Most Affordable Volunteer in Nepal-Himalaya - 25K happy Volunteers since 2006

Had an absolute blast. So much to see in Nepal and so many Nepali youth to help and just have fun with. Nepali locals are friendly and accommodating, and working with the IFRE allowed for a smooth, welcome transition into Nepal. Food and activities are great and cheap. There's a ton to experience in Nepal, especially if you want to take a hiking trip outside of Kathmandu. Try to see and enjoy as much as possible, especially helping with loads of diverse volunteer work. It can be a very fulfilling trip to take, as well just a lot of fun.

I did a hands-on medical program in Katmandu with 3 of my fellow co-students from Denmark. The host family was so sweet and made sure we were having a good time staying with them. Overall the food was good, but mostly carbs (rice with potatoes) which was a bit hard in the long run.
The hospital stay was okay, mostly observation. Some of the doctors were really good at informing you about cases, some were not.
We made arrangements with the family so that we were allowed to stay out late some days which was nice.

I went to Nepal to do a hands on medical program in Kathmandu. I traveled with my three co-students and lived at a homestay with the nicest family. The host mom cooked us breakfast and dinner every day. The food was good but not that balanced, while it was mostly carbs as pasta, rice and potatoes with a small amount of vegetables. The program has strict house rules regarding dinnertime and when you have to be at your room. We didn't know about the rules until the fist morning at the house where we had to sign the acceptance of them. If you want to go somewhere in the evening it is possible to make an agreement with the family which helps alot.
The area neighborhood where we lived was nice but a little far away from the hospital that we worked in. But to our luck the host dad drove us to work many days.
The hospital was great and the staff was mostly nice and welcoming. The program was not as much "hands on" as you could have hoped, but if that is because of missing initiative from ourselves or because of skepticism from the doctors I am not quit sure of.

Already before we arrived at Nepal we were assigned a coordinator who took care of all the practical circumstances and answered all our questions at any time, which was really nice and reassuring. The coordinator welcomed us when we arrived and made sure we settled in well at our homestay. She was also very nice and helpfull with everything.

Overall I had a great time with IFRE in Nepal and the hands on medical program. It was nice to have local people arrange our stay because they know their country and how things are done there. Also it is very valuable to have local contacts who can introduce you to all kind of things.

My time in Kathmandu within the photojournalism volunteer placement was a fulfilling experience. My instructor, Ram, had detailed knowledge of photography and the city’s culture. All coordinators were accommodating and helpful making for a great support group. I highly recommend for those looking to embark on international experience as Nepal is an exciting and welcoming country for tourists. There are other volunteer options available which I’m sure are just as impactful, however, I’m partial to the photojournalism placement as it allows for travel access to city’s main attractions and newly equipped photography skills for which to store lasting memories!

I came here to explore Buddhism and basic living to train the mind and expand my knowledge of life. I was not disappointed. No Western curriculum could ever teach me what the Buddhist monks have made me realise. Due to the lack of basic luxury, hygiene and some forms of comfort you are forced to appreciate the small things in life, which I guarantee, you will do after this trip. Pratima (my guide in this adventure) was very helpful and reachable throughout the whole experience, as we’re the monks.

I was involved in two projects during my 3-month stay in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2009 - teaching English to young Buddhist monks in a monastery (they were actually very naughty the little ones!) and working in an orphanage, where the children were so upbeat and loving, it made me want to cry. Both projects left a huge impact on me, so much so that I want to return some day.

My host family made me feel like I was a member of their own family, and they even gave me a Nepalese name 'Nisha' which I became accustomed to. I'm so glad I didn't stay in a hostel or hotel whilst in Nepal as I believe the experience would not have been as enriching.

Then there's the other volunteers you meet which have the potential to become friends for life! I met people from Australia, Canada, Denmark, UK, Germany, Singapore - we're still in touch after 10 years!

I spent one week in Kathmandu for the photojournalism project and it has been a very interesting experience. I stayed with local people and had the opportunity to get in contact with local culture. I have seen local events such as a Hindu wedding and visited the most important places of the capital city, Kathmandu. I also visited two places with my tutor, Ram, to take pictures according to his suggestions. We moved using his motorbike. He has always been available to give me suggestions regarding my pictures. This project gave me great motivation to continue to take pictures all over the world and hopefully start a travel blog on my own to describe the beauty you can find in local cultures, especially when very different form ours, and in all places you can travel to.
Thank you!
Margherita

I volunteered in the Himilayas and it was AAAAMMMMMAAAZZZZZIIINNNGGGG. Staff gave me excellent support in preparation for my trip and the coordinator was great. I spent time in the monestary teaching English to Buddhists. However, they were more interested in science and mathematics. The scenery was amazing and seeing Mt. Everest from base camp was inspiring.

Thanks again for the great experience IFRE.