Are you a Nepali adventurer dreaming of pushing your boundaries in the great outdoors? Do you have a plan for an expedition that explores new possibilities while respecting the environment and local culture? The HAL Explorer Fund is here to help turn your vision into reality.
Our Vision:
We believe in the spirit of Nepali adventurers. The HAL Explorer Fund aims to support individuals and teams, led by Nepalis, who seek to push their personal limits through challenging, human-powered expeditions. We want to foster responsible exploration and generate inspiring stories from the incredible landscapes of Nepal that motivate others to responsibly #beOutside.
What We Offer (Per Project):
We provide a support package valued at up to Rs. 100,000:
- Rs. 50,000 Cash Grant: Financial support to help cover expedition costs.
- Up to Rs. 50,000 In-Kind Support: Access to crucial resources, including:
- Safety Planning: Assistance in creating robust emergency protocols for your trip.
- Satellite Communication: Thuraya satellite phone with call credits.
- Tracking & SOS: Garmin InReach satellite tracker with active subscription and usage guidance.
- Team Communication: Handheld transceivers (walkie-talkies) for team coordination.
- Insurance: Medical and Search & Rescue insurance coverage (up to 6,000m elevation) for grant recipients during the expedition.
- Logistical Support: A dedicated Base Camp Manager in Kathmandu providing pre-trip logistical help, a communication link during the expedition, and an emergency contact point.
- Gear Loaning: Access to essential equipment from the HAL Basecamp Gear Pool (e.g., tents, sleeping bags, climbing hardware, ropes, stoves), subject to availability. Please note: Gear requests should ideally be made 4-5 months prior to your planned departure.
Who Should Apply?
- Eligibility:
- The expedition leader must be a Nepali citizen/resident, minimum 18 years old.
- Teams can include both Nepali and non-Nepali members.
- We welcome applications from both established adventurers and emerging talents.
- Supported Activities: Human-powered adventures including trekking, fastpacking, trail running, bikepacking, outdoor climbing (bouldering, rock climbing), and peak climbing.
- Exclusions: Expeditions primarily focused on commercial guiding or involving motorized transport are not eligible.
What We Look For:
We are excited by projects that demonstrate:
- Pushing Boundaries: Expeditions aiming for new routes, first ascents/descents, speed records, or employing unique styles (e.g., unsupported, alpine style). Challenging personal projects are also considered.
- Responsible Exploration: A strong commitment to Leave No Trace principles, cultural sensitivity, thorough safety planning, and positive community engagement where applicable.
- Inspiration Potential: Adventures that have the potential to generate compelling stories, photos, or videos to inspire the wider outdoor community.
How to Apply:
We accept applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please email us at info@himalayanadventurelabs.com with the subject line “HAL Explorer Fund Application: [Your Project Name]”.
Your application must include:
- Detailed Trip Plan: Itinerary, route description, maps (if applicable).
- Objective/Goal: Clearly state what you aim to achieve.
- Team Information: Names, roles, relevant experience, and brief bios/CVs for all members.
- Budget Breakdown: How the Rs. 50,000 cash grant will be utilized.
- Safety & Emergency Plan: Outline your risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- Alignment with HAL Values: Explain how your project embodies pushing limits responsibly.
- In-Kind Support Request: List the specific in-kind support you require (including specific gear if needed).
- Expected Outcomes: Describe how you plan to document and share your adventure (e.g., photos, video, writing).
Selection Process:
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of three experienced HAL guides (led by Sudeep Kandel) based on the criteria outlined above. We guarantee awarding at least one grant per year, with the potential for more depending on available funding.
After the Adventure:
Grant recipients are expected to share their experience with the community. This typically involves:
- Submitting a detailed trip report.
- Providing high-quality photos and/or video clips for HAL’s promotional use (with due credit).
- Writing a blog post for the HAL website.
- Potentially delivering a presentation about the expedition.
Ready to explore? We look forward to hearing about your adventurous plans!