Adventure Glacier Treks’ Day of Therapy and Transformation at Gokarneshwor

In 22 years of the journey of Adventure Glacier Treks, we have come to understand that the Himalayas are a place where we find compassion, not only in the high passes. This week, our Adventure Glacier team - Dil Prasad Sapkota , Madhu , Manisha, and Diwakar Sapkota joined our UK representatives Jima and Gill for a day that touched our hearts more than any mountain view ever could .

A Global Connection: Jim and Gill’s 7-Year Legacy

While this was our team visit, the roots of this story go back seven years. Our UK representatives, Jim and Gill, have been quiet heroes for the Community Dog Welfare Centre long before our company visit. They aren't just supporting the organization; they are also sponsoring a dog personally, which will cover every cost, from food to life-saving medicines. We felt proud that they had contributed a lot to them personally.

It was previously in Kopan but is now in the peaceful surroundings of Gokarneshwor. We got to see the tangible impact of their love . Gill even showed us the building she helped to construct while providing the necessary funds. It was a proud moment for the entire Adventure Glacier Family to see her name carved into the building's wall.

Meeting the Founders: 15 Years of Dedication

Our team was welcomed by two incredible human beings, Doug and Kate, who have dedicated 15 years of their lives to rescuing 170 dogs currently in their care. Their Shelter is a perfect model of an organization and empathy . They also shared how difficult it is to get a place for a shelter and to get support from the local area around there . After a conversation, they walked us through the “Adaptation Zones,” where they keep rescued and vulnerable dogs, and slowly introduce them to the other dogs after proper medication. It helps to ensure their mental well-being, reduce contamination, and prevent dogs from getting aggressive toward others .

The "Therapy Hike": 2 Hours of Gentle Souls

We went for a 2-hour dog hike, where each person was assigned a specific rescue dog, and we made a loop walking them.

Despite having traumatic pasts, these dogs were incredibly gentle and calm. It was a form of mental therapy for us as much as it was for them .

Meet the Heroes

Every dog at this Community Dog Welfare Centre has its own story of survival. While meeting them, it reminded us why our 3% CSR commitment plays a vital role . Here is the story of some dogs we have shared with you all :

• The Star of the Day, Kale :  It is a fluffy, majestic dog who looks beastly from the outside, but inside, he has the heart of a lamb . Kale has survived horrific cruelty as he was burned with hot water by some inhumans .Thanks to Kate and Doug’s care . His burn marks are healing, and his trust in humans is returning.
• Mohani : It is a grey female dog rescued from Gokarna when she was pregnant and was also suffering from a tumor (TVT). She delivered six healthy pups and got treatment for a tumor. She still requires lifelong thyroid medication, but she is jumping and woofing .
• Khaire OB : He arrived with broken bones and fluid in his lungs in this center . He is recovering and is now safe with them.
• Khaire Niraj : When he arrived in the center, he was severely injured in the eyes and jaw . He underwent surgery in which he lost one of his eyes. Due to the jaw injury, he was only able to eat blended  foods . Despite this situation, he is the one who runs to the visitors asking for a belly rub .

Our "Integrity Guarantee" in Action

We didn't visit just to play, but we visited to sustain . Adventure Glacier Treks officially handed over a donation to Kate and Doug for vaccinations and medicines during their visit.

Our 2026 Commitment includes :

• 3% CSR Pledge : We have decided that each portion of our CSR Pledge will officially be diverted to the dog shelter.
• The Supply List : We have compiled a specific list of requirements so we can use our CSR money to buy them and support them.  This will provide transparency for our guests to understand where their money is going.
• Sustainable Tourism :  We have promised the Community Dog Welfare Centre team that we will bring our interested guests to the centre. As our Kathmandu Ridge Trek ends near Sundarijal, we can use the full day to take them there.  When we introduce our guests to these  dogs, we are helping them to find sponsors and supporters to sustain their 170+ rescued dogs.

Why This Matters for Your Trek

Visiting the Community Dog Welfare Centre made us realise that being human is about helping those who can't express their pain . When you trek with Adventure Glacier , you will be supporting this circle of care .

Diwakar Sapkota  has noted while reviewing the Adventure Glacier digital need that “ We are not just selling a package to Everest or Annapurna ; We are inviting you into a family that cares for its own, whether they have two legs and speak or four legs and woof .

Are you ready to trek with a purpose? When you visit Nepal next time, you can ask us about the “ Paws and Paths “ morning, where you can have a short walk with a dog daily, and 2-hour walks every Wednesday and Saturday. It will be the perfect way to start your trekking in Nepal with a full heart .