Travel That Changes Lives — Proven By The World

In 2016, SASANE Sisterhood Treks & Travel was founded in Kathmandu by trafficking survivors, tourism experts, and legal advisors with one goal: reintegrate the rescued survivors of human trafficking and pave their way to lead a meaningful livelihood through tourism. We strategically turn trafficking hotspots in Nepal as tourism destinations to stop trafficking that primarily occurs due to unemployment, poverty and its chain of connected socio-economic circumstances. We rescue, train and accompany the transformational journey of a trafficking survivor to become a Leader in Tourism and in hospitality sector. We have endured long, arduous and often times then not 'dangerous' roads to become the world's only social enterprise led by women who are survivors of human trafficking. Our work is recognized by Booking.com who selected us from across 8 countries for their Booster program dedicated to sustainable & innovative tourism startups. By 2023, ITB Berlin recognized us at the world's largest travel trade fair. Meaningful Business named our founder among the 100 most impactful leaders in the world.

What started as one woman's determination in Kathmandu has grown into a travel company recognized across four continents. Our certified tour guides and trek leaders are survivors — and through tourism, we've opened doors to careers in hospitality and culinary experiences. These women are not merely empowered — they become leaders who earn dignified incomes, rebuild their families, and become the most powerful anti-trafficking voices in their own communities.

Sitashma's story shows what this model means in one life. Trafficked from her village to a brothel in India, she escaped by hiding in sewage pipes until a stranger took her to a police station. Her own family rejected her when she returned. Then SASANE trained her — English, computer skills, trekking certification, and a government-issued guide license. Today she leads tours across Kathmandu and Pokhara, earns enough to rent her own flat and support her family, and is accepted by the community that once turned her away. "Sasane gave me a new life," she says. She is one of over 200 women who can say that now.

Our Community Tourism Expansion project is bringing sustainable tourism routes to five new rural communities across Nepal. By training female trafficking survivors as certified guides, hospitality guides and culinary experts, we create lasting economic opportunities that directly reduce vulnerability to trafficking.

The Survivor Leadership Program equips trafficking survivors with advanced business, legal advocacy, and public speaking skills, enabling them to take on leadership roles within SASANE and in their communities. Over 30 women are currently enrolled in the latest cohort.

Our newest initiative, the Culinary Heritage Project , connects travelers with traditional Nepali home cooking through experiences hosted in local communities. Survivors guide these experiences, sharing family recipes and food traditions that outsiders rarely encounter.