Nepal Volunteer Programs from $20/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

Volunteering in Nepal with IVHQ has been the trip of a lifetime that I will forever be grateful for. I’ve made some lifelong friendships all around the world with likeminded people that similarly want to make a difference in the places that need it most whilst travelling and getting to experience new cultures. The IVHQ headquarters team were beyond helpful with organising and answering any questions we had. The local team were incredible. They were so helpful, accommodating and understanding when we wanted to adjust plans. They are highly knowledgeable on things to do, and have provided us with many add on activities to explore the country and culture. Whilst in Nepal they have helped organise a beautiful trek, a wildlife safari, temple viewing, and the opportunity to stay in a Buddhist monastery. Being able to live with a local Nepali host family was by far the most valuable way to experience the community and local culture. They cooked local food for us and we partook in their daily religious activities. We got to hear about their lives and stories, whilst being provided a home away from home; the host mother called me ‘daughter’. The volunteering experience was so eye opening. My first childcare placement was in a government school for kids that live in the slums. My host brother took me to see where they lived, and it was heartbreaking to witness some of the worst conditions I’ve seen. They live in a community along the river that overflowed during my stay, flooding their home (which hardly consists of a roof over their head). The annual flooding can make the community sick potentially leading to death. These kids live in awful conditions but you’d never know. They have unwavering spirit and determination to learn. The second placement was at a volunteer run childcare centre. I’ve never been so in awe of what people can do for others when they put their mind to it. This centre was run so well, funded only by donations and volunteers. It was made mostly for single, struggling parents who need to work to support themselves, but have nowhere for their kids to go. It provides the children with food and classes. It was so inspiring. This whole experience has been incredible that whilst I was still volunteering, I was already looking at which IVHQ destination I could go to next. Volunteering and supporting developing countries is something that you will never regret doing, and if you have the ability to help others, why wouldn’t you? I’d recommend this experience to everyone.

So how was this experience unique? How else could you gain the trust of a wild elephant, by learning how to wrap its 'kuchi' and feeding her every day? I learned a lot on this trip, and absolutely loved my time with the two 'approachable' elephants; the Local Team was very clear about how the rest of the elephants were wild, and could be unpredictable. Now that I'm back home I miss the smell of the place, the mud and the leaves, and I miss not hugging my favourite pachyderm. While in Chitwan I gained a snapshot of the daily life of the Mahouts, and I appreciated the hospitality of the entire team. I recommend this journey.

Volunteering with IVHQ was life changing! I really enjoyed immersing my self in the culture and learning from all the people I met! I even made friends with many of the other volunteers while there! IVHQ made me feel well prepared for my trip along with the local guides they are partnered with! I always felt safe and that I always had someone I could message with questions throughout my whole process. I will definitely be volunteering with them again in the near future! The program staff helped me the entire time I was there and even prior to the trip beginning. The trip was incredibly affordable! I was impressed with how affordable this trip was! It was one of the longest trips I have taken and it was also one of the cheapest! I felt safe the entire time as a solo traveler! This trip was amazing and I truthfully feel like I made an impact on the community I helped!

I had a fantastic experience volunteering in Nepal through IVHQ, they give you all the information and preparation you need before you start your journey and are there with you all the way through it, they have great people working with them in all these other countries, you’re never short of people to turn to if needed. I learned so much about the Nepalese upturned by getting the chance to stay with a local family. I would highly recommend IVHQ and would definitely use them again if I were to volunteer in the future ☺️

IVHQ made a lifelong dream of mine come true—to work with elephants at sanctuary. The staff had great resources to prepare volunteers for their respective volunteer projects including country specific information. The in-country team also went above and beyond giving a great orientation to the country and making sure we had everything in place to get to our project placements. My conservation project was an amazing experience—blessed once again to have a great organization to work for and comfortable accommodations. I’m hoping to do another project through IVHQ in the future.

Would definitely recommend! I’m 18 and this was my first time solo travelling so it was great that volunteering in Nepal felt safe but still adventurous and exciting and I got to be fully immersed in a new culture. Teaching the women was difficult at times but also rewarding and fun and the women are so endearing and eager to learn. Staying with a local family was great - they were so hospitable and kind and the food was fantastic! A great way to experience the culture while having homely comforts.

I absolutely loved volunteering on the Elephant Conservation project! The accommodation at a local hotel was comfortable and the staff there was very friendly and helpful. The project itself is hard work, but it is very rewarding. Most of the time there is spent cleaning the barn and cutting and planting elephant grass, rice, and sugarcane. It was awesome to be around the elephants every day and to see the direct impact the volunteers make on the two elephants in the sanctuary, as well as some other elephants in the village. The food was delicious and they always made sure you had enough to eat. There are also plenty of places in the village to eat at too. The staff at orientation and at the project were all very accommodating, during and after my volunteering. I would highly recommend this project!

From start to finish, my elephant conservation programme was well organised. From the pre departure information, airport pick up, orientation and transport to the programme, everything was efficient and help was always at hand. Highly recommend IVHQ
The American vet running the elephant sanctuary was very kind, helpful, informative and inclusive so I felt part of the team. The routine was flexible, the hotel manager at Happyland hotel,where volunteers stay, was very kind and helpful and organised safaris for me. Brilliant experience