From 10th to 14th November 2025, Borderlands Nepal had the pleasure of hosting 35 (Year 9 ) students and 5 teachers from The British School(TBS), Lalitpur, for an immersive five-day learning adventure along the Chepang Heritage Trail. Nestled between the Kathmandu and Chitwan valleys, this hidden gem offered students a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, develop practical skills, and connect deeply with Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage.
The journey began with a warm welcome and safety briefing, setting the stage for a series of structured learning sessions. Students embarked on their first trek from Hugdi to Hattibang, where they practiced observing natural features, recording flora and fauna, and understanding the local ecosystem, enhancing their environmental awareness. Upon reaching Hattibang, the group participated in a campcraft session, learning how to pitch tents, organize a safe campsite, and handle outdoor tools responsibly. This was followed by a creative banner-making activity, fostering teamwork, planning, and problem-solving skills. The day concluded with a reflective discussion, where students shared insights and lessons learned from their first day in the field.
On the second day, the group ascended to Siraichuli, the highest point in the Chitwan region. Along the trek, students engaged in practical navigation exercises, learning how to read topography, maps, and trail markers. At Siraichuli, they practiced group coordination and leadership skills while setting up temporary observation points to study panoramic landscapes. The descent toward Kaule offered further opportunities to identify bird and plant species, enhancing ecological literacy. Evenings at the Shree Janapriya Ma. Vi campsite were spent around campfires, where students engaged in storytelling, cultural sharing, and outdoor cooking lessons, strengthening collaboration and communication skills.
The adventure continued through Dumkin and Mayatar, where students participated in terrain assessment and basic hiking safety exercises, learning to recognize potential hazards and support fellow trekkers. The route led to Gadi, an ancient fortification rich in history and culture, where students conducted mini field research on local architecture and heritage, developing observation and documentation skills. After reaching Meghauli Community House, students enjoyed a warm welcome, refreshments, and interactive cultural learning, including local dance and music sessions that deepened their appreciation of Nepalese traditions.
Cultural and wildlife learning took center stage on the following day. Students embarked on a jeep safari through the community forest, where they practiced wildlife observation, species identification, and note-taking. At the Tharu Museum, they participated in guided sessions to understand Tharu culture, traditions, and community life. Students also engaged in research presentations on tigers, butterflies, and other local species, fostering scientific inquiry and presentation skills. Canoeing at the confluence of the Narayani and Rapti rivers was turned into a hands-on environmental learning activity, where students practiced water safety, navigation, and ecosystem observation. The day concluded with reflective discussions on lessons learned from both natural and cultural exploration.
The journey concluded with a return to Kathmandu, filled with shared reflections, memories, and a deeper understanding of both the natural and cultural landscapes they had explored.
The Chepang Heritage Trail provided an ideal platform for learning through adventure. Highlights included panoramic mountain views from Siraichuli, birdwatching for species like the Himalayan Cutia and Red-faced Liocichla, and a visit to the historic Uppardang Gadhi fortress, where students practiced field observation and documentation. Throughout the trip, students stepped outside their comfort zones, embraced challenges, and acquired essential outdoor skills, connecting deeply with local communities and the environment.
Hosted by Borderlands Nepal, this journey was more than a trek—it was a transformative learning adventure, equipping students with practical skills, environmental awareness, cultural understanding, and lasting memories of Nepal’s hidden treasures.
