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 Tarakot where colorful terraced fields greets us. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people.  The village stands on a hillock to the south of a glacial 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 Tarakot, we continue to follow the main trail for an hour till and then do a quick climb to reach the top of the ridge line. Post the break, we shall continue along the valley with beautiful scenic views of the valley along the vegetation trail to Laina Odar. We will be having lunch at the village and then camp for the day after the long trek in the valley. 

As we move forward, our route mostly follows the river, leading us up and down on uneven trails. The temperature will rise, and the trek will become tougher as we ascend . Along the way of our journey, we will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking views of the river and waterfalls. Just after starting, we will hit a steep patch of dirt and uneven path following which the trek will become smoother.

The trail today goes all the way uphill from Nawar Pani in a wide gorge alongside the Trape river. We will cross the river multiple times, and along the trail, we can encounter mules, horses, and yaks as they use as transportation. And we may have a chance to see some wildlife such as Musk deer and Himalayan Thar. Once we reach the village, we will be welcomed by the villagers who are known for their warmth and hospitality. The welcome will be done 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 beer

After celebrating with the villagers, it is time to pack our bags and begin our trek back into the valley. From the village, 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 base location at Nawarpani

Today will be a long day of trekking and we shall take a route along the river streams, with patches where the trek goes up and down. It will be a long trek back from Nawarpani to Khani and we will reach by late afternoon and setup camps at Khanigaon. 

Today is the last day of trekking and a good one too. The trek meandors through mountains that rise higher and steeper with the ridges intersecting each other. Most of the route sticks along the galcial river streams and the journey will be fun with stories of the impact created in the village. 

Today will be a slowly paced day with the team moving from Dharapani to Dunai where the trekking ends finally. At Dunai, we will transfer to vehicles and head for an hour to reach the small village town of Juphal. 

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 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!