Nepal & Bhutan

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!