Homemade Dessert (HMMD) has partnered with Samarth – Nepal Market Development Progrma to launch a competition that will see the first Himalayan mountain hut designed and constructed.

The purpose of the mountain hut, HMMD says, is to provide trekkers safe comfortable and inviting lodgings where they and their guides can rest, refuel and if necessary, wait out bad weather.

While there is no specified location for the hut, it must be suited for high altitudes and applicable to a variety of sites along trails through the Himalayas. Designs should cater for a maximum of 20 occupants for up to one week in all weather conditions, and the potential onslaught of extreme elements (heat, cold, wind, rain and snow).

Designs should also consider construction and maintenance requirements and issues in remote areas and high altitudes with limited access to resources.

The winning design will be replicated in multiple locations throughout the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal, which welcomes a large number of adventure tourists and trekkers each year.

HMMD will award a total of US $5,000 in prize money to competition winners - the first prize will take home US $3,000, the second US $1,500, and the third US $500.

The competition is open to all and no professional qualifications are required. Proposals can be developed individually or as a team, with a maximum of 4 members per group. Registration closes on 1 April 2015, and submissions must be in by 10 April 2015. The winner will be announced at the end of April.

To find out more or register, please visit hmmd.org.