Photo: Berta Tilmantaite
Nepal’s earthquakes have slipped from the news cycle. This is natural in today’s instant and hyper-connected world, so this article is not a rant at the short-term memory of callous editors and a tiny-minded public. This is also not an appeal for donations or an accusation of virtues. Simply, it’s a suggestion that if you enjoy a good walk in the wilderness, and have ever dreamed of seeing other parts of the world from under your sweaty brow, this year is a good year to visit Nepal.
You might be inclined to donate a few bucks to an NGO with a few simple clicks and taps. A cynic could scoff at these gestures, citing the inefficiencies of this system. Still, donating is better than doing nothing.
A zealot would say that you should volunteer — come rebuilds schools or distribute aid packages. It would be hard to argue against these noble ideals, but I will leave the altruistic appeal to others better suited than me.
Short of volunteering, but above donating, the best thing that you can do to help Nepal is to visit it as a normal tourist. If it’s on your list of places to go, this is a great opportunity to visit, having a vacation as you would in other time. Meet the people, support their enterprises and so build the economy and confidence of the country. If you can afford international travel, and adventure is your goal, Nepal provides that at very good value for money. And the impact of your vacation spend will be valued immensely.
Photo: Berta Tilmantaite
While donations, both in time and money, are important, Nepal’s tourism economy took a hit that reaches past the broken buildings and lost lives. Immediately, after the first earthquake, numerous people cancelled their trips here. That was felt directly. The quakes also came on the back of other two smaller events – the Everest ice-fall and Annapurna storm that quite likely made a few people rethink their plans. This could have also pinched the number of trekkers passing through the tea houses and lodges, and it would be hard to argue against those who would avoid a place of death and sorrow.
Then the earthquakes of April 25 and again on May 12 caused significant damage to buildings, triggered devastating landslides and led many people, quite wisely, to cancel their trips. The very inexact science of earthquakes cannot predict the next one. It may be years or decades away. While I acknowledge that it’s a personal choice to avoid places of suffering, I urge you to overcome this with the knowledge that the risk devastating quake striking again soon is minimal.
Photo: Berta Tilmantaite
Right now, the monsoon is beginning. It may seem contradictory to advise you to delay being here. But to counter, rather take the time to plan and save, and enjoy the country when it has the most to offer, when the famous views aren’t hidden in clouds. Moreover, the unstable areas will be more prone to landslides than usual. So wait until the monsoon breaks in September/October, pinch your pennies in the meantime and brush up on where you want to be.
Presently, almost all areas are open and should be fine once the monsoon has past. The Langtang Valley, the worst hit region in the quakes, is currently closed, but barring further catastrophe, it should be opened in the coming months. The spectacular Gosaikunda lakes in the region are still open. The Manasulu area was also hit hard, and is gaining popularity — so beat the crowds and get there while helping those communities. Further from the epicentre, Mustang, the Dolpo and Kanchenjunga region all beckon.
I’m someone who prefers to navigate by a map and is too proud to let someone else carry my own pack. If you’re like me in this regard, perhaps this is time to reconsider. Daily wages for guides and porters are minimal by Western standards, and it gives you another opportunity to create work for locals.
Photo: Berta Tilmantaite
While I promote visiting Nepal in the near future, I know that it won’t reach or believed by everyone, So, another good, but selfish, reason for you come here is that it will be less crowded. If you’ve always wanted to do the more popular routes, such as the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp Trek, but have been put off by the volume of trekkers then this is your opportunity.
Also, while “the highest mountains on Earth” may seem daunting to many people out there, your level of difficulty is your own challenge. Use porters, walk short days. Your level of fitness should not deter you from walking amongst the most awe-inspiring landscape that’s not on the cover of a fantasy novel.
Photo: Berta Tilmantaite
There have always been good reasons to visit Nepal, as any tourism website will tell you. But the earthquakes have brought these reasons into sharper focus. The country is not a stricken disaster zone, so a visitor will be able to enjoy it as they normally would with all the services being available. Yes, there will be evidence of destruction, but apart from a few areas, it’s not to the degree where it’s unavoidable and the suffering and guilt ruin your experience. Rather, take comfort in knowing that you are assisting in reconstruction through sustaining the economy. While you may not be building a school, you may be giving a family just that little bit extra they need to buy that solar lamp so their child can do her homework after dark. By coming here for a trek, you can contribute without any personal sacrifice – and that’s winning all round.
Author’s Note: If you are willing to donate to Nepal’s relief efforts, there are numerous causes available. I do not know enough details to make suggestions, but the big names are all here, with lots of smaller operations too. Google is your friend. Similarly, with travel in Nepal, there are many, many outfits – from international groups, to one-person operations. Who you choose is up to you.
Photo: Berta Tilmantaite
Want more of the Himalayas? See additional photos from Berta Tilmantaite in her galleries A Rebirth and Relief for Nepal . Or visit her website, Godoberta.com. And don’t forget to follow her on Instagram.
