Travel with us!
Every year since Anatta began in 2006, we have offered a meaningful travel immersion to experience the people, culture, and natural beauty inherent in the countries where Anatta works. There is opportunity to volunteer with ongoing medical, educational, environmental, and cultural projects alongside our local hosts and international colleagues. You will find yourself part of a very joyful, talented, and authentic global family, with a comfortable balance of structure and flexibility in daily activities.
There will be people coming with specific skill sets that will make particular projects more appealing, and we always stagger the different projects so that people can participate in as much or as little as they like. In Nepal we have a strong local volunteer group in Lumbini, as well as our young Peace Grove nuns who are nothing short of amazing in setting the stage and supporting us.
There is always much to see and learn with expert local guides. Depending on the time of year, many trips also incorporate trekking or visits to nature preserves.
A busy and joyful two weeks of culture, history, service, contemplation, and love
Our group journey in Nepal generally begins with a few days of settling in and cultural touring in vibrant Kathmandu, followed by an immersion into the natural beauty of Pokhara and/or Chitwan National Forest. Our main work week takes place in the Buddha's birthplace, Lumbini, which is the home of Anatta's Metta Family of projects and our guide, Venerable Metteyya. In Lumbini we will be immersed in the culture and heritage of this incredible World Heritage Site. Expert guides will take us to all of the sacred sites, the local village, and nature walks. Each day we will participate in meditation and yoga, enjoying the warm hospitality of the Peace Grove Nunnery as our base of operations. Since 2023 we have begun to add an (optional) third week abroad.
The Background Timeline of our commitment to Nepal:
OUR PROJECTS with Lumbini Social Service Foundation (LSSF) and Canadian Engaged Buddhism Association (CEBA) (see PARTNERS section):
2011 Launching Meaningful Travel: The first HHH (Heavenly Himalaya Holiday) trip is organized, CEBA and ANATTA members join us in Lumbini. This project brings international supporters on a pilgrimage to volunteer with our projects, creating a meaningful travel experience and fostering direct global connections.
2012 Planting the Seeds for Higher Education: The vision for the Karuna Girls School and the Anatta Children’s Library takes root. Mr. Trevor visits Lumbini. Ground is broken next door to Peace Grove, and construction is accelerated with the donation of a cement mixer and generator.
2013 Expanding the Reach: The mission extends further into the community with the opening of the second branch of Metta School in Punnihawa village. The second HHH trip takes place.
2014 A Milestone in Girls' Education: The Karuna Girls School officially opens its doors, becoming the first public school in the region dedicated exclusively to providing quality higher education for girls. The third HHH trip takes place.
2015 A Test of Compassion: Following the devastating Nepal Earthquake, all project activities immediately shift focus, dedicating all resources and efforts to critical relief work. The fourth HHH trip takes place.
2017 A Voice for Lumbini: Bhante Metteyya is appointed Vice-Chair of the World Heritage site of Lumbini Development Trust. The fourth HHH trip takes place.
2019 Strengthening Global Ties: Bodhi Ma is named the Canadian Ambassador of Lumbini. The community kitchen for Peace Grove and Karuna School opens. The fifth HHH trip takes place.
2020-2022 Focus on Crisis Relief: Project focus shifts entirely to emergency COVID-19 Relief efforts throughout Nepal, providing essential aid and support during the global pandemic.
2023 The Founding Vision: The Bodhi Institute is officially inaugurated in Lumbini, Nepal, consolidating all prior efforts with installation of Buddha statue from Indonesia - donated by Mr. Kasim Padmanadi. The HHH 2023 trip is completed.
2025 Weaving a Global Tapestry: Our devoted Canada-US friends join us on the HHH2025 journey, transforming the mission into a global story that intentionally weaves cross-cultural understanding and global friendship into the fabric of “Bodhi”
There will often be opportunity for volunteer service at a two-day medical clinic for local villagers in Kapilavatsu or Purnihawa, and possibly at the Lumbini Animal Clinic. We will participate in many ongoing activities at the Peace Grove Nunnery, Metta Schools, Karuna Girl's College, Anatta Children's Library, and Bodhi Peace institute.
For the final part of our Nepal adventure, we often journey to the beautiful Kathmandu Valley to the edge of Shivapuri National Park, where we re-connect with local friends, and rest after our work in Lumbini with wellness services, nature hikes, and a visit to a local monastery.
On the 2019 trip we added a few days in the Chitwan National Forest. Nepal's first national park, it is one of Asia's best preserved conservation areas, where wildlife such as the one-horned rhino. elephants and tigers thrive in intact natural habitats. Highlights included an elephant walking safari, cultural show and guided river canoe excursion.
In 2023 we added a week in Bali for some water adventures and visits with orangutans. We also explored the Temples of Borobudur in Java. In 2025 we added 10 days in Sri Lanka, exploring ancient Buddhist sites, connecting with elephants, and journeying to areas more recently opened to tourism. Please see below for specific trip updates.
For Details
These meaningful travel immersions are typically broken into 2 week long segments. It is possible to join the entire trip or select just one week.
The newest trip flier/itinerary will always available for download on our travel blog where you can also hear from some of our previous travelers Click below :
Please sign up above for more information on the current 2018 trip.
'Reverse Scholarship' Program
Shortly before Anatta's December 2015 group trip, founder Cornelia Santschi learned about a very special young woman.
Natalie Hernandez is a born humanitarian. Raised in what most would consider a disadvantaged urban environment, she has been through a lot in her 17 years. Natalie nevertheless has a kind, joyful nature, and a deep rooted desire to help others. She has already taken on a leadership role as part of the "Leaders in Training" program at the Trail Blazers Camp in Northern New Jersey for the past three summers. The program has a long history rooted in tradition and value building. Next year Natalie hopes to be a counselor. While she has no material possessions to give, she is ready to wholeheartedly devote her time and energy to relieve the suffering of those less fortunate.
Take a moment to meet her here: Natalie's Story
After meeting with Natalie, Anatta was absolutely sure she would be an incredible asset to our travel team. Without even having Anatta funds to support this initiative, Cornelia offered Natalie the first ever Anatta 'Reverse Scholarship' to come to Nepal on the humanitarian journey of a lifetime, in December 2015. Luckily, a fundraiser site was established, which helped secure Natalie's flight reservations. A combination of donated funds and Cornelia's personal supplement took care of the remaining expenses, and set a new program in motion.
It was a true joy to watch Natalie engage and grow during the course of our trip! She was immediately adopted by our young students in Lumbini as well as by our family of local volunteers. By the end of the trip everyone was in tears to see Natalie leave for home. We have now offered her a 'gap year' study opportunity should she choose to take a break and return to Nepal between High School graduation and College.
The Anatta Reverse Scholarship Program is always ready to consider a future humanitarian for our next trip. Please fill out the above information form if you know a potential applicant!
