NEW! Volunteer Trekking

Throughout history--extremes have proven time and time again to fail miserably. The key to happiness and success is balance.

In today's day and age, the time has come to balance our society. We must work together to help those in need, but not in the traditional ways we've been doing it thus far. Since WWII, the global community has made a huge push in foreign aide, in countries just like Nepal. These developing countries have since become reliant on the aide and the state of living has not improved--why should it, if everything is being provided from the outside?

There is a saying in the Christian faith--"Give a man a fish, feed him for a day--Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." This statements rings ever true in regards to foreign aide. Foreign entities, who do not know the people, terrain, culture, or needs of the people, can not simply drop a load of money and disappear and expect change to happen spontaneously.

That is why we, at Trek Nepal Int'l, have decided to partner with local NGO's that are not only improving the quality of life for the villagers of rural Nepal--but are also educating the masses on eco-friendly and culturally responsible practices to promote lasting economic, environmental, and social success.

We believe, that if you come to enjoy a place, you should also give back--so that the next person after you can enjoy. By volunteering you will not only leave area you visit a better place for the next traveler, but you will also provide economic support and knowledge to local villagers that will ensure their livelihood for generations to come. You yourself will be blessed with the experience of a lifetime, while getting to explore the beautiful, remote parts of Nepal. Its a win-win situation for all that are involved.

Our first volunteering trekking experience is in collaboration with SADA (Social Awareness and Development Association) from the Baitadi (Far West) District of Nepal. You can work with everything from education, to women's health, to agro projects and sustainable development.

Whatever knowledge you have will be warmly welcome by the people of Far West Nepal and you will be warmly welcomed in the homes of the kindest people you can imagine.

For more information about volunteering in Far West Nepal--email Mira at:

treknepal.int@gmail.com

Hope to see you in Far West Nepal--where we can make a difference that will last!

Stay in Shape in Kathmandu

In today's age of information and technology, it is widespread knowledge that living a healthy lifestyle is a must. The old drudgery of running on a treadmill, lifting some dumbells, or heaven forbid--doing crunches! has long since passed. People these days are looking for fun ways to work out, get in shape, and stay healthy.

Many people travel these days, but that doesn't mean they want to give up their active lifestyles. Often times, when travelling, you get caught up in the whirlwind of new foods, having a few drinks with friends and new acquaintences, and let's face it--being lazy. You work like a dog at home--and you want to come on holiday to relax, no? But once you get home and try to get back into your normal workout routine, you not only feel guilty about your lethargy--but you also find it difficult to get back into the swing of things, am I right?

That's why Core Fitness Studio Nepal is the perfect solution for you. Not only will you meet new people in these high tempo group workout classes, but you'll have fun doing and staying in shape while abroad. You can return home feeling relaxed and healthy--no guilty conscious--no extra pounds to work off.

Core Fitness Studio is located in Sanepa--not far from the tourist hub Thamel--and within walking distance from the new up and coming area "Jamel" --or Jamsikel. You can also walk to the beautiful ancient city of Patan from here. The studio is located in a fitness center, which used to be an old Rana Palace. The studio is huge and can accommodate large classes---so you're sure to make new friends!

Check out their facebook page and see what classes are running while you're here. They offer classes like Zumba, Total Body Workout, Belly Dance, Traditional Nepali Dance, etc..

 Come get fit at this fabulous new studio!

Far West Nepal-- Baitadi

When asking most Nepali people what far west Nepal was like, I was given only one answer..it’s hot! No one knew what the land was like, what type of people inhabited the region, or anything of interest that I would encounter on my week long journey to Baitadi. So, I set out not know what I would find.
    The reason for my field visit to Baitadi was in conjunction with Trek Nepal setting up an itinerary for a “Volunteer Excursion,” which will be implemented in the coming months. The goal of setting up volunteer trekking and excursions in remote areas of Nepal is to bring tourism and volunteer aide to regions which enter very few Nepali minds, let alone foreign ones. Trek Nepal Int’l aims to partner with local NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), rather than INGOs(International Non-Governmental Organizations), as NGOs at the local level know the real needs and lifestyles of the people they are helping. The first partnership being set in place by Trek Nepal is with SADA (Social Awareness and Development Association).
   SADA works with a number of wards (small areas consisting of multiple villages) in order to bring awareness to education, agriculture, social, and health issues within the wards. Each ward has a Community Awareness Committee (CAC) with a social mobilizer, who runs the meetings.
    My job was to assess the main needs of each village in order to better grasp what sort of volunteers would be most beneficial in a short amount of time. The main needs of the villages are simple: better techniques for growing crops, crop storage, irrigation (for those who aren’t near the river), education, women’s health, and improved energy sources.
    The women of the villages are the ones who met for the CAC meetings, as their husbands are either working far or out of the country. Many of them don’t have anything to do during they day other than take care of the manual labour it takes to get basic necessities—so tourism by way of homestays, was a welcome idea by all.
    During my time in Baitadi—I was fortunate enough to be involved in a local festival for the Goddess, Paravati, called Gaura. The women make improve songs and dance in a circle in beautiful saris. It was so special to me to be included in that and they even made up beautiful songs about me. I’ve never felt more welcome in a foreign place.
    The rolling hills, raging rivers, and rice terraced fields made Baitadi an appealing destination—but the women of the villages and my local guides/members of SADA made it a memorable visit I’ll never forget. I only hope to do as I’ve set out and get Baitadi the volunteers they so desperately need—and show people of both Nepal and abroad, the beauty of far west Nepal!