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Overview of Volunteer Programs in Nepal

Namaste and welcome to Nepal, a country of high Himalayan Mountains, artistic monuments, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures. Nepal extends along the south slopes of the Himalayas in central Asia.

Although Nepal is small, it has the greatest latitudinal variation of any country. The land rises from the southern plains of the Terai, barely above sea level, to the top of the Mt. Everest, the highest peak on Earth, in a distance of less than 200 km.

WHY VOLUNTEER IN NEPAL

Volunteering in Nepal offers a profound and transformative experience that combines meaningful service with cultural immersion amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. By participating in volunteer work here, you’ll directly contribute to initiatives that address critical issues like education, healthcare, and community development, while forging deep connections with the warm and resilient Nepali people. Your efforts will leave a lasting impact on local communities.

Beyond the rewarding volunteer work, Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and vibrant festivals provide a backdrop for an unforgettable journey of exploration. Whether you’re trekking through the Annapurna region, meditating in a serene monastery, or immersing yourself in the bustling markets of Kathmandu, Nepal offers a tapestry of experiences that will broaden your horizons and deepen your appreciation for the world’s diversity.

HIGHLIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERING IN NEPAL

Here are just a few of the best things about volunteer work in Nepal:

  • Volunteering in Nepal offers a chance to explore the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, from trekking to Everest Base Camp to witnessing the sunrise over the Annapurna Range.
  • Immerse yourself in Nepali culture, traditions, and festivals, forming deep connections with locals and gaining insights into the rich tapestry of this diverse nation.
  • Contribute to community development projects, such as building schools, healthcare clinics, or promoting sustainable agriculture, directly impacting the lives of Nepali people.
  • Engage with Buddhist monasteries, learning meditation techniques and engaging in philosophical discussions that offer insights into Eastern spirituality.

Our Nepal Volunteer Projects

Browse all of our volunteer projects in Nepal below. If you can’t find a suitable volunteer program, check out our main program finder to continue your search for volunteering beyond Nepal.

Volunteer Abroad
Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek Volunteer in Nepal

The Everest Base Camp Trek introduces you to Nepalese culture while reaching the base camp of the mighty Mount Everest. You will encounter the highland Sherpa people's lifestyle and their unique cultural hospitality, and get to see ice fall views from Kala Patthar, visit local places such as Namche Bazar, Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung and so much more!

Everest Base Camp Trek Volunteer in Nepal

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a mountain adventure journey to the roof of the world! The first week will be a great introduction to this amazing country, located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. You’ll learn the local language and about the culture and lifestyle and visit temples, do some local hikes and participate in a scavenger hunt! The second and third week will be based in the Everest Trekking region, which is known as the most popular destination among high alpine travelers, and to make it to the base is on every adventurer’s bucket list. The final week will be spent serving others through the volunteering projects.

Everest Base Camp Trek Schedule

WEEK #1:

  • Orientation, meet
Volunteer Abroad
Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Volunteer in Nepal

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from the trailhead at Nayapul, crosses river beds and terraced hillsides, on trails disappearing into blazing rhododendron clusters and oak forests, to picturesque villages of the Gurungs! The first week will be a great introduction to this amazing country, located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Volunteer in Nepal

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from the trailhead at Nayapul, crosses river beds and terraced hillsides, on trails disappearing into blazing rhododendron clusters and oak forests, to picturesque villages of the Gurungs! The first week will be a great introduction to this amazing country, located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. You’ll learn the local language and about the culture and lifestyle and visit temples, do some local hikes and participate in a scavenger hunt! The second and third week will be focused on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and the final week will be spent serving others through the volunteering projects.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Schedule

WEEK #1:
– Orientati

Volunteer Abroad
Nepal

Culture Week Volunteer in Kathmandu, Nepal

Our Culture Week will kickstart your volunteer experience in this amazing country located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. You will learn not only about the language and lifestyle - you will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt at a local market!

Culture Week Volunteer in Kathmandu, Nepal

Our Culture Week will kickstart your volunteer experience in this amazing country located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. You will learn not only about the language and lifestyle – you will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt at a local market! During this week, you will learn about Nepalese culture through a series of introductory culture classes which are designed to help you develop your Nepalese language skills and deepen your understanding of the Nepalese way of life complete with details on rituals and customs. You will learn about Nepal’s history and the religious in Cuences which have shaped it. Moreover, we will pay a visit to the

Volunteer Abroad
Nepal

Canine Rehabilitation Volunteer in Nepal

The condition of animals in Nepal is very impoverished. They are poorly kept and often kicked out of their homes as they grow old. On the streets, the conditions are even worse. A lot of stray dogs and cows can be seen in almost every street and square of Kathmandu.

Canine Rehabilitation Volunteer in Nepal

The condition of animals in Nepal is very impoverished. They are poorly kept and often kicked out of their homes as they grow old. On the streets, the conditions are even worse. A lot of stray dogs and cows can be seen in almost every street and square of Kathmandu. They are left to fend for themselves and roam freely on the streets. During the program, you will aid in the rescue and rehabilitation of street dogs and those that have been abandoned by their owners. These dogs are usually mangy and starving. A lot of these animals suffer from the agony of maggots, infected wounds, skin disorders, worms and parasites, and run the risk of losing their limbs. The program has been operating in the

Volunteer Abroad
Nepal

Kindergarten Teaching Volunteer Project in Nepal

The kindergartens usually consist of 35 to 45 children between 3 to years 6 years old. The kindergartens consist of teachers as well as supporting staff to assist the teachers.

Kindergarten Teaching Volunteer Project in Nepal

The kindergartens usually consist of 35 to 45 children between 3 to years 6 years old. The kindergartens consist of teachers as well as supporting staff to assist the teachers. The children are taught basic English, alphabets, numbers, rhymes, names of various objects etc. Most of the children come from underprivileged families who live below the poverty line.

Volunteer Abroad
Nepal

Education Volunteer Project in Kathmandu, Nepal

Most people in Nepal can't afford to travel, and in the villages there is little chance of contact with the outside world. Foreign teachers enable students to form relationships with someone from another background and culture, and the teachers can learn different teaching methods and techniques.

Education Volunteer Project in Kathmandu, Nepal

Most people in Nepal can’t afford to travel, and in the villages there is little chance of contact with the outside world. Foreign teachers enable students to form relationships with someone from another background and culture, and the teachers can learn different teaching methods and techniques. You will mainly assist the regular school teacher and so do not need to have any teaching background. You will teach and educate children from different age groups and with different learning capacities. You are free to use different methods to teach but you can use the course book as reference or educate children through conversational English. During your time there you can teach them different su

Volunteer Abroad
Nepal

Physiotherapy Internship Volunteer in Nepal

Our physiotherapy internship program allows you to gain valuable experience by working as an intern in a Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Hospital in Kathmandu. You will spend your time here shadowing doctors, observe the medical experts, physiotherapists and will be called upon to assist doctors and nurses.

Physiotherapy Internship Volunteer in Nepal

Our physiotherapy internship program allows you to gain valuable experience by working as an intern in a Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Hospital in Kathmandu. You will spend your time here shadowing doctors, observe the medical experts, physiotherapists and will be called upon to assist doctors and nurses. There will be able to experience hands-on work. Participants will be helping the patients of various health conditions and engage in different therapeutic sessions at the hospital. The sessions shall be assigned to you, according to your field of study and expertise. This project has a minimum duration of 4 weeks. Please note, you should be enrolled in a university course in any field of

Location

About Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is like no other city in the world. The decaying buildings in the heart of the city are a contrast to the lively atmosphere that permeates the streets. The smell of incense wafts from the stores while street sellers push their wares, and people go about their daily lives, all against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.

For most visitors to Nepal, Kathmandu Valley is the arrival point and the primary focus of the visit. This small, mountain-sheltered valley is the historical center of Nepal, a place where kingdoms rose and fell, where palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and where Nepali art and culture was developed and refined. Rivers and streams interlace with the landscape, the brick-red villages cling to ridges to preserve precious land and even from the bustling centers of each of the cities, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Himalayas against the intense blue skies.

Dates & costs

The World Endeavors Volunteer in Nepal program is flexible in duration and can be tailored to last between 1 to 12 weeks. If you have the time, we recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and World Endeavors volunteers can choose when they would like to start their program. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.

When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to Nepal, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.

Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.

First Week: $3,390 | Each Additional Week: $1,490

Eligibility

  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
  • Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.

Housing

Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house and stay in shared rooms by gender. Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.

YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

  • Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance

ACCOMMODATION

  • Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
  • Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
  • 2 to 3 meals per day included

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

  • Airport pickup
  • Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
  • 24/7 local support

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Volunteer project supervisor

RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Assistance with resume updates
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety. 

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN NEPAL

In your spare time in Nepal, there are plenty of enjoyable activities and experiences to pursue. Here are some suggestions:

  • Trek in the Himalayas: Nepal is famous for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Embark on treks to experience the stunning mountains and immerse yourself in nature.
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Visit historic sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to learn about Nepal’s rich culture and architecture.
  • Try Yoga & Meditation: Embrace the spiritual side of Nepal by joining yoga and meditation classes, which offer serene environments for inner reflection.
  • Try Nepali Cuisine: Sample traditional Nepali dishes like momo, dal bhat, and Newari cuisine, as well as unique local teas and traditional sweets.

How to choose the best volunteer program

Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

Recent Volunteer Abroad Testimonials

Nadia SVolunteer in Argentina

I did a volunteer program in Argentina and I had a wonderful time! I loved the organization that I was placed with and I received great support from start to finish by the World Endeavors team. The program has such great flexibility when it comes to start/finish dates, location options and volunteer opportunities; it's gave me the ability to truly make the experience my own. I'd highly recommend it and will definitly be doing it again.

Autumn RVolunteer in Costa Rica

Amazing experience from start to finish! Everyone involved in the process both here in the states and while abroad was fantastic and readily available when I had any questions!

Arielle TVolunteer in Fiji

I loved every bit of it. I thought it was perfectly balanced between work and having time to go off and explore and hang out with friends I made. I loved the program coordinator, who was one of the ones staying at the house and went off to school with us. I didn’t really have any expectations going in but was completely blown away.

Shannon MVolunteer in Ghana

The World Endeavors program allowed me to venture into a culture and community other than my own and gain the world of experience by doing so. Never in a million years would I have imagined traveling and meeting such amazing souls, and seeing the world through different eyes. I am grateful for the opportunity, and encourage any and all persons to take a trip no matter how long with the program. The advisors are with you every step of the way and will be sure to have u prepared before departure and while you are in your country of choice.

Sara PVolunteer in India

This summer I went to Jaipur, India, to work in a lower income neighborhood with women and children to better their conditions. The experience has been incredible both on the professional side and on the emotional one. The whole experience has fullfilled my soul with many memories and much more knowledge! Thanks to World Endeavors which has helped me with every single detail before, during and after my trip!

Jay CVolunteer in Nepal

After Culture Week, I have been at the monastery for a week. So far, I am having a great time. I have been teaching, taking part in daily rituals, and learning about Buddhism and its philosophical endeavors. It has been lovely!

Nepal FAQs

Is Mount Everest in Nepal?

Yes, Mount Everest is located in Nepal. It is the highest peak in the world, standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet and is part of the Himalayan mountain range.

What Do You Call People from Nepal?

People from Nepal are commonly referred to as “Nepalese.” This term is used to describe individuals who are natives of Nepal or have Nepalese nationality.

What Language do They Speak in Nepal?

Nepal is a linguistically diverse country with many languages spoken due to its various ethnic groups and cultures. The official language of Nepal is Nepali, also known as the Khas language. It’s the most widely spoken language and serves as a lingua franca for communication between ethnic groups. In addition to Nepali, numerous other languages are spoken by various communities throughout Nepal, including indigenous languages and regional dialects.

Where is Nepal Geographically Located?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia. It is situated in the Himalayas and is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. The country is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The capital city of Nepal is Kathmandu.

Is Nepal Safe?

Nepal is generally safe for travel, offering cultural richness and natural beauty. Petty theft can occur, so being cautious with belongings is advised. Altitude sickness should be considered in high-altitude areas, and trekking safety guidelines should be followed. Respecting local customs, staying informed about weather conditions, and adhering to local laws contribute to a safe and enriching experience in Nepal.

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Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!