This fall my family and I will participate in the Taksindu Medical Mission Trek with Sherpa Mountain Adventures. My grandparents Liz and Dennis, and my mom Gretchen, have done this trip in the past – it was a life-changing cultural experience and service project. We look forward to experiencing the beautiful country of Nepal and having the opportunity to give back to the rural Sherpa community in the lower Himalayan mountains.

 

The trek includes volunteering at a free 3-day medical clinic that offers services to 1300+ children and families. The Sherpa community in this region are mostly agrarian and lack resources to travel to the city for medical treatment, and often suffer with what are often preventable and treatable conditions. This annual clinic provides an opportunity to practice altruism through education, health, vision and dental checkup and treatment. The event is a precious opportunity for villagers from the surrounding rural areas to gather and receive care. Some villagers walk for days to get to the clinic. 

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The project and trek is sponsored by Sherpa Mountain Adventures, a company based in Boulder led by Karma Sherpa, an inspiring big-hearted man with a strong vision. Karma grew up in this area of Nepal, and understands the needs of the Sherpa communities who lack access to basic health care. The clinic is set up at the beautiful Taksindu monastery; the monks receive care and share their traditions and gratitude with the medical professionals and volunteers. 

 

From my mom Gretchen: “Helping at the clinic last fall was a pivotal experience for me. I organized the “physical therapy” station, offering yoga classes, teaching stretches and exercises, and delighting in bright playful interactions with the young monks. It was energizing and really fun to be a part of the group of volunteer laypeople, nurses, and doctors. The environment was stunning—magnificent and peaceful. I loved the experience of unique Buddhist traditions and sweet interactions with local people. Volunteering adds a dimension to travel that fills my heart.”