Sarah Burgess – the wife of Samsung Techwin account manager Colin Burgess – is behind The Different Travel Company’s organisation of a special trip designed to assist the surviving victims of last April’s earthquake in Nepal. Brian Sims outlines the plans in place and urges the readers of Risk UK to assist in any way they can.
Back in April this year, Nepal was hit by an enormous earthquake measured on a magnitude of 7.8. The quake took over 8,000 lives while tens of thousands of others were seriously injured. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes. Avalanches were triggered and shops and businesses decimated. A few weeks later, a major aftershock dealt another blow to the country, killing and injuring hundreds more.
For nearly a decade now, The Different Travel Company has been operating trips to Nepal, an enchanting country that never fails to leave a deep impression on all those who visit. Now, in Nepal’s hour of need, The Different Travel Company is massively keen to help support the Nepalese people in their efforts to rebuild their lives and would like to invite you, the readers of Risk UK, to help the business help Nepal.
“We’re looking for at least ten people to join us to build one or more houses in a community in the Kathmandu valley,” said Sarah Burgess, owner of The Different Travel Company. “After the earthquake, many houses had to be totally demolished as the damage was so severe renovation wasn’t possible. To enable families to be rehoused safely and as quickly as possible, a method has been developed which uses a metal structure rather than brick walls. These are fast to construct, low cost and are more durable against flooding or further earthquakes. We’re hoping for the team that travels to be able to build at least one house in five days. Put simply, the more people who are involved, the more impact we can have.”
Burgess continued: “The money you pay for the trip will cover the actual costs of your visit such as flights, airport transfers, accommodation, meals and building project materials plus administration costs and support both here in the UK and locally. Any remaining funds after these costs are covered will be donated to the local community to continue the relief work in the area. A land-only, or no flight price is available on request and extensions to your stay may be possible.”
The Itinerary
Day 1-2 (Thursday 26 November-Friday 27 November 2015): London to Kathmandu
Depart for Kathmandu on an overnight flight (via a Middle East or Asian hub). Upon arrival in Kathmandu the following day you will be transferred to a central hotel. Depending on flight times there may be an opportunity for you to explore the local area before gathering together to meet the local team. There will also be a Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 (Saturday 28 November 2015): Kathmandu Project
After breakfast, there’ll be a drive to the location of the build project where the camp will be set up for the next five days. Once camp is set up, it will be time to meet the local community and have a briefing on the days to follow.
Days 4-8 (Sunday 29 November-Thursday 3 December 2015): Kathmandu Project
The next five full days will be spent building a house for a family affected by the earthquake.
Day 9 (Friday 4 December 2015): Kathmandu Project
This day will be spent putting the finishing touches to the house build and saying ‘Farewell’ before returning to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is at leisure for sightseeing and souvenir shopping, which will not only help support the local economy but also serve as a great reminder of the trip.
Day 10 (Saturday 5 December 2015): Kathmandu
A full day of leisure in Kathmandu before a farewell dinner.
Day 11 (Sunday 6 December 2015): Kathmandu to London
Transfer to the airport for the flight home (via a Middle East or Asian hub), possibly arriving the next morning depending on flight schedules.
NB: The day-to-day schedule is of course subject to weather, general conditions and the progress of the group. While The Different Travel Company doesn’t anticipate any changes to the itinerary, the business cannot be held responsible for changes made due to unexpected circumstances. Ultimately, the Health and Safety of all travelling group members takes priority in every circumstance.
The total cost of the trip per person is £1,650.
What’s included in the cost of the trip
- Return flights from the UK
- Local transfers and transport in Nepal
- Three nights’ accommodation in a Kathmandu hotel
- Tents during the project
- Camp shower and toilet facilities
- Expert English-speaking local guides
- Building support staff
- Project materials
- All meals as per the itinerary
What’s not included in the cost of the trip
- Any necessary vaccinations
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
- Spending money
- Transport to/from UK airports
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Nepal Visa (currently these cost $25 per person for British citizens)
- Carbon emission offsetting
*For further information access The Different Travel Company’s website, telephone 07881 698623 or send an e-mail to: info@different-travel.com
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