How Visiting Nepal will Support Project iBelieve
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If you like outdoors and hiking, Nepal is your heaven. One year ago I embarked on the Everest Base Camp (EBC) via Gokyo Lakes Trek. The majestic views in the Himalayan range amazed me. I truly agree on what this quote is trying to describe about Nepal: “Heaven is a myth, Nepal is real.” But at the same time, the fact that many Nepali live in poverty saddened me.
After I came back to Canada from the EBC trip, I decided to do something for Nepali children. I created Project iBelieve to help Nepali Children with access to education. Without education, they will only be able to work as laborers, generation after generation.
To raise funds, I have partnered with a local tour operator Skyway Nepal Treks. This newly established company was founded by two trekking guides, Bal Darnal and Binod Osti, who have many years guide experience and are familiar with routes in the Everest region, Annapurna region, Langtang region and other tourism areas. Coming from poor families, both of them lost the opportunity of going to school at a very young age. They understand the importance of education, and want to help children in the remote areas to receive education and take control of their lives.
I have made an arrangement with the company that for all the group trips I organize, the company will donate part of its proceeds to Project iBelieve. On top of that, the company will make extra donations each year based on their profits. Bal, one of the owners, also volunteers as Program Manager for Project iBelieve, responsible for program delivery in Nepal. With a business degree from university, I am glad to help Skyway with business management, and marketing. I also advocate the company to be socially responsible, and monitor the company’s operations to make sure their guides and porters are treated well. It’s worth mentioning that I am not compensated by Skyway. I am happy to help Skyway, which in turn raises funds for Project iBelieve in a form of donations from Skyway.
As part of my marketing efforts, I organize guided group trips to Nepal, helping those who want to travel with a group of people having similar goals and energy levels, and at the same time enjoy a group discount.
There are many fantastic trekking routes and great heritage tours in Nepal, and there are different ways to embark on these trips. DIY or getting a tour operator’s services, it is totally a personal choice. Most of the trekking routes in Nepal are well visited, DIY is definitely feasible and self-fulfilling, as long as you have done detailed research, make good plans, and be aware of risks involved. If DIY, there is also a choice of hiring porters or not. To answer this question, you will have to think if you can handle a backpack of about 15 – 20kg at high altitude.
For those who want convenience, certainty and guide service, local tour operators provide value-added services, including guide(s), porter(s), application of trekking permits, accommodation arrangement, coordination of domestic flights, emergency rescue, etc.
If you are planning to travel to Nepal, consider Skyway Nepal Treks’ services, and I will try my best to help you find a suitable route and group based on your needs and energy level. Skyway strives to make your trip experience safe, smooth, and memorable. As mentioned earlier, they will donate part of the proceeds to Project iBelieve to help Nepali children with their education.
You can find Nepal trip details on Skyway’s website www.SkywayNepalTreks.com. Feel free to contact me or the company if you have any questions. If you wish to join a guided group, I would be happy to find a suitable group for you.
If you decide to have a DIY trip, feel free to ask me questions. I will try my best to help you. Nepal is a great travel destination. I would love to see more people visiting Nepal and enjoying breathtaking views in the Himalayas.
Kim’s Contact Info
Email: kim.ibelieve@gmail.com
Cellphone: 1- 416 564 2488
WeChat ID: KimInCanada
Some Popular Trips in Nepal:
Everest Base Camp Three-Pass Trek – 21 Days (physical requirement: challenging)
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes – 19 Days (physical requirement: challenging)
Everest Base Camp Short Trek – 16 Days (physical requirement: challenging)
Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri – 24 Days (physical requirement: challenging)
Everest View Trek – 12 Days (physical requirement: moderate)
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek – 15 Days (physical requirement: moderate to challenging)
Annapurna Base Camp – 15 Days (physical requirement: moderate to challenging)
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 16 Days (physical requirement: challenging)
Ghorepani-Poon Hill Sunrise Trek – 10 Days (physical requirement: easy to moderate)
Langtang Valley Trek – 11 Days (physical requirement: moderate )
Highlights of Nepal – 11 Days (physical requirement: easy sightseeing)
Packing Suggestion for Trekking Trips:
See the “Packing Suggestion” tab in each trip detail page.
Your next vacation destination is Nepal. Skyway Nepal Treks will take you to experience heaven. Your choice will help Project iBelieve to help Nepali children.