My wife and I, along with eight other volunteers, spent 12 days in a remote part of Nepal working with local craftspeople and workers helping to restore a historic Buddhist gompa (or monastery) that had thrived for centuries but had fallen into disrepair.

Whether it's the majestic vistas of the snowcapped Himalayas, the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, the peace of the Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries, the wildlife in Chitwan National Park, or a visit to another World Heritage Site, trekkers and world travelers alike have long been making their way to Nepal to witness its beauty and learn of its rich culture and history.