Paid Voluntourism and Volunteering Scams in Nepal

Erin Elliott of Alberta Canada and Rebeca Limmer of Tanzania Australia were taken in by a volunteering scam
This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Paying to Volunteer - Scam or Legitimate Social Program?

My life changed for the better when I deserted corporate America to pursue my true passions of travel, writing and photography but over the past few years I’ve often felt there was still a piece of the puzzle missing. There was something more I was meant to do; I just wasn’t sure what it was. … Read more

Pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Buddha

Monlam Festival at Lama Puja Sakya Monastery in Lumbini, Nepal

The bus stopped at a dusty crossroad and the driver shouted “Lumbini, Lumbini, Lumbini.” Indeed, I was Lumbini bound, but I had been told this bus would carry me all the way; suddenly it seemed I would have to change buses. I unfolded my aching legs from the cramped space between seat rows, stood and … Read more

The Art of Tseten Chomphel

Tseten Tsering, artist and art teacher at Tashiling Tibetan refugee settlement

As I waited to fill my plate during the International Human Rights Day celebration at Tashiling Tibetan refugee settlement in Pokhara, kids darted back and forth through the dinner line, playing tag. When one of them unexpectedly scooted in front of me, I reflexively took a step back and bumped into Tseten Chomphel. He laughed, … Read more

Two Tibetan Refugees – A Freedom Fighter and a Simple Farm Girl – Share Their Stories of Survival

Jampa Chodok, Tibetan freedom fighter now living in a refugee settlement near Pokhara, Nepal

Jampa Chodok is 83 years old but he remembers his days as freedom fighter in Tibet as if they happened last week. He joined our small tour group just as we were finishing lunch at the Jampaling Tibetan refugees settlement, located about 12 miles east of Pokhara, Nepal. He sat in the sun, as old … Read more