Volunteer Programs in Nepal
Nepal has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries, with its impossibly large mountains, serene monasteries, and beautiful cultural heritage. It is an increasingly popular destination for backpackers, adventurers, and other wanderers, who come hoping to absorb some of the spirituality the country is known for.
However, Nepal isn’t a mystical far away land. It is a real country filled with real people, 20% of whom live under the poverty line. Volunteering in Nepal allows travelers to give back to the country, taking their trip beyond personal spiritual enrichment and into practical, useful, and productive support.
Travelers to Nepal have the opportunity to help remedy some of the country’s socioeconomic issues through volunteer programs, which span from childcare to agriculture, education, and community development.
Teaching
The demand for English teaching in countries like Nepal continues to rise, as English skills can enable a child to develop a good career in the tourism industry. As a volunteer English teacher in Nepal, you could be working in Kathmandu or in remote Himalayan villages, either in a public school or a Buddhist monastery.
English teaching experience is not always needed but is desired, and you should be committed to providing useful and lasting education.
Women’s Issues
As is the case in many developing nations, women and young girls often lack the education to enable them to be financially independent. Many NGOs in Nepal are dedicated to providing education and support to help women make a living for themselves and their families. As a volunteer in Nepal, you could be teaching English to young girls, helping women sell their handicrafts, or supporting women’s interest groups in a community.
Agriculture
Agriculture is still a huge part of the Nepalese economy and way of life, and volunteers are always welcome to get their hands dirty. As long as you are in good health and eager to learn, you can help a local community with planting, harvesting, and animal care. These placements are likely to be very remote, which gives you a wonderful opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a different way of life.
Nepal is a popular volunteering destination, and a variety of volunteer programs can be found in almost every corner of the country. Make sure you choose a project you are both passionate about and well-suited for, and try to stay as long as possible.
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu, and this is where many of the volunteering organizations are based. There are many projects in Kathmandu, especially in education, childcare, and women’s issues. Pokhara, the country's second-largest city and a popular tourist destination, also has some good placements.
Many volunteering opportunities in Nepal are in remote Himalayan villages, as these are the communities that often need the most help. Volunteering in a village can be uniquely rewarding, as it allows you to truly immerse yourself in a community. If you prefer to stay in a town where there may be other Western travelers and volunteers, a volunteer placement in a remote community may not be the best option.
h3>Housing & Accommodation
Placements with larger organizations based in cities may house you in a shared house with other volunteers, while those in rural communities are more likely to involve staying with a local family. Housing tends to be very basic, with few comforts and amenities, but you can expect to be warmly welcomed by the community.
Additional Tips
You can buy a SIM card in Kathmandu upon arrival -- the airport is usually the easiest place. There are two main cell providers: Ncell, the largest and easiest to buy a SIM for, and Nepal Telecom, which involves a longer process to sign up for a SIM. However, Nepal Telecom has much better reception in the mountains, so you should consider using them if you are going to be staying at high altitudes.
Keep in mind that internet signal is virtually non-existent outside of the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara.
