Your generous donation helps to save and change lives every day.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need.
Overview
The Need
Nepal is 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.
The medical camps for the trip are designed to assist the Nepalese people who were greatly impacted by the devastating earthquake in April 2015. Because the villages you will visit are remote, they have not benefited from the aid 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 education. Because many of the patients you treat will be inflicted by chronic illnesses, we will want to help them to understand the best strategies for self-care.
Our Work
International Medical Relief first traveled to Nepal after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake. In 2015 alone, IMR was able to provide five emergency disaster relief trips. After providing emergency disaster relief, we expanded our efforts into medical clinics. We have since served more than 10,000 patients with nearly 500 volunteers and staff providing community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations in order to provide sustainable health care to Nepal.
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, 6, 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.
Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.
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. 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.
The people of Nepal have diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, but they all share an incredible love for humanity and are the reason why IMR continues to collaborate with the inspiring Nepalese people. For this trip, we will serve the people living in small communities close to Kathmandu. Situated in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas, the densely populated city of Kathmandu has beautiful sights, colorful buildings, and resilient people. Services are extremely limited for anyone outside of Kathmandu proper, so the clinic work that you conduct is invaluable to the Nepalese people.
Lodging/Transportation
During your time in Nepal, you will stay in safe and clean accommodations in the tourist district of Kathmandu. You’ll have the opportunity to try local foods, including the community staple, dal bhat, consisting of rice and lentils with a variety of spices. Tibetan delicacies are everywhere as well; don’t miss the water buffalo momos and the many varieties of rice pudding!
For the second half of your trip, you will fly from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan where you will be staying in comfortable accommodations surrounded by colorful buildings that line the streets and close to many temples that are waiting for you to explore.
Highlights
Your work in the beautiful districts of Nepal will be the highlight of your trip, but your cultural experiences in Nepal and Bhutan will be a close second. This trip is one our most beautiful – take the time to extend your stay, if you can, and visit Tibet or take a trek! You will not have the words to describe this trip upon returning home, so take a lot of photos!
Extend Your Stay
You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Nepal to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators! Contact Worldwide Navigators to book an extension or get more information.
Highlights:
- Travel to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail featuring the two-story pagoda, Tal Bahari
- Visit one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, the Boudhanath Stupa
- Explore the colorful and narrow alleys of Thamel or the Garden of Dreams
See the Extensions tab on this page for details on this amazing experience!
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrivals, Orientation
Clinic
Clinic
Transfer to Bhutan
Cultural Immersion in Bhutan
Cultural Immersion in Bhutan
Departures
Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab
Sustainable Impact
Your Journey
Weather
-
Average High and Low Temperature in Kathmandu, Nepal ©WeatherSpark.com
-
Average Hourly Temperature in Kathmandu, Nepal ©WeatherSpark.com
Clinic Photos
Gallery
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
You will need to arrange your flight destination to be Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (KTM). Note you will need additional travel days from the United States. You will also need to arrange flights from KTM to Paro International Airport in Bhutan (PBH) and back. If you need assistance booking flights, please contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com. You may also choose to arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation, which you may purchase from within your portal under Trip Add-Ons.
Arrivals
You will need to fly into Tribhuvan International Airport, airport code KTM by 2:00pm Nepal Time (NPT). Upon arrival, your team will travel to your nearby hotel, where you can check into your rooms and enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. After dinner we’ll have orientation where your team leader will assign clinic roles, review clinic protocols, and further prepare you for your time in Nepal and Bhutan. If you arrive in Kathmandu early, you can do some sightseeing on your own or sit and people watch in one of the many cafes right down the street from your hotel!
Meals: Dinner,
Clinic
Clinic will take place in a village outside Kathmandu. Residents here don’t have the same opportunity to receive healthcare as those who live in the city, so you’ll see patients with acute illnesses such as respiratory issues, skin rashes and infections, wounds, and common stomach illnesses. You will also care for patients with chronic respiratory issues, hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions. Education is critical for patients with chronic illnesses and limited opportunities for care.
You’ll return to your hotel in the evening where you’ll share a wonderful meal and debrief the day’s events.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
Today, you will spend another day serving communities around Kathmandu. Your day will be long and hard but incredibly rewarding!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Transfer to Bhutan
You will wake up early for breakfast at your hotel, then depart for the airport for your flight to Bhutan! Upon arrival, you and the team will transfer to your hotel, check in, and have the rest of the day to explore the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Cultural Immersion in Bhutan
You’ll have breakfast at your hotel, then gear up for a hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery! The trek to the site is about four miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet. Make sure you have hiking boots and a water bottle! Lunch will be served in the monastery cafeteria.
After your hike, you and your team will return to Paro where you can enjoy the evening
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Cultural Immersion in Bhutan
You’ll have another day to explore the area around Paro. You might choose to visit the temples and museums, experience Bhutanese cuisine in a quaint cafe, or experience more of the landscape on one of the many hiking trails in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Departures
After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to beautiful Bhutan and return to the airport to catch a flight to Kathmandu for your international flight home.
If you’re interested in extending your stay in Nepal, our partner Worldwide Navigators offers an exclusive trip extension just for IMR volunteers! See the extensions tab on this page for details.
Meals: Breakfast,
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extension Photos
Extensions
You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Nepal to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Join us on an exclusive trip extension and visit some of the area’s highlights.
Annapurna, Nepal
Highlights:
- Travel to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail featuring the two-story pagoda, Tal Bahari
- Visit one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, the Boudhanath Stupa
- Explore the colorful and narrow alleys of Thamel or the Garden of Dreams
Day 1: Pokhara | Tal Bahari Temple & Underground Waterfall
From Kathmandu, you’ll take a quick flight to Pokhara, a central city in Nepal known as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail in the Himalayas. Spend the day visiting the two-story pagoda, Tal Bahari, which sits on an island in the middle of a lake. Later, visit Davis Falls, an underground waterfall that has created a tunnel through the ground and pools at the bottom of a cave.
In the evening, visit a local restaurant to dine on divine, authentic cuisine. Enjoy your first of many plates of Dal-Bhat, a popular Nepalese dish including rice, lentil soup, and a variety of prepared vegetables. Return to the hotel to unwind and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Kathmandu | Lakeside Spirituality & Boudhanath Stupa
Awaken early in the morning to visit a lakeside yoga center for meditation and yoga. After, you’ll catch a flight back to Kathmandu for a full day of temple exploration and indulgence.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, visit the Boudhanath Stupa in the northeastern outskirts of the city. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Learn about the various mythologies as to how and why the stupa was constructed and bathe in the positive energy that’s said to flow there.
Gather for dinner at a popular local restaurant to indulge in traditional momos or a hearty bowl of Thukpa soup.
Day 3: Onward Journey | Departure Home
Enjoy an early breakfast to begin your final day in Kathmandu. Spend your free time exploring the city’s vast attractions like the colorful and narrow alleys of Thamel or visiting the serene Garden of Dreams before you head to the airport for your departure and journey onward.
What’s Included:
- 3-Day, 2-Night Tour
- Ground Transportation
- 2.5 to 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
You Will Need to Provide:
- Customary Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Souvenirs/Gifts
- Currency Exchange Fees
3-Day, 2-Night All-Inclusive Tour starts at $995. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book this extension or get more information.
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation of $2700 will go toward the ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Donation Payment Deadlines
$2500 due by September 23, 2024
$2700 due by November 24, 2024
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, the participant must upload ALL your required documents and forms, sign their liability form and make your 50% donation including your $35 application fee by September 23, 2024. This savings opportunity does not apply to disaster relief missions.
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission, please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Your Donation to IMR for Your Mission Cost Includes:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- Transportation
- Lodging (except for Colorado missions, disaster missions, or as otherwise mentioned in the trip itinerary)
- Costs associated with the clinic
- Food
- Tips for services provided to the IMR team
- All logistics, including translation services and security as needed
Additional Costs That You Are Responsible For:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- International and Domestic flights to the country.
- Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
- Required or recommended insurance
- Vaccinations and medications common for travel
- Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
- Required or desired mission supplies, personal equipment, or small gifts for the special people you meet
- Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled team mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor
- COVID-related fees such as testing, vaccinations, and quarantines as required by in-country arrival/departure or USA arrival/departure
- Each team member is responsible for carrying medical supplies for the deployment. All fees associated with transport are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Financial FAQs
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
Download the Team Guide
