Overview
What Is Agro tourism/Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya?
Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya Agriculture and Animal Farm is an outstanding firm company that integrates the principles of sustainable agriculture and animal farming. The company advances ecological harmony, rural development, and community development through animal welfare standards, sustainable practices, product quality, and safety. Moreover, this volunteering package is based in the Gorkha district, located in Northern Nepal.
Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya volunteer program takes place in the rural village of Gorkha in northern Nepal, where you will work alongside many local families. Normal working days start quite early, around 7 am. Volunteers work until the lunch break and then resume their work at around 5 pm. It's crucial to keep in mind that sometimes to walk from the place where you will be staying to the area where you will be working. After having breakfast in Kathmandu, start your journey by heading towards the west from the valley. Enjoy the scenic views of the lush, rolling hills and valleys while driving . After six hours of driving through several farming villages and cities, the route reaches Gorkha Bazar, the administrative headquarter of the Gorkha district. This city was previously known as Prithvi Narayan Municipality and was named after King Prithvi Narayan Shah. However, in 2009, the name was changed to the Gorkha municipality.
Agro-tourism examples:
Some major animal husbandry carried out by Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya Krishi Tatha Pashupanchhi farm are;
Goat rearing: Goat rearing has been flourishing in Nepal as a result of the rising demand for goat meat and milk. The topographical landscape of the nation is suited for producing goats, making it a prime location for industrial goat farming.
The farm at Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya Krishi Tatha Pashupanchhi has been primarily raising goats and specializing in goat husbandry. They are mostly raised for meat, while other valuable byproducts from these animals include dung, fiber from goats, and wool from sheep. Moreover, the organization has been providing many families in Gorkha with a healthy supply of milk without having to drive to the grocery store.
Buffalo Rearing; In Nepal, rearing buffaloes is a profitable business with great potential for creating jobs and money for the local population. Buffalo is a versatile mammal that produces milk, meat, skin, and manure. Buffalo is the main livestock product in Nepal, producing more than one-third of the country's meat and more than half of its milk.
Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya Krishi Tatha Pashupanchhi Farm has been rearing buffalo for producing meat, horns, hides, milk, butterfat, and power, as well as for plowing and transporting people and crops. This organization has been providing various quality buffalo products to the people of Gorkha-1 Municipality at affordable prices.
Fish farming: Fish farming is one of the flourishing occupations in Nepal. In various regions of the nation, the soil type and climate are also appropriate for the construction of fish ponds and these farmed fish provides high-quality protein for human needs. There are more than 6000 rivers in Nepal that provide freshwater resources for fish farming, and Gorkha is one such region.
Since the demand for fish has been increasing in the country, Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya Krishi Tatha Pashupanchhi Farm has been doing a lot of fish production lately. Since the country's fish production has not met its fish consumption demand, the import of fish is in increasing trends. As a result, Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya has been actively engaged in the fish farming industry to meet the demand and benefit the local farmers. All in all, the importance of agro-tourism is very high is agriculture based countries like
Nepal.
If you are interested in visiting or learning more about Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya Krishi Tatha Pashupanchhi farm in Gorkha, I suggest getting in touch with our regional agricultural groups, government agricultural departments, or tourism agencies. We'll do our best to give you more detailed information on the farms and agricultural projects in Gorkha.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to hotel.
After you arrive at the international terminal of Kathmandu airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company representative. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to a hotel by the Himalayan Forever staff. When you arrive at the hotel, check out your incredible rooms, and then, once you've had a chance to rest, visit the Himalayan Forever office for a meeting.
Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing tour and trip preparation.
There are several landmarks and monuments within Kathmandu valley. This city holds seven UNESCO listed world heritage sites within a radius of 20km. This comprises the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, the durbar squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur, among many other places. We can visit these locations or any other location of your choice.
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Square, stands as a testament to the city's royal history. Surrounded by ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encapsulates centuries of Nepalese architecture. The square served as the royal palace for the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the magnificent Hanuman Dhoka Palace, a complex adorned with intricately carved wooden windows and doors. The Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess Kumari, adds an air of mystique to the square. The Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju, occasionally makes appearances at her window, captivating onlookers.
Exploring the narrow alleys surrounding the square reveals hidden courtyards, shrines, and vendors selling traditional artifacts. The combination of historical charm and vibrant street life makes Kathmandu Durbar Square an unforgettable destination.
Pashupati Nath:
A short journey eastward leads to the sacred grounds of Pashupati Nath, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Nestled on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupati Nath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws pilgrims from across the globe.
The main temple, adorned with intricate wood carvings and golden spires, stands as the focal point of the complex. Only Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctum, but visitors can witness the rituals and ceremonies from the eastern bank of the river. The atmosphere is infused with spirituality as devotees perform rituals, sadhus (holy men) meditate, and the scent of incense wafts through the air.
Pashupati Nath is not only a religious site but also a reflection of Nepal's rich architectural heritage. The surrounding area, with its ancient statues, shrines, and ghats, provides a serene backdrop to this spiritual haven.
Boudha:
Heading northeast from Pashupati Nath, the journey culminates at the iconic Boudha Stupa, a symbol of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colossal white dome, adorned with the watchful eyes of the Buddha, dominates the landscape, creating a serene and contemplative ambiance.
The Boudha Stupa is encircled by a bustling market, where locals and tourists alike peruse a plethora of shops offering Tibetan artifacts, prayer flags, and traditional handicrafts. The rhythmic prayer chants, the spinning of prayer wheels, and the fluttering of colorful flags create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
The stupa itself is a marvel of symmetry and symbolism. Pilgrims circumambulate the structure, spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers, while monks in nearby monasteries engage in their daily rituals. As the sun sets, the stupa is illuminated, casting a tranquil glow that adds to the spiritual aura.
Day 3 : Drive to Chhapthok(1530M) via Gorkha Bazar- 6 hours
After having breakfast in Kathmandu, start your journey by heading towards the west from the valley. The route passes through several farming villages and cities, and travelers may see several snow-capped peaks in the northwestern direction. The route continues on through twisting hills until it reaches Gorkha Bazar, the headquarter of the Gorkha district. This region is the gateway to entering Gorkha and is the starting point for several world's renowned mountain trekking routes likes Mount Manaslu and Mount Ganesh trekking route.
Take a short refreshing break at Gorkha Bazar, and then drive uphill for around 1.5 hours before you finally reach Chhapthok. It is a small local village in Gorkha situated nearby to the localities of Thulo Darbung and Dadagaun. Chhapthok is the ultimate destination of our trip as all our volunteering activities will be carried out in this place.
Day 4 : Beginning of volunteering work depends on your time limit
From this day, we start our agro-farming volunteering work. Normal working days start quite early, around 7 am. Volunteers work until the lunch break and then resume their work at around 5 pm. It's crucial to keep in mind that sometimes to walk from the place where you will be staying to the area where you will be working. Volunteer can work in animal farms and experience the raring goat, buffalo, fish, and more. They can also work in agricultural fields and help the locals to grow crops.
(Important note: Volunteers can stay in Chhapthok as long as they want and can contribute to the agriculture and farming there. Thus, there is no time barrier and volunteers can work for any numbers of day as per their convenience.)
Day 5 : Return to Kathmandu - 6 hours
Depart from Gorkha after finished your volunteering work , and drive back to Kathmandu on the scenic highway. Our staff and team members will accommodate you to a nice hotel in Kathmandu. Have a good rest for the rest of the day or you can also enjoy individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
Inclusions
What is included?
- All airport pick-up and drop-off services.
- All meals 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Accommodation throughout the Trip.
- Safety and Medical kit.
- One farewell dinner at authentic Nepali restaurant on the final evening.
What isn't included?
- Nepal Visa-Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Expenses of personal nature on tour.
- Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation services required.
- Early return from the trip due to personal / medical problem in this case clients should bear his / her own expenses on return from the tour back to Kathmandu. Including expenses of accompanying guides.
- Meals in Kathmandu, besides breakfast.
Complimentary
Volunteering in animal husbandry and agro farming is a rewarding way to contribute to sustainable agriculture and community development while gaining hands-on experience in rural settings. Himalayan Forever offers structured volunteer programs that immerse participants in the daily life of farming communities and animal care. Here is an in-depth guide to what you can expect when volunteering in these areas, with a focus on the Gokhara Agro Tourism and Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya projects.
Permits
For volunteering in animal husbandry and agro farming, specific permits may not be necessary unless you're traveling to a foreign country. Generally, you will need a visa if the project is located outside your home country. For Indian and international volunteers heading to projects in Nepal or India, it’s important to have the appropriate visa and any necessary travel documentation. Himalayan Forever assists with visa applications and other documentation to ensure a smooth entry process into the project area.
Transportation
Transportation logistics vary depending on the project's location. Volunteers typically travel to a major city or town before heading to the rural project site. For the Gokhara Agro Tourism or Hariyali Bahu Uddeshiya projects, this often means traveling to cities like Kathmandu (Nepal) or Delhi (India) before taking local transport to the agro farming or animal husbandry sites. This may involve a combination of flights, buses, or jeeps. Himalayan Forever arranges all transportation, ensuring safe and efficient travel from the starting point to the project site.
Starting Point
The journey for volunteers usually begins in a major city, which serves as the base for initial orientations and preparatory activities. For example, if your project is in Gokhara, Nepal, you would start in Kathmandu. Here, you will attend orientation sessions, receive training, and finalize all necessary preparations. This city-based starting point allows volunteers to acclimate and prepare for their rural experience.
Ending Point
The end of the volunteer experience generally returns to the major city where the journey began. After completing the project, volunteers will travel back to Kathmandu or another city for debriefing and departure. This return phase provides an opportunity for reflection, exploring the city, and making final arrangements before heading home. Himalayan Forever ensures a seamless transition from rural volunteering back to urban areas, including assistance with travel arrangements and final goodbyes.
Communication
In rural areas, communication can be limited due to weak mobile networks and internet connectivity. Volunteers should be prepared for sporadic or limited access to communication services. Himalayan Forever provides support with alternative communication methods, such as satellite phones for emergencies, and ensures that volunteers are informed about potential communication challenges. It's advisable to inform family members about these limitations beforehand.
Difficulty
Volunteering in animal husbandry and agro farming can be physically demanding. Tasks may include working in fields, handling livestock, and performing various manual labor tasks. The level of difficulty depends on the specific project and the volunteer's physical condition and experience. Himalayan Forever matches tasks to volunteers’ abilities and provides training to ensure that all participants are prepared for the work involved.
Food and Accommodation
Volunteers are typically accommodated in basic yet comfortable settings, which may include shared rooms in local guesthouses or project-provided facilities. Meals are usually provided and consist of locally prepared, nutritious food. In projects like Gokhara Agro Tourism, the food is generally simple and reflects the local cuisine, with efforts made to accommodate dietary preferences. Himalayan Forever ensures that accommodations are clean and comfortable and that food meets basic hygiene standards.
Trip Details
Volunteer trips usually last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the project's duration and the volunteer's availability. The trip includes an orientation period, active volunteering days, and time for personal reflection. Himalayan Forever provides a detailed itinerary, covering daily tasks, project goals, and free time activities. They ensure that the schedule is balanced to offer both productive work and opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Best Season
The best time for volunteering in agro farming and animal husbandry is typically during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. For regions like Gokhara, Nepal, this means from March to June and September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally more stable and conducive to farming activities, with less risk of extreme temperatures or heavy rains. Himalayan Forever schedules projects to align with these optimal times to maximize productivity and comfort.
Himalayan Forever Team
The Himalayan Forever team comprises experienced coordinators, field experts, and support staff who are dedicated to ensuring a successful and impactful volunteer experience. They provide comprehensive pre-trip training, on-site supervision, and continuous support throughout the project. Their expertise in local agricultural practices and community engagement ensures that volunteers receive a well-rounded and effective experience.
Major Attraction Places
While the primary focus is on volunteering, surrounding attractions can enhance the experience:
- Gokhara Agro Tourism Area: Known for its picturesque rural landscapes and traditional farming practices.
- Local Cultural Sites: Explore nearby villages and cultural landmarks to gain insights into local customs and traditions.
- Natural Scenery: Enjoy the scenic beauty of hills, rivers, and fields typical of the region.
Important Note
Volunteers should be prepared for the physical demands of farm work and animal care. It’s crucial to approach the work with a positive attitude and readiness for manual labor. Health precautions and vaccinations may be necessary based on the region, and Himalayan Forever provides guidance on these aspects to ensure safety and well-being.
Why with Himalayan Forever?
Himalayan Forever stands out for its commitment to responsible volunteering and community development. Their well-structured programs, local expertise, and attention to logistical details ensure a rewarding and impactful experience. By choosing Himalayan Forever, volunteers benefit from professional support and a focus on sustainable and ethical practices in agro farming and animal husbandry.
Best Experience
The best experience in volunteering for animal husbandry and agro farming is derived from the combination of personal growth and positive community impact. Engaging directly with agricultural practices, contributing to the well-being of animals, and immersing yourself in rural life offer a deep sense of accomplishment. Himalayan Forever’s careful planning and support enhance this experience, making it both memorable and fulfilling.