The 3rd of December marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), celebrated globally to promote awareness and inclusion. Nepal has recently witnessed a groundbreaking feat: a group of travellers, led by a visually impaired organizer, scaled Mardi Himal Base Camp in the Annapurna region. This inspiring expedition not only captured the attention of the tourism industry but also made headlines in national newspapers marking an early celebration of IDPD.
1. The visionary behind the adventure
The trek was spearheaded by Gino Verschuere, a blind adventurer determined to turn his dream into reality. Gino invited travellers through social media, assembling a diverse group of seven individuals from Belgium and Holland. He was connected to the right team in Nepal by Ignace Cloqet who is a veteran tour leader from Best Tours Belgium. Among them were three visually impaired trekkers and four sighted companions, including Wendy Ida Kumans, an experienced organizer of similar trips in Europe. Together, they embarked on a journey to 4,200 meters in the Annapurna region, showcasing the power of inclusive travel.
2. A warm welcome in Nepal
On their second day in Kathmandu, the group received a special reception from Mr Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board. Known for relentless support for accessible tourism initiatives, Mr Joshi’s support during a “Meet and Greet” session at the board’s office left a profound impression. The travellers appreciated the collaborative spirit between Nepal’s tourism operators and the national tourism board.
3. A journey beyond the mountains
Gino and his friends did more than trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp. They immersed themselves in Nepal’s cultural and natural treasures:
- Pema T’sal Monastery in Pokhara: A serene overnight stay that offered spiritual rejuvenation.
- Pokhara : Enjoyed the city of Lakes and getting massage from Seeing hands run by Blind massage therapists.
- Chitwan National Park: Encountered with wildlife and endangered species.
- Balthali Village: Three days of cultural immersion during the Tihar festival, where they celebrated with local villagers.
4. Reflection and experience sharing
On their final day, a sharing session organized by Four Season Travel brought together Nepali leaders from organizations for persons with disabilities (OPDs) and NTB. Gino, Stephan, and Johanna, as visually impaired travelers, shared valuable insights.
4.1. Highlights (Wow factors):
- The People: Nepali hospitality left a lasting impression, with warm welcomes from hotel staff, bus drivers, trekking guides, and villagers. Gino resonated deeply with the saying, “People come to Nepal for its mountains, but they return for its people.”
- Food: Local staples like dal bhat and surprises like trekking guides Purna and Gopi prepared momos delighted the group, making the journey a culinary adventure.
- Accommodation: From 3-star hotels to tea houses with attached bathrooms, the group found the facilities exceeded expectations.
- Storytelling Guides: Their cultural guide, Rajir, brought Kathmandu’s history alive with vivid narratives, while the naturalists in Chitwan enriched their experience with wildlife tales.
- Spiritual Energy: Gino, a yoga practitioner, found Nepal’s spiritual ambiance deeply moving, especially during their monastery stay.
4.2. Areas for Improvement:
- Noise Pollution in Kathmandu: The sound of motorbikes, particularly in Thamel, was overwhelming for Stephan, highlighting the need for quieter urban spaces.
- Road Infrastructure: Long travel times, such as a nine-hour drive for a 200-kilometer journey to Pokhara, underscored the need for better highways.
- Accessible Tourism Facilities: Johanna suggested adding tactile exhibits, such as miniature models of monuments, to enhance the experience for visually impaired visitors.
- Assumptions by Service Providers: Gino emphasized the importance of asking for preferences rather than making decisions on behalf of visually impaired travellers.
5. A transformative journey
For Gino, choosing to head to the Himalayas right after his 50th birthday was an empowering experience. Johanna, who became a grandmother for the fifth time during her trek, found the journey equally transformative.
Their expedition not only inspired their own circles but also encouraged persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and others to explore the outdoors. It stands as a testament to Nepal’s potential as an inclusive destination, reinforcing the vision of “Tourism for All.”
As Nepal observes the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it has an opportunity to build on this momentum. Initiatives like creating accessible museum exhibits, similar to Madrid’s Typological Museum, can further Nepal’s commitment to inclusive tourism. Gino’s adventure reminds us all: Adventure knows no boundaries.
