HIO trip with a mission 2018
Himalayan Trek Portion — February 21 - March 3
Kathmandu Portion — March 4 - 11
Kathmandu Portion — March 4 - 11
Caroline Wheeler meeting her sponsored child, Manisha, for the first time. "A heart full of gratitude to HIO for an amazing, life-changing experience that I will cherish forever."
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Join Us for a Unique Cultural Experience!
We are pleased to announce that our 2018 HIO trip to Nepal is being planned for late February. All travelers will experience Nepal from a unique cultural perspective with leadership from our Nepali Directors Ram and Palmo. HIO sponsors will have the opportunity to meet and connect with their sponsored girls and their families. HIO Board member and experienced travel planner, Carolyn Schmitz, will serve as our trip leader. She'll help prepare you for the trip with practical advice on getting your visa, clothing to pack, medical and trip insurance, shots and assistance with your flights. Carolyn will also suggest physical training routines for you, too. The trip will encompass two parts, both deeply cultural: an urban experience in Kathmandu and a hike in the Himalayan mountains north of Kathmandu. Travelers may chose to do both segments of the trip or just one. |
Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, a world heritage site
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Kathmandu
First, there will be about five days of sightseeing within Kathmandu and time spent with your sponsored child. Our small group will visit several world heritage sites in and around the city. In addition, we'll enjoy a day hike in the Himalayan foothills outside of the Kathmandu Valley and a traditional Nepali dinner at Ram’s home in the village of Dhulikhel. "What an incredible opportunity to share meaningful experiences with a group so committed to making a positive contribution to those in need. And having so much fun doing it. Thank you for everything you did to make our experience so rich and memorable." —Marshall and Donna Soules
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Tengboch Monastery, on route to Mt. Everest
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Himalayan Trek
Second, there will be a trek (hike) to the revered Tengboche Monastery on the famed Mt. Everest route, in the Solo-Khumbu region. The trek will last about 8-9 days from start to finish, rated as moderate to slightly strenuous due to the 13,000-foot elevation at the Monastery. This is a guided, moderately paced trek with frequent rest stops, non-technical, through the mountains with extraordinary, breathtaking views. Gear will be carried by porters, and our group will stay in tea houses along the way. |
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Price $800/person: Cost for the Kathmandu portion $1,500/person: Cost for the Himalayan trek portion $500/person: Tax-deductible donation to HIO |
The cost of the trip is calculated on HIO breaking even. The $500/person donation to HIO will help fund our Strong Roots preschool in the Balku slum. |
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What’s Included * Pick-up and drop-off at the airport in Kathmandu * Accommodations at the Kathmandu Guest House (double occupancy) * Daily breakfast and three evening meals * All ground transportation, guides & entrance fees to cultural sites * All gratuities for Kathmandu and the trek |
What’s Not Included * Airfare to Nepal (average RT flight for economy travel is $1200/person) * Nepal visa and any necessary shots or medications * Alcoholic beverages and bottled soda on trek * Medical costs, if incurred |
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Please consider:
The trip is not appropriate for travelers using a wheelchair or walker. Kathmandu, at 5,000' elevation, has poor air quality, and historic sites are non-compliant for disabilities. It may also be difficult for someone who might have trouble walking on uneven city terrain or unpaved pathways. For the trek, you should be capable of walking five miles unassisted, with frequent breaks. You must not have any health issues for hiking to an altitude of 13,000'. |
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If you are interested in signing up for the trip or have any questions, contact Ricky Bernstein, HIO Executive Director. ricky@handsinoutreach.org
413.229.7993 |
If you need any advice on traveling in Nepal, contact Carolyn Schmitz, our trip leader and an experienced travel planner worldwide.
401.662.6379 |
If you need assistance with transportation plans to Nepal, contact travel agent Devi Kambar.
516.280.3711 or 516.334.9724 E-mail Devi |