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Language and Culture Program |
VAN runs a 2-week-orientation program that provides language training, cultural tours, village hikes, popular tourist site visits and a 2-3 day stay in Chitwan National Park, including a Jungle Safari! This orientation program will get volunteers familiar with the local language, culture and customs. Continue reading for a detailed description of day-to-day activities:
First Week of Program
| Day 1: |
Pick up and transfer from airport to hotel
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| Day 2: |
Orientation at Kathmandu office |
| Day 3-4: |
Nepali language class |
| Day 5: |
Valley sightseeing where volunteers will visit splendid historical sites around Kathmandu Valley |
| Day 6: |
Nepali language class continues |
| Day 6: |
Closing of Nepali language class |
The language course applies audio-visual technique which will enable volunteers to grasp the basics of Nepali language better. |
Second Week:
A weeks’ language program is followed by a village stay. Volunteers will depart from Kathmandu to stay in a nearby village where, living with a family, they’ll have a sneak-peak to unique Nepali customs, culture, as well as day-to-day life. During the home stay, volunteers can put into practice their newly acquired language skills and learn Nepali family values. This experience will prove significant for your cultural immersion and cross-cultural understanding.
| Day 1: |
Reach the village accompanied by a guide who will introduce you to the local residents, briefly explaining the native religion, culture and way of life, and later lead you on a refreshing evening walk |
| Day 2: |
Go for a village hike to “Lakuri Bhanjyang” while enjoying the lush and magnificent landscapes on the way |
| Day 3: |
Enjoy an early morning visit to the temple of Bindebaasini and after lunch visit the villages of Sisneri, Bhaltaar, Thakuri Gau and Laamaatar. In the evening, watch local cultural dance |
| Day 4: |
Return to Kathmandu and stay overnight in a hotel in Thamel |
| Day 5-7: |
Now enjoy the recreational phase of the program where you’ll go white water rafting and visit Chitwan National Park (3 nights, 4 days) |
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Recreational Phase (Day 5-7)
White Water Rafting
Raft on the rapids of Trishuli River. The experience is adventurous as well as exciting. The rafting trip starts from Charaudi and ends at Kuringhat village. Enjoy the sights as you go along!
(Note: This program may not be available during July and August, the monsoon season, due to high, dangerous levels of water. After rafting, you will then arrive at Chitwan National Park.) |
Chitwan National Park Visit
Visit Chitwan National Park and enjoy a jungle safari (3 nights, 4 days)
Chitwan National Park provides a safari adventure where you’ll ride on an elephant’s back and go through a dense jungle. Look for exotic birds, antelopes, rhinos, crocodiles and Bengal tigers as you go along! Chitwan is a place to learn about local Tharu culture. You can pay a visit to a Tharu village, local museums and cultural shows.
Details on Chitwan National Park Visit
| Day 1: |
Arrive at Chitwan National Park and enjoy welcoming drinks while listening to an introductory talk from the program manager |
| Day 2: |
After breakfast, cycle to the elephant breeding center and visit a Tharu village. Return for lunch at the hotel and then set off for a visit to museums followed by a sunset view. Later, enjoy the Tharu dance which will be followed by a dinner |
| Day 3: |
Enjoy breakfast and then set out for a Canoe ride followed by a jungle walk before returning to camp for lunch. Take an afternoon elephant ride and a rafting trip |
| Day 4: |
Wake up at the crack of dawn to start your day with bird watching. |
After completing the two-week Language and Culture/Village Stay Program, you will be placed at your project site or venture for trekking. |
- Language and Program fee for first week: $200
- Language and program fee for second week: $250
Language fee covers
- Language and cultural courses
- Food and accommodations for seven days
- Training materials: books, paper, orientation package, TV, video, trainer, etc.
- Local sightseeing/tourist site arrangements
- Recreational activities
- Village stay/host family
- Cultural programs and additional activities
- Travel related expenses (one week orientation)
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