Mongolia’s rolling steppes, vast open skies, and centuries-old nomadic traditions are awe-inspiring, but climate change, desertification, and overgrazing are threatening this way of life. Water scarcity is at the heart of these challenges, making sustainable water access a critical issue for Mongolia’s herding communities.

This August, Trek Relief is launching a volunteer initiative in Arkhangai, Mongolia, to restore wells, support sustainable water management, and empower local families.

In the aftermath of the devastating floods that impacted Nepal, Trek Relief’s team recently completed a vital project to restore a flood-damaged classroom in the remote village of Khavre. Despite the challenges posed by the flood’s destruction, which left the classroom buried under mud, rocks, and fallen tree trunks, the school continued to operate, serving 91 resilient students. Many of these children had already suffered the loss of their homes and loved ones.

In November 2024, Trek Relief’s team traveled to Nepal to support The Small World’s Seeds of Hope program in Solukhumbu. Our mission was to provide both financial and hands-on support to build climate-resilient food systems, promote food security, and empower women through agricultural training and community development. The trip also included the Pikey Peak trek, where participants combined adventure with meaningful service, deepening their connection with the community.

Join us in celebrating our return to Mongolia for the Kiss the Earth program, where we planted 66 trees, collaborated with local volunteers on environmental initiatives, and laid the groundwork for future partnerships. Discover how our mission is making a lasting impact and inspiring others to create meaningful change.

Empowering Change in Peru's Sacred Valley

Our recent expedition to Cusco, Peru, brought together eight dedicated volunteers to make a meaningful impact in the Sacred Valley. Partnering with Mundo Sostenible, we installed solar panel systems at local orphanages, providing essential energy savings and supporting the community's sustainable development. Our journey also included a challenging hike to Machu Picchu, reflecting our commitment to both adventure and service. Join us in continuing this mission for sustainable change!

Our latest adventure in Patagonia’s Aysén region has transformed Villa Cerro Castillo into a hub of agroecological education. With the support of Patagonia Inc. and our dedicated volunteers, we’ve built an outdoor classroom, launched Fundación Renoval, and partnered with local NGO Naturaleza Pública. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and our commitment to environmental stewardship.

We’re thrilled to introduce our newest project: The Free School of Permaculture. For the past seven years, Alma Verde has been a beacon of sustainable living, sharing a regenerative way of life with thousands of visitors. This inspiring space, a cornerstone of Trek Relief’s Patagonia program, has become a highlight for participants, offering a firsthand experience of zero-waste, nature-aligned living.

This month, Trek Relief completed its third transformative trip to Patagonia, marked by hard work, shared learning, and a whole lot of joy. Between laughter and dancing, our team eagerly took on new challenges to expand "Green Hope," the organic vegetable garden at the professional technical school in Villa Cerro Castillo.

With guidance from Maria Luisa Carillo, our dedicated gardener, volunteers prepared the garden, greenhouse, and compost boxes for the upcoming winter. These efforts ensure that the garden remains productive and resilient against Patagonia’s challenging conditions.

We’re thrilled to announce that our third trip to Patagonia, Patagonia × Self-Sufficiency: Food, Flora, & Fauna, is set for March 12–23, 2023!

This immersive experience builds on years of collaboration with the Cerro Castillo community. Together, we’ve dedicated countless hours to meaningful volunteer work, community engagement, and leadership to bring sustainable projects to life in this extraordinary region.

Our recent trip to Nepal, which concluded in December, showcased the power of collaboration. Together with The Small World, a local nonprofit, and a group of 10 dedicated trekkers (8 of whom were women), we raised $7,200 to make a lasting impact in Tingla, Solukhumbu.

We’re excited to introduce our latest program in Nepal, focused on climate resiliency and empowering communities. Partnering with The Small World Nepal, we aim to support over 500 families—impacting more than 3,000 individuals—through sustainable agriculture and leadership development.

After a long wait due to Chile’s strict travel policies during the pandemic, we’re thrilled to announce the successful completion of our second trip to Patagonia! This trip marked a major milestone as we celebrated the launch ceremony of our educational community garden, located at the same school where we established the region’s first-ever recycling point in 2020.

After nearly two years, we’ve completed our first trip since the pandemic began, carefully following the principles of conscious travel that guide all Trek Relief programs.

This trip marked a significant milestone: the long-awaited School Handover Ceremony, originally scheduled for April 2020, was finally held—19 months later. As Nepal reopened its borders and lifted quarantine requirements, the dire need for jobs and economic stimulation became clear. Restarting our trips was a step toward supporting Nepal’s struggling tourism economy.

Just over a month ago, we concluded our Covid Relief Campaign and Fundraiser for Nepal, and we’re thrilled to share the progress your generosity has made possible. Together, our incredible community of supporters raised $25,728, surpassing our $25,000 goal!

Thanks to your contributions and our ongoing partnership with The Small World Nepal, we’ve already completed the first phase of the relief efforts, providing critical resources to Nepali communities during these challenging times.

The Covid-19 pandemic has touched every corner of the globe, and Trek Relief was no exception. While our ability to engage directly with global communities has been limited, our mission to create meaningful change has remained steadfast.

As Nepal battles a devastating second wave of COVID-19, the need for urgent support has never been greater. At Trek Relief, we believe in stepping up for the communities that have welcomed us with open arms, and this moment is no exception.

At Trek Relief, our mission to create meaningful change continues, no matter the challenges we face. While the pandemic has limited our ability to run trips in Patagonia due to border restrictions, it hasn’t stopped us from moving forward with our transformative projects.

Thanks to the support of our community, our Board of Directors approved $10,000 in funding to keep the Patagonia program thriving. With our dedicated Patagonia Program Director, Sarah Nguyen, safely quarantining in the region, and the collaboration of local partners, the work is advancing seamlessly.

In early 2020, Trek Relief launched a transformative project in Chilean Patagonia, bringing sustainable development and environmental stewardship to the Villa Cerro Castillo community. Despite the year’s challenges, the results have been nothing short of inspiring. Here’s a recap of the incredible progress made through our “Clean Point” recycling infrastructure at Liceo Rural School.