Volunteering in Nepal

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN NEPAL

Are you looking to do something different, explore the world and get to know other cultures? Nepal is an ideal destination.

Volunteering in Nepal aim to improve the quality of life of socially disadvantaged people, mainly by targeting the most vulnerable child.

With a multidimensional heritage manifested in music, dance and art, Nepal is ideal for volunteering. In just 2 weeks you can collaborate in teaching and school revision projects with children, collaborate with young people from poor communities with our volunteer programs in Nepal.


HEALTH CARE IN NEPAL

Learn firsthand how basic medical care works in Nepal while helping those who need it most.


CONSTRUCTION IN NEPAL

Create safe spaces for children to continue their education.


REINFORCEMENT AND TEACHING IN NEPAL

We are looking for volunteers interested in sharing their knowledge and putting their skills into practice, supporting children, youth and women.


YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN NEPAL

Collaborate with women and youth through youth empowerment in low-income communities in Nepal.


CHILD CARE IN NEPAL

Support our youth through youth empowerment in low-income communities in Nepal.


AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK IN NEPAL

Support livestock and farming families in Nepal with our knowledge and skills in these areas.


REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

To be part of the volunteering in Nepal, no specific training is necessary, it is only required that you:

  • Be of legal age
  • Have a basic understanding of English
  • Be a participative and committed person
  • Be respectful of the people you work with and the community
  • Be aware of the culture and customs of the country
  • Be able to work in a team

You can consult the requirements of each project in their links.


WHERE WILL I BE DURING MY VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

The volunteer programs in Nepal take place in Kathmandu.


WHEN CAN YOU COLLABORATE ON VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN NEPAL?

Social projects in Nepal such as:

  • Youth empowerment
  • Care centers
  • School teaching and reinforcement

They are open all year round (according to the school period). They are closed during holidays and public holidays.

Agriculture and Livestock is open all year round.

We cooperate with local organizations which provide us with information to publicize the programs. We regularly update the information so that it is as accurate as possible, even so, since we work in countries with scarce resources, it can always differ a little, especially in the months of July and August.

Holidays in Nepal

All volunteer programs in Nepal will be closed from March 10 to April 19.

March and April

24 marchGhode Jatra *
2 aprilRam Navami
14 aprilNepal New Year
24 aprilLok Tantra Diwas

May 

1 mayLabour Day
7 mayBuddha Jayanti
25 mayRamjan Edul Fikra
28 mayGanatantra Diwas

July and August

31 julyEdul Aajaha
3 augustRaksha Bandhan
11 augustShree Krishna Janmashtami
11 augustGai Jatra *
21 augustHartalika Teej *
23 augustRishi Panchami *
26 augustGaura Parba

September

1 septemberIndra Jatra *
7 septemberNijamati Sewa Diwas *
19 septemberConst itution Day

October

17 octoberGhatastha Pana
23 octoberFulpati
24 octoberMaha Ashtami
25 octoberMaha Navami
26 octoberVijaya Dashami
27 octoberEkadashi
28 octoberDwadashi
30 octoberKojagrat Purnima

November

15 novemberLaxmi Puja
16 novemberGovardhan Puja
17 novemberBhai Tika
20 novemberChhath Puja
30 novemberGuru Nanak Jayanti *

December

25 decemberDía de Navidad
29 decemberUdhauli Parva
30 decemberTamu Losar

ARRIVAL AT YOUR DESTINATION

The logistics from the moment you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport for the volunteer projects taking place in Kathmandu are as follows

  • Welcome at the Kathmandu Airport (KTM) by the coordinator of the local organization
  • Transportation to the host house according to availability

The next day you will be inducted into the project and taken to the project site.

The orientation and training of the country and the project includes:

  • About Nepal
  • About the program
  • Cultural responsibility
  • Basic concepts of Nepali (indigenous language)
  • Code of Conduct
  • Visit to the project
  • Information on possible excursions

VACCINE

We suggest that you consult your medical advisor about the recommended vaccines for this region, as in most Asian countries vaccines are not mandatory.

COVID–19 REQUIREMENTS

You must present a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding your flight.

VISA TO ENTER NEPAL

A visa is required to enter Nepal. But you can (recommended) if you come from Spain, (see other nationalities on the Nepal visa website) do it directly upon landing.

  • Pay a fee at the airport of $25 (15 days) or $50 (30 days), $125 (90 days)
  • Passport in order and valid for at least six months.
  • Return ticket
  • Accommodation address (We will send you the arrival details with the center address).
  • If you have recently passed through a country at risk for yellow fever, you must present your vaccination card as if you had been vaccinated for yellow fever.
  • Vaccinations are not mandatory.

SECURITY IN NEPAL

Nepal is considered a safe country. But nothing is perfect, and as in many countries of the world you have to take certain precautions and know how to handle certain areas.

Tourist areas are generally safe, but we still recommend that you keep these details in mind:

  • Notify your coordinator if you are going on an excursion.
  • Have your coordinator’s phone number and address handy.
  • Avoid giving out information about where you are staying, the project and your fellow volunteers.
  • Do not take anyone other than the organization to the volunteer’s home.
  • Avoid risk areas in every place you visit.
  • Travel in austerity in your daily transfers and on your excursions.
  • Avoid attracting attention with jewelry and accessories.
  • If you can avoid taking your mobile phone out in public places.
  • Try to use the country’s safe transport services.
  • Avoid walking alone on unknown streets.
  • Never put someone you don’t know in an unknown vehicle or someone you don’t know in your own vehicle.
  • Do not drink any drink of which you do not know the origin.

HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION

The accommodations are different depending on the location of the project.

  • Care centers, you sleep in the facilities of the center.
  • Teaching and school revision, youth empowerment, volunteers sleep in host families.

WHAT DOES ACCOMMODATION INCLUDE IN THE VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

  • 2 meals (breakfast and dinner), during your stay in the volunteer program.
  • Laundry area for hand-washing.
  • WiFi is available in hostels (may have cuts). Volunteers can have their own Internet by buying a SIM card at the market.
  • Bed, in a room you share with other volunteers.

The distance from accommodation to projects is no more than 1 to 2 kms. Approximately 10 to 45 minutes walking.

Main accommodations may vary in July and August seasons.

The financial contribution in the volunteer projects in Nepal for a period of 14 days is 495€. You can deduct about 50% of the total economic contribution from the tax certificate we provide.

WEEKSHEALTH CARETEACHING AND CARECONSTRUCTION AND EMPOWERMENTAGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
2545€495€495€495€
3690€615€615€615€
4835€735€735€735€
Additional145€120€120€120€

WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR THE VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

  • Welcome and pick up at the airport.
  • Accommodation during your volunteer stay.
  • Breakfast and dinner during your volunteer stay.
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team.
  • Monitoring and evaluation of the program.
  • Orientation and induction to the project.
  • Certificate of weeks spent volunteering.
  • Receipt from NGO about your program fee.
  • Guidance, advice and management in choosing the program.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

  • Flight to Nepal
  • Medical Insurance (mandatory)
  • Internal transportation or excursions
  • Return to the airport on the last day
  • Trips inside or outside the country
  • Visa, if necessary
  • Vaccines, if required
  • Departure tax (payable at the airport on departure).
  • Personal travel and sightseeing

HOW TO BOOK MY VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

NEPAL

Nepal is a country in South Asia bordering the Republic of India, the Republic of South Korea and the People’s Republic of China. The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu, which has a population of over two million. The second largest city in Nepal is Pokhara, one of Nepal’s main tourist attractions.

Since 1951 Nepal entered the modern era, and remains a country rich in natural beauty. One of its main economic activities is agriculture, which is very important for the country’s economy.

Its cultural heritage has evolved over the years. This multidimensional heritage is manifested in the:

  • Music, dance, art, crafts, folklore and folk tales.
  • It is also reflected in their languages, literature, religion, festivals and celebrations.

Tourism is the biggest industry in Nepal and its biggest source of foreign exchange and income. Possessing eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a privileged destination for alpinists, climbers and people looking for adventure. Nepal’s Hindu and Buddhist heritage and its cool climate are also strong attractions.

CLIMATE

Throughout the year the temperature in Nepal generally ranges from 3 °C to 29 °C (37º F to 84º F).

  • April to July and from the end of September to October, are the best times of the year to visit Nepal.
  • December to February is the time of year where you’ll find the coolest temperatures.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee. Convert it

Examples of currency exchange in Nepal: 126,705 rupees = 1€.

You can withdraw money from different ATMs in Nepal. These can be found at various points in the main cities Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as in other cities not very large as mentioned.

ATMs generally accept visa and mastercard, it may be the case that some do not accept debit mastercard.

Approximately 400 rupees may be charged for each withdrawal of money from a cashier plus your bank’s commission.

FLIGHT

Your flight must be to Kathmandu airport (KTM), where one of the coordinators of the volunteer programs in Nepal will be waiting for you and will take you to the accommodation location where you will sleep during your stay in Nepal as a volunteer.

  • Flights range from approximately €600 to €720.
  • You can find good flight offers on google flights or skyscanner.

TOURIST SITES

KATHMANDU

One of the largest cities and the capital of Nepal. It is now an increasingly broad vacation spot. Also as a result of considerable growth is the gateway to tourism in Nepal.

It has the most advanced infrastructure of all urban areas in Nepal, and its economy focuses on tourism.

Religious and cultural festivities are an important part of the lives of people living in the country. Most people in Kathmandu follow Hinduism and many others follow Buddhism. There are also people of other religious beliefs, which gives Kathmandu a cosmopolitan culture.

Nepali is the most widely spoken language in the city. The educated residents of Kathmandu understand English.

The sister cities of Kathmandu (Lalitpur Patan) and Bhaktapur are an integral part of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage, tourism industry and economy; therefore, the UNESCO World Heritage site includes:

  • Monuments and attractions of the three cities under the same heading, «Kathmandu Valley – UNESCO World Heritage Site».

POKHARA

Nepal’s second largest city. It is a city where you can see that the Annapurna mountain range is reflected in the protected lake.

It is located approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu and can be reached in 5 hours by bus. This area is full of lush green mountains decorated by rice fields on terraces. This area has a relaxed city atmosphere, by the sea, with much less traffic than Kathmandu.

In addition to being the starting point for major trekking routes such as the Annapurna Circuit, Sanctuary and Jomsom, in which you can make several day walks in the surrounding hills.

CHITWAN

It is the region adjacent to the Indian border. Considered a vast flat and fertile area extending across southern Nepal. It is a place recognized by it:

  • Royal Chitwan National Park, a large ecological and environmental reserve.

The people who live in this region are mainly Tharu people. Known for its agricultural skills, industrial nature and intelligence. Despite their low incomes, they are mostly self-sufficient due to their agricultural skills.

GORKHA

Historically connected with the creation of modern Nepal and the name of the legendary Gurkha soldiers. It is the location of the Temple of Manakamana. In addition, the temples of the great sage Gorakh Nath and the goddess Gorakh Kali are found there.

  • They find four of the great rivers of Nepal as:
  • Chepe
  • Daraudi
  • Marsyangdi
  • Budhi Gandaki

KINGDOM OF GORKHA

About 1700 steps take you to the top of the hill at a height of 3281 feet. Where the Newar-style Gorkha Palace stands firm along with the fortresses and temple that boast of its rich history.

It is 40-50 minutes walking distance away from the Gorkha Bazaar. You can see Manaslu the eighth highest mountain in the world, the Dhaulagiri and Ganesh mountains from the Palace Complex.

THE MAIN TOURIST ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO IN NEPAL ARE:

  • Mountain biking
  • Bungee jumping
  • Rock Climbing
  • Mountain Climbing
  • Trekking
  • Birdwatching
  • Paragliding
  • Hot air balloons over the Himalayan mountains
  • Exploring waterways on a raft
  • Kayak or canoe
  • Safaris in the jungle

In November the New Year of the Nepal Sambat Lunar Calendar takes place. Other important festivals are:

  • Purnima Buddha (the celebration of Buddha’s birth)
  • Maha Shivaratri (a festival of Lord Shiva).
  • The Sherpas, mostly located at higher altitudes and in the Mount Everest region, celebrate Mani Rimdu, for the good of the world.

Most festivals include dance and music, and a variety of foods typical of Nepal.

The Sagan ceremony is the ritualized presentation of five foods (boiled egg, smoked fish, meat, lentil cake and rice wine) to a person who is made to bring a good fortune according to Tantric tradition.

THE PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

It is the largest in the world of Shiva, located in Kathmandu. It attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Other Hindu pilgrimage sites include the temple complex at Swargadwari in Pyuthan district; Janaki Mandir in Janakpurdham in Mithila Gosainkunda near Dhunche; Devghat temples; Manakamana temple in Gorkha District region; Pathibhara near Phungling; and Mahamrityunjaya Shivasan Nepal in Palpa District where the largest metal idol of Lord Shiva is located.

Another prominent Buddhist site is Swayambhunath, the Temple of the Monkey, in Kathmandu. Dang Valley is a sacred place for Hindus as well as for other religions. Kalika and Malika Devi on the hill of Chhillikot.

AMBEKESHAWORI TEMPLE

Krishna temple, Dharapani temple are among the sacred places in Dang.

Chillikot Hill is also a good place for sightseeing and an old palace. There is also Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The site is located in Muktinath Valley, Mustang district. Therefore, being a great tourist destination.

DO I HAVE TO GET VACCINATIONS TO GO THE VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

  • Mandatory: none
  • Recommended: all

These are some of the recommended vaccines:

  • Yellow fever, which is mandatory for people coming from or who have traveled to countries where it exists.
  • Tetanus, to avoid complications if you have a cut with something rusty.
  • Hepatitis A and B, to keep these diseases under control.
  • Typhoid fever, recommended to avoid illnesses related to food preparation.

You can also visit your family doctor or a vaccination center and check which vaccines they recommend.

WHAT IS RECOMMENDED TO CARRY IN MY SUITCASE OR BACKPACK TO GO TO NEPAL?

Some of the things that should not be missing in your backpack or suitcase for your trip to Nepal are:

  • Clothing, proper walking shoes, and toiletries. Also if you have something left at home in Katmandu you can find a little bit of everything.

In addition to the above you can add to your suitcase or backpack the following:

  • Flashlight, as there are often power cuts.
  • Adapter for the plugs (Plugs: Type C / D / M).
  • A coat for the nights, they are usually cool.
  • A couple of photos, in case you need them for the visa when entering Nepal.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL AND DO THE VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

All Spanish citizens need a visa to travel to Nepal. You can request it before traveling or the same day you arrive in Nepal.

CAN I HAVE AN INTERNET CONNECTION WHILE VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

Yes, you can be connected to the internet (have data). When you arrive in Nepal, consult with the project coordinator where you can get a SIM card and then with scratch cards scratch cards reloads and hire a data plan for the time you are as a volunteer. This will allow you to stay connected and make calls without losing your number.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL?

The climate you find in Nepal will depend on the month you travel, for example if you travel to Nepal between February and May you find a temperate climate, having the opportunity to see those very green natural landscapes.

Between December and January, the climate in Nepal is usually very good, it varies a little in mountain areas. For June to August there is usually rain.

IMPACTANT

You go with the previous idea that in theory it is you who will teach there, and in the end those who teach you are the children themselves. We were there for two weeks, a short stay but enough to get into the world of volunteering.
Mother and daughter

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