The Friedericks Family Nepal 2025
In spring 2025, 14 members of the Friedericks family—spanning four generations—returned to Nepal to honor a legacy rooted in faith, compassion, and service.
This journey, organized by Nepal Sanctuary Treks, was far more than a vacation. It was a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Carl and Mrs. Betty Anne Friedericks, who helped bring modern medicine to remote regions of Nepal more than 70 years ago.
Dr. Friedericks’ First Steps in Nepal
Dr.Carl Friedericks always dreamed of being a pioneer in the medical field. After working in mission fields in China and India, he was invited in 1951 by his friend, Dr. Bob Fleming, to join a bird research trip to Nepal as the expedition doctor.
At that time, Nepal was beginning to open its borders after being isolated for 100 years. For Dr. Friedericks, this was a rare opportunity to bring medical care to a place with limited access to modern healthcare.
At the time of the invitation to go to Nepal, the Friedericks family had two young children—Richard, who was 5, and Anne, who was 3—and they were expecting their third child, Charles, who was born in October 1951. However, shortly after, Dr. Friedericks experienced a second episode of hepatitis, which delayed their plans.
First Steps in Tansen
In December 1951, the Friedericks family arrived in Tansen. Alongside Dr. Bethel Fleming, Dr. Friedericks set up a temporary medical camp. In just six weeks, they treated nearly 2,000 patients and performed surgeries under basic conditions.
One standout moment was when Dr. Friedericks removed a large bladder stone from a young boy. When he held it up for the crowd, people burst into cheers.
During that first visit, Dr. Friedericks also trekked to Pokhara and passed through Malunga, a village where people with leprosy lived in isolation. Moved by their suffering, he made a personal vow to return and help them.
Nepal’s Medical Needs
At that time, Nepal had almost no modern healthcare. Government hospitals were under-equipped, and poorly trained individuals sold most medicines. Traditional healers were the only option for many, and diseases like malaria and tuberculosis went mostly untreated. In response to the overwhelming need, Dr. Friedericks and Dr. Fleming were invited to return.
A Vision Becomes Reality
In 1954, the newly formed United Mission to Nepal (UMN) received permission to begin healthcare work in Tansen and the Kathmandu Valley. Dr. Carl and Betty Anne Friedericks moved into a modest space in the bazaar—clinic on the ground floor, home upstairs. Dr. Friedericks began training local workers in basic medical care, eventually expanding the program to include science education and practical skills.
On September 1, 1954, the clinic officially opened. Over time, services grew to include outpatient care, minor surgeries, and health worker training.
Building the Mission Hospital, Tansen
The government granted land east of the bazaar in Bhusaldanda. In 1959, construction began on what would become the United Mission Hospital Tansen.
Today, it is a 169-bed acute care hospital serving thousands of patients every year. One of its key facilities is the Dr. Carl and Betty Anne Friedericks Building, which includes training centers, housing for doctors, classrooms, and a modern High Dependency Unit.
A Life of Service
Dr. Carl and Betty Anne Friedericks served in Tansen for over 30 years, retiring in 1986. Their faith, humility, and dedication helped transform healthcare in rural Nepal. But more than that, they built a lasting legacy of compassion that still inspires people today.
Continuing the Legacy
Mr. Richard Friedericks (“Rishi”), son of Dr. Carl and Mrs. Betty Anne Friedericks, Rishi’s wife, Suzanne, and their two young sons, David, age 4, Ethan, age 2, and their daughter, Elizabeth, born in Pokhara, served in Nepal with the International Nepal Fellowship and the United Mission to Nepal between 1981 and 1991. Rishi developed health education media for public information and health worker training.
Rishi, Suzanne, and their daughter returned to Tansen in 2004 for the 50th anniversary of the founding of United Mission Hospital Tansen. The people of Tansen showed their love and gratitude to Dr. Carl and Mrs. Betty Anne Friedericks, who were carried through the streets.
The Friedericks Family Returns
Nepal Sanctuary Treks has been privileged to support the Friedericks family’s continued connection to Nepal over the years. Over the years, the Friedericks family has visited Nepal a number of times, organizing tours and treks through Nepal Sanctuary Treks.
2009-2014: Mr. Richard Friedericks (“Rishi”) visited Nepal multiple times with students from the Hong Kong International School for educational visits. He and his wife, Suzanne, also returned to reconnect with Nepal and introduce colleagues from Hong Kong International School to Nepal.
2013: Dr. Carl, Betty Anne Friedericks, and their close friends returned to Tansen and Pokhara. Nepal Sanctuary Treks was honored to organize this special trip.
2015: Mr. Richard Friedericks and his son, David, returned to Nepal following the earthquake with a team of Portland Firefighters and helped restore a health post in Gorkha and trained firefighters in Pokhara. Nepal Sanctuary Treks was instrumental in logistical support.
2025: A memorable three-generation reunion brought 14 members of the Friedericks family (plus Suzanne’s brother and sister in law) together for a special visit to Tansen Mission Hospital, originally established by their grandparents, Dr. Friedericks.
Among those who attended were:
- Richard Friedericks and his wife, Mrs. Suzanne Friedericks
- Their children and families:
- David and his wife Stacey, along with their children Tsai, Finley, and Sylvie
- Ethan and his wife Jody, with their children Maya and Kai
- Elizabeth, accompanied by her daughters Adelle and Elkie
- Suzanne’s brother, David, and his wife, Julie McCulloch, also attended.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks Expertise in Multigenerational Trek
At Nepal Sanctuary Treks, a Travelife Certified company, we specialize in curating multigenerational family trips, ensuring that travelers of all ages have an unforgettable experiences. The Friedericks family’s return to Nepal is a testament to our expertise and commitment to creating personalized, immersive experiences. This trip celebrated legacy, connection, and the power of shared memories.
The Friedericks Family’s Trip Review on TripAdvisor
“Tulsi and his team have always been well-organized and highly professional while taking a personal interest in each group’s welfare and experience of Nepal. Over the years, I have come to regard Tulsi as a good friend and advisor. I highly recommend Nepal Sanctuary Treks for multi-generational, educational, cultural, and adventure tours in Nepal.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks has been my go-to for organizing and guiding groups I have taken to Nepal since 2009. I have brought students and colleagues from Hong Kong in the past, a US firefighter team after the 2015 earthquake, and most recently, my wife and I came with 12 members of my immediate family (3 children, 2 spouses, and 7 grandchildren), and my brother-in-law and his wife. The purpose of this multi-generational tour was to revisit places we had lived and served in Nepal in the 1980s, where our three children grew up, and to visit the Tansen hospital founded in 1954 by my parents”. Richard Friedericks
“Tulsi and his Nepal Sanctuary Treks team organized an incredible trip for our family. We traveled to Nepal with 16 members of our family (ages 11-78). Members of our family have lived and worked in Nepal dating back to 1952. The goal of our trip was to visit sites in Nepal that have significance to our family and introduce our children to Nepal. We visited Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Tansen and trekked to Australia Camp and Forrest Camp. Our guide, Bishnu, was instrumental in coordinating such a large group and the planning and organization of Nepal Sanctuary Treks was exceptional. Everyone in our group had a great time! We highly recommend Nepal Sanctuary Treks for multi-generational travel”. David Friedericks
“Tulsi and his team organized an incredible 2-week Nepal trip for our family. Our guide was so knowledgeable and was able to keep a family of 16 with ages 11-78 completely engaged. The entire staff we encountered was amazing – from the driver and his assistant to our porters while on trek. This was an A+ trip and one none of us will ever forget.” Jody Friedericks
