At Exodus, we take immense pride in supporting initiatives across the Nepalese and Indian Himalaya, regions that hold a special place in our hearts. For decades, these areas have been woven into the fabric of our identity, thanks to our legendary Exodus leader, Valerie Parkinson. Since the 1980s, Valerie has fostered deep connections with local communities in the Himalaya and has worked closely with the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation to spearhead multiple projects across the region, inspiring countless travellers in the process.
Over the years, we’ve continued to expand our efforts to fund numerous Himalayan projects, focusing on improving infrastructure, empowering communities, protecting the environment, and creating sustainable economic opportunities. On Valerie’s recent visits, while leading our Himalaya treks, she’s shared inspiring updates on some of the initiatives that continue to thrive thanks to the generosity of our travellers, local operators and partners.
The Fruit Tree Project in Ladakh
Back in 2019, we teamed up with the Sankalp Taru Foundation (Trees for Livelihood), an Indian NGO dedicated to sustainable farming, with an aim to plant 5,000 apple and apricot trees in Ladakh, one of India’s most remote and challenging mountainous regions. The arid, rugged terrain of Ladakh makes agriculture difficult, but this innovative project aims to bring hope to local farmers, offering a reliable source of income when the trees mature and bear fruit.
Each year, we send 500 saplings to be prepared in bunkers, ready to be planted every spring, where they take about 3 years to grow fully. We’ve already distributed saplings throughout the Sham Valley and Karu this year, and by 2026, another 500 trees will be added to this growing project, which is already transforming lives by providing sustainable livelihoods and food security. And with your continued support, this initiative will keep bearing fruit for years to come.
Eco Cafes: Empowering Women in the Markha Valley
In the picturesque Markha Valley, a favourite region among trekkers, we’ve supported the establishment of Eco Café Hankar, a unique initiative run by local women. Nestled along the trekking route, the café offers hikers locally made food and drink, including organic coffee and safe, filtered drinking water.
The café has also become a hub for creativity and craftsmanship. Local women have been trained in the art of felted handicrafts, producing items ranging from adorable animal sculptures to practical keyrings. However, felting needles are rare and difficult to source in India, so we continue to send them supplies so they can create their pieces to sell in the cafes and homestays.
Valerie comments, “In Rumbak Village, there are several women who are now exceptionally skilled in needle felting. One lady, Padma, is especially gifted and makes a lot of felted animals and keyrings as well as larger sculptures. The women from Shang Village are also eager for more training and their handiwork has been incredibly well-received.”
We continue to fund the operation of the café, providing new tables, organic coffee, water filters and supplies. But this initiative isn’t just about business—it’s about fostering confidence and independence. Through training, resources, and ongoing support, these women are able to provide for their families while preserving their traditional craftsmanship methods. The café itself remains one of the key highlights for travellers on our Markha Valley treks, welcoming visitors in July and August with its warm hospitality and unique hand-crafted mementoes. And even though it closes during the winter months, the impact of its presence resonates year-round.
Freedom Kit Bags: Breaking Taboos and Empowering Women in Nepal
In Nepal, a deeply rooted taboo around menstruation continues to create challenges for women and young girls. Known as chhaupadi, this practice labels menstruating women as “untouchable beings,” leading to social exclusion and lack of access to basic hygiene resources. However, change is underway, led by a movement spearheaded by two incredible Nepalese women, Beni Rani Ghale and Dr. Rosa Matheson, who have developed Freedom Kit Bags to improve menstrual health and education.
Each Freedom Kit Bag includes reusable pads for day and night, a waterproof bag for used pads, soap, patterned underwear, a washing line, and other essentials—all packed in a bright, secure holder bag. Alongside distribution, training sessions are conducted for both men and women, promoting awareness of menstrual health and how to care for the kits.
Since 2016, we’ve helped fund the creation and distribution of over 4,500 Freedom Kit Bags. Our support has also enabled the establishment of two sewing rooms and training programs for four Exodus local staff members, ensuring this initiative continues to grow. You can read more about our distribution of 500 bags throughout remote communities here.
Our Exodus guide, Tenzi Sherpa, one of the leading members of our distribution team recounts the heartwarming experiences of distributing these kits: “After we transported the Freedom Kit Bags, we spent a couple of days in each village chatting to the local women… some couldn’t come to the women’s groups as they were very busy harvesting potatoes for their families, but when we met with them it was clear that they were really interested to learn more. In a smaller village around 30 women showed up to hear us speak, and we were surprised at how curious they were to learn more about the project – it just shows that there is a real need in schools and the community for this kind of education around menstruation hygiene and sexual health.”
Looking ahead, we are committed to funding the creation of 400 more kits in 2025 and will continue to support this life-changing project through 2026.
A Shared Commitment to Positive Change
Through initiatives like the Fruit Tree Project, the women’s eco cafes, and the Freedom Kit Bags, we’re proud to stand with the resilient communities in Nepal and India. These projects go beyond immediate impact—they create lasting opportunities, preserve local traditions, and build a foundation for sustainable development.
We invite you to learn more about our Himalayan Community Project and other initiatives in the region. Every donation, no matter how small, contributes to real, meaningful change for those who call the Himalaya home. Together, we can ensure these communities continue to thrive for generations to come.
