Three years on from Nepal's 2015 earthquake Product Manager and Nepal veteran Kit Wilkinson explains what has happened since and what it's like today.

Exactly 3 years ago Nepal was struck by a powerful earthquake that killed 9000 people and either damaged or destroyed more than three-quarters of a million houses, schools, offices and religious structures. Whilst the earthquake’s epicentre was to the north of Gorkha, some 90 kilometres from Kathmandu, many important ancient buildings, including UNESCO listed temples and stupas in the Nepalese capital were left in ruins. An avalanche on Pumori triggered by the earthquake killed more than 20 people at Everest Basecamp and, tragically, the entire village of Langtang was swept away by an enormous rock-fall.

The response to this crisis was immediate and it is reported that at one time more than 450 international aid organisations were involved. KE and its partner charity, the Juniper Trust, were quick to set up an appeal which has raised more than £200,000 and which rebuilt 10 schools in the first 12 months. This important work is ongoing.

The process of rebuilding and returning damaged communities to ‘normality’ was relatively rapid in some of the more popular and accessible areas, such as the Khumbu. Whilst in other areas, poorer, more remote and closer to the origin of the quake, the work is continuing. Three years on, however, the effects of the earthquake are becoming less and less apparent. Yes, there are some derelict buildings and some newly built houses and schools along some trekking trails. But the communities are intact, as welcoming as they ever were and thankful for the revenue that trekking groups bring.

More KE clients will travel to Nepal this year than ever before and we are pleased to report that the message is very much that this small and special Himalayan country is open for business.