Authentic, Organic, Culture & Connection.
GRADE 2 - This trip involves hiking from village to village without any altitude issues. Suitable for 1st time trekkers that have put in training and are prepared to hike for up to 5 hrs on relatively well defined paths. The areas visited can be remote and guests must be prepared for changes in itinerary which may mean longer days and basic facilities. This may include stairs, dirt roads, terraced fields and jungle paths.
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.
15 Days - $4600 USD
GRADE 2 - 78km (48mi)
Day 1: BRIEFING AND WELCOME DINNER
Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu 1400m (4600ft)
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! Our hotel near Thamel offers easy access to cafes, shops, ATMs, and more. Tonight, join us in the lobby for a trip briefing before heading to one of our favorite local restaurants for dinner.
Day 2: JOURNEY TO GOGANE VILLAGE
Location: Gogane Village 1600m (5250ft) Drive 4h - Hike 1.5h, 5 km (3 mi)
After breakfast, we head north from Kathmandu into the Nuwakot district, where foot power becomes our mode of transport for the next nine days. Explore Sadtobate village, visit the Active Hearts Foundation library project at Sadtobate High School, and meet our exceptional kitchen crew in the evening as they prepare the first of many delicious, organic feasts.
Day 3: EXPLORE GOGANE VILLAGE AND THE SURROUNDINGS
Location: Gogane Village 1600m (5250ft) Hike 4h, 10 km (6 mi)
In the Himalayan foothills, start your day with a tent-delivered hot drink. Hike to the Active Hearts Foundation pipeline project (est. 2015) for scenic valley views. After a traditional village lunch, descend to Gogane Primary School, spending time with students and visiting the Active Hearts Foundation Gogane School Library (est. 2022).
Day 4: HIKE TO KISPANG MONASTERY
Location: Kispang Monastery 1900m (6200ft) Hike 4h, 8 km (5 mi)
Before bidding farewell to our Gogane family, explore a traditional Nepalese home. The morning hike gently ascends, offering insights into the local way of life, passing through Khule village with the Active Hearts Foundation Aiselu Bhume Secondary School Library (est. 2016). After a library visit and a break, continue on a gradual climb through terraced fields to our camp below the captivating Kispang Monastery. This afternoon, meet the complete Heartspace Expedition support team!
Day 5: TRAVERSE TO SALME VILLAGE
Location: Salme Village 1850m (6100ft) Hike 5h, 13 km (8 mi)
Today, wake to the chance of monks chanting in the monastery. Depart camp through farmland and forests, with the possibility of cooling down at waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit the Active Hearts Foundation Salme High School library (est. 2019) and enjoy a potential game of cricket with the students.
Day 6: JUNGLE TREK TO BUNGTANG MONASTERY
Location: Bungtang Village 1740m (5700 ft) Hike 4h, 8 km (5 mi)
This morning, enjoy a scenic breakfast then morning hike with fantastic valley views along the trail, framed by lush junglescapes. Upon arrival, look for the Heartspace camp in the monastery grounds. After lunch, explore the village and soak in the energy of this special place.
Day 7: CLIMB TO MEGANG DANDA RIDGE
Location: Waga Field 2130m (7000 ft) Hike 5h, 12 km (7.5 mi)
Bungtang monastery grounds are ideal for meditation and yoga. After packing up, the hike follows village paths and dirt roads to Lokil and Megang Danda, offering views of the majestic Ganesh Himal mountain range. A short 15-minute climb above tonight's camp leads to a Buddhist temple, providing a breathtaking opportunity for an incredible Ganesh Himal sunset and sunrise.
Day 8: DESCEND THE JUNGLE TO MARPAK VILLAGE
Location: Marpak Village 1700m (5600 ft) Hike 4h, 9km (5.5 mi)
Rise early for a climb to the ridge-top temple, catching the sunrise over the Ganesh Himal range. The day's hike begins with an easy trail along a rustic road, leading to a jungle junction and an intriguing trek on local paths. Descend through small forested pockets to reach Marpak village and our campsite. After lunch, engage with curious children in the remote community. The afternoon is yours to reflect on the authentic, rural Nepal experience, a stark contrast from the crowded tourist trails of Everest and Annapurna.
Day 9: DESCEND TO HULAK GAUN
Location: Hulak Gaun Village 1250m (4000 ft) Hike 6h, 13km (8 mi)
After a morning stretch and packing, we start our descent for a longer hike, trekking through local farmland and village paths. Refuel at a beautiful swimming hole with a packed lunch prepared by our Heartspace chef, Gokul. Following the break, climb along dirt roads to Hulak Gaun village, offering vistas of the Ahku Khola river system below. This marks our last night with the Heartspace support team, celebrated with a fireside dance party and a magnificent feast.
Day 10: TRAVEL TO SIDDHARTHA RIVER RESORT
Location: Siddhartha River Resort 600m (2000 ft) Drive 3h
After packing camp, join the Heartspace team for a bittersweet farewell ceremony, acknowledging the friends who played a significant role in your Ganesh Himal experience. As the team bids goodbye ascend to a summit point with the last views of Ganesh Himal, ideal for a group picture and reflection. We take the scenic drive through the city of Dhading Besi and follow the Trisuli river to Siddhartha River Resort. After lunch enjoy the afternoon by the pool.
Day 11: 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 12: 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 13: FLY TO KATHMANDU VALLEY
Location: Lazimpat, 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 14: BHAKTAPUR KINGDOM & ACTIVE HEARTS FOUNDATION ORPHANAGE TOUR - 6h
Location: Lazimpat, 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 15: 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.
We have the Himalaya to ourselves trekking far from the congestion and crowds of the Everest and Annapurna regions. Chances are you won't see another foreigner on this trek!
Experience local festivals, dancing, food, and daily village life. Including a traditional Nepalese home and farm experience, this adventure presents moments you will never forget.
In true farm to table style the only footprint created is walking the produce to the kitchen. You may even have a Nepalese 'momo dumpling' cooking class one afternoon. The Heartspace chefs are masters at their craft, prepare your belly!
Beautiful monasteries, terraced farmland and village clearings with spectacular vistas. Enjoy yoga at sunrise and a local game of volleyball with the kids. Be prepared to love the campsites as much as your time on the trail.
MARK “Every village we went to in the mountains, Dan and the Heartspace team were known to the people and we really felt welcomed and brought into the local environment.”
ALISON “There are so many little things that you don’t even know about that you will actually get out of this trip!”
KATE “The Nepali people welcomed us with open arms and into their homes, into all of their ceremonies, showing us all of their culture. They were absolutely beautiful people.”
ANNE “Look at these photos how can you not want to come and do these sorts of things? Off track, local people, villages— just get really immersed in the whole experience.”
JEREMY “The food has been sensational and it’s all good, organic, well prepared, beautiful food. That’s been for us, one of the real highlights. The Heartspace team are great people with good hearts, doing it for the right reasons— I really admire what they’re dedicating their lives to, and the world needs more people like them.
JULIE “Nepal is a life changing place. I get it now. Don’t pass up this opportunity.”