Maitri Medical Treks 2023

Welcome to the heartwarming tale of our Maitri Medical Treks with Nepal Dare Adventures. Join us on this incredible 10-day adventure as we traverse the scenic landscapes of Nepal, providing essential healthcare to remote communities. Let's dive into the details of each day and the unforgettable experiences that made this trek a true bonding journey.

Day 1: A Challenging Start with Warm Welcomes: Our expedition kicked off in Patan, initiating a lengthy drive to Ranipuwa that consumed roughly 9 hours. Despite the time on the road, we triumphantly reached our destination. Following this, an additional 3 hours of hiking brought us to our inaugural camp, Kaulepani, at approximately 6 pm. Although the day posed challenges and left us feeling exhausted, the gracious welcome extended by the local community effortlessly erased the memories of the arduous drive and uphill trek.

Day 2: Serving the Community with Joy: On our second day of the medical camp, an atmosphere of anticipation filled the air as we eagerly awaited the number of patients we would serve, the diverse medical cases we might encounter, and the challenges that lay ahead. The day kicked off with a wholesome breakfast at 8:00 am, gearing us up for the day's important work. Heading towards Lamjung school, our team worked diligently to set up all the necessary equipment and supplies. At the stroke of 10:00 am, the commencement of patient check-ups marked the beginning of our mission. Initially expecting around 100 patients, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we could extend care to approximately 165 individuals during our first camp. As the clock approached 5:00 pm, we concluded our duties and made our way back to the campsite. There, amidst casual conversations, shared stories, and a satisfying dinner, we reflected on the day's accomplishments. Opting to spend the night at the camp, we eagerly looked forward to the days ahead, committed to continuing our mission of providing essential healthcare to the community.

Day 3: Close-Knit Bonding in Purankot: We arose at 7:00 am, feeling refreshed, knowing our next campsite was within close reach. After a leisurely morning routine, we indulged in a delightful breakfast at 8:30 am, preparing ourselves for the day ahead. Subsequently, we meticulously packed all our equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, cookware, and essential medical supplies. Embarking on our journey towards Purankot, our second campsite, commenced at 10:00 am. The three-hour hike unfolded amidst the picturesque landscape, culminating in our arrival at the destination around 1:00 pm. Upon reaching the second camp, we efficiently set up our tents and relished a satisfying lunch. Following this delightful meal, we took a moment to unwind and then ventured to a nearby restaurant for refreshing beverages with our fellow team members. Engaging in lively conversations, sharing laughter, and building camaraderie, we eventually returned to our campsite for dinner. The night was spent at the second campsite, fostering the sense of connection and shared experiences among our team.

Day 4: Unexpected Patient Numbers and Villager Cooperation: We woke up effortlessly around 7:00 am, embracing the morning with ease, and proceeded to enjoy a wholesome breakfast at 8:30 am. Following our morning routine, we eagerly participated in a briefing session to determine roles for vital check-up points, translators, and registration handlers. Post-briefing, we set up tables and chairs, creating a designated space for patients to register their names and share details about their medical issues. The check-ups officially commenced at 10:00 am. Despite expecting around 60 individuals, we were pleasantly surprised when approximately 95 patients arrived. The heartening aspect was the remarkable cooperation exhibited by the villagers, with everyone patiently awaiting their turn. Many of the patients were elderly, and we were all gratified to be of assistance to them. Wrapping up our duties by 5:00 pm, we decided to unwind at a small restaurant, indulging in some beer and engaging in cheerful conversation. Subsequently, we returned to our campsite, reflecting on the day's experiences and camaraderie forged during our mission.

Day 5: Carrying Our Own Belongings and Village Exploration: This morning, we effortlessly greeted the day at 7:00 am, and a wholesome breakfast awaited us at 8:30 am. Although our camp wasn't too distant, we decided to shoulder our own belongings, including medicines and food, while entrusting the porters with other items. Setting out from the second camp at 10:30 am, each member carried their heavy bags, fostering a collaborative spirit within our close-knit group. As a united front, we reached our third camp by 1:30 pm. During this time, a lively football tournament unfolded, and we took a delightful 10-minute break to immerse ourselves in the excitement before enjoying a well-deserved lunch. Following our meal, we attended to various chores such as washing clothes, refreshing showers, and leisurely strolls around the village. Dinner was served at 7:00 pm, creating a cozy atmosphere as we contemplated the plans for the next day. With a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie, we all retired for the night, eager for the adventures that awaited us in the days ahead.

Day 6: Unforgettable Welcome and Celebrations: We woke up early, given our close proximity to the medical camp from our overnight location. A prompt breakfast was served at 8:30 am, providing the necessary fuel for the day's tasks. Following our delicious meal, we efficiently set up chairs, tables, registration points, vital check-up stations, and made all necessary preparations to welcome patients. Despite a significant football tournament happening nearby, the initial patient count was lower, as we presumed many villagers would be attending the game. However, to our delight, patient numbers surged after an hour, bringing us immense joy in being able to extend our assistance. Notably, a considerable number of villagers suffered from high blood pressure, underscoring our commitment to delve into the underlying reasons during our subsequent visit. By diligently attending to around 120 patients, we concluded our duties by 5:00 pm. Seeking relaxation, we took a break to visit a local shop for some beer before returning to our campsite to spend the night, reflecting on the day's experiences and readying ourselves for the next leg of our medical mission.

Day 7 :Triumph Over Challenges and a Warm Welcome in Daduwa : We started the day with ease, following our regular routine and enjoying breakfast at 8:30 am. Geared up for the final and longest hike of our last camp, our enthusiasm was tempered when one of our porters fell ill, and another strained their back. Swiftly adapting, we arranged for a Jeep to carry our supplies and the porters, ensuring their well-being. The remaining group, comprising guides, a pharmacist, doctors, and nurses, embarked on the hike. The journey encompassed mostly uphill walks and occasional downhill stretches, spanning about 5 hours. Taking intermittent breaks, we had a packed lunch along the trail, given the sparse housing. By 3:00 pm, a mix of fatigue and exhilaration engulfed us as we reached our final camp and took a well-deserved rest. A heartwarming welcome awaited, with the cook extending hospitality through soup, tea, and biscuits. After setting up our tents, we explored the village of Daduwa, taking a half-hour hike. Upon returning to the camp, we were treated to a touching welcome program organized by the women of the community. They greeted us with flower necklaces, Roksi (Nepali alcohol), and engaging local dances, inviting us to join—a truly unforgettable experience. Later in the evening, we relished a delightful dinner, capping off the night with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the warm reception. As the day concluded, we retired to our tents, carrying with us the memories of the day's adventures and the genuine hospitality of the Daduwa community.

Day 8 : A Lasting Impact on the Community and Celebrations : As our team reached the final campsite, a cascade of emotions swept over us—a blend of joy for the journey's accomplishments and a tinge of sadness as it marked our last day. We embraced a leisurely start to the day, waking up at 7:00 am and enjoying breakfast by 8:30 am. Our regular duties for the medical camp commenced, involving the setup of chairs and tables for patients, registration of names and issues, and vital check-ups. Beginning our duties at 10:00 am, the day unfolded smoothly, facilitated by our growing familiarity with Nepali words, enabling effective communication with patients, locals, and even children. On this final day, we successfully checked up on 85 patients, leaving a sense of fulfillment for the impactful work carried out in Nepal. While we addressed lower back pain and joint issues in all our camps, a small regret lingered—we lacked photos illustrating proper stretches for back pain. However, a silver lining emerged as one of our crew members captured remarkable images showcasing these stretches. Post-duty completion, we took a leisurely stroll through the village, relishing some beer before returning to the camp. During dinner, we engaged in a reflective discussion about our entire trip—highlighting the best moments of the trek, areas for improvement in the coming days, and the unique challenges of the trail. To cap off the evening, we celebrated with the cutting of a cake. It truly was a fantastic day, and looking back, the entire trek unfolded as an incredible and unforgettable experience.

Day 9 : Farewells, Majestic Views, and Reflections : Today marks our second-to-last day of the trek. We rose promptly at 6:00 am, swiftly had breakfast by 7:00 am, and efficiently packed up our belongings. The early morning greeted us with the majestic backdrop of Mount Manaslu, Annapurna, the Sundar Himalayas, and Lamjung. Departing from our final camp, the women from the Daduwa community bid us farewell, adorning us with flower necklaces. Ready for departure by 9:00 am, we chose an earlier start to catch the available transport, given that vehicles arrived every 3 hours. Our cohesive team, consisting of 16 members, including volunteers, translators, guides, a nurse, pharmacist, doctor, and porters, geared up for the journey. To reach Bandipur, we navigated through three bus switches. Bandipur, with its serene ambiance and breathtaking panoramic views, provided a much-needed respite after eight days of trekking. Upon arrival, we finally indulged in proper showers and sank into comfortable beds. Later in the evening, we strolled into Bandipur city for a delightful dinner, relieved that our responsibilities were fulfilled. A few drinks later, we retired to bed, cherishing the satisfaction of completing our trek and eagerly anticipating the final day ahead.

Day 10 : Bittersweet Farewells and the End of an Unforgettable Trek : On our tenth day, we embraced a leisurely awakening, savoring the final moments of our trek. Our morning commenced with a delightful breakfast in Bandipur, providing the necessary fuel for the journey ahead. After finishing our meal, we meticulously packed our bags, preparing to bid adieu to this charming town. Strolling through Bandipur, we immersed ourselves in the scenic beauty one last time, capturing precious moments in photographs alongside our guides. The moment was bittersweet as we bid farewell to one of our guides at Dumre, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable assistance throughout our expedition. Reserving a vehicle, we embarked on a lengthy journey towards Kathmandu, an eight-hour drive. Despite the fatigue, the landscape outside our windows continued to amaze us, offering glimpses of Nepal's breathtaking vistas. Upon reaching our destination, we once again bid a heartfelt farewell to our guide, acknowledging the immense contribution of the entire crew to the success of our trek. Reflecting on the incredible experiences we shared, we couldn't help but acknowledge that our journey wouldn't have been as remarkable without the dedication and support of every member involved. As we concluded this adventure, we expressed our gratitude to all who made it possible, eagerly anticipating the prospect of future expeditions fueled by the memories and camaraderie forged during this unforgettable trek.

Conclusion: A Journey Fueled by Friendship and Purpose As we bid adieu to Bandipur and wrapped up our 10-day adventure, we reflected on the friendships formed, the lives touched, and the impact of our journey. Our hearts filled with gratitude, we look forward to April 2024, eager to embark on another Maitri Medical Trek. Join us for the next chapter of friendship, purpose, and unforgettable experiences! Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming expeditions.