Nepal Trip Oct 2015 – 10 Days

(last revised Aug17 to include Monjo School Project)
 
When the unfortunate earthquake disaster hit Nepal a couple of months back, a few wondered if it is wise to still pursue a trip this year.

If you read through the news and see pictures of devastation – you may conclude that the infrastructure is totally wrecked that a travel will not be feasible.  

Well, the good news is that – 90% of the infrastructure is still operational, and by autumn – it would even be better.  And in some aspects, maybe even better than last autumn and this recent spring!

There are two major reasons why one should visit this year – first, tourism helps rebuild economy and the lives of those affected by the calamity.   I had a similar campaign post-Yolanda here. 

Second, it’s much safer.  It’s highly unlikely that a similar devastation will occur that soon. 

It is expected that many tourists will not visit Nepal soon, and the one good aspect of that is – it will be more quiet and peaceful for the few brave travelers this autumn.  

My core team will climb 2 peaks (see climb details here including Everest BC trek), and we invite trekkers to either join 16-day Everest BC trip, or the much-shorter 10-day Khumbu trek for the busy ones.

10-Day Itinerary

Day	Date	Tengboche Trek (Khumbu Nepal)
1	15-Oct-15	Kathmandu arrival, transfer to hotel; briefing.  Guest  may tour the city if they have ample time.
2	16-Oct-15	Fly to Lukla and trek to Chumoa (formerly Phakding)
3	17-Oct-15	School work in Monjo, back to Chumoa
4	18-Oct-15	Trek to Namche
5	19-Oct-15	Rest day/ Khumjung trek, back to Namche
6	20-Oct-15	Trek to Tengboche
7	21-Oct-15	Visit Tengboche Monastery, Trek Back to Namche
8	22-Oct-15	Trek to Lukla
9	23-Oct-15	Fly to Kathmandu
10	24-Oct-15	Depart for home

Ideally, visitors arrive 2 days before departure date (vs. 1day in this itinerary), and allow extra day after expected arrival (from Lukla).  This is really for contingency reasons. 

My outfitter – Dream Himalaya Adventures, (who’s managing my climb logistics) is offering this trip for 1095 USD only, this includes everything: domestic flight to Lukla, food and accommodation, guides and porters, permits and the like – for the whole 10 days.  Not included are things like the international airfare, visa, insurance, personal gears and extra expenses.

Add 50 USD as your optional contribution for the School Rebuilding work.  We highly recommend that each participant help us individually campaign for donations so we can generate enough money to make our rehabilitation work substantial.    

(Aug17 update) The objective is to help and participate in a School Reconstruction project in Monjo. See more details here.

This 10-day trip will be great for first-timers – although relatively easy, this trip will still require one to walk for several hours a day.  Altitude will still be a major risk and so proper acclimatization will still be needed.

Why travel to Nepal?  To have fun!  To help!

I also posted about Himalaya here   and benefits of such travel here.

So what are you waiting for? 

Sign up and start your first Nepal Adventure!!! 

My team (me in red jacket) hiking somewhere in Khumbu Nepal (2003).