Handi Trek

Handi Trek: up there!

France Nepal Voyage organises expeditions to the mountains or plains with mixed groups of disabled and able-bodied people, sometimes using a special wheelchair called a joëlette or any other means of locomotion required.

An expedition to the finish means reaching a summit: a summit of mutual aid and solidarity. So, depending on the nature of the trip, the companions will be local or international.

Whether it’s a simple daily walk or a week in the mountains, everything becomes a challenge.

One of the aims is to take part in one of the most beautiful treks in the world and to provide the means to make an extraordinary trek. As a team, you’ll set off to discover a different way of life in fabulous landscapes.

But this extraordinary journey is also a dream for many people, whether able-bodied or with reduced mobility. It will be a fantastic communication tool, not only to publicise our activities, but also to make a small contribution to changing attitudes towards those we call disabled.

Preparing for this wonderful adventure often goes beyond the participants and creates a human dynamic.

Having the opportunity to do a trek that’s a little out of the ordinary, that gives you the chance to talk to the people who live in the Himalayan valleys.

For over 15 years now, we’ve enjoyed trekking with people with disabilities, as well as visiting Nepal’s most famous historic sites and many others.

Find out more about disability in Nepal: Find out more about the history, governance, responsibility and ambassadors of HI (Handicap International- HERE-)

We firmly believe that, once again, everyone can make their own contribution, as far as they are able, given the global context.

 

 

 

NGO Immersion

*FranceNépalVoyage takes seriously the ethical considerations of all volunteers in connection with the work we offer. In the media world, our work is often associated with various terms such as ‘humanitarian travel’, ‘humanitarian tourism’, ‘voluntourism’.

*Engaged for the first time in 1998 in the field of Nepal, today, more than ever, we want to share our vision of international volunteering and the reality of what is being done.

*This is why you will have the possibility, according to your availability and your desires, to invest in projects as diverse as they are varied in time, in their nature, in their location.

*Daily projects are at your disposal but also longer stays such as for the duration of one or more weeks. *Depending on the duration or the nature of the project, the localities will be very different.

*The missions will take place in the middle of nature or on premises.

*Your investment may relate, always according to the deadlines granted, to such diverse subjects as the education of children, assistance with schooling, the construction of buildings, eco-agriculture, support for feminist movements, the assistance in the management of micro projects, support for the handicapped, etc.

*In short, a very diverse range in social, health, education and even economics!

Kitchen From Here

Local cuisine: No. 1 in taste!

This culinary discovery will transport you to the heart of Nepalese culture, to a cuisine with vivid flavors, intoxicating smells and ancestral knowledge.

Of all the important things on a trip, there’s one that’s essential, here perhaps more than anywhere else: food! And that’s no mean feat, given Nepal’s great ethnic diversity.

You can learn from a top Nepalese chef, or simply from the hostess, a former chef in France, to immerse yourself more deeply in the local atmosphere as you prepare your favorite dish.

You’ll be able to taste your dish as soon as it’s finished.

you’ll also go home with samples of spices/condiments from local eco-responsible production, to produce again at home!

But none of this will have been possible until you’ve been to the market early in the morning, and made your own picks for the day!

Your stay will be unforgettable, and you’ll be taking a piece of this country home with you.

 

Human Encounter

Formidable human encounters!

The ‘formidable human encounters!’ program in Nepal offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing travelers to connect with local communities, immerse themselves in Nepalese culture at close quarters and engage in meaningful exchanges.

The itinerary includes exploration of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage -extras trip HERE-, and take part in guided tours of ancient temples, palaces and UNESCO World Heritage sites to discover the rich cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, witness the fusion of traditional and modern lifestyles, and discover Nepal’s history and traditions.

Accommodation with a local family in a village for an authentic homestay experience, and participation in community projects and volunteer work.

You’ll gain a better understanding of Nepalese traditions and way of life as you experience their warm hospitality and take part in cultural activities. Whether it’s renovating schools, participating in environmental initiatives or supporting healthcare efforts, your actions will have a positive impact on the lives of the people you meet.

You’ll also be able to immerse yourself in local farms, eco-farming projects, rural/sustainable development or tourism projects.

Create lasting links and memories by learning from the locals and sharing your own experiences.

Children are also very much in evidence in this country with its young population, and you’ll probably find yourself doing tutoring or extracurricular activities in one of the many structures that request these exchanges. In any case, spend time with people of all ethnicities, depending on the location, who are sure to welcome you with open arms.

This trip is all about creating lasting memories, fostering cultural understanding and having a positive impact on the communities you visit.

 

The 3 Kingdom

The 3 Kingdoms, history of the Kathmandu Valley

This blend of culture, spirituality and nature on a trip to “The 3 Kingdoms” will not only fascinate you with the beauty and charm of the Kathmandu Valley (a World Heritage Site), but with this tour of a few days in Nepal, you’ll be able to see some of the most important religious and historical sites built in ancient times and inscribed on the UNESCO list.

You can visit
Swayambhunath temple, also known as the Monkey temple, a Buddhist sanctuary -extra trip HERE-.

The great Bodnath stupa, a former Tibetan enclave,

Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu cremation site,

which are heritage sites, but the 3 kingdoms are the three main cities:
Kathmandu, with its durbar square,

Bhaktapur and its three main durbar squares,

and finally the durbar of Patan or Lalitpur with its many craftsmen.

The visit would not be complete without many other places, such as a tour of the ancient town of Dhulikhel, former stronghold of the Bathgaon kingdom, which will then take us to Nagarkot and its view of Everest and the Himalayan range.

This tour is sure to be a revelation for everyone, be it spiritual, cultural or simply naturally human, making you want to go further on your next trip!

 

Canyoning

Canyoning in the Himalayas:

Canyoning is an incredible experience for body and mind, allowing you to explore some of the Himalayas’ last forbidden places. Among Nepal’s jewels, the waterfalls in the deep gorges form a fantastic paradise for thrill-seekers.

Discover new routes, abseil down waterfalls tumbling down mountains into cool pools below, or slide down rock faces in the middle of a natural water park.

We’re here to offer you the very best: excursions range from exploratory walks to the most extreme canyoning in Nepal.
Our expert canyoning guides will abseil, jump and slide you down steep canyon walls and waterfalls to deep pools below. It’s wet and wild, and you’ll have a great time!

You’ll start with an introduction to abseiling, and we’ll teach you to descend the first waterfall on your own. You’ll gain confidence as you make your way down the next cascades, and when you reach the longest descent – sometimes up to 45 meters – you’ll be airborne in no time.

Abseiling, slides, jumps along walls and waterfalls plunging into deep pools…

Take the opportunity to explore the bat caves of Bandipur -extra trip HERE-, on the way to Pokhara along the Trisuli, where stalactites and stalagmites seem to be forming a troglodyte cathedral; discover the hidden paths in the vicinity of these caves and let yourself be guided through this small Newar town, rich in gastronomy and hospitality.

Canyoning is also one of the adventure sports we include in our team-building activities, particularly in school expeditions where students embark on a canyoning adventure, descending through narrow gorges and crossing waterfalls using ropes and other specialized equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moutain Biking

Mountain biking in the Himalayas: Nepal

If you’re looking for a mountain biking adventure in Nepal, you can indulge your passion in the region around the Annapurnas, where you’ll enjoy some of the best views of the entire Himalayan massif.

Some tours, not suitable for beginners, can cross the Thorang-la pass (5416 m) and require good physical condition.

The Kathmandu Valley offers a variety of day trips for all levels. Cycling in the valley takes you to 2200-meter peaks with breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.

Pass through the valley’s semi-rural villages away from mass tourism, explore the jungles of the national parks, get lost in the middle of rice paddies – hundreds of kilometers of trails await you!

There are still very few mountain bikers in the Annapurnas and Mustang, only a few Anglo-Saxon groups. The trail that now crosses the valley has recently been opened up to mountain bikers. Mountain biking allows you to appreciate the mineral landscapes of Mustang, with their impressive colors. The panoramas don’t fit in the lens, but the valley, bordered by imposing massifs, seems endless. You’ll also discover the Lowa people, who claim to be culturally independent and deeply Buddhist.

Numerous monasteries bear witness to this religious attachment, as do the former royal residences of the valley’s feudal system.

The border with Tibet has enabled Mustang to retain its religious autonomy, while the remoteness of Kathmandu has given the Lowas a certain independence. Immerse yourself in one of the last small Tibetans in the Himalayas.

A snapshot of a Nepalese landscape, with its high, snow-capped peaks, immense valleys, majestic mountain landscapes set against a bright blue sky, the smiles on the faces of the people, or an encounter with a yak at the bend in the path – it’s a dream come true, but it’ll be even more so on our descent by mountain bike!

 

Escalation Climbing

The best in indoor – outdoor climbing

Nepal is famous for Mount Everest -extra trip HERE-, and every year we hear of climbers who have scaled the world’s highest mountain. However, there are also excellent climbing opportunities -such as Nagarjun- for visitors and locals who wish to spend a day, or even a week, on some of the rocks.

Each climbing area is accompanied by a professional climber to guide your ascent and ensure your safety, whether indoors or outdoors.

If you don’t have your own equipment, you can hire it.

With little shade on the rock, it gets very hot in summer. The best season to visit is spring and autumn.

Nagarjun Rock Climbing is located in Nagarjun National Park inside Shivapuri. It’s a 3-kilometer drive to the park entrance. After receiving the entry permit, it’s a good hike through lush forests to the rock. The climb here is easier than at Hattiban. Experienced climbers are allowed to free-climb. The Nagarjuna cliff is ideal for beginners and is around 15-20 m high.

Kakani Rock Climbing also offers a 20-meter climbing experience. Located 29 kilometers from the pick-up point in Kathmandu, this terrain offers a good challenge with 6 different routes. What’s more, from the summit you can see the Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

We’ll therefore bring all the equipment you need for outdoor climbing, including a good climbing rope, harness, belay, climbing shoes, helmet, chalk, extra carabiners, slings and express slings, as well as a first-aid kit, food and plenty of water for the day. Make sure you and your climbing partners know how to properly belay and free a route.

It’s a strenuous but satisfying sport that you should try while you’re in Kathmandu.

 

Rafting

*Rafting day on the SunKosi: this river being the longest in all of Nepal, it is possible to go from an active day to a week of pure adventure!
*This trip to the heart of the rivers for a soaked day will be a bowl of fresh air on this clear river, with the colors of natural mountain springs.
*you will be offered class 3 to 4 rapids (potentially followed by exciting class 5 rapids if you wish to extend your trip) that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
*This is a camping trip with swimming (in the pool or in the river depending on the season)
*You will have the chance to paddle from the far north of Nepal to the south on this trip which is also the top 10 river trips in the world with the opportunity to have a different enjoyment of camping every day.
*The guides are experienced and have descended many rivers and have the skills to provide you with a safe and enjoyable trip. A good complete briefing will be presented to you for all levels before any departure. There will always be a guide in each boat who will give paddling instructions and choose the safest route on the river.
*All rafts are secured with emergency or intervention equipment required. There will be great vigilance on safety above all, whether for a day or more!