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, 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. 

Day 8: Community Day at Kispang Monastery 

Location: Kispang Monastery 1900m (6200ft) 

Today is all about celebrating culture and connection. We invite the local village folk to join us. Some activities we may do include traditional dance lessons, kite making, cooking class, volley ball, soccer, tree planting and local games. We will also have a clothing distribution event where you can pass on any donated clothing you may have brought to those in the community. Today is an AWESOME day you'll remember forever!! Tonight we feast with a huge traditional dal bhat banquet. You may have even participated in preparing the meal this afternoon! This evening we have a huge campfire dance party!

Day 9: RETURN TO KATHMANDU

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu 1400m (4600ft) Hike 2h, 3km (1.8mi) Drive 4h

This morning we say goodbye to our Heartspace mountain family. We’ll thank our amazing support team for their hard work, sharing their culture, and always giving us big smiles. We’ll miss them just as much as they’ll miss us. We venture down through Khule village once more and make our way to Sadtobate where we meet our vehicles for the drive back to Kathmandu. We will gradually leave the vibrant local villages and Himalaya foothills and reenter the Kathmandu valley. For our final diiner we’ll head to the home of our Heartspace brother—and master chef—Gokul, where his wonderful family will welcome us with a delicious feast!

Day 10: DEPARTURE DAY

All awesome adventures have to wrap up sometime! Today we wave goodbye from Nepal, full of great memories, new friends, and a whole lot of heart. Big high-fives to our little explorers—you brought the fun, laughter, and big questions! Thanks for being part of the Heartspace family and helping make a difference. Our airport transfers will drop you at the airport when you wish or to your domestic destination. Namaste!!