Here is what Kanad from New Jersey had to say: "Our trek was a wonderful and exciting experience. We had the opportunity to participate in the lives of people who don't often see tourists. It is certainly a worthwhile venture to see the beautiful and wild areas of this country, but to be able to experience the people's hospitality and hopefully give them something back in the process is something special indeed. We left with the hope that our presence planted the seed in the minds of the people of Patale that their way of life is something valued by people of other nations. May all subsequent Service Treks meet with the success that ours enjoyed!"
Here is what Lisa from Phoenix had to say:
"We are absolutely overwhelmed by the hospitality of our hosts who have made us feel incredibly welcome. Last night we were treated to a Sherpa song and dance presentation and this morning we were visited by children from the village school, to whom we presented backpacks donated by our friends Maya & Arnold. Our stay has gone by very fast. We have some extra baggage due to the generous offerings of dozens of kata (scarves which are a cultural symbol of hospitality.) Our backpacks are decorated with fresh flower garlands made by local sherpa children and given to us by their mums as a going away present. "
Service Trek Detailed Daily Itinerary & Trekking Schedule
These photos were taken on our recent successful trek where we visited local clinics, schools, sanitary and environmental projects. Photos in slideshow: Elselien te Hennepe, Murari Sharma, Lisa McClellan, Dan Mazur, John Vavruska, & Morris Prokop. For caption information on these photos, please visit our Service Trek photo gallery.
We welcome all members to join this trek, including medical practitioners, educators, farmers, gardeners, technicians, builders, foresters, renewable energy professionals, and everyone else. You don't have to be an expert to make a difference.
Trek to visit remote health clinics, schools, sanitary and environmental projects.
Walk on snow-free paths at low elevation in the foothills near Mt. Everest through green terraced villages, rushing rivers, suspension bridges, ancient old-growth forests, stay in rustic local travelers inns and camp in verdant meadows.
Visit a beautiful, quiet, and pristine remote region on the "wrong side" of Everest where no tourists go.
See how local farm families are helping themselves.
This low-altitude trek may represent the most affordable low budget trek you could do in Nepal.
We help you buy and rent inexpensive mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and walking gear, equipment, clothing, boots, shoes for sale, purchase and hire at affordable, cheap, low prices.
We offer 5% discounts for teachers, medical practitioners, environmental, energy and sanitation engineers who perform service work along the trek.
Enjoy this trek with our western leader and top quality sherpa staff who are with you all of the way.
Add on an extension of volunteer work at the beginning or end of the trek in Kathmandu.
Leader: Daniel Mazur, trekking in the Khumbu valley since 1991;
Dates and Cost:
17 to 29 November or 15 to 27 June. 13 Days in Nepal.
Price - Donation: $1450, £950, €1050 (100% of your contribution for the trek and your international flight are tax deductible). GBP & EUR conversions as of {30-Jan-12}.
Our June Service Trek just returned from a successful trip to rural Nepal. Please check the news for recent dispatches and updates from the trek. Please also visit MEFNews.org and our "Archived News" for more stories of past trips.
Please click one of the links below to view that section of our Service Trek daily itinerary or scroll down.
Please also visit our Service Trek route description for more about what to expect on the trek from Kathmandu, during the climb itself, etcetera.
Note: This is a proposed schedule, which has been developed through previous trips. The actual itinerary of your trip can differ depending on such factors as weather and local conditions. For example, the trip may finish earlier than these dates, or we may need every single day of the schedule. Thank you for being patient and flexible when coming to a foreign country like Nepal.
Arriving in Kathmandu:
1) Arrive in Kathmandu (1300 metres/4250 feet), group dinner at 'Nanglo' at 6:00 p.m.;
2) Briefing 10:00 am; gear check; shopping; visit the famous Monkey Temple; dinner at 6:00 pm;
Service Trek:
3) Fly to Phaphlu (2470 metres/8100 feet), trek to Dungopa (2250 metres/7400 feet);
4) Trek to Jamphre (2820 metres/9250 feet);
5) Vist Taptang, trek to Patale Village (2860 metres/9370 feet). Stay at Jangbu Sherpa's house;
6) Walk to Charmading school and visit, walk back to Jangbu's for lunch. Hike to Dhaurakharkha and make camp;
7) Puja ceremony in the morning. Medical professional members work in the health post, other members walk down to Maidane School and teach there;
8) Medical professional members work in the health post, other members walk down to Dhaurakharkha School and teach there. In the afternoon team hangs out in the health post. Ceremonies and a dance party that night;
9) Say farewell to Patale, trek to Khiji Bazaar and sleep there (2320 metres/7600 feet). Night bus ride back to Kathmandu;
10) Trek down to the village of Sierse (2190 metres/7200 feet); back to top
Going Home:
11) Arrive in Kathmandu early am after night bus ride. Go to hotel and sleep, freshen up, etcetera;
12) Relax in Kathmandu. Last minute shopping, saying goodbye to new friends;
13) Fly back to your home country. Thanks for joining our service trek! back to top
