in Pokhara to relax and explore. The hotel, centrally located in lakeside Pokhara, provides easy access to cafes, bars, souvenir shops, pharmacies, ATMs, outdoor gear shops, and spas within a few minutes' walk. Breakfast is included at the hotel, while lunch and dinner are opportunities to explore the quality restaurants Pokhara has to offer.

Day 11: FLY TO KATHMANDU VALLEY 

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu 1400m (4600 ft)

After hotel breakfast, we proceed to Pokhara airport for a scenic 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu, offering views of the Himalayan ranges, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal. Recognize the mountains from our hiking trails as you look north. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, enjoy a afternoon free before dinner.

Day 12: BHAKTAPUR KINGDOM & ACTIVE HEARTS FOUNDATION ORPHANAGE TOUR - 6h

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu 1400m (4600 ft)

Today is a wonderful experience on many levels. After breakfast we board our private vehicles and take the 40min drive across Kathmandu valley to explore the ancient Kingdom of Bhaktapur. Highlights include Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square and Dattatreya Square.

We will also take a very special visit to the Active Hearts Foundation orphanage The Active Hearts Foundation (founded by Dan, owner of Heartspace Expeditions) has been supporting this orphanage since 2019. We understand there can be mixed feelings about visiting such places as 'tourists' Rest assured this is a very welcome, heartfelt and appreciated visit. We consider the children and volunteers family and feel privileged to assist in their very noble and genuine endeavors. Your Heartspace Expedition is helping to covers the running costs of the building and providing school fees and medicines. Be prepared for a good dance party with the children this afternoon!!

Conclude the day with a final celebration dinner at a favorite restaurant, reflecting on our adventure of a lifetime!

Day 13: DEPARTURE DAY

As your Nepal journey concludes, we bid you farewell. We hope your Heartspace Expeditions experience has fostered awareness and gratitude. Thank you for your support of Active Hearts Foundation and your positive input in Nepal. As you leave behind your newfound friends and a sense of family, know that we appreciate your contribution to the Heartspace family and applaud you for living a purposeful life.