I.O. Programs
All I.O. courses are self-support. In other words: we’re on our own; not a porter in sight! Participants carry their own gear which includes tent, food, stove, technical equipment and personal belongings. All members of the team, students and instructors alike, partake in every step of the expedition from packing to navigating to cooking and leading. This is outdoor survival and leadership at its best.
I.O. activities
Almost all of our IO programs take place in Nepal. IO programs are either activity specific or a combination of the following activities. Please check the course description for details on activities, age group and level of difficulty.
Rafting and Kayaking:
International tourism statistics rate Nepal as one of the top 5 destinations in the World for White Water Rafting and for good reason! Rivers like the Bhote Kosi and Trisuli come roaring down from the Himlalayas picking up speed as they go through a series of waterfalls and narrow canyons. I.O. has a range of starting points that encompass the whole spectrum of rapids, grades and riverside camping locations. Why not join us for an exciting day out or even for an overnight trip? We provide you with all the safety instruction and equipment and our World Class, Internationally Qualified guides will both look after you and give you a white water experience you will never forget. Prepare to get very wet and wild…
Since the first descent from Everest Base Camp by Kayak in the early 1970’s, Kayaking has really taken off as a sport in Nepal. It combines the thrill of being really close to big white water with the experience of discovering the science behind river running, risk assessment and hydrology. We will take you all the way from practicing the basics to learning technical white water skills. This can be done through a 1 day course or on a multi day river camping trip. Our internationally qualified staff will introduce you to the wonderful, unforgettable world of white water adventure and with each new paddle stroke your self confidence will grow as you discover just how far you can push your goals
Hiking and Backpacking
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of walking a whole day with your whole world on your back… Except maybe taking the whole world off your back, slipping off your boots and lying back in your tent with a steaming mug of coco! This is the World of backpacking, whether you like to meander your way slowly down a river valley, taking time to paddle your toes in the water or you prefer stomping up a big mountain and really getting your heart rate going, backpacking is one of the easiest ways to get that little bit closer to nature.
For those with less time on their hands or who don’t want to carry a big pack but still want to get out there then Hiking is the sport for you. Take a picnic and if the weather looks bad a waterproof jacket and with nothing more to help you than a map and compass (and an I.O guide to teach you how to use them) and head off into the Great Outdoors, where you go is in your hands…
Rock Climbing and Canyoning
Nepal is famous for big mountain expeditions and highly experienced Nepali guides. But where do the guides go to train when they’re not on a mountain? The Kathmandu Valley boasts an awesome selection of climbing locations all within easy access from the city. What could be more fun than spending a day with family or friends in the company of one of our internationally qualified guides, learning how to climb? We bring all the kit and a refreshing lunch with cold soft drinks, you bring loads of energy and a keen sense of adventure and together we’ll make a days climbing into an experience that you’ll want to try again and again.
So you think rock climbing sounds fun? Well how about adding the element of water and getting really wet whilst abseiling down spectacular waterfalls in the Kathmandu Valley or on the Tibetan Border. Canyoning is a relatively new sport in Nepal but it can incorporate all the group elements of rock climbing and at the same time be a really exciting and challenging trip for the individual. Nepal is the perfect location for this sport. Glorious sunshine streams through the cascading waters and throws mini rainbows and droplets like diamonds all around you. If you’re really lucky you might get a falcon or eagle gliding nearby – they’ll be just as surprised to see you as you them!
Caving
Caving is still in its infancy as a sport in Nepal. It involves the exploration and mapping of subterranean cave systems in an organized and safe manner. Unexplored caves are found in abundance in the middle hills of Nepal. This adventure activity offers opportunities for first time explorations of the fascinating underground world.
Mountaineering
When asked why he climbed Everest, the Late Sir Edmund Hillary replied “Because it’s there”. Well now you too can climb the peak of your choice in Nepal. And what a choice! Nepal boasts 8 of the worlds 14, 8’000 meter peaks and the Himalayas stretches the whole length of Nepal like a castle wall just waiting to be climbed. With our highly experienced and internationally qualified guides you can join an I.O expedition and climb anything from one of Nepal’s easier trekking peaks like the 6400 meter Mera Peak or go as high and as hard as you want to push yourself. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure your safety and to support you. How high you go is your choice and when you reach your summit we will be right there to capture that precious moment on film for you to treasure forever.
Professional Guide Training
I.O. has designed intensive courses to train participants as professional and certified guides in a given field. Previous experience in the given field is a prerequisite and applicants are required to have a certain standard of physical and technical ability. Wilderness First Aid and rescue training are included in these courses.
School Programs
Learning should be fun and interesting but it’s not always easy in a classroom with limited resources to make it so. I.O. uses hands on, experiential learning in an Outdoor environment to encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning process and development. These courses incorporate an active element of team building and leadership exercises which can be tailored to meet your curriculum and school needs. Most importantly our courses are fun, new and interesting which is exactly what your students need to keep their attention and make what they experience on our trips memorable.
Out of the Box
This is your chance to really get out there and think and learn in ways you’ve never tried before. Take some seriously difficult leadership scenarios, a bit of dynamic teamwork and the core values of what Initiative Outdoor is really about and see just how far you can push yourself – the skies the limit…or is it?
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