In April Nepal was devastated by an earthquake that left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. Many are still living in tents and the economy is severely damaged. Tourism is vital to the country, now more than ever.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office lifted its ban on non-essential travel to Nepal in July, which means that it’s now safe to travel there and the country is once again open for business. Hotels, shops, many trekking routes and surviving cultural, historic and religious sites being cleared of debris and reopened, although tragically some are lost forever.
Hampshire Tour Operator, The Different Travel Company, recently launched its non-profit ‘Rebuild Nepal’ trip for anyone wanting to help practically in Nepal after the earthquake in April. Participants from all walks of life can join the 10 day trip this November, spending 5 days in the Kathmandu Valley assisting with construction of metal frame houses for families currently without homes.
Construction materials are included in the price of the trip, and participants will work closely with an English-speaking Nepalese team, aiming to build 1 house per 10 participants. No previous building skills are required, just a willingness to get involved and help make a difference.
The construction teams will be coordinated by the company’s long-standing Nepalese guide, Dayula Sherpa, who has been working tirelessly to help those affected by the earthquake.
Anyone of good health and reasonable fitness can participate. Interested businesses can send a team of 10 employees to fund and construct a home in its entirety.
The trip takes place November 26 to December 6 2015 and costs £1650 per person. Trip Includes: Flights from London (inc. airport taxes), all transfers & transport in Nepal, accommodation in 3 star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights), camping during project (6 nights), all meals, bottled water, camping support team, cost of all project materials and coordination, a UK Different Travel tour manager. (NB as a non-profit trip, any funds remaining will be donated to the local community).
For further information, visit Rebuild Nepal website.