The following are some useful organisations if you want to research and/or trek the Great Himalaya Trail, they include Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and companies.
Non-Government Organisations
There are hundreds of local NGOs in Nepal, and many are now fronts for tax avoidance schemes and financial scams. It is not recommended that you deal directly with any organisation either in your home country or in Nepal without fully checking their credentials.
The following list of reputable International NGOs is both highly recommended and are good places to start looking for volunteer work. Most of these organisations will point you in the right direction if they cannot help you personally.
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The Nepal Trust, www.nepaltrust.org, is based in the UK and provides integrated rural development in the Far-West areas of Nepal and is probably the most active organisation in the poorest regions of Humla and Mugu.
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www.tenfriends.org is a group of people who work in the Sankhuwasabha (between Kanchenjunga and Makalu) who first started donating emergency stretchers to remote villages. They are now involved with orphanage and school programs, water filtration, sanitation and female empowerment projects in both East Nepal and Kathmandu.
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The Australian Himalaya Foundation, www.australianhimalayafoundation.org.au run a number of projects in education, health & medical services and the environment, mainly in the lower Solu area. They aim to ensure, where possible, the long-term viability of schools, to provide health, education and medical services and to support environmental projects for remote communities.
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The Himalayan Trust, www.himalayantrust.co.uk, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary is perhaps the most famous of the non-government organisations operating in Nepal. Their successes in the Sherpa region of the Solu-Khumbu have been outstanding and are considered to be a role model for best practice by many.
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Eco-Himal, www.ecohimal.org is an Austrian initiative that specialises in grassroots projects to help create sustainable village living. They have created the Eco-Himal lodges in the Rolwaling.
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IPPG, www.ippg.net, the International Porter protection Program, work to improve the conditions of mountain porters in the tourism industry worldwide and are extremely active in Nepal. With representatives throughout the world, it is possible to assist this organisation both at home and overseas.
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ICIMOD, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, www.icimod.org aims to help people of the Himalaya understand the effects of globalisation and climate change on their delicate ecosystems, and develop economically sustainable practices.
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SNV, www.snvworld.org is a Dutch funded organisation which uses their expertise to advise and support local groups to promote sustainable development and improve access to basic services such as health and education.To this end, SNV has built a website to highlight tourism and developement opportunities along the GHT in Nepal, www.thegreathimalayatrail.org
Companies
For short sections there are many international and local companies who can operate a fully serviced trek, or provide logistical support. However, before booking you should ensure that the company you choose can fulfil it’s promises, so always double check references.
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Pema Treks & Expeditions, www.pematrek.com, is the only Nepali trekking company that has completed the entire trail in Nepal.
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Project Himalaya, www.project-himalaya.com, is owned by Jamie McGuinness who has been a leading researcher and promoter of the GHT for many years.
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Himalaya Map House, www.himalayan-maphouse.com publish a series of trekking maps that covers most of the Nepal GHT route, and The Great Himalaya Trail – A Pictorial Guide.