Nepal is home to both Everest and the breathtaking Himalayan Mountains aswell as steamy tropical jungles where this placement is based. The world’s highest (and still growing) peaks are twice the height of the Alps and dominate this small country and it’s way of life. Most Nepalese live far from a road and must travel by foot or mule to carry out their business. Here you will receive a smile and the greeting “Namaste!” from everyone you pass on the path.
Nepal has a rich culture and still has a king. Wherever you go in the country you will see evidence of Hinduism and Buddhism. There are monasteries, shrines, prayer flags and temples everywhere. An astounding diversity of animal life can also be found in Nepal, ranging from the Bengal tiger to rhinoceros and elephant. A weekend of activities can include jungle safaries, sightseeing tours of monasteries and temples, treks and even bungee jumping!
Top Rated Opportunities
Volunteer Programs in Nepal
There are located throughout the country in places like Katmandu and Chitwan. Volunteers can be placed at so many unique projects, popular options include eco-lodges, community schools or at children’s homes. Each experience is equally engaging and offer ample opportunities to create magical memories.
Volunteering in Nepal FAQ
Here’s everything you need to know about volunteering placements in Nepal including how to get there, visa advice and what to do in your free time.
Do I need a visa?
No visa is required for British passport holders before arrival, this can be obtained on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. Other nationalities should check with their nearest Nepalese Embassy/Consulate for requirements.
Climate
Nepal’s climate varies due to high altitude regions with tropical jungle regions where it is warm all year and where most volunteers are placed.
Accommodation
Volunteers either stay at a home with local families or if working in an orphanage they often stay in the orphanage and volunteers working at monastery stay at the monastery. Nepali people are extremely hospitable and volunteers will be well looked after however the accommodation will be typically Nepali and therefore basic by Western standards. Toilets and showers are usually Nepali style and the electricity supply in many places can be unreliable. Most of our home stay families have lots of previous experience in looking after volunteers. Volunteers staying in orphanages or at the monastery are given their own room within the orphanage.
Time difference from UK
GMT +5.45hrs.
Application Process
Application processes typically takes two or three days, but can be speeded up if there is a need for that. When we get the “application” from you, we will send confirmation email to you.
Program Fee
Some companies charge program fees which should be paid in-advance.
Arrival
You will be met outside the airport terminal by a representative holding a placard with your name on it who will then take you to your guest house. Please provideyour flight information as soon as possible so that a punctual pick-up can be arranged. If you are planning to arrive by bus let your company know when and what time you are arriving in Kathmandu.
Volunteer roles
The number of hours worked by volunteers will depend upon the area of volunteer work. The Nepali work week falls from Sunday – Friday with Saturday being the only day off. Volunteers work from 3-5 hours per day with the opportunity to work more if you choose. Times for each placement vary, when working in children’s homes or at the monastery you will teach and help them in the morning before school and for a few hours after school. Hours are approximately 6:30-9am and 5:30-7:30pm. However these are just approximations, as we try and tailor your hours to the needs of the children.
Length of stay
Most organisations require you to work for a minimum of one week. The amount of time you are able to give has a direct impact on what you will be able to achieve and the amount you will get out of the placement. If you are here for longer, there will be more opportunities to explore the country by going trekking, rafting, or on a jungle safari.
Activities
Many volunteers like to try something in addition to volunteering during their time in Nepal. Previous activities have included trekking, rafting, visiting the jungle, bungee jumping, visiting Lumbini and much more. Most activities can be arranged by yourself or you may want to team up with other volunteers. However, if you do want to do an arranged activity, such as Trekking, Jungle Safari, bungee jumping or rafting, there are a couple of companies we would recommend. Organizations will usually offer discounts to volunteers, so make sure you take your volunteering card along to see them.
How can I protect my health in Nepal?
Malaria tablets are essential for a stay in places like Chitwan and need to be taken before, during and after travel to ensure adequate protection. You will also need to use a strong repellent and cover up at sunrise and sunset when the mosquitoes are more active. You may also need to have some boosters. Check with your GP or a travel health clinic for further advice or consult the NHS website FitForTravel which provides comprehensive advice. At most placements, there is a doctor close by and a hospital should you need the use of one, your host family will help you with your transfer there.
What do I need to take for my stay?
You will need to take a summer weight sleeping bag, a mosquito net, and comfortable summer clothes with sandals or trainers suitable for walking and taking the children to and from school. Some volunteers have recommended crocs or similar which dry out quickly (the grass can be wet in the morning and after the sun sets) and can be worn with socks on chilly mornings.
What do I need to take for volunteering?
For volunteers wishing to teach English it is a good idea to buy and bring some teaching books with ideas for activities in and any items you would like to use to teach English with. Flash cards, pre-prepared number and alphabet bingo cards and anything else that may come in useful or be entertaining i.e. inflatable globe, alphabet posters, simple songs to sing along with on your i-pod (don’t forget to take speakers with you).
Do I need to speak Nepalese?
No language skills are needed to be a successful volunteer in Nepal. It is preferable for the children that volunteers only speak in English to improve their language skills. A Nepalese phrasebook is a good idea for touring around in your free time and should provide you with all the basics you need. If you are planning a tour of Nepal after volunteering you may like to practice with the local support staff, they will love to hear their foreign guest speaking in their own language.
Essential Nepali phrases to learn:
• Hello: Namaste (pronounced “nam-a-stay”)
• Goodbye: Namaskaar (pronounced “nam-ask-ar”)
• Thank-you: Dhanyabad (pronounced “don-ya-baad”)
• Sorry: Maaph garnus (pronounced “maaf-garn-oos”)
• Yes: Ho (pronounced “ho”)
• No: Hoina (pronounced “hoy-nah”)
Is Nepal a safe country to visit?
Nepal is a friendly, small country. With less people and a still-dominant small scale agricultural economy it does not suffer the extreme challenges of its neighbour India to the south. It is not too large to be able to travel from tropical steaming jungle to the Himalayas within a couple of days. Nearly all volunteers stay in the South of the country in a region called Chitwan where there is a slower pace of life, in part due to the warmer climate where and everyone knows one another. Few visitors experience any problems and will feel at home here.
Letter of Appreciation
Once you finish your placement, you will usually get a letter of appreciation stating the time and place you have worked.