Things to do
A gap year in Nepal takes you to the ’rooftop of the world’, with snow capped mountains and breath taking scenery – it is here that the height and beauty of the mighty Himalayas will attract you to try a short hike. No gap year programme to Nepal can be complete without a trek in these majestic mountains.
Don't worry if you aren't a regular hiker, there are many ways to discover the beauty of the mountains. Most treks follow well trodden foot trails that have been in use for hundreds of years. Trek through one of these and you will discover hidden villages and hamlets along the path where you can stop for a hot cup of chai. Popular treks with gap year travellers include the Annapurna Circuit and Everest base camp, while more serious mountaineers might attempt an expedition to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt Everest itself.
With rivers surging down the Himalayas and crossing the plains, it presents the option of some of the most scenic, exciting and challenging rafting experiences in the world. There are rivers presenting different levels of challenges and rafting companies that cater from the novice to the expert rafters making Nepal a very popular destination for a gap year adventure.
A little known fact is that Nepal is home to 879 species of birds. Gap year volunteers in Nepal interested in birds, head straight to the most popular bird watching spot, ’Phulchoki’, the highest peak on the valley rim.
Located 30km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is the favourite weekend getaway for gappers those who seek Himalayan scenery and rural serenity. You get a breathtaking view of the mountain range from this little town. The surrounding countryside is great for walking, so if you want a relaxed rustic weekend, head to Nagarkot.
For a spot of wildlife, head to the Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of Nepal's largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife - the rare great One-horned Rhinoceros, several species of Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Fresh Water Dolphin, Crocodile and more Royal Bengal Tiger.
Apart from the scenic beauty that Nepal is known for, it is also famous as the birth place of Lord Buddha. Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non violence. It is situated 250-kms south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha's mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. For gap year travellers interested in history this would be a very worthwhile trip. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about 8 hours by bus or car.