Location
  • Nepal
    • Kathmandu
Length
1 - 12 weeks

Program Details

Timeframe
Academic Year Fall J-Term Maymester Spring Summer Winter
Housing
Host Family Hotel
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
500
Price Details
Double Room Accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu
Homestay in the community during the work camp
All meals included in work camp
All ground transfer with Tourist standard vehicle
English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees to above mention cultural sites
All government taxes.
Dec 05, 2019
Dec 12, 2016
14 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Are you thinking for a travelling with a cause and purpose? Now GapYear Programs with GAPNepal comes with this reality. You are now working together with the wonderful Nepalese community in our community building tours.Your travelling is going to be memorable not only for you but also to the communities, as you are supporting in the construction of libraries, schools or community centers. So, you desired for your meaningful contribution in your GAPYear. Be a part of it!!!

Trip Summary
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02 Kathmandu Durbar Square- Monkey Temple
Day 03 Drive to the Community
Day 04-14 Community Project
Day 13 Bungmati- Khokana village tour- Farewell dinner
Day 14 Departure

Cultural Immersion: Staying with the local family, working with local workers, in depth understanding of Nepalese working environment, local food, UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Nature and Wildlife: Middle hills landscape, community forest.
Adventure Travel: Participate in community buildings

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 7 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 5
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.45
  • Housing 4.85
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nepal Summer 2015

I spent a majority of my summer in 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was an extremely enriching experience for me that allowed me to grow and learn in so many different ways. I was forced out of my comfort zone on so many occasions that I can't even count them. I not only learned to appreciate a different culture, but come to feel like I was a part of the culture. I learned so much about Nepal, people, and myself during my two months abroad. I was especially lucky, because I got to experience the extreme resilience of the Nepalese firsthand, since I arrived in Nepal two weeks after the second major earthquake hit.
Ultimately, I wouldn't trade my experience for anything, and would completely recommend GAPNepal, and Nepal in general to anyone looking for an extremely life-changing experience. I am forever thankful for the friends I met in Nepal, that became my family as I spent the two months away from my own family. I am even more thankful for the person I was able to prosper into after such an unique experience.

82 people found this review helpful.
Response from GAP Year Nepal

Lily Thank you so much.

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Alicia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

I decided to do some volunteer work when the earthquake struck Nepal in April 2015.

I wanted to join a group but had no idea who to join up with when I arrived. I met up with this organization with another friend and they were so organized and nice. I agree with their value system and also their goals of helping communities and involving them in the operations.

They did amazing work during the earthquake period and worked super hard. I am sure that they are still continuing with their projects and I would highly recommend them if you are interested in partaking in their program.

78 people found this review helpful.
Response from GAP Year Nepal

Thank you Alicia for your review.

Ricarda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of a kind

I arrived in Nepal with not much of a plan at the beginning of April in 2015, so just before the major earthquake.
I ended working with a group of children in a village not far from Kathmandu and stayed there a while longer, after the earthquake to help until the schools reopened.

At this point I joined this project. And I couldn't have been more grateful for this encounter in many ways. First of all the open and loving arms that received us all. There was no doubt in my mind about whether I should stay or move on. I felt entirely safe and taken care off. The community of volunteers was incredible. People, young and old, who were willing to leave all comforts behind and move out to remote villages for extensive rebuilding projects. And the wonderful thing about these projects was the way we, the volunteers, and the communities managed to get together over the job at hand. It really was an entirely joint effort.

I remember the first night I went out to the new project at the time in Nuwakot. It was great to see how everyone got together, the kids included, because this was their school we would be rebuilding. We all had dinner together and then sat outside under the exceptional village tree until late at night watching thunderstorms gather and unload themselves over the hills beyond the river.

The way they looked after us was just incredible. As much as it was sometimes really difficult in the hot and humid climate, in a very remote area, there was never anything that couldn't be found if needed. Because Gap Year Nepal is so incredibly well connected to those local communities, it felt like this was extended to us at all times.

And back "home" in Kathmandu we had a great, comforting hub to return to, in very close proximity to the international tourist area Thamel. Here we would meet not only with "our" volunteers and throw brilliant parties on the roof top. But also get together with other organisations doing similar work, to make sure that sustainable networks and plans were being made.

All in all, this experience has changed my life. And I can't wait to return to Nepal, see everyone again and start the next journey.

What would you improve about this program?
Difficult to say. The only thing I struggled with, which was the internet connection as we were trying to rebuild the website, has already been fixed :-)
76 people found this review helpful.
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Zuzanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Next Level of Experience -

Indeed I have many stories, but you should join the program and write your own story☺ I have joined the team just after the earthquake, so rather usual circumstances. The beauty, the people and the high spirit to raise again was an incredible experience. I have travelled all over the country and it’s hard to put in to words how interesting it was. Nepal has so much to offer, come see it and feel it for yourself. Namaste and see you soon!

82 people found this review helpful.
Camila
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great people with an enormous heart.

I joyed the Project in July of 2015, a few months after the earthquake. I saw a beautiful country trying to rebuild their buildings and their lives after such a cruel event. I'm glad I've had the change to help, even though I know how much it needs to be done. I had the chance to know the country, but at the same contribute with such a great team. They all want to make a difference in their communities and their overcome any financial barrier to ensure the reconstruction of the villages. They provide all the infrastructure, such as food and a room to sleep. They are 24 hours available and you are free to do some sight-seeing while you participate on the Project. You actually collaborate, with you hand work and ideas. They give you space in their Project, so you fell very welcome. And the most important thing: you see the project happening and you witness it. I definitely recommend to participate!

What would you improve about this program?
I know how great the project is and all the staff, so any improvement is a plus, but it's already great.
79 people found this review helpful.
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Andreas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Duwakot and the soapy guy

When I was in Nepal, I worked with Volnepal during the reconstruction of a school in Duwakot, which was destroyed because of the earthquake.
We were with a group of about 7 volunteers and had a really great time. The second day a new earthquake hit and almost knocked down some walls we rebuilt before. Despite the loss we worked big time and cleared all the rubble in a couple of days. That's the beauty of it: if you're able to work hard and at the same time chill even harder.
During one of our (neccesary) baths at the local washing place we even saw THE LEGENDARY SOAPY GUY, believe me you've never ever seen anyone that soapy. But alas, as it goes with legendary figures, we never saw him again.

74 people found this review helpful.
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Daisy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hard work, but worth it!

I came to Nepal a few days after the second major earthquake back in May 2015. I had no idea what i was doing, or why i was coming; after one month i was put in touch with Gap Year Nepal. I'm so grateful for their help and support during their programme, as their hospitality really put the icing on top of the programme.

I mainly worked in Admin, and helped write their funding proposals, and did some project research. Alongside this, i spent some time out in the field with various projects. I personally helped with some building, and field research.

When we were in the villages we slept in tents and village houses. It definitely was an authentic experience, alongside the hearty Dal Bhat meals home cooked by our host Didi. The work was tiring but extremely rewarding. We had breaks and were told not to push ourselves.

We had lots of down time whilst in the villages to do as we wished - Play with the kids, explore the area or chat to the locals.

Getting to the villages was sometimes tricky. Because Gap Year Nepal works with pretty rural areas (giving a more authentic experience) you can only go so far by bus/car. We walked for many hours to the villages, which i both enjoyed and hated at the same time! Despite being incredibley hot and tiring - it gave me a chance to do some simple trekking and see the nature (which given the circumstances, it would have been difficult without their aid)

When not staying in the villages, they have an apartment block in Nayabazaar, just a few minutes walk from Thamel the tourist area in KTM. There is an in house Didi who cooks delicious meals, and depending on the group size, you'll have a room to share with either yourself, or max 2 people. It is a homely place, and you're definitely well looked after. The only downpoint i found about staying in their appartment was that the door was locked at 10pm, and i felt bad ringing the door to wake Didi up to let me in at night!

They are an extremely well connected organization, who can personalize your experience to a degree as to how you want it. All in all i had an amazing couple of months with them, and can't wait for my next visit!

What would you improve about this program?
New lock system (so each participant has a key to the house)

83 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers