Camping Programs in Nepal

If you are scrolling through the Pure Exploration website and upon just reading about the experience think you’re going to have, makes you excited - then honestly do whatever you need to do and book onto a program. My Pure Exploration experience was one for the books, the people you meet, the in-jokes you'll have, the country culture you get to live and learn about are just some of the things the program offers you. To top if all off with a great support team and gaining real quality outdoor instruction that you can take either into your life or job, I did it and it was one of the best things I've ever done, so why not!

I originally did this program because I had no idea of what I could do. I finished school with a degree I came to hate, I started another degree just to try something else. I was unhappy and confused about my future. Then I heard about Pure exploration. I gave it a shot because at this point I just needed to be outside and do some outdoor stuff. Now, with what I learned about myself and the experiences I gained, I have a list of things I want to do to reach my dream job, that is not related to guiding by the way. And I wouldn't know about my dream job if I didn't do the program. Our Nepalese guides are amazing resources and I learned so much from them. I truly hope that all the students or workers who feel stuck or unhappy about their degree or work come to Nepal and try this course.

Pure Exploration was one of the best decisions of my life. Going to Nepal and learning the skills to rock climb, provide outdoor wilderness first aid, participate in a river course and hike and camping all in 3 months was such a whirlwind knowledge and hands-on experience. Meeting the team and all the friends I made along the way was the cultural emersion I was thirsting for. If you are even playing with the idea of doing one of these courses I would say - jump in, do it now

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I was supported through physical and mental challenges by a spectacular team that only wanted me to succeed, and I did that and more. I learnt both technical and soft skills to become an outdoor leader, and learnt so much about myself and how I interact with others so I can better communicate and manage group situations, but as a leader and a participant.

For any adventure seekers interested in honing their skills in the mountains of Nepal I can not recommend this program enough. If you’re a first-time climber, climbed sport for years, have done minimal camping in the backcountry, or are an ultralight long-distance trekking professional this program has everything you need to upskill in any area that interests you.

For me, this is the perfect program to start your career in the outdoors, especially when you are not sure which direction to take. Here you can experience different sports or activities such as climbing, hiking and rafting and see what feels right for you. Also, you have the chance to challenge yourself and experience hard conditions

The Nepal program was an amazing experience in many ways, definitely challenging and educational at the same time. I personally learned a lot of new hard skills in the areas of climbing and hiking thanks to the great team of guides. I also gained experience in leadership and group management skills which will be very useful in the future.

A full immersion lifetime experience not to be missed by those with a nomadic spirit who seek to engage in and learn about diverse outdoor activities, safety, leadership and personal growth as well as culture, people and places in a country so diverse, rich and beautiful like it's people. I can not think of anyone better than Amrit and his experienced, professional and genuine team of people who taught and shared with us over the past 3 months.

Nepal is a demanding program, both physically and psychologically. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you prepare in advance if you decide to do this program. You will experience and learn in breathtaking environments, spend most nights in shared tents in stunning areas, make friends from different parts of the world, immerse yourself in the simple way of life and learn a lot through action and experience.

By participating in this program I had the chance to gain more experience in instructing and guiding. Also giving advice to the other students on beginner techniques made me a better climber and better teacher!

Life-changing experience. Education and adventure at the same time. Perfect if you want to be a mountain guide or adventurer. Also perfect if you just want to do something epic and prove to yourself that you can do hard things.

The best part of the program is that as a person that likes mountains and cultures, the Himalayas are just different from anywhere else, it's complicated geography makes it one of the most diverse places culture wise and the mountains are just fantastic.

My experience in Nepal was one of the best experiences of my life. I met people that will be lifelong friends and instructors that introduced me to one of if not my favorite place in the world. We were able to be with locals and learn about Nepali culture, I was introduced to Wilderness medicine which is now something I am pursue if as a profession. Throughout this trip we made bonds with each other over shared exploration, stunning views, and conversations over beers after long hikes. The landscape and moutains were remarkable. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world and am grateful for our brilliant instructors and Pure Exploration.

My Himalayan semester was one of the best experiences I have ever had. From rural homestays to trekking in the Himalayas, it was full to the brim of adventure, community, culture and collaboration. My instructors were absolutely amazing as were my fellow Dragons students. The space that Dragons creates for self reflection and growth along with building an incredible group environment was something unique and awesome. On a trip like this it is expected that at one point or another you are pushed outside of your comfort zone. This was incredible because you end up watching your comfort zone expand and grow with you. Going from being a complete stranger and foreigner, lost in Kathmandu, to a confident traveler catching crowded busses and chatting to the person next to you in Nepali was incredible. One of the countless stunning moments on this trip was when I was sitting on a rock on a mountainside. It was near sunset we were at 13,000 feet of elevation, and the pinkish orange light of the setting sun began to creep across the massive peaks of the Himalayas in the Lang Tang region. I sat there, watching the sun dip down below the cloud layer, and was struck by the silence. No sound whatsoever penetrated that beautiful serene mountain air. It was almost like the world had frozen briefly. Stuck in that dusky state between day and night. The giant peaks only adding to the splendor, putting the size of humanity in its place yet again.

I was looking for a trip that was going to be educational and authentic and fun. Without a doubt, I found it! Nepal and Tibet are truly incredible places, and coming home, I feel like I really got to connect with each of them and live like a Nepali. There were so many nights that I spent talking/singing/dancing with the locals, and I felt so lucky every day, and so grateful for every experience, be it trekking, rafting, getting lost in the cities, paragliding, yoga, or mountain biking, and for every other wonderful moment. The Pacific Discovery staff was awesome, teaching us everything from the very basics of travel to the pressing social and political issues in Nepal. Our leaders trusted us and supported us completely, and they were my friends above all. I would do this trip a thousand times over, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Overall, the best decision I've ever made!

Traveling to Nepal and Tibet with Pacific Discovery was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Each day was a new adventure, whether we were trekking the Annapurna circuit, or helping a Nepali village build a pig pen. Even though the views were breathtaking it was the people that made an impression on me the most. Our guides, and the families we met were the most generous people I have ever met in my life, and I was so sad to leave them. PD gave me a real and authentic experience and I couldn't have asked for a better trip. The leaders were always there to help and I look up to them in so many ways. I wish I could relive it again and again.

Although I thoroughly loved my whole gap year, the Dragons trip stands out as the highlight. I loved the challenge, the intensity, the teaching style, the instructors, the flexibility, and the adventure. It was an incredibly transformative 3 months for me. It is hard to go to Nepal or India and not fall in love with the people, the culture, the land- the all encompassing and mind blowing world that is the Himalayas. This trip is an experience that will stay with you and continue to affect you for the rest of your life. It was not all fun, but it was raw and real and that was what made it so amazing.

This program had been my dream for over two years. Finally as a junior in University I was able to make this amazing experience a reality. The friends and memories made in the 9 weeks is not comparable to anything else I have ever experienced. Prior to the trip I was still unsure where my education was leading me. After seeing a part of the world in such a unique way through Pacific Discovery, I have clear career goals and all new aspirations for my future. Overall I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for an experience of a lifetime!