Today The Buddha Odyssey is a thriving travel and Adventure Company leading unique tours to Nepal, but it wasn’t always that way.

Back in 2013, the idea to combine a passion for travel with a calling to help those less fortunate led to The Buddha Odyssey’s foundation.

It all started with a suburban restaurant

After establishing The Hungry Buddha restaurant in Canberra in 2011, I still felt compelled to visit my home country, Nepal, often.

With Ben Richardson, co-founder of the restaurant, often coming along, we would trek, buy things for the restaurant and try to do some good for the poorer communities too.

The Buddha Odyssey was a natural progression. We were already donating items to schools and individuals, and making the most of the amazing hiking opportunities in the Himalayas.

After much discussion after closing hours in the restaurant, the idea for The Buddha Odyssey was born.

It was clear that people wanted to know more about Nepal

The Hungry Buddha restaurant became a drawcard for people to not only dine Nepalese style, but to share their experiences of the country. One customer had visited Nepal back in the 1960s and spoke fondly of his travels so many years later.

“There was a great deal of interest in Nepal and we wanted to harness the energy and enthusiasm we saw in our customers. We wanted to show them the real Nepal and help isolated Himalayan communities at the same time.

The timing was perfect

With my brother Raju contemplating a move back to Nepal after 12 years living in the UK, it was time for a major life change – and an enormous gamble. I persuaded my brother to join me in setting up a fledgling business.

Drawing on Raju’s decade of experience as a trekking guide in Nepal, and my experience as a business owner, we took the first steps to establish a travel and adventure business specialising not only in tourism, but also charity work.   

Our motto throughout this phase was “OK, let’s do it”.

The timing was right, the pieces all fell into place, and The Buddha Odyssey became a reality.

The grass-roots focus of The Buddha Odyssey is central to its success

The Buddha Odyssey’s philosophy is built around value for money and a spirit of generosity.

We developed the logo and tagline – Explore Himalayas – ourselves. We are committed to a hands on, cost effective approach to what we do.

We built the business around doing what we love in a place that we know intimately and have powerful ties to.

Our model is simple – keep overheads low and provide honest advice.

The Buddha Odyssey’s success was unexpected

Three years down the track, the Buddha Odyssey facilitates between four and six private group trips a year to Nepal.  

A highlight this year will be guiding a local school and university on a fundraising and trekking adventure.

We never dreamed of such rapid success in the early days at the back of the restaurant.

From a humble beginning, The Buddha Odyssey has grown into a successful and unique business. It wouldn’t have been possible without the individuals and organisations both in Canberra and Nepal, and we are grateful to each and every one of them.

If you’re interested in joining us on a private group tour, contact the Buddha Odyssey today.

Namaste,
Lachhu Thapa
The Buddha Odyssey