Wilderness & Expedition Medicine Symposium: An Everest Adventure

WILDERNESS & EXPEDITION MEDICINE TREKKING SYMPOSIUM: AN EVEREST ADVENTURE

Dates:     24 APRIL 2028 - 11 MAY 2028     (14 Seats Only)

Cost: $4,525.00 - Payment Plan Available

Join us for the 7th Wilderness & Expedition Medicine Symposium!   

Be advised: The Wilderness & Expedition Medicine Trekking Symposium trek to Everest Base-Camp is strenuous and you should be in excellent physical condition. This trekking experience does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. All you need is the willingness to endure the stress and potential hardships of the trip and be a avid adventurer at heart!

Trip Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu.

Participant will enjoy a lovely lunch meet and greet with the staff and instructors. We will talk about safety during the trek and training evolutions. Courses for this day will cover preparing for foreign travel, surviving the unexpected night out, and water purification. The main goal is to begin to get to know one another. The group will also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association headquarters and hear about the organization!

{3-4 Hours of Discussion}

Day 2 – Flight to Lukla.

We will fly to Lukla which is the official starting point of our journey! Lectures for the day will cover the Challenges of Helicopter Mountain Rescue, Aeromedical Physiology, Challenges of Expedition Medicine, and Expedition Medical Kit Composition. We may also visit the Alpine Rescue Sevice Nepal, one of the only Emergency Helicopter Rescue services in Nepal.

(35 Min Flight) {4-5 Hours of Discussion}

Day 3 - Trek to Monjo.

An easy trek out of Lukla to Monjo will be a great start to the actual trek we will engage in. Discussions on this day will cover Medical & Trauma Assessment Techniques and Treatments of Common Expedition Ailments.

(3-4 Hour Trek) {4 Hours of Discussion}

Day 4 - Trek to Namche Bazaar.

The morning will start with a lovely trek to the famous village of Namche Bazaar. Along the way we will cross several rope bridges; to include the Hilary Bridge. The last 4 hours are a steep climb. Upon arrival we will discuss the need for acclimatization.

(6-7 Hour Trek) {1 Hour of Discussion}

Day 5 - Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day.

Participants will be able to explore the famous village of Namche Bazaar! After a morning of stretching, we will conduct a short acclimatization hike to the Everest View Hotel and then over to the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Memorial site. Here you will have some stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablum. In the evening discussion sessions on animal attacks, bites and stings, and Wilderness Dermatology will take place.

(2-4 Hour Trek) {3-4 Hours of Discussion}

Day 6 - Trek to Phortse.

We will begin our day with a trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse. This trek will provide breathtaking views of the Himalayas. We also will visit the Khumbu Climbing Center where the climbing Sherpas are taught safe climbing techniques and practice in the off season. After our visit we will trek a little further to our stop for the night in Phortse. Orthopedic Assessments, Splinting, Dislocation Management, and Pain Management will be the theme of the afternoon.
(6-8 Hour Trek) {4-5 Hours of Discussion}

Day 7 - Trek to Dingboche.

At day 7 you will hit a wall. So, it is time for some R&R and an early night! We may fill in some light situational talks, but no in-depth education tonight.

(6-8 Hour Trek) {2 Hours of Discussion.}

Day 8 - Dingboche: Acclimatization Day.

We will start the morning taking a leisurely hike towards Chukhung and will get some great views of Makalu; the worlds 5th highest mountain. Then we will make a short stroll back to Dingboche. Upon our return we can shower and relax while doing some light reading and engaging in some discussions on Lightning Injuries, Environmental Heat Illnesses, Mass Casualty Triage, and Preventative Medicine.
(2-4 Hours Trekking) {4-5 Hours of Discussion}

Day 9 - Trek to Lobuche.
Participants will spend the day on one of the more challenging sections of the trail. We will also get an opportunity to see the memorial stupas dedicated to all the climbers and trekkers who have lost their lives to Everest and throughout the Himalayas.
(7 Hour Trek)

Day 10 - Trek to Gorak Shep & Kala Patthar.
Participants will trek the remaining distance to Gorak Shep. After lunch we will tackle a 2-4 hour trek to the top of the trekking peak Kala Patthar! We will have time to take in breath taking views of Mt. Everest and many other peaks as the sun sets. We will then return to Gorak Shep for the night. (6 Hour Trek)

Day 11 - Everest Base Camp: Class Time
The day has come! In the morning participants will trek to Everest Base Camp and engage in discussions and presentation on treatment of Frostbite, Hypothermia, and common Base Camp Ailments. We will all try to arrange for an orientation to the gamow bag and its use. We should also have time, and some opportunities, to meet some of the climbers, team physicians, and possibly a couple expedition leaders. That evening we will return to Gorek Shep. (4 Hour Trek) {5 Hours of Discussion}

Day 12 - Trek to Pangboche.
Before the sun comes up you will have the option to climb Kala Patthar for the sunrise on Everest; one of the many highlight experiences on the trek! After, we will return to Gorek Shep for breakfast before heading back down the trail to Pangboche. This marks the beginning or our decent trek back to Kathmandu. The pace will increase slightly as descending is much easier. An evening discussion on Wound Management and Field Suturing considerations will round out the day. (5 Hour Trek) {3 Hours of Discussion}

Day 13 - Trek to Namche Bazaar.
We will continue our decent down the trail as we head to Namche Bazaar making a stop at the Tengboche Monastery! This will be a strenuous trekking day so no classes will take place. (7-8 Hour Trek)

Day 14 - Namche Bazaar: Rest Day
We will rest up, stretch, and get a final chance to explore Namche Bazaar. In the afternoon and early evening, we will discuss the importance of Expedition Pre-Health Screenings and the importance of Physical Readiness Testing for potential expedition clients. Depending on the pace of the team, we may trek to Phakding to decrease trekking time to Lukla.

(0 Hour Trek) {3 Hours of Discussion}

Day 15 - Trek to Lukla.
We will make the final trek of the trip as we cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge once again before making our way through several villages on the decent into Lukla; well climb back to Lukla to be exact. We will discuss Remote Medical Assessment Techniques and Telemedicine as final topics to this exciting and informational trekking adventure!

(6-7 Hour Trek) {2 Hours of Discussion}

Day 16 - Fly to Kathmandu.
We will board the flight into Kathmandu. Upon arrival we will be shuttled to the hotel where you can get some lunch, a long shower, and a much-needed nap! Or you can explore beautiful Kathmandu and pick up a few keepsakes to bring home. That evening we will have a final dinner together at an amazing local Napalese restaurant. We will reflect on the trip and get some much-needed feedback from you! At the end of the evening, we will collect any rented gear and then bid you farewell and safe travels before allowing you to pack for your return trip home.

(35 Min Flight) {0 Hours of Discussion}

Day 17 - Fly home!

Plan your return for the next adventure!

(It is highly encouraged that you make return flight plans for at least a day after this to account for any delays returning from Lukla.)

Pricing & Inclusions

This is a true trekking experience. There will be limited availability of showers and creature comforts. Participants should know that trekking in Nepal is strenuous! Please come in good physical condition. If you need a conditioning plan please ask us to help you with one. You should come equipped with a great sense of adventure and need to explore! A detailed packing list and informational packet will be sent to you upon registration for the event! 

Additional CME / FAWM Credit Cost:   $250.00   
                                                             

Cost Inclusions:

• Airport transfers
• 2 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu
• Round trip airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla
• 8 day professionally guided trekking adventure
• 6 days of 3 meals a day
• Accommodations while trekking
• Everest trekking permit and TIMS (Traveler Security) Card
• Porter services
• Local and Government Taxes
• Wilderness Life Support for Medical Professionals Certificate*
• Farewell Dinner
• 1 Himalayan Wonders T-Shirt & 1 Trip SRTC T-Shirt

Cost Does Not Include:

• Airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Any COVID testing and transportation expenses
• Trip cancellations (See cancellation policy)
• Medical, Rescue, and Evacuation Insurances
• Meals in Kathmandu
• Bottled Water ($2-$4 per bottle)* (See Information sheet)
• Expenses should you need to depart early from the Trek
• Entry Visa ($40)
• Tips for Guide & Ported (Typically $250 per person)
• Porter thank you meal in Lukla. ($75.00 per person)
• Any unforeseen meal, lodging, & travel expenses due to weather delays or flight cancelations.
• Any items or services of a personal nature (Soda, Alcoholic Beverages, Laundry, Etc)

Expedition Terms, Conditions, & Policies

Proof of Travel Insurance:
Each participant must show proof of travel, rescue, and evacuation insurance prior to being committed to the symposium. Standard policies cover evacuation from 4000m of elevation. Be sure that your policy covers evacuation from up to 6000m of elevation. 

Flight Delays, Flight Cancellations, Unforeseen Problems:
Flights in and out of Lukla are generally reliable. However, in the event of a flight cancellation we may attempt to get the team on a chartered helicopter flight. The cost of this helicopter is at your expense. Any extra lodging expenses due to inclement weather are also your responsibility. (Generally $30.00 - $100 a night) It is highly suggested that you allow at least 2 extra days at each end of the expedition to account for any weather possible delays. Rooms before and after the trek are additional expenses and should be booked with us.   

Registration Policy:
Tuition for The Wilderness & Expedition Medicine Symposium is $4,525.00 per person. Airfare to and from Kathmandu is not included in this price. A minimum deposit of $750 is required to hold your spot for the symposium and must be provided upon registration. A monthly payment plan will then be calculated based on length of time until the February 28th, 2028 payment cut off. Trip must be paid in full by 1 Mar 2028. Confirmation of Travel arrangements and Evacuation Insurance will also be requested for at that time. 

By 30 days out from the trek you must submit your physician waiver to attend. This is a strenuous trek and certain medical ailments may disqualify you or limit your ability to acclimatize. Sergeant Rescue is not obligated to allow anyone to participate.

Lodging for the trek dates only are included in the symposium tuition.

FAWM & FAEEM / EMS CME Credits:
Those wishing to receive FAWM or FAEEM credits may purchase this option at the additional cost of $250.00 for all level of provider. EMS CME is included in that package. The purchase of FAWM and FAEEM credits do not need to be pre-purchased. At any time during the symposium you may purchase CME credits. However, this cost will not be pro-rated, discounted, or refunded once you decide to purchase them. 

Lodging:
Team members will be lodged in pairs throughout the trip. No single lodging option is available due to the nature of trekking in the Nepal and the need to fit the team in the providing lodging arrangements. 

The team will stay in a western style hotel rooms in Kathmandu and then in Tea Houses while on the trail. You are required to lodge with the team during the expedition dates. No COED lodging arrangements will be provided unless you are in relationship or with a family member. Team members will otherwise be partnered male with male and female with female. 

You may book other arrangements for Kathmandu for any extra days at your own expense. If you choose to stay in a hotel other than that associated with the team you will be responsible for all airport and hotel transfers. 

Cancelation & Refund Policies:

If the participant withdrawals from the symposium: 

• If greater than or equal to 6 months from the symposium final payment date SRTC will retain a $450.00 administrative fee.
• If less than 6 months from the symposium final payment date, 1 Mar 2028, only 50% of what was paid toward the symposium will be refunded.
• The Guide service will also retain a $250.00 cancellation fee for cancellation at anytime.
• If less than or equal to 90 days from the symposium final payment date, 1 Mar 2028, all tuition is due and is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
• Once CME / FAWM payment is received it is non-transferable and non-refundable.
• If for any reason you become ill, injured, or must return home for any reason, this will be at your own expense and the trip cannot be refunded, pro-rated, and tuition will not be credited to another trek.
• If for any reason Himalayan Wonders or Sergeant Rescue Training & Consulting cancels the trekking symposium prior to the start date, a full refund of all course fees and tuition will be awarded.

Late Payment Policy

Participants that register and choose pay via company check or personal check must submit payment in a timely manner. Deposit Payment is due no later than 10 days after your registrations is submitted. If payment is not post marked prior to this date a late fee will be assessed. Late fees will either be invoiced separately or added to any outstanding balance.

• Initial late fee is $55.00.
• An additional fee of $10.00 per day will also be assessed if payment is delayed past 10 days from registration, or 5 days from any payment date, and is retroactive to the date of registration.

General Symposium Policies:

• Waivers that will be provided must be signed prior to your participation.
• Team members are required to purchase an evacuation insurance policy, COVID insurance policy, and are highly recommended to purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover any trip postponements or flight cancelation delays. 
• Upon arrival you will also meet with the team medic or physician for a review of your medical document.
• Emergency contact and next of kin information will be provided to the team leader upon check in.
• An emergency contact number in case of an emergency at home will also be provided for you prior to your departure from home.
• At any point during the trek you show signs of acute mountain sickness or signs of high altitude illness you will be evacuated! (Non-Negotiable)
• If you sustain an injury or illness, and it is determined by the team medic or physician that you no longer are fit to travel, you will be returned to Lukla, Kathmandu, or evacuated.
• If you purchase CME/FAWM/FAEEM credit you must be present for all CME courses.
• Misconduct, physical altercations, or harassment of any staff, instructors, porters or guides will result in your immediate dismissal from the trek and you will be sent to Kathmandu at your own expense. All expenses for lodging, meals, flight exchanges will also be at your expense and not provided by the trekking organization or Sergeant Rescue. 
• Have fun, take pictures, and soak up the culture!
• Bring a great sense of adventure!