Upper Mustang, Nepal (December 2023)

Contact Tricia today for more information on how to join the team as we bring health care to a remote area of Nepal!

People living in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal lack access to medical services and many have never had a proper checkup with a qualified physician. Instead, they have relied on practices found in folklore and/or the local Lama. People have often remained sick after these treatments or have had tragic results from the lack of a proper care.  

During this Clinic, a team of medical doctors and professionals organized by the Himalayan Guge Organization (HGO) will offer free checkups, workshops, and health assessments for every individual that attends the health campaign. HGO is also committed to providing the health campaigns that will be needed to ensure proper follow up and long-term care for previous camp attendees.  Volunteers will assist in all aspects of the medical camp as they are able.  It’s a unique opportunity that we are excited to share with you!

One of HGO’s main purposes is to promote and preserve the medical practice of Sowa Rigpa, or Sorig, the Science of Healing. The Sowa Rigpa medicinal system is based on herbs primarily found in the region and has been practiced in the Himalayas of Nepal for centuries. The proximity of the raw materials (herbs) to make the medicines means it is much more cost effective and accessible on a regular basis than the western medicinal system. The camp will be staffed with professional and qualified medical staff and Sorig Doctors.  Sowa Rigpa services will be supplemented with traditional western medicines, if the issues faced by the individual calls for such treatment.  Volunteers will experience local culture and customs first hand. 

Volunteer Itinerary

  • Dec 16-17:    Arrive in Kathmandu and acquire permits
  • Dec 18:          Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Dec 19:          Fly Pokhara to Jomsom, Jeep to Ghilling
  • Dec 20-21:    Free Health Clinic in Ghilling
  • Dec 22:          Jeep Ghilling to Dakmar
  • Dec 23-25:    Free Health Clinic in Dakmar
  • Dec 26:          Jeep Dakmar to Jomsom
  • Dec 27:          Fly Jomsom to Pokhara
  • Dec 28:          Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

Volunteer Activities

  • Assist Doctors in taking blood pressure, heart rate, resting pulse
  • Assist Nurses in distribution of medication
  • If qualified, help to provide additional medical care
  • Register patients when they arrive
  • Manage the queue, distribute water
  • Other logistics jobs as needed
  • Assist camp and HGO staff as needed

Participant Cost: $2575, includes a $566 Donation to the Health Clinic

Cost includes: English speaking licensed group leader & assistant, Domestic flights and all airport pickups/drop-offs, Accommodations (shared basis), Ground transportation in Upper Mustang, All meals in Upper Mustang, Permits and government taxes, Staff costs and salaries

Cost does NOT include: Nepalese Visa and International Airfare, Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Travel and Rescue Insurance, Tips for Staff, Drivers, Guides, Personal expenses (laundry, bottled water, etc.), Any additional charges due to emergencies

About Himalayan Guge Organization

Himalayan Guge Organization (HGO) was founded in 2013 with a primary purpose of fostering and promoting health (through the Science of Healing, Sowa-Rigpa or Sorig), education, culture and community in the Himalayan region of Nepal.

To learn more, visit http://himalayanguge.org.

This post contains information provided by Himalayan Guge Organization.  Their help and support is much appreciated.

Exploring and learning while enjoying life and doing my part. Here, there and everywhere…