Medical Treks
Foreign physicians and health workers can participate in medical treks to supplement the efforts of our Nepalese medical staff.
Medical treks are a unique way to see Nepal and meet and help local people. Treks typically take about two weeks and start in Kathmandu, itself an amazing tourist destination.
A medical trek in the Dhading region will start in Kathmandu on November 3, 2008 and finishing there November 17th. A limited number of spaces are available. A sample itinerary and route map are available, as is a full information package.
Please contact us for more information.
HHC arranges for transportation from Kathmandu into a rural region, where the trekkers begin walking. Midway through the trek, HHC establishes a medical camp for about four days. During the medical camp, trekkers treat villagers from the surrounding areas with the assistance of HHC staff.
Treks have typically taken place in two regions of Nepal where HHC has been active. The Dhading region features remote villages and opportunities to see the beautiful mountains of the Ganesh, Lantang and Manaslu Himal.
Treks in the Ilam region include at least a day or two at the Ilam clinic. Trekkers in Ilam can see Kangchenjunga, the third highest mounatin in the world. This gallery of photos from a trek in the Ilam region gives just a taste of what you might see and experience.
From time-to-time, HHC will organize special treks focusing on particular medical needs. Examples have included dental and eye treks.
The cost of the trek itself varies, but has typically been about $2500 (USD), including all expenses while on the trek. Future costs may be different. Volunteers pay their own airfare to Nepal and any personal expenses. The only additional costs are the relatively modest cost of hotel accommodations while in Kathmandu and, in the case of Ilam, airfare to the trekking site.
We regret that no stipend or other support is available for medical students. Physicians in training have volunteered and have had rewarding experiences.
Non-medical volunteers have also accompanied medical treks and made valuable contributions.
If you are interested in trekking, feel free to download additional information, including sample itineraries and waivers. Please see our warning page.
