To align with your Good Karma philosophy of transparency and "giving back," this fee breakdown ensures that volunteers understand exactly how their contribution supports the local family, the horses, and the sustainability of the project.Investment in Impact: Fee Breakdown

At Good Karma Trekking, we believe in a transparent financial model. Your program fee is not just a payment for services; it is a direct investment in the livelihood of a poor family in Sauraha and the welfare of their animals.

Below is the breakdown of where your contribution goes:

The largest portion of your fee goes directly to the host family. This covers:

• Host Family Stipend: Provides a fair and sustainable income for the family, often significantly higher than what they could earn through traditional labor.

• Equine Nutrition & Medical Fund: A dedicated portion is set aside to purchase high-quality fodder, vitamins, and emergency veterinary care for the horses.

• Stable Maintenance: Funding for materials (wood, tin, or bamboo) to improve and repair the horse shelters.

This ensures your comfort and health during your stay in the Terai:

• Homestay Costs: Rent and utilities for your room within the family compound.

• Traditional Meals: Three fresh, locally sourced Nepali meals per day (typically Dal Bhat, seasonal vegetables, and local snacks).

• Drinking Water: Access to safe, filtered water throughout your stay.

To ensure the program remains safe, organized, and impactful:

• 24/7 Local Support: Access to our field coordinators in Sauraha and our main office in Kathmandu for any assistance.

• Airport Transfers & Orientation: Ground transportation upon arrival and the comprehensive cultural/safety briefing.

• Project Monitoring: Regular visits by our team to ensure the horses are being treated humanely and the family’s needs are being met.

A percentage of every fee is funneled into the Good Karma Foundation. This fund supports broader community initiatives in the Sauraha and Lamjung regions, such as:

• Local school supply donations.

• Community-wide animal health camps.

• Regenerative agriculture workshops for neighboring families.

• International Airfare: Flights to and from Kathmandu.

• Visa Fees: Nepal entry visa (available at the airport).

• Personal Expenses: Snacks, souvenirs, and laundry.

• Optional Activities: Jungle safaris, jeep tours, or canoe rides during your free time.

• Travel Insurance: Mandatory for all volunteers.

As a social enterprise, we do not receive government funding. Your fees allow us to keep the program running ethically without placing a financial burden on the poor families we aim to help. By joining us, you are shifting from a "tourist" to a "partner" in rural development.

We ensure your journey begins with peace of mind. As part of your commitment to the Good Karma mission, we take full responsibility for your safe arrival and transition from the bustle of the city to the tranquil plains of Sauraha.Personalized Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Your experience starts the moment you step out of the arrivals terminal in Kathmandu. A friendly member of our team will be there to greet you, holding a clear sign with your name and the Good Karma Trekking logo. You won't have to worry about navigating local transport or negotiating with taxis after a long international flight; we will whisk you away in a private vehicle directly to your initial accommodation.

• Airport Transfer: We provide direct transport from the airport to a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, where you can rest and recover from your flight.

• In-Country Briefing: Usually held the morning after your arrival, this session at our office covers your project details, cultural etiquette, and safety protocols for working with horses in the Terai.

• Escorted Logistics: We don’t just pick you up; we help you settle in. Whether you need to exchange currency, get a local SIM card, or find the best trekking gear shops, our team is on hand to assist you.

Once you are refreshed and briefed, we coordinate your transport to the project site in Sauraha. Depending on your preference and schedule, we arrange:

• Tourist Bus: A scenic drive through the winding hills of the Prithvi Highway, offering views of the Trishuli River.

• Internal Flight (Optional Upgrade): A 20-minute flight to Bharatpur for those looking to maximize their time at the project.

• Local Meet-and-Greet: Upon reaching Sauraha, a local coordinator or a member of your host family will meet you at the bus park or airport to take you to your new "home away from home" at the horse farm.

To ensure a smooth pickup, we ask that you provide your flight number and arrival time at least one week before you depart. If your flight is delayed or if you encounter any issues at immigration, our team remains on standby—we track your flight status in real-time to ensure we are there exactly when you land.

You are in safe hands from "Namaste" to the stable doors.

Volunteer Accommodation & Facilities

We understand that knowing where you’ll rest your head is a big part of preparing for your journey. At  Good Karma Foundation, we aim to provide a comfortable, authentic, and safe environment for all our volunteers.

• The Room: You will typically stay in a clean, modest room designed for comfort. Rooms are generally Private . 

• Bathrooms: Most of our accommodations feature Private facilities  Hot water is usually available via solar heating or electric geysers.

• Security: Your safety is our priority. Each room is equipped with a lockable door, and we provide lockers or secure storage boxes for your valuables and personal belongings. We recommend bringing your own padlock for extra peace of mind.

• Capacity: You are rarely alone! We typically host between 3 to 8 volunteers at any given time. This creates a vibrant, family-like atmosphere where you can share experiences and forge lifelong friendships with like-minded people from around the world.

• Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the common areas so you can stay in touch with home.

• Banking: There are several ATMs and currency exchange booths within a short 5–10 minute walk from our main base, accepting most international cards (Visa/Mastercard).

• Local Amenities: You will be located close to local markets, pharmacies, and cafes, ensuring you have easy access to anything you might need during your stay.

Your stay in Sauraha includes three fresh, locally sourced meals daily, prepared by your host family. Staying with a local family offers an authentic taste of the Terai, blending traditional Nepali staples with unique indigenous flavors.Daily Meal Schedule

• Morning Tea (Chiyaa): Your day starts early with a glass of sweet, spiced Nepali milk tea, often served with local biscuits or bread.

• Breakfast/Brunch (Late Morning): Following the local rhythm, a hearty brunch of Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry) is served to provide energy for your morning work with the horses.

• Afternoon Snack (Khaja): A light mid-day meal which may include Beaten Rice (Chiura), roasted soybeans, or popular local snacks like Momos (dumplings) or Chow Mein.

• Dinner: A final gathering with the family, usually consisting of another round of fresh Dal Bhat or traditional flatbreads (Roti) with seasonal vegetables.

• Tharu Delicacies: As part of the cultural immersion, you may have the chance to try traditional Tharu dishes such as Dhikri (steamed rice flour dumplings) or Ghungi (river snails cooked in spices), which are local favorites

• Organic & Seasonal: Most ingredients come directly from the family’s garden or the local village market, ensuring your food is fresh, organic, and seasonal.

• Dietary Preferences: We are happy to accommodate Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free diets. Since Nepali cuisine is naturally centered around lentils, rice, and vegetables, these preferences are very easy to manage with your hosts.

A Note on Hydration: Safe, filtered drinking water is provided at all times. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste in the village.