- Nepal
Frequently asked questions
You can apply to Rustic Pathways l Nepal by clicking the "Apply Now" button.
Rustic Pathways l Nepal starts at $2,000 USD. For full pricing, visit the provider’s website.
The program runs for 2-4 weeks.
Rustic Pathways l Nepal is located in Nepal.
About Program
Rustic Pathways is thrilled to be running programs in Nepal for the first time in Summer 2017. In Nepal you will have the opportunity to explore life in the Himalayas, discover the wildlife of the Chitwan National Park, and learn about the rich culture and history of the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal offers the opportunity of a lifetime and is perfect for service buffs, adrenaline junkies, and change makers.
“From the tropical plains of Chitwan National Park to the snow capped Himalayan peaks, Nepal an adventurer’s wonderland. It’s a magical country rich in ethnic and geographic diversity. Each Himalayan valley is an island of culture and language. Collectively, they make up more than 100 different ethnic groups, from the Newars of the bustling Kathmandu valley, sprinkled with temples and shrines, to the expert mountaineer Sherpas of the Everest region. Namaste Nepal, we’re excited to be here.”
--Kai Johnson, Nepal Country Director
How Rustic Pathways Staffs Its Programs
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion 💙
BIPOC Support
Program staff complete annual DEIA, cultural sensitivity, and LGBTQ+ competency training, supported by external partners including Gender Spectrum, with scenario-based role-plays on racial discrimination and microaggressions.
LGBTQIA+ Support
Rustic Pathways uses gender-affirming practices across housing, pronoun use, and program design, and plans rooming for transgender and nonbinary students individually and confidentially with the student and family before travel.
Rustic Pathways discloses when local laws in a program destination affect LGBTQ+ travelers, so students and families can plan with full information.
Neurodivergent Support
Personal Travel Advisors at Rustic Pathways create a customized plan that may include predictable routines, sensory breaks, smaller group settings, and clear communication guidelines.
Accessibility Support
Students with chronic health conditions or daily medication needs can travel with Rustic Pathways after a medical review.
Rustic Pathways is candid about limits: programs often take place in remote locations and developing regions where infrastructure such as ramps, paved walkways, and lifts may be limited or nonexistent, so universal accessibility is not possible in every destination.
Impact 🌎
Sustainability
92% of Rustic Pathways seasonal staff are local to the regions where programs operate. Rustic Pathways works to minimize its environmental footprint and offers wildlife experiences only on programs where they support conservation and animal welfare can be assured.
The Rustic Pathways Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3), has raised more than $1.14 million for community projects since 2017.
Ethical Impact
When priorities conflict, Rustic Pathways applies a decision-making hierarchy that puts student safety first, followed by legal compliance and ethical responsibility, with financial impact never the primary driver.
These standards have cost Rustic Pathways revenue: programs have been declined, partnerships have been ended, and destinations have been exited when ethical standards could not be maintained.
Community Questions
Location
Nepal is well known for holding 8 of the 10 highest peaks in the world with the most famous and tallest being Mount Everest. Although most people think of the many large peaks that are prevalent across the landlocked country of Nepal, around a third of the country is considered subtropical. Whether you are a climber or not, Nepal has a variety of activities for any type of traveler.
