October 12 - 21, 2023
Thonche, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal – October 12 – 21, 2023
The cost of this trip for each volunteer is a tax deductible donation of $650.00 (approximate) to Global First Responder. Volunteers are also responsible for purchasing their international airfare.
About the trip: Join Global First Responder as we return for the 3rd time to Thonche, Nepal. Thonche is located in the beautiful Annapurna Conservation Area, approximately 48 km from the capital, Pokhara. The area is home to more than 120,000 people living in rural villages. More than 11 ethnic groups are represented in this rural area, approximately 200 km from Kathmandu. In this remote area, most people have to walk for many hours to reach a health outpost or hospital or pay for a local ride. Ayurvedic medicines, herbal medicines, Tibetan medicines, faith healers and home based remedies are commonly used by the communities in the areas where we will be working. There are many migrant workers, families of soldiers far from home, and women head-of- household families in this lower socio-economic area.
October is an excellent time to visit Annapurna with relatively dry weather and daytime temperatures in the mid-60s. The nights are mild in the 50s. The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest protected area in Nepal and is home to more than 450 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. Elevation is about 2590 ft with the mountainous areas gaining elevation, highlighted by Annapurna I at 26, 545 ft. The area is home to the famous Annapurna Circuit so if you are thinking about trekking after the trip, this is a great place to start!
GFR is very excited to partner again with the Himalayan Family Medicine Project, based in Kathmandu, Nepal and St. Louis, Missouri.
Sustainability: With your help, GFR provides meaningful health education to all patients. As an example, in 2022 in Senegal we focused on education on puberty and cleaner living spaces for the 750+ street children we cared for. GFR also provides infrastructure in the communities where we work. On past trips to Thonche, GFR built a clinic and a school. We are still working with our partner NGO and local communities to determine what the Thonche community needs in 2023 and we will update this as soon as possible.
In 2023, GFR is committed to clean drinking water and throughout the year, where clean drinking water is needed, we will partner with our local community to set up a water purification system that can handle up to 12,000 gallons per day. If our partner community in Nepal determines clean water to be a priority, your team will have the opportunity to help set up a permanent system with the people who live there and see their new water system in action! If they determine other needs are more pressing, we (GFR and YOU) will work together to make that happen
Arrivals and Departures: Your trip officially starts on October 12 and your hotel is included (no meals included). We highly suggest you arrive in Kathmandu (airport code KTM) early on the 12th to avoid a missed connection of the early morning departure to Thonche on October 13. You will depart from the hotel early on October 13th to Thonche, where you will base for the next few days. October 13 is a drive and prep day to get everything ready for a successful week of clinics. Clinics will be held from October 14 – 19 with a day off in the middle for some rest or sightseeing. October 20 is the drive back to Kathmandu and a farewell dinner. Your trip will end in Kathmandu on October 21 but if you want to trek the Annapurna Circuit (this is by your private arrangement), you may depart at the end of clinic on October 19 from Thonche, in the heart of Annapurna. Please see the “After the trip” section for some ideas to extend your trip!
What’s Included: This trip includes lodging, transportation, snacks, water, breakfast, lunch, and most dinners from October 13 – October 21, as well as the funds for all supplies required for clinic and special projects. Your hotel is included on October 12. Water purification (for clean drinking water in a community) may be one of our sustainability projects in Nepal, based on community need.
What’s Not Included: Your international airfare, pre/post trip travel costs and expenses, and some lunch/dinners are not included in the cost of your trip. A few dinners on your own will give you the opportunity to go out in the evening with new and old friends while exploring the cities and villages you are working in. If you choose to leave the team in Annapurna after clinic on October 19, all meals, activities, and transportation are on your own.
Cost: The cost of this amazing trip is APPROXIMATELY $650.00 per person plus airfare. The exact cost of the trip will be determined in the next few weeks. You are responsible for purchasing airfare that meets the required arrival and departure times. We highly suggest arriving early on October 12 to ensure you don’t miss connections or the departure of the team from Kathmandu to Thonche early morning of October 13. We always suggest giving yourself extra time for delayed or cancelled flights and that you purchase trip insurance from a reputable carrier. This trip is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. You or your donors will receive a tax receipt upon making your donation.
How is your cost calculated?: At Global First Responder we strive to keep your costs low and our quality high. We value your participation and willingness to volunteer your time and expertise. Everyone at Global First Responder is also a volunteer, donating their time to administrative tasks and paying their own way to participate in medical and construction missions around the world and here at home. The fee you pay covers the actual cost of your expenses in country including lodging, transportation, meals, and translator fees and expenses. At GFR, no one is paid a salary and everyone is a passionate volunteer, doing our part to help drive our mission of “One Global World, One Global Family”.
After the trip: Nepal is at your fingertips! If you love trekking, you will be in the heart of the best trekking in the world – consider leaving your hardworking team after the last day of clinic and before our return to Kathmandu and trek to your heart’s content. Want to tour some of the major Stupas and Temples? You will be within walking distance on the last day of this mission. Always wanted to see Mt. Everest? Take a 1 hour flight and enjoy the complimentary champagne! Or better yet, do that once in a lifetime trek to basecamp!! Love animals? Try a jungle safari in Chitwan! Love to shop? You won’t be disappointed here! There is so much to do after providing medical and dental care that you will find it hard to choose!
Click here to apply for this trip: I WANT TO JOIN GFR IN THONCHE NEPAL!
If this is your first time applying in our new application system, please create a login and password. You may use this login and password for all future trips you apply for (and we hope to see you on LOTS of GFR trips!!)
ITINERARY
The dates of this trip are EXCLUSIVE OF TRAVEL! You will need to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal (airport code KTM) on October 12. We highly recommend that you plan to arrive on October 12 in case of missed connections. The trip officially starts on October 13 with an early morning departure to Thonche – costs on October 12 are “on your own”. The trip officially ends on the morning of October 21. Airport transfers are on your own and inexpensive. Consider staying longer for wonderful sightseeing. If you want to do some trekking on the Annapurna Circuit, you may depart from the team after clinic on October 19, as you will be in the heart of Annapurna at this time. Perhaps a jungle safari in Chitwan will feed your soul or a hike up Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan – anything is possible Thank you for volunteering with GFR!
October 12, 2023 (Saturday): Kathmandu. You may arrive anytime on the 12th but we suggest arriving early in the day to avoid a missed connection early morning on the 13th to Thonche. Your hotel is included. All meals, sightseeing, etc are on your own as the trip officially starts after dinner on the 12th.
October 13, 2023 (Friday): Thonche. You will leave early for Thonche, about 200 km from Kathmandu (6-7 hours drive time) on some very fun roads. After the team arrives, you will help organize supplies, pharmacy, and get to know your teammates! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
October 14, 2023 (Saturday): Clinic. GFR has an established history in the area and built a school in this rural area a few years ago.
October 15, 2023 (Sunday): Clinic. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
October 16, 2023 (Monday): Clinic. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
October 17, 2023 (Tuesday): Rest Day. Today is a rest day for the team. You can do some sightseeing, take a hike, or do a little shopping. The day is yours. Breakfast is included, lunch is on your own, and dinner is with the team.
October 18, 2023 (Wednesday): Clinic. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
October 19, 2023 (Thursday): Clinic. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. After clinic you will have time to get ready for an early departure in the morning to Kathmandu. If you choose to hike the Annapurna circuit, you can leave the team after clinic to meet your trekking guide and prepare for your next amazing journey!
October 20, 2023 (Friday): Kathmandu. You will make the beautiful drive back to Kathmandu today. Upon arrival and after getting settled in your hotel, you will help organize the supplies returning with GFR and have a chance to share photos and more. Breakfast, lunch, and a farewell dinner are included.
October 21, 2023 (Saturday): Departures. If you book a later return flight on October 21, you will have time to sightsee in this beautiful city, filled with amazing Stupas, Temples, history, and shopping. See the “Extend your Stay” section for more ideas!