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.
Okhaldhunga is a district in eastern Nepal and provides scenic views of snow-capped mountains and sparkling springs. Tourists are attracted towards rafting in Sunkoshi and Bhotekoshi Rivers and the natural beauty of Okhaldhunga.
Just 60 kilometers from Dolakha, the epicenter of the May 12th earthquake, Okhaldhunga was one of the worst affected areas; it suffered irreparable physical and human losses. Our focus will be on rebuilding a school, health post, and a Buddhist Stupa.
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, we will take a chartered flight to Manthali which takes about 30 minutes. Upon arrival at Manthali, we will drive by 4 WD vehicles to Dhaade. The drive takes four hours and passes through scenic mountain landscapes. When you arrive at the 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]
After breakfast, we start our trek to Lamje Sakamari. Our first day of the trek is a six-hour trek to Lamje Sakamari. Although the trek is strenuous it is rewarded with scenic views of the Himalayas. Arrive at our destination, where our crew has set up camp. Enjoy a cup of hot tea and relax in your tents.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Today we start our volunteer program. We visit the site of the school and community buildings destroyed by the earthquake and join the local people in rebuilding of the school.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structure
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structure
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structure
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structure
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Rebuilding of damaged structure
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]
Trek time: 3-4 hours
Drive time: approx. 5 hours
We say our goodbyes to our new friends. After breakfast trek back to Dhadde for about 4 hours where your vehicle awaits you and further drive to Manthali that takes approximately 5 hours.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
After breakfast fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to Hotel Malla. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel Malla [B/-/-]
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for final departure to your onward destination.
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? |
| What kind of accommodation will be provided at the volunteering sites? | Accommodation during the volunteering days 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 camping 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 Stupa |
| What are we rebuilding? | We will be reconstructing a Buddhist 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 a Community building |
| What are we rebuilding? | We will be rebuilding the community building |
| 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 | |
| • 10 nights 11 days Volunteer program 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 entry visa fee | |
| • Airfares | |
| • Refreshments, bottled drinks | |
| • Tipping | |
| • Insurance and rescue of any form | |
| • Cost arising out of flight cancelation/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 included in the above cost inclusion or mentioned in the above itinerary |
