If you’re a mountain person, we are sure Nepal has always been on your bucket list. Our program will give and authentic and constructive chance to experience the magic of the Himalayas while learning wilderness medical skills.
Course Price: USD $7000
Description
If you’re a mountain person, we are sure Nepal has always been on your bucket list. Our program will give you an authentic and constructive chance to experience the magic of the Himalayas while learning wilderness medical skills. The WFR is the perfect course for anyone working in a leadership position in an outdoor setting or for individuals who want a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions.
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime in one of the world’s most iconic destinations. Nepal is home to breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountain villages, and some of the warmest, friendliest people you’ll ever meet. It’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left — unforgettable, inspiring, and truly magical.
Spend three weeks surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Himalayas as you gain real-world wilderness medical skills, develop essential outdoor survival techniques, and immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime. This is more than just a trip — it’s a journey of learning, discovery, and personal growth.
If you’re a mountain person, Nepal has probably been on your bucket list forever. Our program offers you an authentic and meaningful way to explore this stunning region while building skills that matter — for your future and for those around you.
Come for the mountains, leave with a new perspective.
Led by highly experienced professionals certified in WEMT/WFR, Low-Angle Rescue, and River Rescue. Our dedicated support team ensures your safety and learning experience throughout the trek.
Pre-Trip Support: Full pre-trip information and advice to help you prepare.
Accommodations:
2 nights in Kathmandu before the trek + 1 night after the trek.
Comfortable teahouse/lodge or camping accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis).
Meals:
All meals included during the trek — breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Tea/coffee with meals. (Note: other extra beverages and snacks not included.)
Transportation:
All domestic flights within Nepal (where applicable).
Ground transportation to and from the trek start and end points — budget options available.
Permits and Fees:
All national park, conservation area, and restricted area permits.
Staff Support:
Trained porters to carry gear.
Insurance and equipment provided for all Nepali staff.
Safety:
24/7 emergency rescue assistance.
Group medical kit available throughout the trek.
Course Materials:
All necessary training materials.
Course certifications upon completion.
Airport Transfers:
Pick-up and drop-off in Nepal (Kathmandu or Pokhara) as required.
Your Course Cost Does Not Include:
International Flights:
Airfare to and from Kathmandu, Nepal is not included.
Nepal Visa:
You are responsible for obtaining your Nepal entry visa (available upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or online in advance).
Travel Insurance:
You must arrange your own comprehensive travel insurance, which must include emergency evacuation coverage and be valid for trekking at the maximum altitude of your course itinerary. If you don’t have a policy that meets the requirements, you can purchase one through our trusted partner Global Insurance, who specializes in adventure and high-altitude travel coverage.
Items such as soft drinks, chocolate, snacks, personal toiletries, hot showers during the trek, Wi-Fi, souvenirs, etc., are not included.
Sightseeing & Tours:
Any additional sightseeing or activities in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or other locations not specified in the itinerary are at your own cost.
Tips/Gratuities:
Tipping for guides, porters, and staff is not included (optional, but customary).
Excess Baggage Fees:
Extra baggage charges on domestic flights beyond the allowed limit are not covered.
Unforeseen Costs:
Any expenses due to delays, cancellations, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond the control of Initiative Outdoor are not included.
Initiative Outdoor uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.
UPPER BODY LAYERS
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
T-Shirts – walking
2
We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton.
T-shirt – sleeping
1
This can be cotton
Base layers (ie thermal top)
1
Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry
Top insulating Layers
1
Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest
1
Rain jacket
1
Down Jacket
1
LOWER BODY LAYERS
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
Underwear
Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them)
T-shirt – sleepingThermal long johns/long underwear
1
Trekking Trousers
2
Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good
Evening/sleeping trousers
1(optional)
1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans.
Hiking Shorts
1
If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
Rain Pants
1
PACKS & BAGS
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
Day pack
1
Approx. 35ltrs. We will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
Sleeping bag with compression sack
1
Minimum 3 season
Sleeping bag liner
1
Optional
FOOTWEAR
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
Hiking boots
1
Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
Socks
3
Flip flops/Camp shoes
1
Lightweight for evening use
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
Water bottles
2
One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
Water purification drops
1
Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
Lip Balm
1
With SPF factor
Sunscreen
1
We recommend SPF 30 or greater
Mosquito repellent
1
Personal first aid kit
1
To include any prescribed medications
Sunglasses
1
Bandana/Buff
1
Useful for a variety of purposes.
Flashlight /head torch
1
Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
Travel towel
1
Lightweight and compact
Wash kit
Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
Instant Hand Sanitizer
1
Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
Sun hat
1
Warm hat
1
Gloves
1
Trekking poles
(Optional)
Trekking snacks
Good selection available in KTM
Camera
With charger &/or extra batteries
Toilet paper & rubbish bag
Book/journal
Pack of cards/travel game
1
For evening entertainment
Passport photos
Always useful and a must-have if you want a local sim card
Photocopies of all your important documents
A great sense of humor & a positive attitude
Essential – don’t come without it!!
This is a guideline only
Below is the list of topics and subjects typically covered in the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. Topics and subjects may not be taught in this order or progression.
The WFR provides full feedback and instruction while covering topics from anatomy & physiology to wilderness survival skills. Hands-on course labs, scenarios, and repetition ensure students are engaged and learning for the duration of the course. A favorite for many in the course is the on-site river scenario and night scenario to practice learned skills.
The WFR provides full feedback and instruction while covering topics from anatomy & physiology to wilderness survival skills. Hands-on course labs, scenarios, and repetition ensure students are engaged and learning for the duration of the course. A favorite for many in the course is the on-site river scenario and night scenario to practice learned skills.
Course Topics
Anatomy & Physiology of Respiratory
System and Cardiothoracic Region
A & P of the Cardiovascular System
A & P of the Central Nervous System
A & P of the Gastrointestinal System & Genitourinary System
A & P of the Integumentary System
A & P of the Musculoskeletal System
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Trauma
Allergic Reactions
Altitude-Related Injuries
Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
Bites & Stings: Animals & Plants
Bivouac Skills
Bloodborne Pathogens & Infectious Disease
Body Systems: Anatomy & Physiology
Burns
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Changes in Level of Conciousness
Chest Pain
Chest Trauma
Cold-Related Injuries
Common Expedition Problems
CPR Considerations in the Remove Environment
CPR Practical Exam
Diabetic Emergencies
Dislocations & Reduction Techniques
Drowning-Related Injuries
Environmental Emergencies
Fractures & Splinting Techniques
Group Preventative Medicine
Head Trauma
Heat-Related Injuries
History taking & SAMPLE
Improvising Litters
Leadership in a Backcountry
Emergency Lifting & Moving Techniques
Lightning-Related Injuries
Long-Term Patient Care
Long-Term Management of the Shock Victim
Long-Term Wound Care
Medical Emergencies
Medical Emergencies and Patient Assessment
Medicolegal Issues
Mock Rescue
Organizing the Rescue
PAS in the Extreme Environment
Patient Assessment System (PAS)
Poisoning
Primary Survey: "The First Five Minutes"
Prudent Heart Living
Role of the Wilderness First Responder
Secondary Survey & Vital Signs
Shock & Bleeding Control
Shortness of Breath
SOAPnote & Getting Help
Soft Tissue Injuries & Bandaging Skills
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injury Management
Splinting Practice
Sprains & Strains
Techniques of CPR & CPR Skills
The Anatomy of a Backcountry Crisis
The Ten Essentials
Use of Epinephrine
Wilderness Stabilization & Bivouac
Wilderness versus Urban First Responder
Wilderness First Responder Practical Exam
Wilderness First Responder Written Exam
Age Restriction: Although the minimum age for WFR certification is 16, students wishing to take a WFR at the Initiative Outdoor must be at least 18 years old, unless a parent stays in the dorm with them.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance that includes high-altitude coverage is mandatory for all participants. This ensures you are protected in case of medical emergencies, evacuation, trip interruptions, or other unforeseen events during your expedition.
Absolutely. If you don’t have a policy that meets the requirements, you can purchase one through our trusted partner Global Insurance, who specializes in adventure and high-altitude travel coverage.
Once your deposit is received, your spot is officially reserved. If you need to cancel your booking, the following terms apply:
91+ days before your trip: 70% of your trip balance will be refunded and
your non-refundable trip deposit will be retained.
60–90 days before your trip: 50% of your trip balance will be refunded
and your non-refundable trip deposit will be retained.
Less than 60 days before your trip: For cancellations within 60 days of the
departure date, Initiative Outdoor will retain 100% of your trip balance and deposit.
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
DEPOSIT
A $1,000 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required at least 90 days prior to your trip start date.
BALANCE
A total balance of $7,000 must be paid 90 days prior to your trip start date. This cost will cover food and board accommodations during the trek and WFR course costs.
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.
In the Khumbu Valley during the trek we will be dining in the lodges and when at Base Camp, we will be eating in the Initiative Outdoor dining tent. Our Base Camp equipment and ample nutritious meals are always the envy of other
groups on the mountain!
Trek members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire. This information will be sighted only by the trek leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality
Trek members will need to provide a digital passport photograph for trekking permits and a copy of their passport biodata page.
Groups welcome, start planning your courses today.
