Why Volunteer in Nepal?
Nepal is a vibrant country with a lot to offer but there are many challenges too. With the world’s youngest education system, there’s still a long way to go to provide the youth with the education they need and deserve.
There are also many child care opportunities where you can make a great impact. Give the young ones of Nepal the attention and care they need to develop into well-rounded adults.
If you’re a healthcare professional or student, you can join a medical mission trip in Nepal and save lives.
Aside from several volunteer opportunities to support the local community, you can also volunteer with animals in Nepal. The high number of street animals need all the help they can get!
Volunteers who are drawn to nature can join an agriculture program in Nepal or protect its unique ecosystem.
How to Volunteer and Teach in Nepal
Supporting the local education system by teaching English or other subjects is one of the most popular volunteer work in Nepal.
A fun fact about education in Nepal: the current system is one of the youngest worldwide. It was only when Nepal became a democracy in 1951 that education became accessible to a wider community.
Besides the recent developments in the school system, it’s hard for people in small villages to access education. In some cases, little villages in mountainous regions don’t have the right infrastructure so they lack proper schools and teachers. Volunteering in Nepal as a teacher will make a difference in countless lives. Education is the beginning of lasting change.
Join the on-site educational teams as a volunteer in Nepal and apply your ideas on how to improve, manage, or support educational development. Volunteers are generally deployed in community centers or schools in undeveloped regions. A general passion for working with children is crucial for working, teaching, and volunteering in one of these teaching projects.
How to Teach English in Nepal
In all developing countries, English skills can make a big difference in people’s future opportunities. Volunteer as an English teacher. and teach the youth of Nepal this important skill. Learning a language from a young age is a lot easier and increases the chances of becoming fluent. Locals with good English skills will experience more job opportunities, later in life.
How to Volunteer and Teach Monks in Nepal
Volunteers who are on a spiritual journey will love volunteering at a monastery. Do volunteer work in Nepal at a monastery and take this opportunity to learn more about Buddhism while you teach young monks. Your mystical surroundings are the perfect setting to set up your own meditation practice and inspire a different way of life.
Monks are trained from a young age. English is an important skill for them because it allows them to translate religious texts and communicate teachings. It’s also common for monks to leave the monastery when they are older which is why it is so important they have a solid education. Good English skills will set them up for better future opportunities.
Volunteer with monks in Nepal and gain insight into a completely different world and teach young children invaluable skills they will be able to use their entire lives.
How to Volunteer for Community Programs in Nepal
It’s great for volunteers to join a social project with a community focus to encourage cultural interchange. This is a great way to combine a cultural experience with meaningful work. Volunteer programs in Nepal make a great difference in local communities. Volunteer in Nepal as an NGO volunteer and work to support NGO organizations by:
- Assisting in childcare and buddy programs
- Taking care of street children
- Rescuing street animals
- Volunteer for building projects
- Medical volunteer work
Nepalese people are known for their friendly nature and hospitality.
How to Volunteer for Child Care in Nepal
Become a childcare volunteer in Nepal and take care of young children while their parents make a living. There are many volunteer opportunities in Nepal focused on children. Whether you prefer volunteering with older kids or are fascinated by very young children, you’ll find the right program in Nepal.
Keep children safe and off the street while you engage them in meaningful activities. Your tasks as a childcare volunteer will involve:
- Supporting children with their homework
- Helping them to learn for school
- Tidying up
- Preparing meals
- Playing with the children
- Giving them the attention they lack
How to Volunteer for a Construction Project in Nepal
Handy volunteers who aren’t afraid of rolling up their sleeves can make a difference in the local community by building houses or schools. There are a number of volunteer opportunities in Nepal that need volunteers to work on expanding the school infrastructure. If you like seeing immediate results, this is the right volunteer program for you!
How to Volunteer with Animals in Nepal
If volunteering abroad for you just isn’t complete without animals, then volunteer for a street animal project in Nepal. Rescue stray dogs and cats off the streets of Kathmandu and give them the treatment they need. Increase awareness around the importance of spaying, neutering, and vaccinations. This is important to decrease the number of street animals in the future.
At the shelter, volunteers will help with daily chores including:
- Walking dogs
- Feeding
- Cleaning enclosures
- Maintaining the shelter
- Assisting with animals that need special care or treatment
- Playing and giving the animals attention
How to Volunteer for a Medical Mission in Nepal
Healthcare professionals or students will find plenty of medical volunteer opportunities in Nepal. Healthcare options in Nepal are limited and not everyone has access to the care they need.
Volunteer in Nepal at a hospital and give the local doctors and nurses a helping hand. Your help is especially needed in rural areas where there is limited access to healthcare. Do a medical mission trip and learn what it’s like to work in less than ideal circumstances and put your skills to the test.
Healthcare volunteer programs in Nepal are rewarding, to say the least. It won’t be an easy experience but it will save lives. Whether you have a lot of time to or only 1-2 weeks, medical volunteering is perfect for short-term volunteers in Nepal.
All types of healthcare volunteers can apply for healthcare programs. Nurses, midwives, physicians, or physiotherapists will all focus on the health of the community and fulfill tasks that fit your level of experience.
How to Volunteer for Environmental Conservation in Nepal
Volunteering in Nepal is not only for social butterflies. Volunteers who are more drawn to nature can volunteer in Nepal for conservation. If you grew up in a big city and you need a change of surroundings, this can be your chance to get in touch with local flora. Volunteer in Nepal for the environment and help protect its undeniable beauty.
With 80 % of the population being dependent on agriculture, volunteers can learn a lot about agrarian practices and connect with local farmers during the volunteer program. Most of the farming still happens traditionally using traditional Nepalese techniques.
As a volunteer in Nepal, you can also join tea research or organic farming projects. You’ll be able to research organic tea cultivation and production or you’ll be involved in picking tea leaves, tea processing, and tea packaging. These projects allow you to experience the typical lifestyle of rural Nepali villages!
Volunteers who are drawn to the mountains can help with conservation efforts to protect this unique ecosystem. Observe the wildlife, do surveys on the rhododendron forest (the Annapurna mountain range has the greatest rhododendron forest), and raise awareness among the locals.
Where to Volunteer in Nepal
Most volunteer programs take place in Kathmandu, the buzzing capital of Nepal. You’ll find plenty of volunteer opportunities in Kathmandu ranging from medical volunteer programs to community service projects and teaching opportunities.
Kathmandu is a super busy city that can cause sensory overload for many. Crowded and noisy with different smells wafting from everywhere, it’s not for the faint of heart. If you crave a little excitement, Kathmandu won’t disappoint!
Another major volunteer hub in Nepal is Pokhara which is also the gateway to the Himalayas. If you’re looking for a metropolis with a stunning backdrop and the option to trek, Pokhara is an excellent choice.
How Much Does it Cost to Volunteer in Nepal?
The suggested daily budget for living as a volunteer abroad in Nepal is between US$ 8 and US$ 15. This is an estimate made considering the average price of some of the goods and services you may want to buy. It gives you a general overview of how much things cost in this country, so you can prepare and save the money you will need.
Additional costs you should consider as a volunteer in Nepal:
- program fees
- flight tickets
- travel insurance
- fees for your visa
- personal expenses
Volunteer in Nepal for Free?
There are plenty of programs that are very budget-friendly. Most volunteer programs require a fee to be paid to cover your accommodation.
Free projects will often require to arrange your own accommodation. You can use our budget filter to find volunteer projects within your budget. If you experience any difficulties, contact our live chat team who will be very happy to assist you.
Good to Know Before Volunteering in Nepal
When you’re an international volunteer, it’s important to understand the culture of the country you’re volunteering in. This will help you settle in and avoid misunderstandings. These are some tips for your volunteer work in Nepal:
Culture & Religion
Famous for its deep connection to religion and spirituality, Nepal has a rich culture that is worth exploring. Take some time to immerse yourself in the history of this small country and create your very own experiences.
In Nepal, religion is not just a belief system but the heartbeat of the nation. The complex intertwinings of traditions, faiths, and doctrines are integrated into every part of the Nepalese Society.
Nepal is famous as the world’s only Hindu Kingdom. However, Nepal is also the birthplace of Buddha, and Buddhism is an important religion there as well. When volunteering at one of the programs in Nepal, make sure to follow these cultural and religious rules:
- Don’t touch someone’s head or point with your feet at someone. Locals consider these gestures to be impolite.
- If a local agrees with you or makes a promise, it is always good to double-check.
- Some entrance fees for temples are only valid for foreigners, so always bring money.
- Agreement or disagreement is expressed differently. If you agree with someone, move your head slightly from one side to the other. If you disagree, hold one hand up in front of you and move your wrist gently.
- Once you touch food or water with your lips, it is contaminated for everyone else. So try not to eat from someone’s plate or touch a water bottle with your lips if it isn’t yours.
Is it Safe to Volunteer in Nepal?
There aren’t that many precautions when you volunteer in Nepal. You should, however, pay attention to the following:
- A common rumor about Nepal is that Marijuana is legal. It’s nothing more than a rumor!
- Don’t give money to beggars.
- Avoid having food on you around monkeys and in temples.
- Do not hike by yourself and make sure that you are well equipped!
- If you are planning to go hiking, be sure to get essential information about helicopter rescue options.
Health Advice
International volunteering always requires a few health precautions, especially if you are traveling to a developing country. The health risks while traveling abroad will vary between individuals and depend on your activities, length of stay, and general health. Be sure that you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before you go. Here are some basic precautions:
- Eat and drink safely: Don’t eat undercooked food, avoid eating street food, and don’t drink water from the tap!
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- Bring along medicine, especially if you need special medication.
- Prevent bug bites: You might want to cover exposed skin, use an insect repellent, and use a bed net.
- Be aware that rabies exists in domestic and wild animals. There are many street dogs in Nepal and you should avoid direct contact with dogs, cats, and other animals.
- Make sure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations before every trip. These vaccinations include MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Chickenpox, Polio, and your yearly flu shot. The US based health protection agency CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations because you can get these diseases through contaminated food or water in Nepal.
Who Can Volunteer in Nepal?
All volunteer projects abroad require different skills and abilities from their international volunteers. While you can find the specific requirements for each project on their program page on Volunteer World, here are some general requirements that apply to most volunteering projects in Nepal:
- You need to be at least 18 years old for most of the volunteer projects. When in doubt, we advise you to get in touch with the local project manager, because some projects accept volunteers from the age of 16.
- You should have an intermediate level of English; some (teaching) projects require advanced English skills.
- Depending on the project you’re interested in, you may need to provide a criminal background check and a health declaration before volunteering.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with a wide range of people are expected of all volunteers.
Do I Need a Visa to Volunteer in Nepal?
Please take into account that the following information is based on a best practice approach, which has been made in cooperation with several volunteer organizations. Please make sure to discuss your visa requirements with your contact person at Volunteer World. If in doubt, we also recommend getting in touch with the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country.
General Immigration Information
There are some general requirements you need to comply with upon arrival in Nepal:
- Please check the validity of your passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Nepal.
- Make sure your passport has at least two blank Visa pages. Nepal requires that you have adequate unused pages in your passport, allowing for any necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.
- Check if a transit visa is required for any connections.
Best Practice for Short-Term Volunteers
If you are planning to volunteer in Nepal for 90 days or less, you can easily get a Tourist Visa upon arrival in Nepal. Once you arrive at the airport, you just need to fill in the “Arrival Card”, state tourism as your reason for travel, and pay the Visa Fee.
The fees are divided into four slabs, which are US$25 for a stay of up to 15 days, US$40 for up to 30 days and US$100 for up to 90 days (even if you can pay these fees with different payment methods we would recommend you to carry some cash to be on the safe side). The Tourist Visa is a Multiple Entry Visa.
If you want to avoid queues at the airport, you can also get the Tourist Visa from your closest Nepalese Embassy or Consulate prior to your arrival. If you have obtained the Visa at a Nepalese Embassy/Consulate, you should keep in mind that you have to enter Nepal with this Tourist Visa within six months from the visa issued date.
Best Practice for Long-Term Volunteers
If you are planning to volunteer in Nepal for more than 90 days, you also get the above mentioned Tourist Visa.
Once in Nepal, you can extend your Tourist Visa at the immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara for a fee starting from USD$30. This Visa can be extended to 150 days within a calendar year.
If you want to volunteer in Nepal for over 150 days, you should apply for a volunteer program from August to December and additionally from January to May. Between December and January, you can easily go to a neighboring country for a few days and obtain another Tourist Visa so you can stay in Nepal for 300 days in total (please keep in mind that you need another two blank visa pages if you choose this option).
Volunteer for a project abroad in Nepal and support the local communities that need your help. Whether you choose to volunteer in Kathmandu or prefer a more remote location, we’ve got you covered. We would love to help you find the perfect volunteer abroad program. Get in touch with our live chat team!
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