Moving Mountains for Cancer Health Equity: Dispatches from Annapurna Base Camp

Binaytara’s Annual Nepal Trip

This Autumn 2026, Binaytara led another cohort of global health advocates on an expedition to Nepal. The itinerary sat at the booked-and-busy intersection of sightseeing and global health work, including visiting the site for Binaytara’s proposed 250-bed hospital, dropping in on the 8th International Cancer Congress, tourist activities in Janakpur and Kathmandu, visiting local hospitals… and conquering the days-long trek up one of the Himalayas.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 68-mile hike that climbs over halfway up the Himalayan giant by elevation—over 13,000 feet of the mastiff’s total 26,000-plus. The trip allows participants to get to know Nepal, connect with Binaytara’s mission, and raise awareness for cancer health disparities.

“The support and itinerary provided allowed us a nice balance of self-initiated exploration and unique opportunities to observe some healthcare delivery,” said Robert McCroskey, MD. The Washington-based oncologist was one of three trekkers who made the journey to Nepal, joined by fellow Washingtonian Andrea Veatch, MD, and Arizona-based Sima Ehsani, MD, to form the 2026 Annapurna cohort.

Testimonials From the Summit

After exploring Kathmandu, the group headed to lakefront city Pokhara, the launch point for Annapurna Trek. Inclement weather had delayed the trip, but by the time it was underway, the mountain range was sunbathed and covered in lush green vegetation.

After days of continuous hiking and 13,550 feet of elevation, Annapurna Base Camp, the hike’s snow-spotted destination, crested—bringing with it a well-deserved dose of accomplishment for the trekkers.

“The sense of achievement was unbelievable,” said Ehsani of the hiking portion of her visit to Nepal, which she described as “the trip of a lifetime.”

McCroskey echoed the sentiment: “For me the trek was the highlight, due to the sheer magnificence of the terrain and travel infrastructure, sense of personal accomplishment, and camaraderie.”

That feeling lingered long after the group left Nepal. “I have arrived home and remain astounded by the breadth and magnificence of this trip to Nepal…” Veatch said. “I don’t even have words for how it has impacted me personally.”

In preparation for the trip, the trekkers each led a successful peer-to-peer campaign to raise funds for Binaytara’s programming to reduce cancer health disparities in low-resource settings like Nepal. In the course of their travels, they were joined by Binaytara president and co-founder Binay Shah, MD, MHA, and had the opportunity to establish a firsthand connection with the mission.

“Thank you all and see you soon,” Ehsani signed off lightheartedly at the end of the group’s travels: “probably the next Binaytara conference.”

---

Interested in seeing the view from Annapurna Base Camp for yourself? Binaytara leads a trip like this one every year. Contact [email protected] to learn more.