The Ganesh Himal Charity Trek 2023
An incredible journey!
Facilitated by our trekking partner HEARTSPACE EXPEDITIONS the 2023 team was in for a real treat. The trek involved opening our Tribhuvan Secondary School Library, hiking across the beautiful Ganesh Himal foothills and spending 10 days fully immersed in traditional Nepalese villages and culture.
Julie Wilson ‘Such amazing memories. This hike is awesome! If you go on this trip you will never forget it. I’ve done lots of travel and visited over 40 c
ountries and this is by far the best thing I’ve ever done’
If you wish to learn more on joining Active Hearts Foundation and Heartspace Expeditions on the Ganesh Himal charity trek please follow this link to the Heartspace Expeditions website.
‘You will be welcomed as guests, but farewelled as family’
$4300 USD P/P
Join the Active Hearts Foundation on the front line! Experience traditional Nepalese village life on a 15 day all-inclusive hiking and charity filled adventure through the Ganesh Himal region of the Nepalese Himalaya
Heartspace Expeditions works alongside the Active Hearts Foundation to provide the unique opportunity to experience the world’s most spectacular hiking destinations while giving back to the people that call it home.
Nov 17 – Dec 1 2024 – SPACE AVAILABLE!
We Take Care of the Finer Details, You Enjoy The Experience
Included: 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.
Does this sound like your sort of adventure?
Read our Charity Trek FAQ here:
Contact us to express your interest
15 Days – $4300 USD
Nov 17th – Dec 1st 2024
SPACE AVAILABLE
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 (5,250ft) 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: TREK TO GANESH HIMAL VIEW POINT
Location: Siddartha River Resort 600m (2000 ft) Hike 3h, 8 km (5 mi) – Drive 1.5h
Begin your last day with a warm tent-delivered drink, followed by a final mountain breakfast to prepare for the journey to Dhading Besi. 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, hike along village roads, ascending to a summit with the last views of Ganesh Himal, ideal for a group picture and reflection. Board the vehicle to Siddartha River Resort for lunch and enjoy the afternoon by the pool or river.
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 lunch and have the afternoon free before dinner.
Day 14: KATHMANDU UNESCO SITES & ACTIVE HEARTS FOUNDATION ORPHANAGE TOUR
Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu 1400m (4600 ft)
Today presents a unique chance to explore the cultural richness of Kathmandu, known as the city of temples and stupas, with a tapestry of tradition associated with its inhabitants. Discover three of our favorite world heritage sites in the valley and make a special visit to the Active Hearts Foundation orphanage in Bhaktapur Kingdom, supported since 2019. Witness firsthand how your assistance brings smiles and joy to the children, making it a guest highlight of the trip.
Explore three iconic World Heritage sites:
- Swayambhunath: Known as the “Monkey Temple,” it’s Kathmandu’s oldest stupa and one of Nepal’s ancient religious sites.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: A well-preserved Malla Dynasty stronghold from the 17th century, maintaining its medieval charm.
- Boudhanath: Home to one of the world’s largest stupas, built after AD 600, showcasing unparalleled grace and purity of design.
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.
