Roots & Rivers

Introducing: Roots & Rivers
We’ve teamed up with Duluwa Outdoors to bring you an epic 7-day adventure that blends purpose, people, and pure exploration.

Whether you’re a resident or non-resident Nepali, this trip is all about reconnecting – with Nepal, with others, and maybe even with yourself.

✨ Spend time with the inspiring young people and get to know your team at Children & Youth First
🚣‍♂️ Raft the wild Trishuli chasing Downstream Dreams
🌾 End the journey in Chitwan, building Common Ground with your crew

Apply by 22nd October, 2025 to join us this December 15th to December 21st, 2025.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Bit of Everything (On this trip, expect a mix of cozy dorm-style rooms at Children & Youth First, comfy twin-shares, and a wholesome homestay experience that’ll make you feel right at home.

You’ll be fuelled by classic dal-bhat, local indigenous flavours, and even some continental treats whipped up by the amazing CYF Bakery Team (yes, dessert is included).

Facilities will vary depending on where we are – from bucket showers to proper bathrooms – but that’s all part of the adventure, right?)

Physical Rating: 3 – Okay! (Some uphill hikes, rafting or weighty activities, but accessible to most travellers)

Trip Type: Small Group (minimum 6, max 8)

Dates: Monday, 15th December to Sunday, 21st December 2025

Cost: £350 per person (Non-resdent Nepali or Expats based in Nepal) or Nrs 50,000 (resident Nepalis) covering Day 1 to Day 17

Age Requirement: 18+and we require a police clearance/certificate.

Nationality: Open to all Nepalis and expats based in Nepal

Itinerary

LEG 1: Once Again, Wonder

DAY 1 – Meet, Mingle and Move Out

Meet your Experience Leader + team at 10AM in Patan – time to break the ice and kick off the Roots & Rivers journey!

Explore the city with a special walking tour led by Rishi Amatya, then grab lunch before heading to Children & Youth First (CYF) – your home base for the next few days.

👋 Settle in with a warm welcome, quick tour, and chill time before dinner.
🎭 In the evening, start planning a creative session + fun performance for the kids.

All meals are served at CYF – come hungry!

DAY 2 – Paint, Play and Hike!

Rise & shine – after breakfast, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and glow up the junior dorms with some fresh paint (in small squads, of course).

Next up: help CYF get hyped for Sports Week prep – think games, gear, and good vibes.

In the afternoon, get your creative side on with a workshop by BORA STUDIO.

As school wraps up, head out for a chill hike to Kot Danda with some of the students – and yep, dinner with a view awaits!

DAY 3 – Paint, Present and Party!

Start the day by helping cook up breakfast for the students (yes, chef 🧑‍🍳). After that, it’s back to painting duty – time to add those final touches!

Throughout the day, your crew will run short peer-led sessions based on themes assigned on Day 1 – quick, fun, and meaningful.

As the sun dips, it’s all about polishing up your performance + presentation piece.

The night ends on a high with a celebration evening — a mix of CYF and Tracing Nepal x Duluwa vibes, performances, and unforgettable moments.

LEG 2: Downstream Dreams

DAY 4 – Waves and Wild Rides

It’s an early start! Say goodbye to CYF and head to Kalanki to catch a local bus to Trishuli.

Lunch on the road, then it’s go-time – get ready to ride the rapids and feel the adrenaline as you raft downstream Trishuli.

The rest of the day? Chill mode. Kick back, vibe out, and end the night with a cozy campfire hang.

Overnight stay at the Trishuli camp.

LEG 4: Common Ground

DAY 5 – Roadtrip and Reset

After breakfast and packing up, it’s time to hit the road again! Jump on a local bus headed to the Community Homestay Network, right on the edge of Chitwan National Park.

Most of the day’s a scenic ride, so sit back, snack up, and vibe with your crew.

The afternoon? All yours — rest, recharge, and soak in the slow life.

DAY 6 – Elephants, Reflections and Final Feels

Get ready for a full day! First stop: Stand Up 4 Elephants – where you’ll learn all about ethical elephant care and catch views of the stunning Rapti & Narayani Rivers.

In the afternoon, it’s time to slow things down with some reflective activities to wrap up your Roots & Rivers journey.

Want to keep moving? There’ll be optional cycling, nature walks, and more if you’re up for it.

DAY 7 – One Last Sunrise

It’s the final day – time for one last group breakfast in Chitwan, then it’s back to Kathmandu.

Lots of memories, laughs, (maybe a few tears), and a whole new crew.
The Roots & Rivers journey officially wraps here – but the stories? Just getting started.

Tour Details

Accommodation: Volunteer house accommodation at Children and Youth First, dorm style. Simple village homestay experience with Community Homestay Network in Chitwan and hotel rooms at Trishuli. Bathroom and toilet facilities will be shared and may require a short walk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included throughout the experience as stated on the itinerary.

Transport: Local vans and buses.

Onboarding: We will require a police clearance/certificate as this trip will be working closely with people of all ages. Please get in touch with us if you require more information or support for this.

Experience Leader: Our Tracing Nepal and Duluwa Outdoor experience are accompanied by our Experience Leaders (EL). Our EL’s will be there to support our team members through the entirety of the travel programme, helping you have a memorable trip. They will provide information of the places, offer suggestions, recommend sights and food spots and introduce you to the activities on offer.

Note: Once you sign up for the experience, we will send you a detailed itinerary, packing list, baggage/suitcase suggestions.