Where in the world?!

The genuinely unique aspect of this project is just how remote it is! If you want to experience authentic Himalayan life, read on. If you don’t do “nature in its working clothes,” turn the page! The Hide Out! Retreat is in the extreme northeast of Nepal, up against the Sikkim and Tibetan borders, deep in the Kanchenjunga Himalaya foothills. At 8,598m Kanchanjunga is the third highest mountain in the world.

The gateway to The Hide Out is Kathmandu, from where it’s a short flight and a breath-taking three day trek to reach the project base camp. Nestled deep in the hills, just outside the village of Dobhan between two Himalayan white-water rivers, and far from the established trekking trails. This is a real opportunity to experience, and assist, the fragile Himalayan communities of untarnished Nepal.

The Project In a nutshell.

Location: Tamor river valley, Taplejung, eastern Nepal.
Resources: pretty basic on the trek but more than adequate at The Hide Out! Retreat.

Summary: This project tries to improve the community’s “tomorrow” by investing in tomorrow’s people, the children and their learning environment. This is a practical project. It’s also small scale, or “human scale”; we’re not going to change the world but although the scale may be modest, the effect is profound. During the last quarter of ’09 we have cut and installed a dozen roof pillars; totally rebuilt bamboo walls for two schools; fitted doors; built boundary walls; cemented and plastered a floor; constructed five wooden bench sets; installed a bunch of blackboards, teaching aides and provided assorted teaching materials.

Plans for the future: Phase 1 is to move all existing schools up level by level with the goal that they will all have stone walls, plastered floors, tin roofs (rain-proof) and the required furniture. Phase 2 is to install a water supply and toilet facilities, establish good paths, rubbish management systems and an environmental education plan.

All this depends on Adventure Volunteers getting involved and making sure that the modest amount we are able to give, is used wisely and really does make a difference.

What will I be doing? This is a practical project, so any experience of DIY will be spot on. We employ local builders as “maestros” who will be able to coach you in building techniques, but this isn’t rocket science! Enthusiasm and initiative are the biggest requirements. There will also be interactivity with the host communities who will be as eager to learn about you and your life, as you are to learn about theirs. The project will involve everything from visiting jungles and cutting bamboo, to logistics tasks, learning new building skills and project management.

Accommodation (included): The Hide Out! Retreat is a self-contained base with lounge, dinning area, modest library and the “River Stone Bar” decorated with local crafts and hangings. The bedrooms are Meru-style tents. This is an idea borrowed from East African safaris: they are large (you can stand up and walk around) and fitted with proper beds. The roves are thatched which makes them like cosy cottages. Bathroom facilities are communal. The gardens are extensive and offer many places to relax after a hard days work.

Who does the project need?

Flexible, open minded individuals, prepared to learn new skills and who are not afraid to work in primitive and challenging conditions.
People who enjoy the outdoors and nature.
People who have a sense of adventure.
People who thrive away from TV, bright lights and noise.
People who care about fragile communities and would like to help at grass roots level.
It’ll help if you’re practical, enthusiastic and physically in-shape!

Your commitment & volunteer team size.

Due to the remoteness, the weather pattern and the project’s nature the three week placement sets off in Spring and Autumn.
2 (min) to 12 (max) volunteers. (Note. Most people sign-up as single travellers).

Your host.

We first met Andy when he led an expedition for us in 2005. There is no better way to know someone than to work alongside them and Andy is a person that we at VentureCo have the highest opinion of. He is married to Sujanam a Nepali lady with family ties to the Gurkhas. Over the years they have established a home in the town of Dharan in eastern Nepal and run the projects from their Retreat in the Tamor River Valley which will be your hillside home for the duration of the project.

Nepali language proficiency.

Not required: there will be translators on hand plus Andy.

Accommodation upgrade options:

Absolutely none available!

Meals: All included except for time spent in Kathmandu: there is such a wide choice of eateries in town, that people prefer to explore independently (restaurant suggestions will be made). On trek the meals are pretty standard “trail food” but will reflect local Nepalese flavours. The buffets at The Hide Out! are home cooked, natural, tasty and plentiful. In Sujanam’s words, “We use a blend of Western and Nepalese dishes. Meat is served every day and we easily cater for vegetarians. There will be a Nepal-style BBQ evening at least once a week.”

Downtime: as much information as possible is provided about the local area, wildlife, plant life, the local people and their culture. There is also a tradition of telling stories about the hills and local lifestyles which makes evenings in the ‘River Stone Bar’ memorable. There is also the house band has a broad repertoire which (in their own words) they play badly, but enthusiastically! So if you can knock a tune out – bring along your weapon of choice. At weekends there are some fantastic treks to local villages, peaks & waterfalls. From the Retreat you can fish in the Tamor river, swim in the Maiwa river, play badminton on the lawn or just chill out in the River Stone Bar.

You will also have the opportunity to learn how to use a Khukuri, make a fire, catch fish, cook on a Nepalese stove (Chula), cross rivers safely, cut wood & bamboo and make baskets & mats.

The following are included in the price:

Detailed "Expedition Handbook" to help you prepare for travel before you set off.
The services of a western leader who will be on site 7 days a week and be with your group from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure.

Project orientation
You will be met upon arrival at Kathmandu airport and transferred to hotel.
First night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and cultural Welcome Meal.
Guided walking tour of Kathmandu and its World Heritage sites.

Project trek-in
Three day trek following a 3,000m jungle ridge that runs between the Makalu & Kanchenjunga Himalayas.
Lodge accommodation each night.
Porter assistance (no need to carry a full pack) & guide team.
Western guide throughout.

The Project
Introduction and background to the project.
Project manager to assist communications on project.
Project Supervisor.
Translator.
Skilled craftsmen and chief labourer (employed locally).
Local village volunteer team.

The HideOut
All accommodation for project duration.
All meals.

Internal Nepal flights
Flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and private Land Rover transfer to trailhead.
Private 4WD transport out of the hills to Biratnagar Airport.
Flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu at end of project.
All airport transfers.

Not included in the price:

Flights (London to Kathmandu) are not included.
Your international flight should take you to Kathmandu.
Visa/s.
Vaccinations.
Airport taxes.
Travel insurance.

How am I selected?

Complete the “Project self-assessment form” and send to VentureCo along with your latest CV.

Price:

Duration	£	Local payment (Paid in sterling or rupees.)
3 weeks (22 days)	£1,372	£187
Additional weeks	0	£100 (plus amount to cover any project work)

Dates:

Starts: Kathmandu, Saturday 19th September 2009.
Ends: Kathmandu, Sunday 11th October 2009.

Starts: Kathmandu, Saturday 6th March 2010.
Ends: Kathmandu, Sunday 28th March 2010.

Starts: Kathmandu, Saturday 18th September 2010.
Ends: Kathmandu, Sunday 10th October 2010.

Note 1: if 6 or more of you wish to travel together, we can arrange your own departure date.
Note 2: monsoon starts in June, through July and August, ending in September. Best time for mountain views is October & November; best time for rhododendrons is mid-March & April.

Staying on:

Extra week/s at The Hide Out: to continue with additional project work. Cost £100 per week plus a donation which depends upon the work program planned for the extra time

Trekking from the Hide Out: The Mountain Temple (5 days) to Pathibhara Mountain Temple 3,795 m. A true place of the gods. The trek takes you through villages & jungles to arrive at the main pilgrim path before the final ascent to the most sacred temple in the Eastern Himalayas. Cost £100 (For Venture Co Project Members only)

Pung Pungi trek, (3 days) Follow the Mewa River valley through small villages and rice paddies to the Saba Area where we trek though gradually denser and denser forest & jungle to arrive at Pung Pungi falls (140 m). En route visit Kitat temple for morning Puja (religious ceremony) before returning to The Hide Out! Cost £75 (For Venture Co Project Members only)

Within Nepal: Annapurna circuit (1 to 4 weeks); Everest Base camp trek (about 3 weeks); Kanchenjunga Base Camp (2 weeks) and a host of other routes. Bear in mind that after The Hide Out! project, you will be fully acclimatised. There are also national parks, such as Chitwan (tigers – maybe, rhinos – definitely and elephant-back safaris.) Fantastic white-water rafting, e.g. Sun Kosi river (1 to 3 days).

Tibet: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and join an overland tour in Tibet, (2 weeks). Visa required

Sikkim: explore the pristine Buddhist culture and stunning orchids. Permit required.

India: overlands from 7 days “Golden Triangle” to several weeks “all India”. Great beaches for “flop” time. India offers something for everyone! Visa required.

Join a group or call us to tailor-make an itinerary.

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