Organic Farming, Health and Heritage – 1&2 November

This tour features Cultural Heritage Protection, Handicrafts and Women Entrepreneurship, a visit to the most successful Community Hospital in Dhulikhel, learning about Organic Farming, Bio-Pest Control and Green Building Techniques. And, while we are at it, we visit the beautiful city of Bhaktapur and enjoy the hospitality of a village homestay

Day 1:
We will meet at a beautiful former Rana palace for introductions, briefing and a cup of tea. From there we head to the famous Bhaktapur Durbar square were we visit some less famous but impressing traditional craft producers and artfully renovated heritage building renovated by an Ashoka Fellow. After a typical Nepali lunch we head to Dhulikhel Community Hospital, an outstanding example of what can be achieved when medical professionals, the community and international support partner to provide quality services to all patients. With new insights, we drive to our favorite homestay away from the main tourist hub and enjoy a refreshing village walk or just some tea and the view over the snow-capped mountains. During dinner under the stars we learn about challenges faced by women in Nepal’s villages and how a women cooperative tries to address them

Day 2:
After a cup of tea and enjoying the sunrise we walk about an hour to get hungry for breakfast at a recently remodeled organic farm which features rammed-earth bamboo buildings, organic fertilizer production facilities, pilot plantations of bamboo and an array of other farming activities. The team at the farm will tell you about biotechture and initiatives to promote natural building materials into contemporary designs. You can ride a water buffalo before making the steep way up back to your homestay for lunch. After a short rest we will drive to meet some of the pioneers of bio-intensive organic agriculture at their beautiful nursery and understand how their initiatives help to promote healthier food, higher yield and more sustainable farming techniques.

The group will return to Kathmandu and meet other Changemakers (of their choice) for networking.

Those opting for another night in Dhulikhel will enjoy a peaceful evening with their lovely hosts and have the opportunity to visit the famous Namobhuddha stupa the next day.