Rajan Simkhada

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Rajan Simkhada
राजन सिंखडा
Nationality (legal)Nepali
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur, author, actor and social worker
Years active1997–present
OrganizationEarthbound Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.

Rajan Simkhada (Nepali: राजन सिंखडा; born 1977) is a Nepali entrepreneur, author, social worker, and comedian actor. He established a travel agency "Earthbound Expeditions[1]" in 1999. His book "हिँडे पुगिन्छ" details his entrepreneurial journey, obstacles, dreams, and successes.[2][3][4] He is also known for his roles in the Nepali comedy television series "Break Fail"[5].[6]

Early Life[edit]

Rajan Simkhada was born on June 8, 1977, in Darkha, Dhading, Nepal.

Career[edit]

Entrepreneurial career[edit]

Rajan Simkhada began his career as a receptionist in Thamel. After completing a hospitality training course, he became a tour guide in 1996. In 1999, he founded Earthbound Expeditions, which won TripAdvisor's Excellency Award in 2011 and subsequent years. The agency has been recommended by Lonely Planet, New York Times,[7] The Guardian,[8] and others. Simkhada has also ventured into various other tourism-related businesses, including hotels, yoga retreats, River Fun Beach Resort, and the food franchise Momo Hut.

New Trekking Route Initiative[edit]

In 2024, Earthbound Expeditions, under the leadership of Rajan Simkhada, developed a new trekking route connecting Nepal's southern border with India at Kapilvastu to the northern border with China at Rasuwa. This route spans approximately 440 kilometers, passing through diverse landscapes and significant cultural sites from the Terai plains to the Himalayan regions, including notable locations such as Tansen, Bandipur, and Gorkha, ultimately reaching the Kerung border at Rasuwagadhi "खुनुवादेखि रसुवागढीसम्म जोडेर नयाँ पदमार्ग". नागरिक समाचार (in Nepali). 29 January 2024.

The initiative aims to enhance tourism by integrating the varied cultural, religious, and natural heritages of Nepal. The trekking route starts at Khunwa border (60 meters above sea level) and ascends to Singla Pass (4,080 meters), designed to be completed in 17 to 25 days. This route is expected to bolster the rural economy by attracting both domestic and international tourists. The project has already seen participation from international hikers, such as American hiker Mike Obester, who praised Nepal's diverse and captivating trekking destinations.

Thru Hike Achievement[edit]

Rajan Simkhada made history as the first thru hiker of Nepal by successfully completing a groundbreaking trek route from the Indian border to the China border. This thru hike, a first in Nepal, aims to connect historical, pilgrimage, and cultural routes while also promoting economic benefits through tourism[9] "Rajan Simkhada: First Thru Hiker of Nepal". My Republica..

Simkhada covered a total distance of 440 kilometers, equivalent to approximately 634,635 steps, in just 17 days. The journey began on January 4th, traversing through nine districts across three provinces (Lumbini, Gandaki, and Bagmati), and concluded on January 22, 2024.

Starting from Khunwa at the India-Nepal border and ending at Rasuwagadhi near Kerung at the Nepal-China border, the trek route showcases diverse landscapes and significant cultural heritage.

Community Engagement[edit]

In addition to his professional endeavors, Simkhada actively engages in community projects and initiatives. He has been instrumental in organizing events and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about important social issues and promoting community cohesion.

According to a Kantipur newspaper article from 2013, Simkhada has been a strong advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development in Nepal. He has actively supported initiatives to address environmental challenges and promote responsible tourism practices in the region[10].

References[edit]

  1. ^ Expeditions, Earthbound. "Earthbound Expeditions". Earthbound Expeditions. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ "नेपाल भ्रमण वर्ष २०२० का लागी पन्ध्र सुझाव". arthabyapar.com. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  4. ^ GlobalViewTV (5 November 2018), Dristikon - दुई दशक देखि पर्यटन क्षेत्रमा निरन्तरताको राज राजन सिंखडा - Global View TV, retrieved 3 March 2019
  5. ^ RamSar Media Pvt. Ltd (8 April 2016). Brake Fail, Full Episode 1. Retrieved 26 May 2024 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ "MEGA Television". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  7. ^ Todras-Whitehill, Ethan (18 March 2010). "Hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal Before Roads Take Over". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  8. ^ Marshall, Nikki (16 July 2014). "Mount Everest: the go-slow guide to base camp – with a fast ride home". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  9. ^ Republica. "New 'Nepal Border to Border Through Hike' trekking route connects Indian Border to China". My Republica. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  10. ^ "सगरमाथा विश्राम वर्ष किन ?". ekantipur.com (in Nepali). Retrieved 25 May 2024.