Himalayan Expedition

The Need

***Note: Full COVID-19 Vaccination is Required for Participation***

According to the United Nations, Nepal ranks 138th in the world in overall human development and is stated to be the least developed Asian country. Nepal is also located in a vulnerable environment, susceptible to natural disasters including the Gorkha, which was a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015. This earthquake destroyed several city and town structures, and also had catastrophic ramifications specifically in rural villages. This earthquake produced landslides that devastated rural villages. 

Because the villages you will visit are remote, they have not benefited from the growth that larger areas have seen. At the medical camps, you will treat respiratory conditions, neonatal disorders, heart disease, and diabetes. You will also help to administer vaccinations and help treat conditions related to unsanitary drinking water. You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay properly nourished and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high.

Our Work

International Medical Relief started the Himalayan Expedition trip in 2017, and has conducted three medical camp trips between 2017-2019. Since 2019, 70 volunteers and staff have participated in these medical camps serving over 1,000 people. 

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

Nepal is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places on Earth and is a top destination for adventure tourism. The nation is home to the world’s uppermost roads, longest walking track, sacred monasteries, stone huts, colorful rooftops, and bustling markets. Nepal boasts the highest summits in the Himalayas, which also happens to be the world’s most glorious mountain range as it contains nine of Earth’s ten tallest mountains. However, Nepal is still experiencing extreme rates of poverty and malnourishment.

International Medical Relief (IMR) has coordinated with local Sherpas to organize an epic medical expedition just for IMR, bringing medical assistance to isolated villages surrounding the Manaslu Circuit. This once-in- a-lifetime opportunity was uniquely designed by Sherpa friends of IMR to offer a very exclusive opportunity to not only trek around the world’s eighth highest mountain, including crossing Larkya La pass, but also to provide medical care along the way.  You will meet first hand with Sherpa communities and friends as you participate in an exclusive medical and cultural trek in this remote Himalayan area.

The Manaslu Valley Trek is more remote and spectacular than many, with rough steep tracks and long days on the trail.  It is culturally fascinating with strong continuing links to Tibet in the upper Buri Gandaki (called Nupri ‘the western mountains’) and the Tsum Valley, and even has the Larkya La (5160m) as a challenge. The views of Mt Manaslu are marvelous and close. This trek would appeal to anyone who is looking for a challenging trek in a remote region of the Nepal Himalayas. The trail has scenery similar to the classic Annapurna Circuit but is far less crowded. This trip will be physically demanding but you can trek at your own pace each day and will always be in the company of a professional guide. As you make friends along the trail, you will find yourself thinking much more about conversation and the beautiful place you are in rather than the trekking!

Lodging/Transportation

Lodging

Lodging will be in clean and safe accommodations. Volunteers are assigned shared rooms with single beds and will be paired by gender, age, and profession respectively. For volunteers who prefer to have their own room, you can upgrade at any time leading up to your mission’s departure. Ask our office about a single supplement at office@imrus.org. If you are traveling as a couple or family, let our office know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Transportation

All ground transportation to and from your accommodations to clinic sites is provided by safe, reliable drivers. Airport transportation is included for volunteers flying on the IMR flight. For those flying independently, you may purchase your airport transportation a la carte with our partner, Worldwide Navigators, here.

Airfare is included if you register for your mission and request the IMR flight. You can learn more about flying with IMR versus flying independently in our Flights & Prices section on this page. If you would like assistance booking your independent airfare, please contact our partner, Worldwide Navigators, here.

Highlights

This trek includes a visit to Tsum Valley, including one of Buddhism’s sacred hidden valleys (“Beyul”) where you will see important ancient monasteries and remote villages. The Tsum valley was only opened for trekkers three years ago and therefore is a new place to explore with little impact from tourism. Beyul’s are hidden valleys that Padmasambhava blessed as refuges to be discovered when the planet is approaching destruction and the world becomes too corrupt for spiritual practice. They are valleys reminiscent of paradise, which can only be reached with enormous hardship. Your team and you will spend a cultural sightseeing day in Kathmandu with an English speaking city guide. On the last night of your trek, you will have a celebratory farewell dinner with traditional Nepalese dancers.

Extend Your Stay

Since you’re journeying halfway across the globe, have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Nepal’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive mission extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators! Enjoy a guided trek by sherpa company, home to the first Nepalese woman to summit Annapurna IV, breathtaking views of multiple peaks towering over 8,000 meters, and participate in conservation efforts to keep trails pristine & sustainable.

Click here to view the itinerary!