About
Discover who Nepal ma Tara is: your South Asia Travel Planner
Terry, your personalized and 100% tailor-made Travel Planner
Namaste everyone. I’m Terry, a Frenchman who decided to move to Nepal. Beyond living in Asia, I’ve chosen to dedicate my life to organizing the most beautiful trips for anyone eager to explore this incredible part of the world. If this introduction doesn’t inspire you to embark on an adventure, let me share a little more about who I am and what I do. I’m sure you’ll find it interesting and exciting!
South Asia is not just a destination for me: it’s my home. For several years, I’ve been living in Nepal, where I divide my life between mountains and lush jungles, immersed in one of the most fascinating cultures. Between my local life and my trips to neighboring countries, this region has become more than just a part of the world: it has become an essential part of who I am.
An unconventional journey driven by a passion for encounters and travel
Some people have a life path that stands out from the ordinary. I believe my life journey is one of those. Born in La Rochelle, adopted by Auvergne, I grew up at the foot of the mountains/hills of the Massif Central in a small family-owned chocolate factory. A unique setting, perfect for childhood sweetness but also for dreams of faraway places.
Of course, I didn’t just eat great chocolate; I also worked for many years in the family business, learning the craft of chocolate makers. But my passion was elsewhere: the love for physical activity and helping others has always guided me. Passionate about sports, I explored countless disciplines before becoming a teacher of adapted physical activity to help those who have limited access or need it for health reasons. I was so committed that I pursued a PhD in exercise physiology. Yes, I’m a scientist, a doctor (PhD), something you probably didn’t expect. Yet, all of this was just part of my journey, my professional path didn’t stop there — quite the opposite.
Traveling, exploring, discovering: a human quest above all
Between teaching and research projects, I dedicated my free time to organizing and experiencing trips. Whether they took me to the heart of my Auvergne or to the far corners of the world, these adventures were initially driven by a desire to witness the wonders of the world. But with each journey, I discovered that the true treasure of travel lies in human encounters. These moments shared with loved ones or strangers give real meaning to the journey and turn a simple getaway into a unique experience, one that often changes lives. When we remember the most beautiful landscapes of our lives, we will always remember more with whom we shared those moments.
Humanitarian work: a need to act that became an obvious choice
From a young age, I was deeply affected by the inequalities that exist in the world. Having had the chance to access a quality education in France, I wanted to give back by getting involved in humanitarian projects, particularly in the field of education.
My journey led me to Nepal, a country that has forever marked my life. Since 2018, I have initiated several projects there, including the creation of an association in France. This adventure has led me to send nearly 90 French speakers to experience humanitarian work in Nepal and to help more than 1,000 children access education. These projects have surpassed all my dreams, as a simple lover of travel and helping others.
Nepal: My Home and the Beginning of a New Adventure
Over time, my connection with Nepal has only deepened. I learned to speak Nepali, built strong relationships with the locals, and most importantly, I met my wife, Apsara. An extraordinary Nepali woman with a heart so big and pure, she made me even more certain that my life belonged here.
After completing my doctorate, I decided to fully immerse myself in humanitarian projects. However, it soon became clear to me that I also wanted to create a balance between my life here and work aligned with my passions. This is how I founded Nepal ma Tara, a company specializing in organizing tailor-made trips to South Asia.
Nepal ma Tara: The Star That Guides Your Travels
Why this name, given that I work not only for Nepal but also for India, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian countries? In Nepali, “ma” means “the place” or “the location,” and “tara” means “star”. The star represents me. In Nepal, the locals have affectionately called me Tara, which they describe as someone who is luminous, someone who lights up and makes others shine. To be seen in this way by the locals is both an honor and a privilege, and it inspired me to include my Nepali name in the company’s name.
Nepal ma Tara is much more than a Travel Planner. It’s an invitation to explore a region that changed my life, through an authentic, local, and deeply human lens. My goal is simple: to share my passion for South Asia while designing unique, tailor-made experiences that are deeply connected to the local culture.
A Travel Planner at the Heart of the Action
Living in Nepal, I have the unique privilege of having access to precise, up-to-date, and local knowledge of South Asia, a region as fascinating as it is complex. Whether it’s organizing a trek in the majestic Himalayas of Nepal, exploring hidden temples in Sri Lanka, immersing yourself in the countless cultures of India, unearthing the secret and forgotten treasures of Pakistan, strolling through the lush paradise of Bangladesh, or simply discovering the unique human and cultural richness of this part of the world, I am here to transform your project into an extraordinary adventure, deeply connected to the local reality.
