Volunteer in the Inner Himalayas

In June, I'll be traveling to the Inner Himalayas with Himalayan Health Exchange on a medical/dental mission to the Rupin Valley (see below). Along with other anthropology professors, I'll be teaching about non-Western healing traditions, medical anthropology and other aspects of health and illness. The trip is open to medical and university students.

For further information, go to:  Himalayan Health Exchange.


Medical-Dental Trek to 'Rupin Valley' in the Inner Himalayas

This medical-dental expedition/trek takes us to a remote tribal region of the Western Himalayas. Team members will depart from various international gateways on their way to New Delhi. A combination of rail and road takes us from New Delhi to Shimla for an overnight stay. The next morning we will begin our overland journey towards the Greater Himalayan Range and to the trailhead to begin our exciting trek of several days to reach settlements and tribal villages of 'The Rupin Valley'. A trail over a 11,800 feet high pass connects these villages to the outside world. This region remains cut- off for 6 months of the year due to heavy snow accumulations on Chansal, leaving the native population with little or no access to health care. Our team will run clinics in 4 different sites, totaling ten clinic days, and provide care to approximately 1,500 patients.

Please Note: This is a moderately strenuous trek that involves extended outdoor camping. Altitude can make this a challenging experience. As a team member you must be in excellent physical shape and be willing to adjust, adapt and accept changing weather and camp conditions.