Awakening Journey 2004

NEPAL - Mountains and Spirit

September 5-12, 2004 - Kathmandu
September 12-19, 2004 - Trekking in Eastern Nepal

Cancelled due to security concerns

Introduction

The "roof of the world," home to Mt. Everest, the highest mountain peak on earth, Nepal is one of the world's most incredible countries, filled with geographical wonders and ethnological diversity. Within a few days one can fly closely past Everest and the Himalayas, trek through remote, undeveloped mountain villages, tour the historic towns of Kathmandu Valley, and descend to the plains to ride elephants through tropical jungles and view wild tigers. Hinduism and Buddhism merge, sharing the same festivals and places of worship. Home to 21 million people and no fewer than 36 languages and dialects, Nepal has been a multi-party democracy since 1990.

One of the only countries in the world where a woman's life expectancy is less than a man's, women constitute about 51% of the total population and comprise 71% of the agricultural labor force. Although women contribute 55% of the household income, the social and economic status of women is much lower than that of men, and women are discriminated against in all spheres of life. Educational and professional opportunities are limited, and women suffer from discriminatory laws. For example, they have no equal inheritance rights, and as a result, few women own property.

A six-year insurgency by communist rebels and the killing of their beloved King in 2001 has contributed to the economic and political difficulties of Nepal. The disbanding of parliament and attacks on rural police have forced thousands of people residing in the hills and rural areas to migrate to Kathmandu, the country's only urban center, in search of work and safety. Despite these difficulties and the resulting decline of tourism, the resilient spirit of the Nepali people, especially the women, is reflected in their everyday life.

Cities to be Visited

Kathmandu

Located in the richly historical Kathmandu Valley, home to medieval cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktipur, we will marvel at the meditative majesty of ancient shrines and temples, and then be dazzled by the vibrant life and color of a local handicraft marketplace.

Chitwan

During a visit toTiger Tops Resort, nestled in the heart of world-famous Royal Chitwan National Park, you may choose to embark on an elephant safari, take a jungle trek, or simply enjoy the sub-tropical richness of the Terai plains in this birdwatcher's paradise.

Dhankuta

Tucked away on a ridge just below the Himalayas, filled with rural charm and antiquity, Dhankuta promises refuge and solace from Nepal's crowded cities. This easygoing town is both quaint and picturesque, with pedestrian-only streets, bazaars and endless access to walking trails and the Terai (plain) regions of Eastern Nepal.

Preliminary Itinerary

Arrival September 5 - Departure September 12

Day	Activity
1	Arrival in Kathmandu, evening group orientation and welcome.
2	Sightseeing in Kathmandu; meet host women's group in the afternoon; women's NGO opening reception in the evening.
3	Bridging Worlds Workshop; optional sightseeing/ shopping in afternoon.
4	Bridging Worlds Workshop (cont'd); optional sightseeing/ shopping in morning, closing ceremony/reception with VIP's.
5	Travel to Bhaktipur; visit local women craft producers. Optional mountain flight to see Mt. Everest (additional charge).
6	Additional sightseeing/shopping in Kathmandu. Site visits to Saathi and Manushi. Optional air journey to Royal Chitwan National Park and an overnight stay at Tiger Tops Resort for an Elephant Safari (additional charge).
7	Sightseeing and shopping in Patan, Kathmandu (free day).
8	Departure*

* September 12 - 19 join us for a week of trekking in Eastern Nepal, visiting Dhankuta and the home and village of 2003 Emerging Leader Indira Ghale

The Work of Women's Organizations

Non-governmental organizations are a growing phenomenon in Nepal. According to recent estimates, the number of NGOs now exceeds 16,000 and they are considered to be active partners in national development programs. Women's organizations in particular are well organized and often led by young, educated, middle- and upper-middle-income women who are committed to helping those less fortunate than themselves.

Bridging Worlds Workshops

Bridging Worlds workshops allow our travelers to be a part of history in the making, observing in just two days the power of women finding their own voices. You will share in the excitement as young women leaders, representing women's groups from around the country, come together - - many for the first time - - to describe their work, goals and dreams for women in their country. As they share lessons learned, network and create women-to-women bridges, a strengthening of the collective mission to serve and empower women becomes tangible. The workshop will also feature the democratic election of four Emerging Leaders to participate in Jagriti's 2005 leadership training program in the U.S. As witnesses to this election and the women's stories, Jagriti travelers validate the courageous efforts of local women to improve their lives and realize their dreams. We will arrive as strangers and leave as friends and global sisters.

Women's Groups

Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO), founded in 1994, is the first and only organization of its type in Nepal to represent the Dalit women, voice their concerns, and address their needs. FEDO's mission is to uplift and empower the downtrodden Dalit women educationally, socially, and economically, in addition to advocating against caste and gender discrimination. The organization focuses on these issues by working to improve health conditions and to increase the education status and literacy rates of Dalit women.

SAATHI is recognized as the pioneering organization in the area of violence against women. Formally organized in 1992 to address contemporary challenges faced by Nepali women, SAATHI has since been committed to the promotion of gender equity, the elimination of violence against women, and raising awareness. Through lobbying, workshops, NGO partnerships, crisis intervention and shelter services, SAATHI's activism has brought about the drafting and advocacy of key legislation such as the property rights bill, the bill of domestic violence, and the child protection act.

Tewa Nepal Women's Fund is actively working for the self-reliance and empowerment of rural women by providing grants to women's groups involved in animal husbandry, sewing and other small-scale local initiatives. The majority of their funds are raised locally through creative fundraising and philanthropic programs.

Manushi serves rural grassroots women and communities who have been traditionally marginalized and excluded socially by the inadequate "economic growth model" of development. Founded in 1990 by five women with an ethos based on social justice, self reliance, and gender equality, Manushi has since implemented gender sensitization programs, worked with farmers on sustainable soil management projects, and started income generating projects with the development of local handicrafts.

Other Points of Interest

Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple): The most ancient and glorious of all the holy shrines in the Kathmandu valley.
Pashupatinath Temple: A two-tiered golden roof and silver doors make this temple famous for its superb architecture and design.
Bouddhnath: This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of the biggest in the world.
Temple of Kumari: Home to a young virgin girl, Kumari, selected from the village and worshipped as a Living Goddess..
Patan Durbar Square: In the heart of Kathmandu, Durbar square hosts exquisitely carved palaces, temples, and shrines situated in three main chowks (courtyards).

Security and Safety

The Jagriti International will take all necessary precautions to secure the safety and well being of all participants. Working with local tourist, government and non-government officials and accompanied at all times by local experts, we will seek to provide the maximum experience at minimum risk. The inherent risks of travel must, however, be assumed by each individual participant.

Cost:

$1,400 (not including international airfare) Price Includes:

Double room accommodations in3/4 star hotels (add $250 for single room)
Two meals per day
Local transportation
All program activities
Entrance fees
Trip leaders and guides
Translators
Preparatory reading materials
$100 tax-deductible donation to women's organizations visited
International airfare, visas, tips and personal expenses are NOT include
Visit to Tiger Tops is additional $300

How to Join an Awakening Journey

Please contact the Jagriti International by e-mail, info@jagriti-international.org or by telephone 805-969-9092 for an application. We must receive your application and a deposit of $500, 45 days prior to departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied to late applications. Payments by Visa or MasterCard are welcome. This trip will be limited to 15 participants so please register early.

Sign-up now

Web Sites of Interest

Nepal: A Country Study - The Library of Congress
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/nptoc.html

U.S. State Department, Travel Advisory and Visa Information: http://travel.state.gov/nepal.html

Centers for Disease Control, Health and Immunization Information http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm

Information about Travelers' Insurance
http://www.travelinsure.com

General Country Information
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/np.html

News from Nepal as it happens (including the Nepali Times newspaper) http://www.nepalnews.com

Nepal Travelers' Information Guide
http://www.visitnepal.com

Sightseeing in Nepal: Lonely Planet - Destination Nepal http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/indian_subcontinent/nepal/attractions.htm

Articles about Women in Nepali Society http://www.nepalresearch.com/society/women.htm