GoAbroad

12 Weeks Adventure Guide Program | Nepal

Inquire Here
Contact ProviderProgram Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.6 / 5Student rating
13Reviews
8Programs
2016Year established

Program Overview

Experience high altitudes, cultural immersion, and remote backpacking on this Himalayan adventure. You will explore jungle and alpine conditions while moving between locations, hiking, rock climbing, and exploring different areas within Nepal. Spending a minimum of 64 nights backcountry camping, you will become fully immersed in the local culture and adventure lifestyle. With iconic landscapes, isolated mountain villages, and warm and friendly locals, Nepal is unforgettable and will carry a place in your heart like no other. This program is about spending 12 weeks in the world’s most dramatic landscapes. From technical skills to emergency safety and group dynamics, this comprehensive program will give you the confidence to navigate, hike, climb, and guide in the great outdoors. You will be on the move around Nepal hiking in Langtang National Park, Annapurna Circuit, Pokhara, and climbing local crags in Pharping or Habbitan. If you are ready to adventure travel in Nepal while gaining an outdoor education, this is the program for you!

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Gain outdoor guiding experience while developing the skills to become a confident adventurer.
Dive into an incredible journey of learning, coaching, and experiences in Nepal’s breathtaking outdoors.
Learn about the unique Nepali culture while you adventure travel your way through the country.
Explore places like Langtang National Park, Pokhara, Annapurna Conservation Area, Kathmandu and more!
Gain your International Wilderness First Aid Certificate and White Water Level 1 Rescue Certification as well as Industry Recognised Hiking and Rock Climbing Skills.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Program Activity Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Some Equipment
Guide / Chaperone
In-Country Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation

Quick Details

Location
Kathmandu, Nepal
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Age Requirement18-35
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Eco Tours
  • Ecology
  • Hiking
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature Tours
  • Sports
  • Tours
  • Trekking
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Self-Discovery
  • Sports
  • Study Abroad
  • Wilderness
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
Inquire about this program

Updated Nov 26, 2025

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Kathmandu, Nepal

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: Year Round
  • Gap Year Timing: After College, Post High School, During College, Career Break / Mid-Career

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-35

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Pure Exploration

4.6
13 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
8
4
5
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Itinerary
4.7
Cultural Immersion
4.7
Satisfaction
4.7
Living Situation
4.6
Program Administration
4.6
Health & Safety
4.6

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 13 of 13 reviews

Sam GutteridgeJanuary 2025

My Pure Exploration experience was one for the books.

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!

Sara-Éve GuimonDecember 2024

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.

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.

Kmegabith WilberforceDecember 2024

Whirlwind knowledge and hands-on experience

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

Jo TimberlakeDecember 2024

One of the best experiences of my life

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.

Sam PhaneufMay 2024

I can not recommend this program enough

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.

Paulina OjedaMay 2024

Perfect program to start your career

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

Robert KainMay 2024

I personally learned a lot

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.

Anja ZehetgruberMay 2024

A full immersion lifetime experience

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.

Franziska HoellMay 2024

Nepal is a demanding program

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.

Giorgis KatsanevakisMay 2024

I had the chance to gain more 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!

Antonio TriasApril 2024

The best part of the program...

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.

Sam HarrisApril 2024

Life-changing experience

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.

Kelty ParkerUnited States · December 2023

Incredible Cultural Emersion and Exploration

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.

Photos

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

When do you want to travel?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Pure Exploration.

What is included in the program?

Program includes:

  • Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding
  • 12-weeks of accommodation (hostels, tea houses, camping)
  • Meals on program days (local cuisine)
  • Technical equipment for rock climbing, hiking, and camping
  • Transportation during program days
  • Highly skilled local program guides
  • Outdoor First Aid Training
  • White Water Rescue Course

How fit do I need to be?

We highly recommend that you are comfortable hiking with a 15kg/30lb backpack for six hours or more, spending five days a week outdoors, and camping at high altitudes. You will be completing longer multi-day hikes at high altitudes. 

Where do most program participants come from?

Our program participants come from all over the world. Think Europe, North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and more!

What locations do we visit on program?

Places we visit include Langtang National Park, Annapurna Conservation Area, Pokhara, Kathmandu, Habbitan, Pharping, and more!

Who will be my program instructor?

We work with local in-country guides who are experts within the Himalayas. They are highly skilled in rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering, and guiding and are the perfect instructors to learn from. 

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Program Adventure Travel in Nepal 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Adventure Travel
Innovation In Alumni Engagement 2024 Finalist
Innovative Intern Abroad Program 2024 Finalist
Adventure Mark Certified
NZOIA Associate Member
People's Choice 2022 Finalist
American Gap Association

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Listing Photo
Gapforce logo

Gapforce

No reviews yet

Nepal & India Adventure with Gapforce

It doesn't get more epic than a 2000-mile tour across the Indian Subcontinent. Journey on this incredible adventure from the lofty, glacial lands...

IVHQ Programs
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.68

828 reviews

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...

wildlife volunteering
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization logo

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

4.76

41 reviews

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 20...

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and Pure Exploration is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997