✦ Our Story
From Vision
to Empowerment
Seeing Hands Kathmandu operation, established in 2010 with the assistance of Rob and Susan Ainley, founders of Seeing Hands Nepal, operates independently under founder Chiranijvi Paudel’s leadership.
The organization has two outlets in Kathmandu and is an extension of Seeing Hands (Pokhara).
— The Founder
Chiranjivi Paudel.
Born blind. Built an Enterprise
It is my privilege to welcome you to Seeing Hands Nepal — a social enterprise employing therapists from the visually impaired community.
When I was younger, the visually impaired in Nepal were largely restricted to careers in education. Seeing Hands was created to change that. In 2010, Rob and Susan Ainley who founded Seeing Hands Nepal supported me to bring the model to Kathmandu — where the majority of Nepal’s visually impaired community lived, yet meaningful employment opportunities were scarce.
Today, across our two Kathmandu clinics, we employ 15 staff — 12 of whom are visually impaired — earning a livelihood, supporting their families, and leading independent lives.
Seeing Hands Nepal was built to be financially sustainable and self-driven. There were no visually impaired social enterprises like this at the time, and that gap was exactly the motivation I needed.
“I could not go home and be unemployed again. There are no opportunities and there is a lack of belief in society. I wanted to prove both of those things wrong.”
✦ Who We Are
Hands that see
what eyes cannot.
Seeing Hands Nepal is a social enterprise creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with visual impairments through professional massage therapy. By transforming the power of touch into a profession, we foster independence, dignity, and brighter futures.
✦ Training & Standards
We see, but we see through touch people’s feelings, pain, and problems.”
Our therapists undergo 12–18 months of professional training covering massage techniques, human anatomy, practical skills, and English communication. The program is guided by Chiran Poudel, drawing on principles from London School of Sports Massage and it’s principal tutor Mel Cash. Graduates earn a Diploma in Sports Therapeutic Massage Level 1, endorsed by the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage, London. We also host volunteer tutors from international massage schools for staff workshops. As our therapists are blind, they deliver fully professional massage services but may not notice visual cues such as bandages, dressings, or mobility aids.
Growing each year
Est. Pokhara, 2010
Walk-ins welcome
60+ countries of guests
✦ What we do
More than
a massage.
Seeing Hands Nepal operates at the intersection of professional healthcare, social enterprise, and Himalayan tourism.
Train blind therapists to international standards
We recruit visually impaired people and train them over 12 months to UK standards. Training is supported by experienced volunteer tutors from all over the world.
Employ qualified therapists in professional clinics
Once qualified, therapists work full-time across our clinics earning professional incomes and gaining financial independence. This isn”t short term relief, it is a long term career pathway that enables our therapist to support their family and live independent dignified lives .
Deliver world-class therapeutic massage to visitors
Our clinics serve locals, trekkers, expats, and tourists from all over the world. We offer sports and remedial therapy, Swedish relaxation, foot reflexology, and post-trek recovery packages. Peak season runs October–December and March–May aligned with Nepal’s trekking calender.
Reinvest revenue to create more opportunities
Income generated from existing clinics funds the training and employment of new therapists. This cycle of reinvestment means Seeing Hands Nepal grows organically driven entirely by the quality of its services and the commitment of its people.
✦ Our Culture
How we work,
every day.
The best healing comes from genuine care for the person on the table, and for the person providing the treatment.
Warm, thorough, personalised
Every therapist adapts continuously to what they feel. They ask questions, check in, and change the treatment with you not against a predetermined script. This is genuine therapeutic conversation.
Invested in every outcome
Our therapists aren’t employees doing a job they are the business. Many have worked here for years, built loyal client bases, and actively help train the next generation of blind therapists.
Changing what’s possible
Every session proves that blind people in Nepal can build professional careers, earn independent incomes, and be respected for their skill. Seeing Hands has changed the conversation around disability here.