Treks & Immersive Journeys
See it for yourself. Walk the trails, meet the families, sit in the classrooms. Our journeys take you into the heart of HDFA’s work in Nepal, where the mountains are big, the impact is bigger and the experience stays with you long after you come home.
HDFA runs a small number of journeys each year between October and January, when the weather is clear and the trails are at their best. Every trip is hosted by HDFA founders and guided by the local teams who do the work on the ground.
Every journey takes you to active project sites where you’ll meet the people whose lives are changing and see firsthand what your support makes possible. You’ll also walk through some of the most extraordinary mountain landscapes on earth.
We offer two experiences, each designed for a different kind of traveller.
What to expect
You’ll visit our Two Rivers project site, just half a day from Kathmandu. You’ll spend time in schools, meet the health workers and farmers whose lives are changing, and sit with community leaders shaping the future of their communities. You’ll also trek through some of the most extraordinary mountain landscapes on earth and, for those ready to earn the view, summit Yangri peak at 3,771 metres.
These aren’t tourist treks. They’re small, hosted by HDFA founders and guided by the local teams who do the work on the ground. You’ll come home with a real understanding of what place-based development looks like, and why it works.
Reach Higher Trek
For families, friends and adventurers looking for something more meaningful than a holiday. A chance to explore Nepal together, to step outside the everyday and into a world that changes how you see yours. You’ll meet people in HDFA-supported schools and communities, share meals with local families and experience a culture built on community, resilience and generosity. Adventurous, safe, and the kind of trip you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.
Changemakers Journey
For leaders and philanthropists looking to invest in lasting change. An immersive, purposeful experience designed for people who want to understand the work that back, and a chance to connect with a small group of like-minded people who care about making a real difference.
Make it your own
Every journey can be extended with optional experiences through our partner Arun Treks: a helicopter flight to the Everest View Hotel, a jungle safari in Chitwan, or a few extra days adventuring around Pokhara. Talk to us about building the trip that’s right for you.
FAQ
The Changemaker’s Journey is designed for leaders and philanthropists who want to see HDFA’s work firsthand and invest in lasting change.
The Reach Higher Experience is for families, friends and adventurers looking for something more meaningful than a typical holiday.
Both trips welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. If you care about making a difference and you’re up for an adventure, you belong here.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be comfortable walking for a few hours at a time on uneven terrain. The Yangri summit is all on foot, no ropes or technical climbing, and the views from the top are spectacular. A reasonable level of fitness is important, especially at altitude. We’ll send you a preparation guide when you register and our team will talk you through what to expect.
Every trip participant is asked to make a minimum donation to HDFA’s work. This ensures the journey directly supports the communities you’ll visit. We’ll discuss amounts with you when you get in touch. There is also a trip fee to cover logistics, accommodation, meals and guiding
Absolutely. Through our partner Arun Treks, you can add a helicopter flight to the Everest View Hotel, a jungle safari in Chitwan, extra days in Pokhara or other adventures. Talk to us about building the trip that works for you.
In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a comfortable four or five-star hotel, with proper beds, hot water and buffet breakfasts. In the villages, expect village stays. Simple, clean and authentic. We take care of all the food, make sure everything is safe to eat and drink, and cater to dietary requirements. We encourage you to eat as the locals do, but we’ll make sure you won’t go hungry if you’re out of your comfort zone.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Kathmandu Arrive and settle in. Explore the streets of Thamel. Orientation with your HDFA hosts over dinner.
Day 2 — Kathmandu Visit Boudhanath Stupa. Private journey blessing with Buddhist monk, Tenzing Sherpa. Evening Sherpa talk and trip briefing.
Day 3 — Two Rivers Drive to the Two Rivers region. Visit the health post. Meet community health workers and mothers’ groups.
Day 4 — Two Rivers School visit. Farm visits. Time with local families. Small-group community immersion.
Day 5 — Yangri Trek to Yangri base camp. Settle in and take in the mountains.
Day 6 — Yangri Summit Summit Yangri peak at 3,771 metres. Return to base and celebrate. Begin return Jeep journey to Kathmandu.
Day 7 — Kathmandu Return to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner with HDFA founders and fellow travellers.
take care of all the food, make sure everything is safe to eat and drink, and cater to dietary requirements. We encourage you to eat as the locals do, but we’ll make sure you won’t go hungry if you’re out of your comfort zone.
Register your interest and we’ll let you know about upcoming treks and experiences.
