Sapana Village Lodge— Sauraha, Nepal

Sapana Village Lodge is a haven. Beautifully situated on the Budhi Rapti River just outside Sauraha, Nepal. Stone pathways meander through the lovely gardens and connect the bungalows to the restaurant, coffee house, outdoor lounges and spa. A bamboo bridge crossing the river leads to a large deck where guests relax, practice yoga, and view wildlife. Beautuful craftsmanship reflects the local culture. Sapana sources much of their food, art, textiles, and furnishings from the surrounding community. It is a place of serene quiet and slow pace— a deep relief and respite from Kathmandu.

Sapana is Nepali for Dream. The lodge was built in 2005, fulfilling the lifelong dream of Dhurba Giri, to celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of his homeland while at the same time giving back to his community and supporting economic development and cultural preservation. Also operating a nonprofit, Sapana has built and funded a free school for the local Tharu youth, constructed homes, developed a women’s handicraft workshop/business and is working to expand rainwater harvesting programs for mountain villages. They employ locals as part of a training program in hospitality, allowing youth and young adults to gain valuable work experience. Sapana offers guided tours in the National park and in the surrounding native Tharu villages. By encouraging the Tharu people to share their culture, the directors of Sapana feel that the local villagers will be less likely to abandon their traditional cultural ways of life.

When we met a local villager on a walk through the countryside he broke out in a smile and started clapping when we told him that we were staying at Sapana. Clearly this place is having an impact. It was a gift to spend a few days here, soaking up the beauty and exploring the area while contributing to such a worthwhile effort.