Nepal Impact Expedition

Today, we fly to the western side of Nepal from Kathmandu. It is about a1 hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Situated along the Nepal-India border, Nepalgunj is culturally rich with a confluence of both Hindu and Muslim culture. We shall stay in hotels and continue with the story night sessions to hear from all the participants on their life journeys. There will be a gear check as well to ensure you are well equipped for the trek. 
 

After breakfast, we will catch another flight to reach the small town of Juphal. It will take about 45 minutes to reach to Juphal with a scenic view of mountains. From Juphal, a short 2-3 hrs walk from the airstrip takes us to our first overnight camp at Dunai village. Our first day on the trail begins with an hour of downhill hiking through the village below the airstrip, then leading through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. Here we have ample time for a leisure walk around the village. We shall be staying in camps for the night. 

Today is the first long day of trek that leads through multiple glacial streams and then moves along a main river that runs through a maginificent gorge. The valley is lined with pine trees and we will be walking on an old trek path built above the river. After a long day of trekking , we come to Yelakot where colorful terraced fields greets us. Yelakot is an old fortress town built by the local people.  The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River which at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans. Our overnight camp will be by the river on the edge of a grassy plateau with a trees scattered around. 

From Yelakot we continue to follow the main trail for an hour till we reach the place caled Kolachuling. From Kolachulung we wil do a quick climb to reach the village of Kola. At the village, we shall rest for sometime with the locals and have some hot local tea. Post the break, we shall continue along the Tichurong valley with beautiful scenic views of the valley along the vegetation trail to Tachin village. We will be having lunch at the Tachin village and then descend down to the banks of the Barbung River to continue along the river bank for 2 hours and finally arrive at our campsite in Musi Khola. 

Today we continue the trek along the Barbung Khola valley. The trek is very scenic and moves along the river bank and with a thin vegetation. We will also end up crossing the river through a suspension bridge and enter into wide open valleys. The destination will be the village of Kakot which will be a 6-7 hours trek overall. Today we will allow the participants to setup their own tents and camp for the night. 

Today is one of the most interesting treks of the entire trip. From Kakot, the trek passes along the Barbung Khola valley for 2 hours and then ascends up through the valley for 3 hours following a small glacial river stream till we reach at a campsite used by the local herders. The campsite has stunning views and you get to see the mountain peaks of Churen Himal, Dhaulagiri IV, Dhaulagiri III. From the camp site the trek continues to gain altitude and we finally reached the destination village of Pimri. You will be welcome by the villagers in the traditional manner and then we shall settle down to rest. In the evening, we shall do a baseline survey of the village for the Solar Grids. 

Once you settle down in the village, we will form teams and begin our survey work of electrification. The day is going to be long, but you will be supported by the villagers, be prepared for an overwhelming experience, as you enter the rooms of the villagers and discuss with them on where they want the light bulbs to be put up. Carry the solar panels to the roof top and set the panels while understanding the practicalities of where the sun rises and sets in different seasons. 
 

Today is going to be a very special day. Our team will bring light to this centuries old remotest village, ending eons of darkness that it was immersed in for ages. After breakfast, the Team shall get started to set up the solar panels and do the final touches. The installed grid will then be inaugurated by the villagers in the evening  which we shall have a celebratory dinner with the villagers, and not to forget, the tasting of the famous local Chang!
 

After celebrating with the villagers, it is time to pack our bags and begin our trek back into the valley. From Pimri, the trek goes down to the campsite used by the local herders. We will rest for a small time and take a last look at the maginificent mountain peaks before we walk along the glacial streams to reach the Barbung Khola valley. Once in the valley, we shall continue to walk along the river till we reach our destination of Pimri. 

Today we shall continue the trek along the Barbung Khola valley. The trek is very scenic and moves along the river bank. We will also end up crossing the river through a suspension bridge and enter into wide open valleys. The destination will be the campsite of Musi Khola which will be a 5-6 hours trek overall. Today we will allow the participants to setup their own tents and camp for the night. The team shall also reflect back on the electrification work done and what it means to bring sustainable development to the remote mountain communities. 

From Musi Khola, we continue to walk along the Barbung River and then begin a short ascent to the village of Tachin, which is located on a flat piece of land on the mountain slope. Post the break, we shall continue along the Tichurong valley with beautiful scenic views to reach the village of Kola. From there, we shall descend down and continue along the main trail to finally reach the destination of Byasigad. We shall be camping for the night here. 

Today shall be the last day of camping and trekking. We shall start from Byasigad and walk through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to reach Dunai. From Dunai which was our first overnight camp, a short 2-3 hrs of trek uphill takes us to the town of Juphal. At Juphal, we shall be camping in the village and sharing the beautiful memories of the trek with our expedition team. 

Today will be a long day, but will involve flying instead of trekking. We shall take the first flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then take the connecting flight to Kathmandu. We plan to reach Kathmandu by the late afternoon and will check-in to the hotels. Given the hectic schedule, it will be rest day with no activities planned for the evening. 

The day will begin with a trip to the main markets of Kathmandu and the team will gain an insight into the handicraft market. The afternoon will be a leisure day for the team to visit the market and pick up souvenirs. In the evening, we shall have a reflection session where each participant will share insights from their own personal experience on the expedition and how to create more meaningful impact. 

“The mighty mountains beckoned and we answered the call. “

It’s time to say our farewell all around and make our way back to the airport with the GHE Team Leaders who will assure your safe departure!