The Leprosy Mission Nepal

The Leprosy Mission Nepal (TLMN) is one of 29 members of The Leprosy Mission International Global Fellowship, an international Christian organisation working toward the eradication of the causes and consequences of leprosy.

The work of TLMN is focused around Anandaban Hospital, which is 14 kms outside Kathmandu, however much of its program activity occurs in rural areas.

TLMN staff is actively involved in:

• the detection of new cases and contact tracing
• treatment of leprosy with multi-drug therapy
• management of leprosy related disability by education, reconstructive surgery, and provision of prostheses and through rehabilitation and
• action for social integration, empowerment and independence through self-help groups, advocacy programmes, education, and business support through microfinance loans.

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres. It has a population of approximately 1.6 million people. Nepal has a population of about 31 million people. More than 80% of the people live in rural communities in the southern part of Nepal, the flat plains of the Terai, where poverty is endemic, and most cases of leprosy occur.

During 2022, there were more than 2,200 new cases of leprosy in Nepal but unfortunately about 7.5% of these cases are diagnosed after the onset of leprosy related disability. There remain a large number of people living with residual disability, often dating back many years and for whom life is very difficult.

In addition, many of these people are suffering from stigma and discrimination which isolates them within their communities, and which perpetuates the cycle of poverty for them and their families.

Leprosy Mission Australia in conjunction with The Leprosy Mission Nepal is committed to making a difference in the lives of these people.

Your Itinerary

Download your itinerary here.

Your Tour Information

1. TLMA's Your Nepal Impact Adventure 2024 is being conducted in conjunction with the Leprosy Mission Nepal.

2. There will be two parts to the trip.  Supporters can choose to go on Part 1 only, OR they can choose to do both Part 1 and Part 2 (subject to numbers, see below).

- Part 1 (hereafter known as the Kathmandu Group) will be from Saturday, September 14^th – Friday, September 20th 

- Part 2 (hereafter known as the Immersive Group) will be from Saturday, September 21^st – Thursday, September 26th

3. There will be a maximum of 20 supporters in the Kathmandu Group, and 12 supporters in the Immersive Group. Three TLMA staff will also be on the trip.

4. All travel costs in Nepal, accommodation, and most meals while in Nepal, will be included in the registration fee.

5. A fundraising page will be set up for each supporter to share with family and friends who might be interested in showing their support.

6. Cancellations. We understand that personal circumstances can sometimes change. If this is you, please contact us to discuss.

Costs and Registration

The cost of participating in Your Nepal Impact Adventure 2024 will be $1,650 to be part of the Kathmandu Group and $3,300 to be in both the Kathmandu Group and the Immersive Group, payable to The Leprosy Mission Australia. International Flights are to be arranged separately by individual tour members.

You will need to book your place on the Tour by paying a registration deposit of $500 per person (payable to The Leprosy Mission Australia) with your registration form. (Balance due 60 days from registration or August 31st, whichever is soonest). We don't want you to miss out on this wonderful opportunity to see the impact you make, so please book your place as soon as possible!

Your costs will cover the cost of your trip within Nepal, including all travel, accommodation, most meals and your police check.

The fee does not include the following:

a) International Flights. Each supporter will be expected to arrange flights to Kathmandu, arriving no later than 14^th September (unless other arrangements have been made)

b) Travel Insurance – we leave it to you to decide the level of cover you need.

c) Any personal expenditure on free days, sightseeing, souvenirs, and extra refreshments.

d) Nepal Visa (to be advised).

e) Any Vaccination and Medication Costs.

f) Working with Children check. 

g) An optional Merch Pack with shirt, cap, and bottle.

h)  Money in case of emergency (suggested $200 cash)

Enquiries: Glen Coleman (Engagement Coordinator)

Telephone: 1800 537 767 (The Leprosy Mission Australia Office)

Address: 37 Ellingworth Parade, Box Hill, VIC, 3128

Postal Address: (PO Box, 293 Box Hill, VIC, 3128) 

Email: glenc@leprosymission.org.au

Website: www.leprosymission.org.au

Your Health

This is not a Trek but there will be some walking during the day and some stairs and slopes. The pace will however be relaxed. Kathmandu is at an elevation of 1,400 m. 

Though the greatest care is taken in food preparation, it is sensible to have some Imodium and electrolyte replacement powder in case you have a stomach upset. Medical treatment will be available if needed. The sun can be bright, so take sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Your doctor will tell you what vaccinations you need, as well as the need for anti-malaria precautions. Insect repellent is essential. 

*Please note: It will be difficult to cater for highly specialised diets.

A list of recommended personal hygiene and health related items:

- Sun glasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Imodium
- Personal medication
- Insect Repellent
- Aluminium water bottle
- Warm clothing to wear to bed at night (nights can be chilly even in September).
- Toilet paper
- Waterless hand cleanser (Dettol, Aqium)
- Electrolyte rehydration powder/sachets
- A sleeping bag liner is very useful.

Your Passport and Visas

We will obtain a Nepalese Visa on arrival in Nepal. This takes a little more time when passing through Kathmandu airport and customs but is a lot cheaper than obtaining a visa prior to departure from Australia.

The visa can be purchased on arrival for $30USD (15 days) or $50USD (30 days).  There are often long queues getting the visa on arrival. To save a step you can complete the online form here: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ (click 'Visa On-arrival'. Payment is generally in USD so make sure you have done this before leaving Australia.

This is also a good time to change currency, although many Nepali banks have ATMs which accept Mastercard, Visa and some other cards.

Nepal requires all passports to have a minimum of 6 months before expiry date, please check your passport now.

It might be a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport just in case.

Note: Please check your passport is valid until at least March 31st, 2025. If you require a new passport apply early.

Packing For Your Trip

Women are asked to wear trousers (long or ¾ length) and shirts/tops that cover shoulders in deference to the local culture (rather than shorts and sleeveless tops). A windcheater or jumper is necessary for the evenings as it can be quite cold. It is suggested that you also bring a waterproof jacket just in case it rains. September is the end of the monsoon season and rain is still possible. Daytime temperatures will be great, but it can get cool at night. Women may find long pants/jeans better for insect protection but a loose fitting longer skirt makes it easier to use a squat toilet.

NOTE: Good, comfortable shoes are essential [and wear them in before you go].

The following check list for items other than clothes may be useful:

- You won’t really need a lot of money. However, you may want to do some personal shopping. Take Australian or US dollars for easy exchange in Kathmandu. (We suggest that $A400 will be more than sufficient)
- Camera – batteries can be recharged at most places on the Tour (mobile phones etc also)
- Moist face wipes/Hand cleanser
- Inflatable pillow
- String clothesline, pegs and soap powder for washing clothes (soap should be biodegradable)
- A power point adaptor
- Medical supplies - see Medical Form.

There will be little access to WiFi during the day unless you purchase a local sim card for your phone. There will be easier access while staying at hotels.

One Last Thing...

The Policies which you will need to read and agree to comply with are here below:

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct Policy

Privacy Policy

Social Media Policy

Consent for Photos Policy

Risk Assessment

Leprosy Mission Australia may add further policies and checks to ensure the safety of all participants and staff. Organisations in Nepal that we visit may also require documents to be signed.

In addition to this we also request you get a working with children’s check from your state or territory. You can find out information about each state’s requirements below: 

Victoria

New South Wales

Queensland

Tasmania

South Australia

Western Australia

Northern Territory

Australian Capital Territory

We also request you get a Police Check:

1. Go to Crimcheck
2. Fill in the form making sure you select you are a volunteer
3. Once you have completed the form you will receive an email from us with full details of your check and details of the appropriate ID documents
4. Once you submit the form, please bring your original documents into the office, or send electronic copies as directed in the email from Crimcheck (these do not need to be certified).

*For both WWCC and police check you are applying as a volunteer.