Asia Horizon two-week Language and Cultural Program is divided into two phases:

First week: Intensive Language, orientation and Cultural Immersion

Second week: Village stay, white water rafting, hiking and Jungle Safari

First week Language and Cultural Immersion Program

Asia Horizon offers a 2-week language and cultural immersion program consisted of language training; cultural tours, village hiking, white water rafting, visits to popular tourist destinations, and a 2-3 day stay at the Royal Chitwan National Park with a jungle safari. Through this program, we aim to teach volunteers about local language, culture, customs, and ways of life in amazing Nepal.

A sample of the first -week orientation program

Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and hotel/hostel transfer

Day 2: Orientation at Katmandu Office

Day 3-4: Nepali language class continues

Day 5: Valley sightseeing: Katmandu Valley tour will introduce the cultural and religious heritage of Nepal. Visit splendid historic destinations in Katmandu Valley that are listed as World Heritage sites.

Day 6: Nepali language class continues.

Day 7: Closing of Nepali language class

A complete schedule for the program will be provided during the orientation.

Second Week Program (village stay, white water rafting, Hiking and Jungle Safari)

One-week village stay and recreational program is designed to practice the language learnt in first week and to prepare you for your respective placements. After the completion of one week of language course, you will leave for your stay in a nearby scenic village. In this home stay program, you live with warm and welcoming host families, experience rich village culture and eat local food with green and fresh vegetable. The village stay program is interesting because it portrays the true rural setting of Nepal in general. During the home stay, you will continue to practice the language skills, exchanging the culture with local people.

Day 1: Leave for the village after lunch. After reaching the village, our group leader will introduce you to the village and its charming residents, explaining Nepal’s religion, culture, people, and way of life. Later, you will enjoy an evening village walk.

Day 2: Village Hiking: After lunch depart for an invigorating hike, where you will see lush and magnificent landscapes. Visit “Laakuri Bhanjyang” where you will get a fascinating view of Katmandu Valley from the top of the hill.

Day 3: Enjoy a morning visit to the temple called Bindebaasini. After lunch, visit the villages of Sisneri, Bhaltaar, Thakuri gaau, and finally Laamaatar. In the evening villagers will present a local ethnic dance. One of the most effective ways to learn about a new culture is through local music and dance. Enjoy ethnic music and dance performed by a local cultural dance group. If you wish, join in the cultural dance program with the local villagers. You will visit our orphanage in Lamatar.

Day 4: Return to Kathmandu after lunch for free time. Stay overnight in the hostel.

Day 5-7: Second week program includes white water rafting and a visit to Royal Chitwan National Park (3 nights, 4 days)

White Water Rafting

The rivers of Nepal have something to offer to everyone. Find the world's most thrilling whitewater. En- route to Chitwan for village stay and jungle safari, you will discover adventurous white water rafting and waves of the Trishuli River. Both an adventure seeker as well as an amateur can enjoy it. The rafting trip begins at Charaudi and ends at the Kuringhat village.

Note: This program may not be available during July and August because of flooding of the Trishuli River.

Royal Chitwan national Park Visit

After the completion of whitewater rafting, you will visit Royal Chitwan National Park. Ride an elephant through dense forest in search of exotic birds, antelope, rhinos, crocodiles, and Bengal tigers. You will learn more about the local Tharu people through a visit to the Tharu village, the Tharu Museum, and a Tharu cultural dance program. You will see elephant breeding center, experience elephant bath and canoeing.

Details of Royal Chitwan national Park Visit

Day 1: Reach Royal Chitwan National Park. Welcome drinks and introductory talk by the program manager. Dinner served.

Day 2: Wake up with refreshing tea and breakfast. Cycle to the elephant breeding center. Visit Tharu village and then return to camp for lunch and rest. Enjoy a museum visit and a sunset view from the camp. At night, view a cultural program performed by Tharu youngsters (Famous Tharu Stick Dance) followed by dinner.

Day 3: Wake up with tea and breakfast. Go for a canoe ride and jungle walk before returning to camp for lunch and rest. Take an afternoon elephant ride. Return at sunset for dinner.

After completing the 2-week Language and Culture/Village Stay Program, you will be prepared for either your enriching volunteer placement or an adventure trekking through Nepal’s splendid highlands.