Embark on a life-changing journey with the Nepal Medical Volunteer Trek, a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while exploring the breathtaking Everest region of Nepal. This program is meticulously designed for individuals who possess a compassionate heart and a desire to contribute to the well-being of remote villages where access to proper medical care is a luxury. With a dedicated local expert Sherpa team by your side, you’ll be part of an initiative that truly changes lives.
Why Choose the Nepal Medical Volunteer Trek?
1. Make a Genuine Difference: In these remote villages, many people do not have the privilege of regular medical check-ups. Basic healthcare facilities are scarce, and the nearest district headquarters or cities like Kathmandu are often beyond their financial reach. Your participation in this program will directly impact the lives of those who desperately need medical care.
2. Support Underserved Communities: By joining this initiative, you’ll be extending a helping hand to the underprivileged and underserved communities of Nepal. Your efforts will bridge the healthcare gap and bring much-needed relief to people who have been overlooked for far too long.
3. Experience the Majestic Everest Region: Not only will you contribute to the well-being of local communities, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the legendary Everest region. This is your chance to trek through stunning landscapes, witness the world’s highest peaks up close, and immerse yourself in the rich Sherpa culture.
4. Expert Local Guidance: Our local Sherpa team is your trusted companion throughout this journey. Their deep knowledge of the region, its people, and the healthcare needs ensures that your volunteer work is both effective and culturally sensitive.
5. Life-Enriching Experience: The Nepal Medical Volunteer Trek offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, learn about new cultures, and develop a deeper understanding of the world and yourself.
6. Create Lasting Memories: The connections you forge with the locals and fellow volunteers will leave you with unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever. This journey isn’t just about giving back; it’s about forming bonds and gaining new perspectives.
7. Join a Community of Change-Makers: When you sign up for this program, you become a part of a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Together, we can achieve more.
We firmly believe that your participation in the Nepal Medical Volunteer Trek will be a transformative experience, both for you and the people you will be helping. It’s not just a trip; it’s a journey of the heart. By booking this program, you are taking the first step towards creating positive change in the lives of those in need.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful. Book your spot now, and let’s embark on a journey that will leave a lasting impact on the beautiful land of Nepal and your own soul.
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to a Sherpa homestay.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, obtaining a Nepal visa is a straightforward process. We recommend filling out the online form in advance to avoid waiting in the visa queue, and we'll provide you with the necessary information once you book your volunteer trip with us.
After completing the visa process, collect your baggage and exit the airport terminal. Look for our airport guide, who will be holding a sign with our company name. You'll be warmly greeted with Sherpa culture and transferred to our home.
For your first night, you'll stay with our family. We'll provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming volunteer journey, introduce you to the culture of Sherpa and Rai people, and share insights about the village where you'll be participating in the 3-day volunteer work.
During your stay with us, you'll enjoy clean and comfortable accommodations with an attached bathroom and hot shower. We also provide free internet access. You'll be treated to delicious meals prepared by our family, ensuring a warm and welcoming start to your volunteer adventure.
Half-day city tour of Kathmandu & Trek Preparation - Homestay
Today, after enjoying a delicious homemade breakfast, you're in for an exciting day of exploration in Kathmandu. You'll be accompanied by our English-speaking guide, and we've arranged a private car for your convenience.
During this tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit two of the most beautiful sites in Kathmandu. Your itinerary includes a visit to the Monkey Temple, a place of serenity and spiritual significance. You'll also have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the bustling markets and admiring the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square.
At the conclusion of the tour, you'll have some free time to wander the vibrant Thamel area. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up any last-minute items you may need for your upcoming trek.
After your explorations, return to our home, where you'll have some time to prepare for your journey to Phaplu. We recommend packing your bags, having an early dinner, and getting a good night's rest since an early departure to Phaplu is on the agenda for the next day.
Get ready for an adventure-packed day and a memorable journey ahead!
Drive to Phaplu from Kathmandu - Local lodge.
After a hearty breakfast, our dedicated guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. Today's adventure is an exhilarating and picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu, a journey that typically takes around 7-8 hours. This road trip promises a delightful experience as you traverse through the stunning landscapes of Nepal, with captivating views of the Sunkhosi River and charming villages along the way. The distance between Kathmandu and Phaplu is approximately 270 kilometers. We've chosen the Khurkot-Ghurmi Madhya Pahadi Highway, renowned for its breathtaking vistas across Nepal's captivating terrain. This scenic route takes you through rural areas, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and relish awe-inspiring views throughout the journey.
Upon reaching Khurkot, we'll continue our eastward drive towards Ghurmi on the Madhya Pahadi Highway, with a planned lunch stop in Ghurmi. This route will guide us through rolling hills, small villages, and lush forests. As we ascend to higher altitudes, you'll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the valleys and the majestic mountains that surround us.
Phaplu, a delightful Sherpa town, is renowned for its airstrip, serving as a gateway to the Everest region. The journey to Phaplu is not just about reaching a destination; it's an enriching and enlightening experience that offers deep insights into the local way of life and showcases Nepal's extraordinary natural beauty.
Throughout the drive, be prepared to encounter terraced fields, traditional houses, and the possibility of engaging with locals as they go about their daily routines. This provides a unique opportunity to form a profound connection with the authentic Nepal that goes beyond the usual tourist spots.
In terms of food and accommodations, you will be staying in a locally available lodge, and all your meals will be provided three times a day (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Get ready for a journey filled with captivating scenery and a genuine immersion into the heart of Nepal's countryside. Your adventure is just beginning!
Drive to Kanku Health Post/Khastap health Post
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at Phaplu Lodge, we embark on a journey to Kanku or Khastap, two charming villages located in the Solukhumbu District in the Sagarmatha Zone of northeastern Nepal. The drive to Kanku/Khastap from Phaplu is a scenic adventure that takes approximately 4-5 hours by local jeep. If you prefer a more immersive experience, you also have the option to trek, which is a 6-7 hour journey.
Upon arrival, we'll be staying at a local lodge near the health post. All your meals will be thoughtfully provided, ensuring you have the energy and sustenance you need for your journey.
This day promises to be a memorable one as we continue to explore the captivating landscapes and local culture of Nepal. Get ready for an exciting adventure ahead!
Full day Volunteering at local health post. Stay at a local lodge
After savoring a delicious local breakfast, your day will begin with a visit to the small health post in the village. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meet the local nurse and health assistant, forming a connection with the dedicated healthcare professionals in the community. Your role as a volunteer is flexible, and your expertise and knowledge will be greatly appreciated. You can support the local healthcare team by sharing your skills, checking on regular patients, identifying health issues, and providing guidance and assistance as needed.
Your work as a volunteer can span regular working days, and our health assistants and staff will be accommodating, ensuring that you make the most of your time contributing to the community's well-being. If there is a group of 5-6 or more volunteers, we can even organize 2-3 days of free health camps, inviting patients from neighboring villages for comprehensive healthcare services.
Between 1-2 o'clock, you'll have a lunch break, giving you a chance to recharge and relax. The health post will typically close around 5 o'clock in the evening.
For your overnight stay, you'll be accommodated in a local lodge or homestay, providing a genuine and immersive experience within the community. All your meals will be thoughtfully provided, ensuring you have the sustenance you need to carry out your important volunteer work.
Your contribution as a volunteer will have a significant and lasting impact on the health and well-being of the local population. Get ready for meaningful and rewarding days ahead!
Full day Volunteering at local health post. Stay at a local lodge
Following a delectable local breakfast, your day kicks off with another fulfilling round of volunteer work. Today, you'll head to the health post once more, where you'll meet with the fellow health assistants. You'll fully engage in volunteer work that is directly related to health issues. Your mission is to assist with follow-up patients, identify health concerns, and provide as much support and guidance as your knowledge and skills allow. Your contributions are deeply valued, and your expertise, skills, and experience will make a significant and lasting impact on the local community.
Your dedication and willingness to make a difference are highly appreciated, and the knowledge and skills you bring to the table will be of immense benefit to the locals. Get ready for another day of purposeful and impactful volunteer work!
Between 1-2 o'clock, you'll take a well-deserved lunch break, providing an opportunity to recharge and unwind. The health post typically closes its doors around 5 o'clock in the evening.
For your overnight stay, you'll once again find comfortable accommodations in a local lodge or homestay, immersing yourself deeper into the community. All your meals will be thoughtfully provided, ensuring you're well-nourished and ready to continue your impactful volunteer work.
Full day Volunteering at local health post. Stay at a local lodge
Today marks the final day of your volunteer work, and just like the previous days, you'll start your day with a hearty local breakfast before heading to the health post. Here, you'll reunite with your fellow nurses and health assistants, and together, you'll dedicate the entire day to your volunteer mission. Your work is a testament to your compassion and commitment to the well-being of the community.
Your efforts throughout your volunteer journey have not gone unnoticed. The local government of Nepal deeply appreciates your contribution and the positive impact you've made. As a token of their gratitude, you'll receive a certificate and an appreciation letter for your outstanding support. This certificate and letter hold substantial value, as they will not only serve as a testament to your humanitarian work but also be a valuable addition to your professional portfolio, particularly if you choose to continue working in remote areas and helping those in need.
Your last day is an opportunity to reflect on the difference you've made and the lives you've touched during your volunteer work. It's a day to celebrate your accomplishments and the positive mark you've left in this remote corner of the world. Your dedication and compassion are truly commendable, and your contribution will be remembered with gratitude.
Trek to Mera Village - overnight stay at Sherpa Homestay/Monastry
After enjoying our delicious local breakfast, we embark on a trek to Mera village, also known as Chyangmiteng in the local Sherpa language. This village holds a special place in the heart of our journey, as it is the hometown and birthplace of the director of Mountain Sherpa Trekking, the founder of the Mountain Sherpa Foundation that has organized this volunteer trip for you.
Mera village is not just a beautiful Sherpa settlement; it's a place deeply steeped in Buddhist culture. In this serene and picturesque village, you'll find around 40 Sherpa households, a stunning Buddhist Monastery, and approximately 40 dedicated monks studying in that Monastery.
The trek to Mera village is a journey of around 4-5 hours from Kanku/Khastap, offering you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and the rich Sherpa heritage. For your overnight stay, you'll have the privilege of staying in a local Sherpa home or the Monastery, which provides an authentic and culturally immersive experience. All your meals will be lovingly prepared and provided, ensuring you have a comfortable and memorable stay.
This leg of the journey takes you deeper into the heart of the Sherpa culture and offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local way of life and spirituality. Get ready for a day filled with natural beauty and cultural enrichment!
Trek to Phaplu vai Ratnage Danda- Overnight stay at Lodge
After a delightful local breakfast in our village of Mera, we set out on a beautiful hike/trek to Phaplu via Ratnage Danda. This trek promises to be a memorable journey, and on clear days, you'll even catch a glimpse of the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, from Ratnage Danda.
The hike typically spans around 2 to 3 hours from Mera village to Ratnage. Along the way, our path meanders through cool, shady forests adorned with fragrant pine trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. As we reach Ratnage Hill, an awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayas unfolds before our eyes. This includes iconic peaks such as Mt. Everest, Mera Peak, Thamserku, and Numbur Himal. Moreover, the view extends to encompass a sweeping canvas of Sherpa villages, monasteries, lush green hills, and fertile cultivated lands.
From Ratnage Danda, our trek continues for another 1-2 hours to reach Phaplu, our destination for the day. For your overnight stay, you'll be accommodated in a comfortable Sherpa Lodge in Phaplu. All your meals will be thoughtfully provided, ensuring you have a warm and satisfying stay.
This day offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region and witness the grandeur of the Himalayas, making it a memorable part of your journey. Get ready for a day of breathtaking views and cultural enrichment!
Drive to Kathmandu from Phaplu- Overnight stay in Hotel
Following a satisfying breakfast in Phaplu, we begin our journey for the day, making our way from Phaplu back to Kathmandu. This drive is an exceptional opportunity to soak in the stunning scenery along the Sunkhosi river. The landscape is adorned with charming villages, making it a delightful sightseeing experience. Along the route, we'll take occasional breaks for short rests and refreshments, with a planned lunch stop either at Ghurmi or Khurkot.
Typically, the duration of the drive is approximately 6 to 7 hours. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, we'll transport you to your hotel, providing a well-deserved opportunity to rest and rejuvenate.
This day's journey encapsulates the essence of Nepal, transitioning from the serene beauty of Phaplu's rural surroundings to the vibrant heart of Kathmandu. It's a reflection of the country's diversity, taking you through tranquil countryside and immersing you in the bustling energy of urban life.
For those who wish to extend their adventure beyond the return to Kathmandu, there's an exciting option available. You can embark on a 3-day trek to Pikey Peak, situated at an elevation of 4,065 meters (13,368 feet) above sea level. This peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including iconic peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The allure of Pikey Peak makes it a must-visit destination for both trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Get ready for a day of transitions and captivating landscapes!
Trip ends! Fly back home from Nepal, taking with you the memory of a lifetime.
After savoring a delightful breakfast, our dedicated representative and the waiting office vehicle will be ready at our hotel to accompany you to the airport for your journey homeward. As we stand on the threshold of farewells, the entire team at Mountain Sherpa Foundation wants to express our heartfelt gratitude for the strong connections we've built during your stay. Your decision to choose us as your travel partner for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal has deeply touched our hearts.
We have the utmost confidence that your Medical Volunteer Trek in the Everest region has created a tapestry of cherished memories from this profoundly rewarding journey. As we bid you adieu, our esteemed friends, we do so with the hope that our paths will cross once again in the not-so-distant future. Until that eagerly anticipated reunion, may you hold close the memories we've crafted together.
Enjoy your morning meal and embark on your journey with the assurance of a secure and pleasant voyage ahead. Your adventure in Nepal has been an extraordinary chapter, and we eagerly await the next one. Safe travels!
We stay 1 nights in a clean, cozy, and centrally located 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu city. A healthy breakfast is included during your stay in Kathmandu. during your trek, you stay in a small and cozy lodge that is run by locals. all meals are included during your trek and volunteering. there are lots of small communities and villages that offer small tea house/lodge accommodations along the trek route of the lower Everest trek. We offer the best teahouse/ lodge accommodation facilities wherever available, however, it is hard to find lodges in a Mera village where you have to stay at a local Sherpa's house with their family or in the monastery with monks.
Visa: All nationalities need a visa for Nepal. For nationals of most countries, multiple entry Nepal tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), however, to speed up arrival processes, it is easier to obtain your visa prior to departure. The details for the various options available to you are outlined below:
Visa issued by a Nepalese Diplomatic Mission prior to your departure from home -Queues are common during peak tourist arrival times, especially at the visa application counters. In order to skip the bulk of the queues you are able in many cases to apply for your visa at you’re nearest Nepalese diplomatic mission. The location and contact details of your nearest mission can be found at the Nepal Embassy website
Visa Application submitted on arrival -
If you opt to obtain your visa on arrival and have not prefilled the online form as noted above, join the queues to a row of computers and fill out the online form. Unfortunately, at time of writing, there are no printers attached to the computers so make sure to take screenshot of your final application, then join the queue to pay for your visa (officials will need to sight the screenshot of your application). You will need to pay the application fee for which cash is recommended and will be issued with a receipt. The preferred payment is USD however AUD, CAD and GBP will also be accepted at the exchange rate of the day.
Visa costs are:
US$30 – 15 days
US$50 – 30 days
US$125 – 90 days
Proceed to the immigration desk with your screenshot of the online application, receipt, two passport-sized photographs (note these may soon be replaced with electronic versions however carrying passport photos is always advisable) and passport for processing and visa issuance.