Access to healthcare is a huge challenge across many Himalayan villages. We’ve seen it time and again while working in the Himalayas for the past 17 years. Remote locations, difficult terrain, and limited road connectivity often mean that even basic medical care is several hours away. In many villages, regular access to a doctor is not a given, but an exception.

This reality is what led Indiahikes to initiate Aarogya Seva, a programme designed to bring healthcare closer to mountain communities. Through Aarogya Seva, medical professionals trekking with Indiahikes volunteer their time to conduct health consultations in villages near our campuses, helping bridge a critical gap in access.

Since inaugurating the Aarogya Seva initiative on December 24, 2025, we have conducted five clinics across Himalayan villages, including Lohajung, Karchi, and Sari.

On January 1, 2026, Aarogya Seva reached Gaichwan Gaon, marking the first clinic of the year 2026 and another step forward in building sustained healthcare access in the region.

How the Aarogya Seva Clinic at Gaichwan Gaon Went

Gaichwan Gaon lies along the slopes where Indiahikes operates year after year. As with many mountain villages, healthcare here is not always immediately accessible, making preventive care and early diagnosis particularly important.

For this clinic, preparations had begun well in advance. Medicines were sourced from Dehradun, time was set aside, and conversations were initiated with village representatives to share the intent behind Aarogya Seva and how the programme would function in Gaichwan.

The afternoon of January 1st marked the beginning of the clinic. 

Dr Ashok Soni, a General Physician from Rajasthan, who had just completed his trek to Kedarkantha, was spending the beginning of 2026; dedicating time and care to the local community. 

The first visitor of the day put a smile on our faces; he was an elderly person from Gaichwan Gaon, who came in prepared with his medical file in hand.

By the end of the day, nearly 30 villagers had consulted Dr Soni, many carrying health concerns that had remained unattended for long periods.

Several patients had been relying on medication that was not appropriate for their condition, in some cases experiencing side effects that had worsened their health. 

Dr Soni carefully diagnosed each case, corrected treatments where required, and prescribed appropriate medication. Equally important, he took time to explain conditions and treatments, ensuring that consultations remained conversations rather than transactions.

Most of the patients were working women, dealing with joint pain and physical strain from years of daily labour.

The consultations underscored why Aarogya Seva focuses as much on listening and explanation as it does on diagnosis and treatment.

The Future of Aarogya Seva 

For us, this was the first of many Aarogya Seva Clinics at Gaichwan Gaon. We know that there are multiple villages nearby, like Sankri, Kotgaon, Taluka, Dhatmeer, and more. 

The larger goal is straightforward: to make healthcare more regularly accessible in regions where it remains scarce. 

As a single organisation, our reach on its own is limited. But through the steady flow of nearly 35,000 trekkers who travel to the mountains with us each year, Aarogya Seva has the potential to create a wider, collective impact over time.

Volunteer with Aarogya Seva

If you are a medical professional trekking with Indiahikes and can extend your stay by a day or two, we welcome your support in strengthening this initiative.

Aarogya Seva is a completely voluntary programme. There is no exchange of money involved. Villagers are not charged for consultations or medicines, but they deeply value the time, care, and attention offered.

Who can volunteer

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Paramedics
• Other certified healthcare practitioners

If you would like to volunteer, please fill out this form.

Our team will help plan and enable the medical camp alongside your trek.

Information Source: Faizan Devdiwala (Slope Manager)