Why Volunteer in Nepal?

If you would like to make a difference and volunteer in Asia then we highly recommend Nepal as a destination. This country is very poor, but also developing and local people are some of the friendliest in the world. You will be sure to find an exciting placement that will be both challenging and rewarding.

Volunteer work is a way for you to do incredible things in another country and really experience another culture. You will get the opportunity to learn Nepali Language, live with a different culture and experience the lifestyle of the people that help you to get valuable skills and experience and demonstrate solidarity towards organisations that need your help.

It's a reciprocal process that benefits both you and your placement. By such an interchange, you will take part in improving the world by making friendships across boarders and by emphasising values such as tolerance and peace.

Whatever your interests – language, culture, economics, agriculture, forestry, flora and fauna, history, sustainability, appropriate technology, community organization, leadership, entrepeneurship, children, women, human rights – you can find placements with organizations, communities and families that will enrich your understanding of Nepal while also giving you opportunities to learn more specific skills and knowledge.

This is the perfect opportunity if you would like to give back or fancy spending a meaningful holiday, career break or gap year in Nepal.

 

Location of Projects

You can find programs throughout the country in places like:

  • Kathmandu
  • Chitwan
  • Chitlang 
  • Pokhara
  • Rural areas

 

Volunteer in Kathmandu

If you are visiting Nepal the chances are you will fly into Kathmandu which is where a lot of community based programs are located. This city is quite busy and bustling compared to the rest of the country and you will find lots of things to see and do here in your spare time. Usually you will be working Monday to Friday from around 10-4 so there will be free time for you to enjoy this city.

There are markets where you can barter for goods, pretty back streets, beautiful gardens and also lots of temples where you can learn more about Buddhism. We recommend heading to the old town and relaxing in Durbar Square for spectacular pictures, this is a UNESCO world heritage site where you can gets pictures of a temple or visit the museum.

 

How You Can Help

Types of programs in Nepal:

  • Education and teaching in Nepal
  • Community development
  • Conservation initiatives
  • Childcare
  • Medical and healthcare programs
  • Orphanage work
  • Wildlife conservation

 

Volunteer with Animals

There are lots of wildlife conservation charities and sanctuaries located thoughout Nepal which accept international volunteers looking to help animals. Many animals unfortunately are treated very badly in Nepal and there are lots of street dogs which need assistance. 

 

Community Programs

On a medical placement in Nepal you will be part of a busy hospital, shadowing doctors who often find themselves stretched to the limits of both resources and time to cope with patient admissions. You will be amazed at what the local doctors can do and how resourceful they can be in the face of limited equipment and challenging conditions. People in Nepal are very friendly and before arriving you might like to learn some basic Nepali phrases.

 

How to Apply

Search our featured projects and organisations above to start your application. Some companies offer structured placements where you will need to pay an application fee. 

What's included in most packages:

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Accommodation 
  • Fresh linen & bedding 
  • WiFi Internet 
  • Weekly cleaning 
  • Daily transport between project & accommodation
  • Volunteer coordinator 
  • 24/7 emergency contact
  • Comprehensive guide covering the city, transportation, your volunteer work and sightseeing options
  • Prepaid sim card

 

Volunteer in Nepal for Free

There are free and low cost volunteer opportunities in Nepal, you will usually need to apply to a local NGO or charity. Sometimes you might need to give a donation or cover the cost of flights, meals and housing.

 

FAQ

Start Dates & Duration
Nepal volunteer programs can be joined every month of the year. You can choose to participate for less than a week to 3 months+.

Visa & Requirements
You will usually need to be 18 years to participate but there are also placements available to families and children. No previous experience is needed for most projects expect medical electives then you will need to show qualifications. If you will be in Nepal for less than five months, then you enter tourist visa. Visitors from most worldwide countries can easily get a tourist visa when you arrive in Nepal. 

Accommodation
You will sometimes live with a local host family giving you the very best of Nepali hospitality. In most cases you will have shared accommodation with other volunteers in the same home. Accommodation is simple and therefore you must come prepared not to expect living standards as you would back home. For example, some host homes may not have hot water for showers etc.  You will take your breaks on the weekends or on your days off and this way you will see Nepal at your pace, along with understanding day to day lives of locals. You will also develop an appreciation of what life is like for locals and as a tourist. 

Free Time
Outside your placement there is a plethora of things for you to see and do. You can start the day with an early morning Yoga class, then on weekends you and your fellow students can do anything from trekking, visit ancient temples pay a visit to a wildlife reserves. Most organisations can help you to book tours in Nepal to maximise your time.

 

Nepal Volunteer Reviews & Testimonials

Have you ever been to volunteer in Nepal? Would you like to review your experience or an organisation? Contact us today.

"I volunteered in Nepal and it was an incredible experience. It’s a shame I didn’t know about your organization earlier, otherwise I would have liked to participate in many more projects on my travels." – Anne Wong, UK

"I joined a volunteer trip to Nepal with Raleigh and would really encourage anyone to participate. You learn so many life skills and will really value the experience." - Samir, Nepal

 

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