Gunnison Valley residents complete expedition to Nepal’s Everest region

Ten Gunnison Valley residents recently returned from Nepal after completing a philanthropic and outdoor expedition organized by the locally owned Karuna Project.

The team trekked the Three Pass Loop in the Khumbu (Everest) region and partnered with communities in Kakani village, north of Kathmandu, to support sustainable tourism development.

In Kakani, Karuna Project collaborates with the local organization Tamang, which empowers women through recycling and upcycling initiatives. Women collect discarded plastic bags, weave them into durable products such as toiletry bags and laptop cases, and earn income from their work.

Karuna Project purchases these goods and sells them in the Gunnison Valley, creating a circular economy that connects Nepalese artisans with Colorado consumers.

Funds raised from the expedition also supported the installation of 15 trash and recycling receptacles in Kakani. In addition, Karuna Project partnered with the Gunnison Valley nonprofit Living Journeys, with Athlete Corps members raising money to aid families affected by cancer.

The trekking portion of the expedition was equally challenging. A cyclone from the Indian Ocean brought heavy rain and two feet of snow at higher elevations. Team Karuna secured the last flight into Lukla before weather closed the airstrip, then persevered through four days of rain before clear skies returned. The group successfully completed the route, climbing three peaks and crossing two passes above 17,000 feet.

“This expedition was about more than reaching summits and crossing the passes,” said Karuna Project Cofounder Seth Quigg. “It was about building bridges between cultures, supporting sustainable practices,and showing what’s possible when adventure and service come together.” Karuna Project is owned and operated by Gunnison Valley locals Nicole Blaser and Seth Quigg, who have been leading international expeditions since 2002. Their mission is the leverage International Adventure Travel to drive positive social change and exchange for all involved.

Looking ahead, Karuna Project will run three expeditions to Nepal next fall, and in summer 2026 will expand offerings to include Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, African safari experiences and NGO community engagement projects.

“We believe the future world benefits when communities like ours in the Gunnison Valley connect across borders in a spirit of reciprocity,” said Blaser.

For more information on upcoming 2026 philanthropic expeditions, contact Karuna Project at 970.765.1592 or info@karuna-project.com.