Clinic-Only: $1,650 (based on double occupancy)
Call our office for single-occupancy rates.
The total project duration is 21 days, which includes: travel time to Nepal, orientation, sightseeing in Kathmandu, six days working in the dental clinic, and five days trekking along the Everest trail in the Solo Kumbu, reaching an elevation of 13,500 feet in Khumjung.
Volunteers may opt out of the sightseeing portion of the project and head home after the clinic.
Project Dates
- October 16 – November 5, 2024
- April 29 – May 19, 2025
- October 23 – November 12, 2025
What’s Included?
- Two- to three-star hotels (except while trekking/teahouse lodge accommodation)
- Two meals per day during the clinic and all meals during trek; other days, breakfast only
- Flights within Nepal
- Airport transfers
- Sightseeing in Nepal
- Roundtrip airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Services of porters during the trek
- Signature GDR T-shirt and water bottle
- Celebratory farewell dinner
Plus, you will get all this too:
- A small group of 14 to 18 international volunteers
- The chance to make connections and create lifelong memories with new friends from all over the world
- GDR Return Volunteer Discount on all future projects
- Two GDR designated trip leaders
- A GDR coordinator in the office to answer questions and ensure you are prepared for your trip
- All tips for guides and drivers (except arrival and departure airport transfers)
Sightseeing Itinerary
Day 1: Depart the U.S.
Day 2: In transit to Kathmandu
Day 3: Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative will meet you at the airport, and you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 4: Kathmandu. Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu. Afternoon project briefing at the clinic site where you will work for the next six days. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/-/-)
Days 5-7: Kathmandu. Work in the mobile dental clinic. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/L/‐)
Day 8: Kathmandu. Day off from clinic to rest. Half day sightseeing of Bhaktapur. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/-/‐)
Days 9-11: Kathmandu. Work in the mobile dental clinic in Kathmandu. (B/L/‐)
Day 12: Kathmandu — Lukla — Phakding. Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Lukla. Meet with your Sirdar and crew. After lunch, trek a few hours along Dudh Kosi River to village of Phakding at 9,000 feet. Overnight in tea house lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Phakding — Namche Bazaar. The trail continues up the Dudh Kosi valley and enters Sagarmatha National Park. Continue on the trail, crossing the Bhote Kosi River to begin the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar at 11,500 feet. Look for glimpses of Mt. Everest en route to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in tea house lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Namche Bazaar — Khumjung. Continue up a steep ridge to reach the village of Khumjung, approximately two hours of walking. Overnight in tea house lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Khumjung. Take a day hike to view Mt. Everest. Return to Khumjung in the afternoon. Overnight in Khumjung in tea house lodge (B/L/D).
Day 16: Khumjung — Phakding. The trail descends steeply towards Namche Bazaar, then continues to descend down to the river. Overnight in Tea House Lodge.(B/L/D)
Day 17: Phakding — Lukla. Trek down along the gorge of Dudh Kosi to the village of Lukla. Overnight in tea house lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 18: Lukla — Kathmandu. Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. The afternoon is free for some shopping or sightseeing. Overnight at the Radisson. (B/-/-)
Day 19: Kathmandu. Day at leisure in Kathmandu to enjoy sightseeing or relax before your return journey home. Overnight at the Radisson. (B/-/-)
Day 20: End in Kathmandu. Transfer to airport for your flight home. Arrive home on day 21. (B/-/-)
Clinic-Only Itinerary
Day 1: Depart the U.S.
Day 2: In transit to Kathmandu
Day 3: Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative will meet you at the airport, and you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 4: Kathmandu. Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu. Afternoon project briefing at the clinic site where you will work for the next six days. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/-/-)
Days 5-7: Kathmandu. Work in the mobile dental clinic. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/L/‐)
Day 8: Kathmandu. Day off from clinic to rest. Half day sightseeing of Bhaktapur. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/-/‐)
Days 9-11: Kathmandu. Work in the mobile dental clinic in Kathmandu. (B/L/‐)
Day 12: Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Arrive home on day 13. (B/-/-)
Physical Demands
Volunteer dental clinics are fast paced and include a moderate amount of physical activity each day. On our Kathmandu dental service trip and Everest trek, you will need to:
- Walk approximately 30 minutes daily (15 minutes each way) to and from the clinic site.
- Be able to stand and/or walk (including climbing stairs) for approximately two hours at a time during sightseeing tours.
- Sleep with street noise (dogs, car horns, chickens, etc.) and have weak or no hot water at times.
- After orientation, be able to navigate the walk to clinic location and local restaurants.
- Be okay having limited or unstable access to Wi-Fi/internet.
- Be willing to eat primarily local Nepali food.
On the trek, volunteers should be able to:
- Walk six to eight hours (with breaks for lunch and water) while carrying a 10-pound pack.
- Be able to sleep in humble guesthouse accommodations in a room without an attached bathroom.
- Go without access to a shower for one to two days.
- Go without access to Wi-Fi/internet for the duration of the trek.
- Eat a limited diet consisting of local Nepali food.
