Volunteer Program in Nepal

For many of us Nepal conjures up images of immense snow-capped mountains. Indeed the world's highest mountains lie in Nepal, making it a mountaineers dream. But Nepal has more to offer than just the high Himalayas. Small as the country may be, the land is diverse geographically as well as ethnically. You will find rich cultures and vibrant traditions, exquisite temples and monuments as well as fast flowing ricers and tropical jungles, making your volunteering trip an unforgettable one.

Volunteering in Nepal, give you a unique opportunity to make a real contribution to Nepali society, while simultaneously experiencing the rich culture of Nepal. You can also join the Nepal Experience which combines 2 weeks of volunteering with a 2 week tour to Mount Everest Base Camp, more details click here.

 

 

 

The Program

You can start the volunteer program in Nepal on any date of your choice throughout the year. The program is from 2 weeks up to 20 weeks.

This is an example of a 2 week program:

Day 1 - 3 : Arrival in Katmandu, airport pickup and transfer to your accommodation. Relax and explore Katmandu. Training and orientation in Katmandu with sightseeing in the afternoon.
Day 4 – 13 : Transport to your project location. Your volunteer work starts at your project.
Day 14: End of the program. Return to Katmandu for your onward journey.

 

Placement Locations

Volunteer placements are available in the Katmandu Valley and Chitwan.

Katmandu
The city of Katmandu is surrounded by beautiful countryside otherwise known as the Katmandu Valley. The heart of Katmandu is a busy, bustling city bursting with people, cars, motorbikes and buildings. Areas directly outside of the main tourist district have well developed infrastructure, with many shops, running water, electricity and reliable roads. Areas laying at the foot of the mountains that border the Katmandu Valley may still be well developed but generally have larger farming areas which are primarily agrarian. Most placements will be near to a local 'chiyaa pasal' (tea shop) where you can purchase fresh snacks (samosa, pakora, etc). There may also be other shops close by where you can purchase bottled water, biscuits, stationery and other items.

Chitwan
Located in plain belt of the country, Chitwan is one of the most known tourism hubs in Nepal. One can enjoy the bliss of nature by traveling to another World Heritage Listed magnificent place known as Chitwan National Park. Elephant riding for Jungle Safari to witness one-horned Rhino and Bengal Tiger, Canoeing, Viewing sunrise and sunset, Bird watching, Tharu village walk and Cultural immersion programs are the attractions of the place. In addition, Chitwan is popularly known as the store house of corn as it is one of the most fertile lands of the country.

Training and Placement

The training is divided into two phases as detailed below.

Phase One (day 1 and 2)

Training includes:

Introduction to the volunteer program and project
Introduction to the volunteer responsibilities
An introduction to Nepali culture
Basic Nepali language lessons
Tips on personal health and safety
Sight Seeing

Training ends at approximately 3.00 pm during phase one, leaving you with free time in which you may wish to explore your surroundings, go shopping or meet up with other volunteers. Accommodation on days one and two of training will be in a local guesthouse which is located in Thamel and near to our partner's training center. All of the rooms have 'western-style' toilets and hot-water showers. A telephone is available in reception, a safe is available to keep valuables secure and meals are available from the dining room. Depending on availability, during training you will either have a single room or you may have to share a room with a volunteer of the same gender. During phase one of training (day 1 and 2) only breakfast and lunch will be provided (for the rest of the program all meals are included).

Phase Two (days 3 to 5)

For phase two of training the volunteer will move to their project or local village to provide volunteers with an orientation into Nepali village life. Volunteers are placed individually into local host families or in a guesthouse depending on your project. You will eat traditional Nepali food, observe village culture and get a general feel for local life while continuing your Nepali language and cultural lessons. You will also be offered the opportunity to attend local sights of interest. During this phase of training there will be plenty of time to review language lessons, practice language with the locals and adjust to the slow pace of Nepali life.

Accommodation and Food

Volunteers will either stay with local host families or if working in an orphanage or at a monetary volunteers usually stay at the orphanage or the monastery. Nepali people are extremely hospitable and volunteers will be well looked. There are different home stay families in the area all of whom have lots of previous experience with looking after volunteers.

All meals are included in the program (breakfast, lunch, dinner), except for the first 2 days of training when only breakfast and lunch are included. Food will be healthy, nutritious, and locally sourced.

 

Projects in Nepal

There are different kind of projects that you can join :

Child Care & Orphanage Program
The projects include Nepali run children's homes and Orphanage throughout the Katmandu Valley. Each and every home will vary in terms of number of children, cleanliness, funding assistance, health issues, education provided, etc.

Medical Health & Education Program
Many Nepali people are unaware of issues. Therefore this program mobilizes volunteers mainly to work with the youth clubs, women's groups and other local organizations to teach them about proper health and sanitation habits.

Teaching English in Monasteries
This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to Teach English in the monasteries. There are several Tibetan refugees Camps and Monasteries that house hundreds of Tibetan kids taking Buddhist monk educational training in Katmandu to preserve the amazing cultural richness of Tibet and Buddhism practice.

Teaching English in Schools
The goal of this program is to ensure that the children of Nepal are able to advance their practical English language skills, both written and verbal, to ensure their success in the future. In Nepal, English is becoming more and more of a required skill for job placement and educational advancement.

Environment Conservation Awareness Program
Nepal’s natural environment has been deteriorating day by day under the growing demand of trees. In the past few years, thousand of hectors of land have been disappeared due to the soil erosion. To promote conservation work in Nepal, this program works in partnership with a small village-based programs in Chitwan.

Woman Empowerment Program
This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to work with the woman’s in Nepal.

 

More info on the projects in Nepal
Pictures of the program in Nepal
Prices of the program in Nepal
How to book
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