Nepal was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 25 April, 2015 which caused large scale damage. The country and the local community are finding it hard to cope with the destruction caused by the earthquake. Dharma Adventures along with its partners Dharma Karma Society and Rotary Club are helping in the relief and rebuilding process. We are working with the local communities and volunteers in rebuilding the schools, community spaces and religious buildings damaged by the earthquake.
Chuplu Bhanjyang is a village located in Eastern Nepal of Okhaldhunga district that was badly affected by the April Earthquake. Our focus will be on rebuilding a school, health post, and a Buddhist Stupa. After our volunteer work with the local people, we take a short trek to Peekay.
Trek to Peekay
Dudh Kunda & Peekay Ridge Trek is a marvelous trek that follows the classic trail to Everest for some days and then diverts to an off beaten path towards Peekay ridge. You can see grand views of Mt. Everest and surrounding high peaks including Numbur and Dudh Kunda, the holy glacial lake beneath the mighty peaks of Numbur.
Dudh Kunda is a sacred holy lake which the pilgrims and the locals believe that taking a dip in this holy lake relinquishes the sins of a hundred life times and also grants your wishes. The serenity of this region and its panoramic snowcapped mountain scenery from Mount Everest, Numbur, Kwangde and of the eastern Everest range makes this a unique trekking experience.
You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Malla [-/-/-]
Pick up from the hotel for a full day sightseeing of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur.
Kathmandu City is the political as well as the cultural capital of the country. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever.
Swayambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple is a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site. It rests on a hillock 3 km towards the western edge of Kathmandu and is one of the most important and the most sacred Buddhist shrines of Nepal.
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu and is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupa in Nepal. The ancient stupa is one of the largest in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bhaktapur is the third major city in the Kathmandu Valley. Visit the Nyatapola Temple, which at 98ff. height is not only the highest temple in the valley but also one of the best examples of traditional Nepali architecture. The main occupations are weaving, pottery and fanning and the houses are traditionally of brick with intricate wood carving for decoration.
Overnight at Hotel Malla [B/-/-]
Altitude: approx. 950m/3116ft
After breakfast take a chartered flight to Manthali. The flight takes about 30 minutes. On arrival at Manthali we drive by 4 WD vehicles to Dhaade. The drive takes four hours and passes through scenic mountainous landscapes. On arrival at our camp site our trekking crew will meet you with a welcoming cup of tea and show you to your tented accommodation.
In the evening enjoy dinner in the dining tent with other members of the group and our crew.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Altitude: approx. 2281m/7482ft
After breakfast we start our trek. Our second day of the trek is again a six-hour trek to Phetale. The trek passes through villages and mountain scenery giving us an opportunity to appreciate the beautiful nature and tranquil atmosphere.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Altitude: approx. 2578m/8456ft
After breakfast we start our trek. Our third day of the trek is about a six-hour trek to Chuplu Bhanjyang. As you trek you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and village life
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Today we start our volunteer program. We visit the site of the health post and stupa, destroyed by the earthquake and join the local community in rebuilding of the school.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structures
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structures
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structures
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structures
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structures
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structures
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Today is our last day of community work and our interaction with the local community.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Altitude: 2740m/8987ft
Trek time: 6 hours
Today we start our Peekay trek. The first day begins with a six-hour trek to Kilkhurding Gompa. Enjoy beautiful scenery as you trek.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Altitude: 3306m/10844ft
Trek time: 5 hours
Start trek after breakfast. Enjoy scenic beauty while you trek
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Altitude: 4065m/13333ft
Trek time: approx. 6-7 hours
After breakfast we start our trek while enjoying views of the Eastern Himalayas. You can see grand views of Mt. Everest and surrounding high peaks including Numbur and Dudh Kunda the holy glacial lake beneath the mighty peaks of Numbur.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Altitude: (2779m/9115ft)
Trek time: approx. 6-7 hours
After breakfast we start our trek. Trek to Denasa Gompa while enjoying scenic views.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Altitude: (2469m/8098ft)
Trek time: 5.5 hours
After breakfast we start our trek. Trek to Phaplu enjoying scenic views.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
After breakfast take our charter flight back to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day can be spent at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel Malla [B/-/-]
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for final departure to your onward destination. [B/-/-]
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner
-Trip Ends-
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Group size | 6 to 15 persons |
What is my role during the time I am volunteering? | You are expected to help with the rebuilding and assist with the finishing touches. When the group arrives at the location, 80% of the building will have been pre-built since construction will begin as soon we receive the funds. We endorse child safe practices and working alongside the locals. This gives you an opportunity to get an in-depth knowledge of their lifestyle, learn about their culture and build relationships. If you do not want physical work, then you can boost their morale and discuss other needs of the locals. Local villagers love a foreign company and sometimes, even a mere conversation gives them happiness. |
Will any gear be provided during volunteering? | No, there will be no gear provided. You need to bring the right gear & equipment with you for the kind of volunteering you are planning to do. You may also be able to source them locally in Kathmandu. |
What kind of accommodation will be provided at the volunteering sites? | Accommodation during the trek and at the volunteering sites will be camping style. We will have custom made A frame tents set up for you to be shared on a twin sharing basis. A foam mattress and bed sheet will be provided. Our trekking staff comprising of a Sirdar, Sherpa, cook, porters and helpers will accompany you. They will ensure that your camps are ready before your arrival. Food ingredients like vegetables etc. (as per availability) will be locally sourced and prepared fresh at the camp site. Where possible, we try providing benefits to the community and bringing their much needed income. |
Okhaldhunga Project #1 | Building a School |
What are we rebuilding? | We will be rebuilding a school |
What funds are required from each participant besides the tour cost? | A B3 (Build Back Better) fund per participant must be raised to qualify for this program, in addition to the tour cost. If more funds can be raised and the total amount exceeds the estimated amount, the balance unused funds will be directed for additional work in the area. |
Okhaldhunga Project #2 | Construction of a Buddhist Stupa |
What are we rebuilding? | We will be reconstructing a stupa |
What funds are required from each participant besides the tour cost? | A B3 (Build Back Better) fund per participant must be raised to qualify for this program, in addition to the tour cost. If more funds can be raised and the total amount exceeds the estimated amount, the balance unused funds will be directed for additional work in the area. |
Okhaldhunga Project #3 | Construction of Community building |
What are we rebuilding? | We will be reconstructing village a community centre |
What funds are required from each participant besides the tour cost? | A B3 (Build Back Better) fund per participant must be raised to qualify for this program, in addition to the tour cost. If more funds can be raised and the total amount exceeds the estimated amount, the balance unused funds will be directed for additional work in the area. |
How is the B3 Fund used? | The B3 funds will be used for construction materials and labor cost. |
Includes | • Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary |
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on bed and breakfast plan | |
• 17 nights /18 days Volunteer program with trek inclusive of accommodation, meals, transportation to and from the program location | |
• All sightseeing as indicated in the program with private vehicle and escorted by English speaking local guide | |
• All monument entrance fees as per the above program | |
Excludes | • B3 Fund |
• Nepal visa fee | |
• Airfares | |
• Refreshments, bottled drinks | |
• Tipping | |
• Insurance and rescue of any form | |
• Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control | |
• Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost | |
• Photography charges in the monasteries and monuments | |
• Any items, services and meals which are not mentioned in the above itinerary |