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About this trip
This trip is for those with an adventurous spirit and a heart for service.
Our purpose is to provide healthcare services to the 18,000 people of Indrasarowar Rural Municipality - ParticipAid's service region in Nepal. However, you will also see the sights and wonders of Nepal, learn about the history, culture, and economy of the country, and experience the best practices of international community development, all while building a community with like-minded folks from around the world.
You'll acclimate in Kathmandu by resting, getting to know each other and learn about Nepal, and visiting a landmark temple or two. Next, we travel to the beautiful lakeside town of Markhu, which will be your home base for the next 5 nights.
Each morning for 5 days, you'll travel by jeep to a nearby village that will host our team of practitioners and volunteers in what we call a "Health Camp". Villagers will travel from near and far to be treated at our camp. For many, this will be the only time they have access to a doctor for the foreseeable future.
After this incredible service, we'll head back to Kathmandu to rest, reflect on how we'll integrate the experience into our lives, and enjoy the magic of the ancient city.
Your Guides and Leaders
You'll be led by at least two of ParticipAid's co-founders and board members - Executive Director, Dr. Erin Willis and In-Country Director, Kamal Phuyal.
They have been working closely together to improve the health and well-being of Nepali people since they met just after the devastating earthquakes of 2015.
This will be Dr. Erin's fifth time leading a Nepal Global Health Experience, and Kamal has decades of experience introducing big-hearted foreigners to his beloved country. They'll be joined by another board member plus in-country staff and partners who will all be dedicated to creating the experience of a lifetime for you and the people you'll serve.
Credentials and Participant Requirements
We are seeking a team of 12 people to take part in the 2024 Nepal Global Health Experience.
During the service portion of our trip, we will be led in-country by a team of Nepalese practitioners - Ayurvedic doctors, acupuncturists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and more. You will work with one of these practitioners according to community need, your experience, and the comfort level of the team.
Our ideal team is composed as follows:
7-8 healthcare practitioners
2-4 support volunteers
1 photographer/videographer
Healthcare Practitioners:
We will build a well-rounded team of licensed professionals (ND, LAc, MD, DO, DC, RN, NP, PA, LMT, etc.) and also practitioners of the healing arts like reiki and sound healing. You'll need to provide an active license or certification to see patients. Preference will be given to those with expertise or experience with Ayurveda. All applicants must be interested to learn Ayurveda.
Support volunteers:
We will utilize non-healthcare volunteers for support in running the camp. This could look like coordinating lunch breaks, keeping waiting patients hydrated and comfortable, helping distribute medicines or educational materials, or record keeping. Must be positive in nature and able-bodied. No credentials are required.
Photographer/videographer:
This person will capture the 2024 Nepal Global Health Experience on film for sharing and marketing purposes. Professional preferred.
Continuing Education
You will partake in 4-5 hours of workshops in the country to prepare you to be culturally immersed and provide the best service possible to our community members in Nepal.
We are currently seeking approval to provide continuing education credits to healthcare providers. We are beginning with NDs and DCs and will post updates here as they're available.
Food & Accommodation
FOOD:
In Kathmandu, a simple continental breakfast is available at the hotel.
Lunch and dinner will be out in restaurants or on a few occasions, hosted dinners.
A variety of cuisines will be available and we will do our best to meet your dietary needs.
Once in Marku and the villages, you will consume a more traditional Nepali diet.
"Dal bhat" is served twice per day - a delicious meal of rice, lentils, greens, vegetables, and sauces. A choice of meat is available.
All meals are included in the trip price.
ACCOMMODATION:
You will reside in private hotel rooms with private bathrooms for the duration of this trip.
In Kathmandu, you'll stay at a beautiful historic hotel with an ancient architectural style. It's in the middle of the city, yet surrounded by peaceful gardens.
In Markhu, you'll stay at a nice, clean lakeside hotel. Your room will be plenty big with a private bathroom.
These hotels are included in the trip price.
What’s included
- All mealsStarting with dinner on the first day of your journey and ending with breakfast on the last day of your journey.
- TransportationIn-country transportation including airport transfers, jeeps, and charted buses.
- LodgingIncludes lodging for 12 nights in Nepal. 7 nights in Kathmandu and 5 nights in Markhu.
- World Heritage SitesWe will visit 1-2 historic temples. Tickets and experienced guide cost + gratuity will be included.
- TranslatorsPractitioners will have translators available to them as needed during the Health Camp.
- Educational Workshops4-5 hours of professional workshops on topics including Nepalese culture, healthcare system and economy, and participatory development..
What’s not included
- International flightsYour travel to and from Kathmandu
- Alcoholic beveragesAvailable for purchase in shops and restaurants.
- Travel InsuranceRequired - inquire withe questions
- Extra LodgingLodging to accomodate early arrivals and late departures will not be included.
- Personal SpendingFeel free to purchase souvenirs and gifts at your own expense.
- Tourist VisaAvailable on arrival in Nepal.
Available Packages
Price per person with private accommodations.
Itinerary
This is a day for rest and acclimation.
It's a free day for you and your cohort to arrive and get settled. We will be here to help you get situated and stay awake if you're working through jet lag!
Because of the time difference, we recommend arriving in the daytime hours, morning or early afternoon best.