As Nepal reopens most of the heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley to the public and following the Tourism Minister’s recent declaration that the country is “safe for travel”, World Expeditions has announced that it will operate all of its scheduled treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions in the next season, after extensive reconnaissance of the trekking routes by its leaders. Although a further final review will be conducted after the monsoon, no changes to this position are foreseen at the moment.

The Annapurna region sustained very little damage from the earthquake, while in the Everest region two small landslips on the trails north of Lukla have already been repaired by government appointed workers. Popular trekking passes such as Cho La (linking the Everest and Gokyo Valley), Renjo La (connecting the Gokyo and Thame Valleys) and Kongma La (between the Chukung Valley and Lobuche) are unaffected, whereas the Everest Base Camp also remains intact (the landslide that occured post-earthquake was at the Base Camp used by climbing expeditions, several hours’ hike above Gorak Shep, the highest village in which trekkers sleep). In addition, the trekking holiday specialist is confident that most other remoter regions are also going to be operational following the monsoon, when they are fully assessed.

Since April’s devastating earthquake World Expeditions has received hundreds of messages from past customers who have been touched by the generosity of spirit and warmth of the Nepali people and want to help in a real and meaningful way.

In response to this overwhelming interest, World Expeditions will operate in total eight ‘community project’ trips in Nepal in November, December and January (details are currently being finalised), in order to provide opportunities to anyone who wishes to physically contribute to the rebuilding effort.

So far the World Expeditions Foundation’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal has raised more than 5,000 as of today.

World Expeditions has been operating treks in Nepal for 40 years and, at the time of the earthquake, it had 15 groups travelling in the country and the surrounding regions, including Kathmandu, Everest, Annapurna and Tibet; all clients and staff were reported safe and were able to complete their trips.

World Expeditions, www.worldexpeditions.com