Expeditions
2025 Schedule
To fulfill longer elective requirements of certain medical schools, HHE now offers clinic work extension of 2-4 weeks on either end of an expedition to make it a total of 6-8 week international health rotation. Please contact us for more details.
february 1-28, 2025
outer himalayas (winter camp)
During this 4-week travel, our team will hold clincis in remote villages, Tibetan settlements, monasteries, monastic schools and a nunnery located in the Dhauladhar (White Mountain) Range of the Western Himalayas. Daily work schedule includes seven hours of clinical and preventive health care during which participating health care workers and students work under the supervision of US-based and board certified physicians to provide care and educate patients on issues related to personal and oral hygiene, diet and nutrition. Free medicines and supplies are provided to hundreds of patients of all ages. Five to six out-patient stations will be set up and teams will be rotated periodically to allow each team member to gain a supervised hands-on clinical experience in all available specialties. Each station will have one interpreter. Patients with serious ailments that require follow-ups will be referred to the closest state hospital.
april 1-28, 2025
dharamsala
Dharamsala lies in the shadow of the Dhauladhar, or White Mountain, Range which reaches an altitude of 18,500 feet. Six miles north is Mcleodganj, home to the exiled Tibetans and their religious leader, His Holiness Gyatso Tenzing, the 14th Dalai Lama. The local population is a mix of Tibetans, Gaddis and north Indians, and the village buzzes with travelers from around the globe.
Please read 20 Days in the Himalayas: A Doctor’s Journey from Cardiology Magazine.
June 19 – July 11, 2025
Pangi (Greater Himalayas)
Rugged and remote Pangi lies sandwiched between the two towering Himalayan mountain ranges of Zanskar and Pir Panjal. A challenging, vehicular road takes us into Lahaul valley and, further, to the thickly forested and isolated valley of Pangi. This 3 week medical & dental expedition offers a rare opportunity to trek through a lesser-known region of the Western Himalayas. Our team will hold clinics in several villages and settlements while experiencing the land and culture that few have had the privilege to witness.
June 19 – July 11, 2025
Tuan (Wilderness Medicine)
Learn and practice wilderness medicine skills in one of the most scenic and awe-inspiring sites of the Western Himalayas. This is a 3-week, high altitude, ‘base camp style’ expedition that includes a 4-day, self-contained trek to an elevation of 15,000 feet at the base of Pimu La Pass. Attend clinics, didactic sessions and instructions delivered by seasoned US-based physicians and local instructors. Practice experiential learning including evacuation on the trail while taking in the full force of this stunning wilderness.
Designed for physicians, residents and medical, allied health and pre-medical students who have an interest in global health, altitude & mountain medicine, travel medicine, or backcountry first aid and who are willing to accept challenges of living and working in a resource-poor environment.
july 9 – July 30, 2025
spiti (indo-tibetan borderland)
Once a part of the ancient western Tibetan kingdom of Guge, Spiti’s villages provided a stop-over for trade caravans between Kashmir and Tibet. Spiti is a thinly-populated region with a population count of one person per square mile, its altitude and remoteness have limited the local health care providers to serve the region on regular basis. This is a land of 9th century Buddhist monasteries and the village of Kibber, the world’s highest, permanent human settlement. Camps are set up in several villages of Spiti Valley.
august 1-28, 2025
kargiakh (HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICAL & WILDERNESS MEDICINE TREK)
High altitude trek, wilderness camping, hands-on clinical experience, an introduction to emergency and wilderness medicine, field time, and scenic drives are all the elements that have been combined to make Kargiakh a challenging and offbeat elective experience. Team roster will consist of 20-25 residents, seasoned medical practitioners, and an international group of medical students at all levels of health sciences. Clinics will be organized in the Inner, Greater and Trans- Himalayan regions of north India. Hike 6 days over the 18,200 foot Phirtse La pass to cover 3 ancient settlements in Zanskar Valley. Experience a centuries-old culture inspired by religion and karma, and preserved in its purest form through present day.
Please read Iowa Medical Students Serve Remote Villagers in Ladakh, India