A Home Away from Home: Your Eco-Friendly Adventure in Nepal

Nepal opened its borders to foreign tourists in 1951, a pivotal moment after decades of being closed off during the Rana era. Initially, scientific expeditions were permitted, but pure mountaineering expeditions were famously denied to Swiss and British requests in 1948. A year later, mountaineers were allowed to visit, but only if they were part of a scientific party.

The course of tourism in Nepal changed forever with a series of historic mountaineering achievements. The 1950 French expedition, led by Maurice Herzog, was the first to receive permission for a full mountaineering attempt. After a failed attempt on Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), the team successfully summited Annapurna I (8,091 m). This was the first time an “eight-thousander”—a peak over 8,000 meters—was climbed.

Just three years later, in 1953, the world was captivated by the news of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary’s successful ascent of Mount Everest. These historic events sparked a tourism boom, marking the 1950s and 1960s as the “golden age of mountain climbing” in Nepal. The world’s attention turned to this majestic land, often called the “Shangri-La” of the Himalayas.

The Annapurna Circuit, a long-distance trekking route, has since become one of the world’s most popular treks. What once took 30 days to complete can now be done in as little as 10 days due to the growth of motorable roads. This has made the region more accessible, opening the door to new kinds of travelers and experiences.

Located at 28.40°N 84.31°E, the small village of Khudi is the historic “door of the trek” for those traveling the Annapurna Circuit. Nestled between the Khudi and Marshyangdi rivers, this beautiful mountain city serves as a crucial hub for an estimated 20 surrounding villages.

For over 50 years, Khudi has been a lifeline for these communities, offering essential services like a medical clinic, a veterinary clinic, a secondary school, and a bustling market with grocery stores, a pharmacy, a bakery, and hardware shops. It is a place where villagers can refuel, access education, and find healthcare.

Our eco-friendly mountain village experience is designed for a diverse range of people who want to experience the real Nepal. This unique opportunity is perfect for:

Short- and Long-Term Volunteers: Individuals looking to engage in meaningful work, including teaching, agricultural projects, medical and veterinary assistance, social work, and construction.

Travelers Seeking Authenticity: Anyone visiting Nepal who wants to experience the mountain village lifestyle for a few days or weeks, seeing the “rural face of Nepal” beyond the standard tourist itinerary.

Interns: Students and professionals interested in agronomic subjects and the rhythms of rural Nepali life.

Annapurna Circuit Trekkers: Hikers who can use a few days to properly acclimatize to the thin air of the mountains before starting their journey.

Gap Year Students and Retired Individuals: People looking for a fulfilling way to spend their time, offering their skills and energy to a community that welcomes it.

Nature and Culture Lovers: Those who are passionate about exploring a region rich in natural beauty and diverse ethnic cultures.

People Seeking a Retreat: Anyone who wants to escape the busy life and spend time under clear skies, gazing at the stars in the shadow of the Annapurna and Mansiri Himalayan ranges.

Your time in Khudi will be centered around meaningful, hands-on work that directly benefits the community. You can choose to contribute in a variety of ways:

Teaching: There are 7 government schools within a 1-5 km radius. Volunteers can teach various subjects, including computer knowledge and science, and support other developmental activities.

Seasonal Agricultural Work: Join the community in their seasonal farming. You can assist with rice planting in July, maize harvesting in March, or rice harvesting from late October to November. There is also year-round work in the vegetable gardens.

Veterinary Volunteers: With Khudi serving as a hub for 10 surrounding villages, there are always opportunities to assist with animal care for cats, dogs, buffalo, cows, and goats.

Medical Volunteers: This is a critically important area. With a small local health post and a district-level hospital in Besisahar (3 km away), medical professionals and students can make a huge impact in a region with far fewer resources than major Nepali cities.

Farmhouse Worker: Support local families by helping to care for cattle and work on their rural micro-farms.

Construction: Volunteers with an interest in building can assist with various construction and repair projects at schools and public homes, from making walls to crafting furniture.

Women’s Empowerment: Teach local women’s groups about hygiene, basic English, and other vocational skills to empower them.

During your weekends, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore the natural and cultural wonders of the region:

Batase Dhunga and Tiger Nest Hike: A short 1.5-2 hour morning hike with a recommended local guide.

Bhulbhule Waterfall: A 4-hour round-trip hike that includes a visit to a local trout farm in Nagdi.

Marshyangdi River: Go for a swim in the river (not recommended during the monsoon season of June-August due to high water levels).

Peace Hill Hike: A 6-7 hour hike to Bhusme village, with the option to stay overnight to witness spectacular morning mountain views.

Jagat Hot Spring Tour: Enjoy a short 3-hour round-trip jeep ride to spend a few hours relaxing in a warm natural pond.

Village Tours: Guided tours to nearby villages like Khasur (2-hour walk), Bhalmachour (1.5-hour walk), and Ghale Gaun (3-4 hour walk).

Yoga and Meditations: A great place to practice yoga and meditation in a serene, natural environment.

Post-Stay Travel: After your stay, you can easily travel to Pokhara or Chitwan, or begin your Annapurna Circuit trek directly from Khudi.

Authentic Immersion: Experience the true rural beauty of Nepal while living and working alongside locals.

Meaningful Impact: Be part of a thrilling journey that involves building schools, empowering women, and transforming lives.

Adventure and Development: Enjoy a memorable volunteering experience where adventure meets sustainable development.

Personal Growth: Gain new expertise and embark on a personal growth journey while making a tangible difference.

Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Nepali culture, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

Your stay in Khudi places you in the heart of a truly spectacular landscape—the Mansiri Himal range. Also known as the Manaslu Himal or the Gurkha Massif, this subrange of the Himalayas is located in north-central Nepal. It is a place of incredible local relief, rising a dramatic 7,000 meters above the Marsyangdi valley floor.

This stunning range is home to some of the planet’s highest mountains, including three of the top twenty:

Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) – The 8th Highest Peak:

Known as the “Mountain of the Spirit,” Manaslu’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word manasa, meaning “intellect” or “soul.” It was first summited on May 9, 1956, by a Japanese expedition. Due to the many unsuccessful British attempts on Everest before its first ascent, it’s often said that “just as the British consider Everest their mountain, Manaslu has always been a Japanese mountain.”

Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,896 ft) – The 18th Highest Peak:

Himalchuli is the second-highest mountain in the Mansiri Himal and a complex massif with three main peaks: East (7,893 m), West (7,540 m), and North (7,371 m). The East peak is considered the 18th highest independent mountain on Earth.

Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m / 25,823 ft) – The 20th Highest Peak:

Also known by several other names including Peak 29, Ngadi Chuli is the 20th-highest mountain in the world. Despite its impressive height, it has been summited only once or twice, making its first confirmed ascent in 1979 a truly remarkable achievement. Its sheer difficulty and challenging terrain have kept it a pristine and rarely climbed peak.

This incredible mountain range will serve as the magnificent backdrop for your stay, offering a constant reminder of the raw, breathtaking power of the Himalayas.

The region is a living museum of various ethnic groups, showcasing Nepal’s rich cultural diversity. All four major caste systems are represented, including Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. Notable ethnic and caste groups you will encounter include:

Brahmin: Traditionally priests and scholars, known for performing religious ceremonies.

Kami: Skilled metalworkers, also known as Vishwakarma.

Damai: Traditional tailors and musicians, famous for using the “naumati baja” instrument ensemble.

Sarki: Indigenous people known for playing the “Madal” instrument and performing the “Khayali Marooni” dance.

Kshetri: An Indo-Aryan group historically associated with the warrior and administrative classes.

Tamang: A Tibeto-Burman ethnic group.

Gurung: A Tibetan ethnic group living in the hills and mountains.

Newar: Known for their roles as tradespeople and business owners.

Your stay will be in a volunteer house built with advanced Korean “SY panel” technology. This provides a clean, modern, and comfortable space with a modern kitchen and bathrooms, ensuring a peaceful sleep without the worries of traditional huts. For safety, this light-technology home is also earthquake-proof, a unique feature in the region.

Our house hosts 6-10 people at a time. It features one private room and a dorm-style room with 6 beds. This dorm concept is designed to be an “international commune,” where people from different countries and backgrounds can sleep like family, share responsibilities, and build lasting friendships while working together for a good cause.

During your stay, you will be nourished by the land itself. Our meals are a celebration of local, organic, and seasonal produce, a true farm-to-table experience that connects you directly to the community. We believe in providing wholesome, healthy food that is as fresh as it gets, steering clear of processed and city-bought junk food.

Your daily meals will feature: Farm-Fresh Goodness: Our kitchens are stocked with freshly grown rice, seasonal vegetables, and hearty bean and lentil soups, all sourced directly from local farms. You’ll taste the difference that comes from food grown with care and without chemicals.

Local Dairy: Enjoy fresh milk delivered from a nearby buffalo farm, a taste of authentic rural life.

Artisan Bread: Warm, fresh bread is brought daily from a small, local bakery in the village of Khudi.

Golden Honey: Sweeten your tea or meals with pure, locally managed honey, harvested from nearby honey farms.

From Our Garden to Your Plate: We will also serve fresh salads made from vegetables grown in our own gardens, providing a burst of flavor and nutrients.

Fresh Lemons: The perfect accompaniment to your meals or to make a refreshing drink.

This is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to savor the authentic flavors of Nepal and appreciate the hard work of the local farmers who make it all possible.

Your morning begins not with an alarm, but with the beautiful, natural symphony of birdsong. As you awaken, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, a perfect backdrop for your morning tea. You might choose to start your day with some gentle yoga or assist with available household tasks before a hearty breakfast is served between 8 and 9 a.m.

For those who wish to partake in a local tradition, you can take a “Ganga Snan,” a sacred morning bath in the nearby Marshyangdi River, just a ten-minute walk away. In Hinduism, rivers originating from the Himalayas, like the Ganga, are considered holy and are revered as goddesses. Taking a dip in these glacial, life-giving waters is believed to cleanse the spirit and bring blessings. It’s a peaceful, purifying ritual that offers a unique cultural connection to the land and its people.

At 9 a.m., your purposeful day begins. You will walk to your chosen project, whether it’s teaching at a local school, providing medical support as an intern, assisting a veterinarian, or working alongside local farmers. Throughout the day, you will use your talents to serve the community, contributing to its development and helping make it a better place to live. Lunch will be provided at your project site, allowing you to connect with the people you’re serving.

You’ll return to your home stay between 4 and 5 p.m., with the late afternoon and evening dedicated to relaxation and connection. Dinner is served at 7 p.m., after which you’ll have free time to unwind. This is the perfect opportunity to read a book, enjoy a quiet moment watching the moon rise and the stars appear in the clear mountain sky, or engage in lively conversations with fellow volunteers. Over a cup of coffee or a refreshing local beer, you can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world, all united by a shared passion for grassroots development and meaningful travel.

Your all-inclusive package is designed to provide a comfortable, supportive, and seamless experience from the moment you arrive. We take care of the details so you can focus on your volunteering and cultural immersion.

Our package includes:

Arrival Transfer: A private tuk-tuk will pick you up from Besisahar and transport you directly to the project site, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your journey.

Wholesome Meals: Enjoy three delicious, farm-to-table meals per day, featuring fresh, locally-sourced produce, including rice, seasonal vegetables, and hearty lentil soups.

Comfortable Accommodation: Relax in our shared dorms, housed in an earthquake-proof home built with modern Korean technology. The dorms are designed to foster a sense of community and provide a comfortable, clean, and peaceful place to rest.

Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation, allowing you to stay in touch with family and friends and share your incredible experiences.

Purified Water: We provide access to clean, purified drinking water throughout your stay, so you can hydrate safely and sustainably.

Volunteer Project Support: Our team will provide full support in arranging and coordinating your volunteering project. We ensure you are matched with a role that aligns with your skills and passions, and that you have all the resources you need to make a real impact.

To provide transparency and help you plan your journey, please note that the following is not included in your package price:

Travel to Besisahar: Transportation from major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Chitwan to Besisahar is not part of the standard package.

Booking Assistance: We can assist you with booking a bus or a private cab to Besisahar if you require help. This is an optional service, and the cost will be paid separately. Please inform us in advance if you need our support in arranging this transfer.

Our pricing is designed to be straightforward and flexible, allowing you to customize your stay based on your needs and interests.

Standard Package: The minimum booking is a 1-week package, priced at USD 200 per person.

Extended Stays: After the first week, the cost is USD 25 per person, per day, for as long as you wish to stay.

Optional Supplements (Per Day)

Private Room: For those who prefer a private space, a supplement of USD 10 per day is available.

Medical Volunteering: A supplement of USD 10 per day applies for volunteers participating in medical projects.

Veterinary Volunteering: A supplement of USD 5 per day applies for volunteers participating in veterinary projects.

Hiking Guide: A professional local guide for hikes costs USD 15 per day.

Additional Costs

Daily Transport: Any transport costs incurred while traveling to and from your volunteering project site will be an additional charge.

Note for Non-Volunteers

If you choose not to participate in volunteering work, our mountain home is still an ideal place to stay. You can spend your time exploring the region with hikes and village visits, or simply relax by reading books and enjoying sunbaths (especially from October to February).

We warmly invite you to join us and become part of our community. To secure your place, simply let us know your preferred dates.

If you would like to experience Nepal’s rich cultural traditions firsthand, consider planning your stay to coincide with one of these major Hindu festivals:

Rice Planting Festival: Generally held from July 1st to 15th, this festival marks the beginning of the monsoon season and the planting of rice. It’s a vibrant, community-wide celebration that is a beautiful and immersive experience.

Teej Festival: This women’s festival usually falls in August. It’s a colorful and lively celebration dedicated to the goddess Parvati, filled with traditional songs, dances, and fasting.

Dashain Festival: Celebrated in October, Dashain is the longest and most significant Hindu festival in Nepal. It’s a time of family reunions, blessings, and kite flying.

Tihar Festival: Also known as the Festival of Lights, Tihar takes place in November. This beautiful five-day festival is dedicated to the worship of crows, dogs, cows, and the goddess Laxmi.

We look forward to welcoming you to our home and sharing the real Nepal with you.

THANK YOU!