Nepal: The Monastery Project
Experience the soul of Nepal through hands-on service at a monastery near Pokhara and a purpose-driven trek through Lower Mustang. Blend Himalayan adventure with meaningful volunteer work, cultural immersion, and support for local schools along the way.
LOWER MUSTANG, NEPAL
The Monastery Project
Project Funds Raised
Next Trip: December 4-19, 2025 | 16 Days
Embark on a transformative journey that combines spiritual service, Himalayan trekking, and cultural immersion. This expedition begins at Pema T’sal Monastery near Pokhara, where you'll engage in hands-on volunteer work to expand a vital health and dental clinic serving local children and Tibetan refugee families. Tasks include demolishing walls, rebuilding treatment spaces, and upgrading sanitation facilities.
Following your service, traverse the Lower Mustang region—an arid, culturally rich area within the Annapurna range shaped by centuries of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Visit sacred villages, ancient monasteries, and dramatic canyon landscapes, all set against sweeping views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.
Any additional funds raised will support local schools along the trekking route, providing educational supplies and resources to students in remote Himalayan villages.
“Words cannot describe what this experience has meant to me and the impact it’s had on my life. I’ve fallen in love with Nepal, it’s people, and it’s beauty.
— Rob W., 2020 Trip Participant
Where Service Meets Spirit
Partnering with a Monastery to Strengthen Health and Education in Nepal
Mission
This journey invites us to engage in meaningful service and spiritual exploration. At Pema T’sal Monastery, you'll contribute to the expansion of a vital health and dental clinic by assisting with demolition, reconstruction, and sanitation improvements. Your efforts will enhance healthcare access for children and families in the region.
Beyond the monastery, your impact continues. Additional funds raised will support schools along the trekking route, providing essential resources such as educational supplies and uniforms to students in remote Himalayan villages.
This is more than a trip; it's an opportunity to connect deeply with Nepal's spiritual traditions, support community-led initiatives, and experience the transformative power of service.
Background
Nestled in the hills near Pokhara, Pema T’sal Monastery serves as both a spiritual sanctuary and a hub for community development. Here, young monks receive education, and the monastery extends its services to neighboring villages and Tibetan refugee communities.
Our journey continues into Lower Mustang, a region renowned for its unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu cultures. The landscape features ancient monasteries, sacred caves, and traditional villages, offering a profound connection to Nepal's spiritual heritage.
A highlight of the trek is a visit to Muktinath, one of Nepal's most sacred pilgrimage sites. Revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath emobides the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—and is home to an eternal flame that has burned for centuries.
Upcoming Trip Details
Nepal: The Monastery Project
LOWER MUSTANG, NEPAL
DECEMBER 4-19, 2025 | 16 Days
General Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu (1,340m)
Welcome to Nepal! Settle in and meet the group for a 5:00 PM pre-trek briefing and welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Fly to Pokhara & Begin Service Work
A short scenic flight brings us to Pokhara. We’ll head straight to Pema T’sal Monastery to begin our volunteer project.
Days 3–5 – Service at Pema T’sal Monastery
Roll up your sleeves for three full days of hands-on volunteering. Tasks include wall demolition, light construction, and bathroom renovation to support an expanded children’s clinic.
Day 6 – Scenic Drive to Neurikot (2,740m)
We begin our journey north with a beautiful 6–7 hour drive into the Annapurna range.
Day 7 – Visit Guru Sangpo Cave & Tsekong Lake
Explore sacred pilgrimage sites, including a legendary meditation cave and a peaceful alpine lake.
Day 8 – Drive to Muktinath (3,800m), Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m)
Visit the world famous temple complex of Muktinath, then begin your trek with a descent to the windswept village of Kagbeni.
Day 9 – Trek to Lubra (2,972m)
Cross arid ridges and valleys to reach the hidden Bon village of Lubra, rich in Tibetan culture.
Day 10 – Trek to Thini Gaon (2,900m)
Follow scenic trails to Thini Gaon, one of the oldest settlements in Lower Mustang.
Day 11 – Trek to Chimang Village (2,850m)
Continue through quiet trails and farmlands to the charming village of Chimang.
Day 12 – Trek to Kalapani (2,530m)
Descend through pine forests and river valleys to Kalapani, a lush gateway to the lower hills.
Day 13 – Trek to Titi Village (2,809m) + Excursion to Titi Lake
Enjoy a peaceful day trekking to Titi Village, with time for a side hike to serene Titi Lake.
Day 14 – Trek to Larjung (2,550m)
Reach Larjung, where cultures converge and the landscape begins to shift from alpine to subtropical.
Day 15 – Drive to Pokhara & Farewell Dinner
Return to Pokhara for a celebratory dinner and well-earned rest after your service and trek.
Day 16 – Fly back to Kathmandu
Enjoy a final morning in Pokhara and say your goodbyes before flying back to Kathmandu. If you’d like to stay longer, you have the option to postpone your return flight.
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ASAP: Please let us know your intent to join us by signing up below. We need a minimum of 7 participants to run the trip.
October 4: Donate/raise the initial deposit of $500.
November 4: Donate/raise the remaining minimum contribution of $3000.
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Sign up for Nepal commitment-free to chat with our Trip Leader to learn more.
Fundraising Goal for Nepal: $3,500
Travelers must fundraise or donate a minimum of $3,500 in order to participate in this trip. The minimum donation is split to cover project costs and your trip fees in Nepal.
Project Costs: $1,500
Directly funds the charitable project hosted by our local partner, covering the materials, logistics, and volunteer work.
Trip Fees: $2,000
Covers all logistics, food, and accommodation required to make your adventure and trek comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
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Charitable contribution that enables the clinic renovation at Pema T’sal Monastery and supports educational initiatives along the trekking route
Round-trip domestic airfare between Kathmandu and Pokhara
All meals and accommodations during the program, including a welcome dinner in Kathmandu and a farewell dinner in Pokhara
All ground transportation related to the program itinerary during trip dates
Expert English-speaking trek guide and dedicated support from local Sherpa staff
Porters to carry your main trekking luggage (please pack considerately)
Three cups of tea or coffee daily, with boiled and filtered drinking water provided throughout the trek
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
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International airfare to and from Nepal
Travel insurance (required for participation)
Visa fees and any costs related to visa extensions
Tips for trekking staff and monastery partners (optional, but appreciated)
Optional activities not listed in the core itinerary
Transportation or taxis taken during personal time in Kathmandu or Pokhara
Personal expenses such as snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, laundry, or phone/internet use
Expenses due to delays (weather, flight cancellations, etc.—insurance is strongly recommended)
Anything not explicitly mentioned under “Included”
How to Fundraise & Earn Credit Towards Your Trip
We offer several ways for you to offset the cost of your trip in order to make it more accessible and achievable.
Create a Fundraiser
Start a personalized fundraiser to spread the word and raise funds towards your trip, boost the impact of our programs, and empower others to get involved and contribute.
Double Your Impact
Find out if your employer or those in your network offer corporate matching programs that double your donation. Maximize your effort and reach your fundraising goals faster.
Earn Trip Credit
Earn your way to your next adventure through programs that offer trip credit toward your trip cost such as work trade, friend referrals, alumni discounts, and more.
Project Scope
In collaboration with our Nepali partners at Pema T’sal Monastery, we aim to:
Expand the Health and Dental Clinic: Assist in demolishing a cramped interior wall to create a more functional treatment space, rebuild structural elements, and renovate a deteriorating bathroom to include a Western-style toilet and improved sanitation facilities.
Support Educational Initiatives: Allocate additional funds raised to provide school supplies, uniforms, and other essential resources to students in villages along the trekking route.
This project responds to a direct request from Lama Tashi, the head monk of Pema T’sal Monastery, to expand the monastery’s health and dental treatment room. All work is carried out in close collaboration with community leaders, using local materials, and guided by the values of humility, respect, and hands-on service.
Charitable Partner
Pema T’sal Monastery is a spiritual and educational center located just outside Pokhara, Nepal. As Trek Relief’s local charitable partner, the monastery plays a vital role in supporting underserved communities through health clinics, cultural preservation, and youth education.
This partnership reflects our shared commitment to compassionate service, community well-being, and deep-rooted, place-based impact.
Our Total Impact in Nepal
Total Funds Raised
1
School Rebuilt & Supplied
5
Medical Centers Supported
69
Teahouses Rebuilt & Supported
91
Students Supported
7,500
Hot Meals Provided During Covid
1,460+
Pounds of Children’s Books Donated
Past Projects in Nepal
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Khavre, Nepal | Post-Flood Rebuild
$20,261 raised
In the aftermath of the devastating floods that impacted Nepal in 2024, Trek Relief completed a vital project to support recovery and restore a flood-damaged classroom in the remote village of Khavre, one of the hardest-hit regions. Participants then trekked to Dhaulagiri in the beautiful Annapurna Circuit region of Nepal. -
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Solukhumbu, Nepal | Empower Women
$62,568 raised
With a mission to empower women in the mountainous regions of Everest, we provided financial and hands-on support to build climate-resilient food systems, promote food security, and facilitate training and community development. Participants then trekked to Pikey Peak to celebrate the completion of this project. -
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Kathmandu, Nepal | Covid Pandemic Relief
$27,603 raised
Even as global travel came to a halt, Trek Relief’s commitment to making a difference remained strong. In 2021, our Founder, Candice Young, spearheaded an online fundraiser, personally matching donations to support the distribution of hot meals, food stocks, and medical supplies during a time of great need. -
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Langtang Valley, Nepal | Rebuild a School
$134,281 raised
Over the course of 14 treks into the earthquake stricken valley, Trek Relief members built homes and orphanages, demolished and funded the reconstruction of a 5-classroom school. Three years later, Komin Shyamey Wangphel Secondary School stands proudly in Syabrubesi as a testament to resilience and hope. -
Everest, Nepal | Provide Medical Aid
$61,768 raised
A 2-day health camp was organized and funds were raised to equip the Salyan Primary Healthcare Center and three health posts in Solukhumbu, Nepal, with vital medical supplies—including the region's first dental chair. Participants later trekked to Everest Base Camp, marking a milestone in our journey of impact.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
This Trek Relief Nepal program is aligned with the following:
Join the Trip
Reserve your spot on this transformative journey to Nepal and contribute to supporting regenerative communities and lands.
Nepal: The Monastery Project
LOWER MUSTANG, NEPAL
December 4-19, 2025 | 16 Days
Sign up to reserve your spot and connect with our team to learn more—there’s no commitment when signing up.
Support Nepal from Afar
If you’re unable to join us in Nepal but still want to support this meaningful cause, you can contribute directly to our campaign to boost our impact for this project. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to completing projects that helps communities in need.
Meet the Team
We carefully select trip leaders and team members based on their expertise, passion, and dedication to providing a safe, enriching experience. Our team ensures that every detail of your adventure is thoughtfully planned, so you can focus on making a lasting impact while exploring with confidence.
Candice Young
Trek Relief
Program Director & Trip Leader
Binoy Rai
Mystic Himalaya
Trekking Guide & Coordinator
Lama Tashi
Pema T’sal Monastery
Charitable Partner
Stories & Updates from Nepal
Read more about the impact from past treks, news, and updates to the projects in Nepal.
