Comprised of both high school students and adults, we will visit Hopeful Home Orphanage (HHO), visit Himalayan Education Center (HEC), possibly dedicate a library (or two) in a remote village, give new books to an existing library, and explore Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Khandbari with a variety of day trips in the cities and surrounding countryside.
Our ideal composition is 3-4 adult chaperones and 6-8 high school students to maintain an adult-to-student ratio of roughly 1:2 or 1:3. At present, Ten Friends founder Mark LaMont and President Bruce Abernethy are confirmed as chaperones, and so we are looking for 1 or 2 more adults. At this time there are 6 students who are probable or very interested, and so we are seeking 1 or 2 more students. We are looking for upperclassmen, but a stronger selection factor is level of maturity and responsibility.
The current proposed itinerary is from August 5-25, approximately 3 weeks from start (leave Redmond (RDM)) to finish (return to RDM) with a cost of roughly $4,500 per participant plus additional if trying to raise funds for a library (~$3,000). This covers flights to/from Nepal plus flights within Nepal, other transportation, lodging and food and most sightseeing. The cost of the following items are not included in the cost estimate above. All participants will be required to obtain trip insurance with medical and evacuation coverage included and be up-to-date on all Covid-19 requirements. Participants should check with their doctor to make sure they have all recommended vaccinations and suggested medications to take along, primarily various antibiotics for the GI tract and the respiratory system. Nepal requires all visitors to have a Visa.
If this appeals to you or are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Bruce Abernethy at abernethy9@aol.com.
