Past Trips
At FONA we seek to provide our supporters with travel opportunities that allow them to assist with fundraising, be involved in FONA’s projects and learn about the culture and traditions of Nepal.
2016 Manaslu Trek
The trek route involved an 18 day circuit around Mount Manaslu through the largely untouched Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna National Park. It was a scenic walk with some challenging parts - the greatest challenge was reaching the highest point of the trail, Larkya Pass at 5,200m and a tough descent in snow. On their return, the group were most impressed by the great cultural and geographic diversity unique to the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation areas.
An important experience for all was the visit Purano Jhangajoli village in Sindhuli, where the group were able to immerse in the village and meet the school community of FONA’s flagship Education Centre of Excellence who they were fundraising for. A soccer match was held in the school grounds, several balls were lost down the hill in the excitement. The community put on a performance to showcase their local dance, poetry and music, in true Nepali hospitality.
A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
A group of trekkers led by Amit Thapa to immerse themselves in a relatively untouched region of Nepal and learn about Nepali culture through the eyes of the FONA Founder. For many it was also personal journey of discovery, where they tested their endurance and were part of something greater than themselves. Importantly it also permitted participants to directly contribute to the potential of Nepali society by fundraising for FONA’s first Education Centre of Excellence, Nepal’s first learning and technology hub and civic centre, and supporting local tourism and business.
Click here for more information about the Education Centre of Excellence.
The highlight for me was the privilege of visiting such a unique and beautiful part of the world with an amazing group of trekkers and support crew. I also fell for the beautiful Nepalese people and culture - their tenacity, courage, humour and resilience very much evident despite incredible adversity and hardship.
- Maryanne Duggan, 2016 trek participant
TRAVEL THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The participants of the 2016 Manaslu trek raised over $15,000 which will be used to build the first Education Centre of Excellence. They also helped to boost the Nepali economy by supporting tourism and staying local, both of which were impacted by the 2015 earthquakes.
FONA will continue to provide opportunities for people to explore the beauty of Nepal and be involved with its projects. Additional fundraising treks and activities are planned for 2017 FONA. Don’t miss out!