• Sustainability

    Social and Environmental Change

  • Social Development

    Sapana Village Lodge is located in the village of the Tharu people, the indigenous tribe of Chitwan. This is an ethnic group with its own culture: their own language, religious beliefs, their own festivals and way of decorating their houses. When the jungle in which they lived changed into a National Park and partly developed into farmland, Tharu people had to move and adapt their way of living.

  • Preserving the cultural inheritance

    Through Sapana Lodge you can enjoy an authentic, immersive experience that allows you to learn about local traditions of various ethnic tribes, wildlife, and sustainable practices. The revenues generated by these activities directly benefit the local community.

     

    Yet the Sapana Village business reaches out even further through the separate organisation that was formed to execute social projects to benefit the community: Sapana Village Social Impact (SVSI).

  • Poverty Alleviation

    Each year, SVSI reaches 10,000 people through a range of short- and long-term projects focused on housing, education, health, and entrepreneurship. They also provide aid during calamities. Key initiatives include building schools, offering scholarships, constructing homes, empowering women, educating children, and organizing health camps.

     

    However, SVSI recognizes that alone, it cannot end poverty. Achieving lasting change requires collective action to improve lives and create a better future. They invite others to join the cause through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, or partnering on projects.

     

  • We care about the environment

    It goes without saying that at Sapana we care about the environment. Over the years we have been able to make significant steps. The hot water for your shower comes from solar water boilers, electricity is generated with solar panels.

  • Trying to do better every day

    Right now we are able to grow around a quarter of all fruits and vegetables consumed in the restaurant in our own gardens. You find one when you walk towards the Wellness, and there is a second one a short walk from the lodge.

     

    You yourself can contribute by refilling your water bottles with safe, filtered water from the taps located between the reception and the restaurant.

     

    If you to you can ‘plant a tree for life’ on a plot near the lodge, we’ll even add your name if you want to.

  • No Chain, No Pain, and No Ride

    Sapana is proud to host five elephants. Through the collaborative efforts of Sapana Village Lodge and Direct Aid Nepal, we have established a chain-free shelter for our rescued elephants. The lodge is dedicated to practicing ethical elephant activities aimed at caring for these majestic giants.

     

    In essence, our guiding principle is “No Chain, No Pain, and No Ride.” Guests can enjoy various programs, such as the Sunrise Walk and Breakfast with Giants, treating giants by feeding them fruit and vegetable baskets, and engaging in a friendly bathing session. The lodge encompasses a vast grassland area with a flowing river, providing a picturesque setting to observe elephants enjoying baths, grazing, or playing in the mud.

     

  • What you can do

    Planning to bring presents to Nepal for the local community is a very good idea. However, most things are available in Nepal and you will stimulate the local economy by buying items locally.

     

    There are some things that are not widely available in Chitwan and are highly appreciated if you want to bring them as a gift: toothpaste with fluoride and children’s tooth brushes. Other ideas for useful gifts: clothes and shoes, pens and other writing equipment and notebooks.

     

    A lot of people give candy to the local children, that is not such a good idea. In Nepal, children very seldom brush their teeth and cavities are a big problem. Aside from that the children have an increased chance of developing diabetes.

     

    We kindly ask you not to give money to the local people without a reason, since this will encourage begging. If you want to help the local community in a constructive way, please contact our staff. They will go over the options with you. We also have a donation box for the local projects.

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