Volunteer in Nepal

“Our students want to learn.
They want a better life for themselves
and their families. Global Volunteers
helps us motivate and encourage women
and children, and brings us resources
we couldn’t otherwise have.”
Bina Deuja, director and teacher, Astha Women’s School

Be the Change. Be a Global Volunteer in Nepal.

Help impoverished children reach their full potential.

As a volunteer in Nepal, you’ll help youth and adults overcome the destruction and widespread poverty resulting from the 2015 earthquake. In Kathmandu’s valley – at an altitude lower than Denver – you can contribute your skills towards the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Teach conversational English, help repair living and learning spaces and provide support and training to marginalized women.

Get Started in Nepal

Volunteer in the shadow of the Himalayas.

Local time in Kathmandu:

Required Mobility Level:
Mobile

Minimum Age(s):

Kathmandu - 10

Call: 651-407-6100

Request Program Information

Quick Online Registration

FAQs:

Genuine development projects to help children thrive. Exceptional service-learning for families, groups and individuals.

Community Projects

Conversational English Lessons

In small groups of five students or a classrooms of 30, bring basic English skills to impoverished students, and help improve their future education and employment opportunities.

Maintenance and Repair

If you enjoy physical activity and light labor, you can help local people brighten a classroom, fix a sink or toilet, repair classroom furniture and improve the safety and utility of community facilities.

Gender Equality

Help women who could not complete their education when they were young learn basic classroom subjects. Teach conversational English, science, basic computer skills, nutrition, child development, and personal health and hygiene.

Psycho-social Support

Assist with after-school homework, tutor in English, teach music, dance, and crafts, and serve as a mentor of life-long skills. Work for an hour or two after school and all day on holidays when schools are not in session. Encourage, guide, stimulate and leave your positive impression on a child.

Computer Education

Volunteers are needed to teach students how to use computers, various software programs, and Internet. Computer education is crucial for a student’s success in this modern digital world. This applies to developing communities as much as it does to the rest of the world.

Dates & Fees

Upcoming Volunteer Dates in Kathmandu, Nepal

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Change Year:

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Registration is quick and easy!

Choose program date and duration above.
Click on the option you prefer in the result list.
Complete the online registration and hold your place with a $350 deposit.

Be sure to select all applicable discounts. All payments tax-deductible.

Groups of 10 or more participants interested in dates not shown below should inquire with our Partnerships Department about adding exclusive dates to the schedule. Please email any inquiries to groups@globalvolunteers.org.

Arrival and Departure

Leave the details to us!

Global Volunteers’ Nepal program officially commences with the evening meal on the first Saturday. Plan your flight to arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (airport code KTM) before 6PM. To enter the country, the Department of Immigration provides “Visa on Arrival.”

Fill in ‘Arrival Card’
Fill in Tourist Visa form. Volunteers can either a) complete the form upon arrival using a Kiosk machine at the airport; or b) complete it prior to arrival by visiting the official website of the Department of Immigration: https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa. .
Make payment: While different modes of payment are accepted, cash may be the most reliable option. Fees are 25USD, 40USD, and 100USD for 15/30/90 days respectively.

You must supply us with your flight number and arrival time two weeks before your arrival. Global Volunteers’ representative will meet you outside Customs and transport you and your teammates to the hotel before the 2 PM check-in time. Your team leader will greet you at the hotel and begin orientation. Departure is on the last Saturday of your selected service option.

Food and Lodging

Rest and comfort for a productive program.

Team lodging is in a secure, new and comfortable hotel in the Thamel tourist district of Kathmandu. The guest rooms are double-occupancy with private bathrooms, showers, hot and cold running water, wi-fi, LED televisions, safety deposit boxes and refrigerators. There is also a health and wellness spa at the hotel.

Available wi-fi
Onsite restaurant
In-room refrigerator
Safety deposit boxes
Single rooms available for an extra fee

The team breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at local restaurants near the service project sites. Dinners are at restaurants near the hotel serving authentic Nepali and Chinese cuisine. Pizza and other Western foods are also offered, but with a Nepali touch. Vegetarian diets can generally be accommodated. Purified or bottled water is provided.

: Volunteers dine together in area restaurants.

: Nepalese cuisine is varied and healthy.

: Many meals center around meat and vegetables.

: The comfortable hotel features double and twin accommodations.

: Each room has its own bathroom.

Health and Safety

Your safety is our top priority.

Your lodging, food and transportation are provided always with a mind to help you ensure your health, safety and security while volunteering at the work site and in your lodging facilities. Read more about health and safety here.

While there are risks traveling anywhere – read about Travel Risks here – you can minimize risks if you are cautious and follow good health and safety protocols. Malaria risks in Kathmandu are low. For additional information on staying healthy, review the websites below.

Centers for Disease Control | Health Canada Online | Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Global Volunteers includes emergency medical evacuation insurance for every volunteer. We also recommend that you purchase health insurance that covers you while in Nepal and trip cancellation insurance in the event you must cancel your participation in the service program. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers.

Global Volunteers’ Respiratory Viruses Policy for Service Programs in the U.S. and Abroad

Team Leader

Your team leader is eager to meet you!

All Global Volunteers service programs are led by experienced team leaders who participate in Global Volunteers extensive team leader training, are experienced in managing diverse groups, and have completed CPR and First Aid training. Stephen Raja is Global Volunteers’ Nepal Country Manager and team leader. He was born and raised in Bangalore, India, and now lives in Porur. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in commerce, and owns a tour business in Chennai. Stephen served as our Country Manager and on-site consultant for our India Service Programs until February 2018 when the program was suspended. He’s highly respected by our Nepalese community partners and his knowledge, patience and ready smile is greatly appreciated by Nepal volunteers.

“Stephen is an effective team leader. He is professional and very organized. He encourages volunteers to use their strengths to reach those whom we serve. He listens to our concerns, and he does his utmost to foster the goals of Global Volunteers.” ~ George Hayes, Nepal Volunteer

“Stephen was a responsible leader who knew the area well and facilitated appropriate discussions necessary for the team, as well as communicating to us and others all the information needed.” ~ Aarushi Salecha, , Nepal Volunteer

“Excellent in all ways, warm, easy communication, wise, calm, and created a harmonious team.” ~ Wendy Banks, Nepal Volunteer

“Great to be around, friendly, and understanding. A person you would want to meet again.” ~ Thomas Anderson, , Nepal Volunteer

“Stephen was incredibly helpful and kind! Amazing person to work with.” ~ Collin Bridges, Nepal Volunteer

Free Time

Oh, the sights you’ll see!

Kathmandu volunteering

Evenings and weekends are free time for Nepal volunteers and the hotel is in the central tourist area of Kathmandu. There are many shops, cafes and restaurants just outside where you can enjoy free time in the evenings. For example, the Kathmandu Guest House, just a five-minute walk from the hotel, offers a lovely garden sitting area, bar and restaurant. The hotel staff will eagerly advise you of some options to enjoy as a team or individually. Some weekend options include:

Tour to Chandragiri and Swayambhunath

Chandragiri Hill which is situated at an altitude of 8,333 (2540m) is the picturesque hill station of Kathmandu Valley. Seven km from the Kathmandu Valley, there are restaurants, cable cars, resorts, branded shops, and multipurpose hall at Chandragiri Hill. The cable car runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the week and 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on public holidays and weekends.

The oldest shrine complex in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Temple was said to have been built over 2,000 years ago. Situated at the top of a winding staircase, “Monkey Temple” has one of the city’s best panoramic views. The complex, containing multiple shrines and a stupa, is considered holy to both Buddhists and Hindus.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati Nath Temple, BoudhaNath Stupa

Durbar Square, or palace square, is the UNESCO-listed heart of Kathmandu’s Old City. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, this vibrant public square was once the Kathmandu Kingdom royal residence. It has one of the world’s highest concentrations of well-preserved ancient buildings, making for a stunning open-air museum. Although the square was damaged during the 2015 earthquakes, there is still an array of architectural gems to see.

BoudhaNath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, and a major pilgrimage point near Kathmandu. Every day, Buddhists fill the square to light incense, turn prayer wheels, and perform kora—clockwise circumambulations—around the monument. Rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, the stupa is one of Nepal’s most visited attractions.

Bhaktapur and ChanguNarayan

Bhaktapur, once medieval Kathmandu Valley’s seat of power, earns its accolade as Nepal’s best-preserved city. The earthquake of 2015 claimed many historic buildings, but the one-time flourishing kingdom is still packed with old-world charm. Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and heart of the city, is well-worth a visit.

Changu Narayan Temple, located within easy reach of the town of Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley, has a history as a sacred site dating to the third century AD, though the double roofed temple that stands in honor of the god Vishnu today was erected after a fire in 1702. Some of the statuary contained within the temple date to the fourth through ninth centuries.

Mount Everest 1-hour Scenic Flight

Several tour agencies offer daily flights to see the top of Everest – without the climb. The cost is about $200-250 per person and only takes place in the early morning (5:00 AM arrival at the airport for the 6:00 AM flight). An example of such a tour is here.

Family Opportunities

Nepal is for family volunteering.

Students and volunteers enjoy the Holi festival.

Families of various compositions with children 10 and older serve with us in Nepal: Parents and teens, grandparents and grandchildren, aunts, uncles and nephews and nieces all are welcome. The contrast of life in a Nepali school or children’s home with your teen’s own life comes up time and again as the greatest lesson for all.

Minor volunteers can teach in classrooms, mentor preschoolers, paint and clean facilities and play sports with local teens. Parents and guardians are expected to supervise their teenage volunteers, and collaborate with our staff and local partners to maximize the service experience for everyone. Youth are invited to offer their own perspectives in team meetings and fully participate in free-time activities. In this way, your teen gains a personal understanding of the Nepal culture as well as the role and responsibilities of being a team member. They likely also will create life-long friendships with other volunteers and local students who share their interests and experiences – and make a permanent impression on all who serve.

To ensure a positive experience for everyone, you must comply with Global Volunteers’ minor supervision policy.

Minimum Ages for Family Service Projects

Parents and legal guardians of minors – under age 18 – must complete a Minor Registration and travel with their children. Children 15 and under must work closely with their parent or legal guardian on family service projects.

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Country	Community	Min Age	Notes
China	Xi'an	10
Cook Islands	Rarotonga	8
Cuba	Havana	12
Greece	Maleviziou, Island of Crete	6	English Camp (June through August)
Greece	Maleviziou, Island of Crete	12
Greece	Maleviziou	12
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	10	Summer Camp (June through July)
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	10
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	12
Malaysia	Johor Bahru	7
Montana	Blackfeet Reservation	8	*15 for High School Groups
Montana	Blackfeet Reservation	8
Nepal	Kathmandu	10
Peru	Lima	7
Poland	Reymontowka - Language Camp Led by Ukrainian Team Leader	6
Poland	Siedlce - Polish-Ukrainian Summer Program	6
Poland	Reymontowka - School Year Program	6
Puerto Rico	Aguada	10
St. Lucia	Anse La Raye	11	Summer School (July through August)
St. Lucia	Anse La Raye	8	* Preschool. 13 for Primary School
St. Lucia	Anse La Raye	8
Tanzania	Ipalamwa Area	10	(July through Nov)
Tanzania	Ipalamwa Area	13
Texas	San Juan	12
Vietnam	Hanoi	8	Summer Camp
Vietnam	Hanoi	15

Group Opportunities

Nepal: An exceptional group adventure in service!

Service, learning and cultural touring.

Student, professional, religious, corporate and community groups are warmly welcomed by the open-hearted Nepali people. Because of the wide variety of volunteer projects, every member of your group can apply their unique skills and interests in meaningful service. Learn about each other in a non-traditional way as an intact volunteer team, and know that your specific contributions to genuine community development projects advance the futures of impoverished Nepali children and women.

Nepal service-learning for high school and college groups

Educators and student teachers, social workers, and anyone with a child-care background (including parents!) can find a direct way to mentor and support children in classrooms. Trades professionals, carpenters, plumbers, and painters – anyone who can work with their hands – are needed to help repair and maintain classrooms and community buildings. Best of all – comparing notes with your teammates at the end of the day in your comfortable hotel, you reflect on the contributions you’ve made and the remarkable culture you’re experiencing together.

Read details on group volunteering:

“Nepal is an amazing country filled with amazing people. A warmer and more friendly people you will not find anywhere on the planet.”

“Volunteers can make a significant difference in the arc of Nepal’s children’s lives. What’s more, they’ll fall in love with these beautiful dark-eyed, bright-smiling children. ”

“English is the international language of opportunity.That truth is remarkably relevant in Nepal. “

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