Location
  • Nepal
Length
5 to 10 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Age Max
24
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family
Groups
Small Group (1-15)

Pricing

Starting Price
3950
Price Details
Fundraising targets

5 week Expedition $3,950
7 week Expedition $4,950
10 week Expedition $5,500

As a charity we talk about fundraising rather than costs, and encourage everyone to do some fundraising for their Expedition. We offer lots of ways to help with fundraising and we have supported thousands of young people to reach their target.

All our projects are driven by the needs of the communities we work in, and more than 80% of our income goes directly to the projects, so you can be sure that you're having a lasting, positive impact.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Accommodation Activities Some Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Some Meals Transportation Travel Insurance
What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare SIM cards Visa Wifi
Feb 15, 2022
May 08, 2020
9 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

We believe young people can change the world. So we run Nepal volunteering programs for young people to ignite their passion for change and equip them with the skills, networks and confidence to become leaders.

Nepal is the second poorest country in Asia with nearly one-quarter of the population living below the poverty line. In 2015, the country was hit by a devastating earthquake that mostly affected rural areas and destroyed much of vital infrastructure. On the Nepal program, you will support your peers to drive change for their communities. You'll work with local people suffering from the aftermath of the earthquake to improve their access to water and sanitation facilities.

Raleigh Expedition is an international volunteering program delivered by the youth-driven development charity, Raleigh International. Raleigh Expedition is one of the first UK programs to be accredited by the Gap Year Association (GYA) and recognized by TeenLife as a Top 15 Most Popular Gap Program.

This program is no longer offered. View more programs from Raleigh International.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Our programs run for 5, 7, and 10 weeks throughout the year, so you can join during your gap year.
  • Live in a local homestay with another volunteer and learn first-hand about Nepali culture.
  • Gain an unforgettable volunteer experience, working on real projects with real people in real places to create real change.
  • Trek through the spectacular Ruby Valley climbing up to 2500m and pass through rural mountain villages on the Adventure Leadership Trek.
  • Develop of essential teamwork, leadership, active citizenship, language exchange, and intercultural skills and knowledge.

Program Impact

We’re holding development projects to account using technology, developing the skills to run behaviour change campaigns and reducing the impact of climate change on communities most at risk. Youth-driven change is getting things done!

Join over 55,000 people from over 100 countries and become part of a global community dedicated to supporting youth-led action. Young people are continuing to take action in their own communities, from creating sustainable start-ups, to challenging gender inequality and calling for action on the climate emergency and human rights.

If we are going to finally defeat poverty and injustice, find sustainable ways to protect our planet and achieve the Global Goals, young people must be the ones taking the lead and driving the solutions. Read our impact report at: raleighinternational.org/our-work/our-impact

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.71 Rating
based on 14 reviews
  • 5 rating 71.43%
  • 4 rating 28.57%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.65
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.95
  • Value 4.35
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 14 reviews
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Seven-week Expedition in Nepal

I couple goals I had for my gap year were to make a difference in the world, and to grow as a person. In just 7 weeks, my Raleigh expedition completely exceeded these expectations! I was fortunate to be part of a 7-week expedition in Nepal and those weeks were some of the most memorable weeks of my life. Initially I was nervous to be away from home for this period of time, but after a few days, I regretted not signing up for the 10-week expedition! Raleigh does an exceptional job of providing a balance of learning, hard work, personal growth and fun for their volunteers.
My community placement was in a 30-house village, and by the end of the 3 weeks I was heartbroken to leave. My host family was so welcoming, the food was delicious and the community was so appreciative of our work. We worked alongside members of the community to ensure they got what they wanted and they were able to teach us so many tips and tricks.
The second half of my expedition consisted of a 17-day trek through the stunning Ruby Valley. The trek was an incredibly rewarding experience. I learned just how strong I am both mentally and physically, all while walking through jaw-dropping scenery.
My top memories from my Raleigh expedition include interacting with the children at the local school in my community, playing volleyball with locals while on trek, and making lifelong connections with fellow volunteers. Overall, my experience with Raleigh completely changed my outlook on life and left me wanting more.

62 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Bart
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Raleigh expedition

After I decided to take a gab year, I realised that I had the opportunity to do something special. An enthusiastic acquaintance of mine adviced me to have a look on the website of Raleigh International, because he had a very cool experience with them a few years ago. And now I totally agree with him. I went on Raleigh expedition to Nepal in the winter of 2019. Being placed in an hostfamily in a rural community while working at valuable sanitation-and hygieneprojects is an experience I will never forget. Especially because we made a big difference and we did that as a team. Living with the community members and experience their hospitality was very inspiring. And last but not least, you also got to know a lot of nice people who live all over the world.

All in all, I would highly recommend going on Raleigh expedition.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Appreciate your time in Nepal because the time flies!
60 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10 weeks in Nepal with Raleigh International

Raleigh Expeditions are amazing. Honestly, when I went on this 10 week expedition back in Feb 2018, I was not expecting to enjoy it quite as much as I did, whilst also positively impacting the Nepalese community and making real change with the projects we did. I went on this programme during my gap year, after working and fundraising for the first half of it. I felt welcome and part of the group from the very first day - it was so easy to make friends, as majority of the volunteers were also school leavers, or had just left Uni, so we found we all just clicked.
I know how difficult it is to chose which volunteering programme to go on. However, I would urge you to consider Raleigh, because it IS different to the rest. Raleigh is a trusted company and out on expedition I genuinely felt safe - the staff were supportive, I was able to get contact from home, and the whole programme was extremely well organised. With the expedition I went on, I spent two phases (3 weeks each) working in community and the middle phase (also 3 weeks) trekking in the Ruby Valley. In community we were staying in home-stays with a host family, and another Raleigh volunteer, which was such an amazing experience - it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the Nepalese culture. During the working days our main project was digging a pipe line and a hole for a water tank, to replace the one that was damaged from the earthquake in 2015. This was super hard work, but enjoyable as a a group, and we always debriefed after and planned activities for the evenings.
My highlight was Trek - of course the scenery was beautiful, but not only that. Walking and camping for days on end gives you the time to chat, and get to know everyone in your group. I'm still in contact with so many of the people I met on Raleigh Nepal. I'd 100% recommend it, and if given the chance, I would love to do it again.

67 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Felix
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Raleigh Nepal

I went on my Raleigh Nepal expedition the winter of 2019. I really wanted to see this country, because my mother went here 30 years ago. I thought Raleigh would be the best way to go here, because you get to really see the country which most tourists do not. The trekking fase through the ruby valley is absolutely breathtaking, although sleeping conditions are something you have to get used to :). I won’t spoil to much but just take my word for it that the views will be worth it. The community is super fun, working together with the locals is a blast. You also get to experience what life is like for a Nepali, we even went to a local wedding!

What would you improve about this program?
Keeping people who work well together, together throughout the program
63 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hamish
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Raleigh International Nepal

The Nepal expedition is one of the most fulfilling trips you can go on. From the start you are immersed in the diverse culture and you truly get to learn about the Nepali way of life. The trekking although a little tough at time (both physically and mentally) offers the most beautiful views that you will probably ever see. The community phases are super fulfilling as you are able to see the positive impact that you are causing on the communities. Although at some times it feels like a school trip I recommend this trip to anyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make sure to bring a box shaped Mosquito net. Your life will be a living hell if you bring a triangular mosquito net
68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cameron
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nepal

Having taken a gap year, I was keen to participate in a Raleigh International programme as I wanted to do something that would make a difference. This was certainly achieved throughout my time in Nepal. I spent three weeks working in a rural village where I was able to work on providing water access to local villagers and raising awareness surrounding water hygiene - this was especially rewarding as I was able to see the tangible effects our work had on village life. Not only was I able to achieve a sense of accomplishment but I was able to build a number of connections with the local people and other volunteers alike. Following my time in community, I embarked on a three week expedition through the Ruby Valley. The scenery was breathtaking and it was an experience I will never forget with people I will never forget. To anyone considering participating in a Raleigh International programme; just do it.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most of your time in Nepal and ensure you fully appreciate your time in the country; there is some amazing scenery that is unlike anywhere else. If possible try to learn a few Nepali phrases. Whilst this is by no means essential, it can make a big difference in village life and enhance the connections you are able to form during your time in Nepal.
63 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Eve
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience in Nepal

This was the experience of a lifetime. I met amazing people & I completely stepped outside of my comfort zone. I learned leadership skills, how to speak a little Nepalese, I worked in a community for 3 weeks, trekked in the foothills of the Himalayas. Going into it, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do this. But Raleigh completely welcomed me into the family and I have never gotten so much out of a program before. If anyone is considering a Raleigh Expedition, I could not recommend it enough.

What would you improve about this program?
Nothing! I absolutely loved it. Raleigh was so well organized.
62 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Will
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nepal Expedition 2019

I came out of this experience knowing that Nepal was the best country I had been to. I loved the culture, the food and perhaps most importantly the people. I met a Nepali called Lillajan who just like me, came to volunteer. He was from the far West of Nepal and I am still in contact with him now, I wish to go back and see him again at some point. This says a lot about my experience since i befriended somebody that I would never had the chance to meet. Interacting with the local people in the rural communities and actually being part of their families was genuinely amazing. I would definitely recommend doing the Nepal expedition.

What would you improve about this program?
I felt that at times the health and safety aspect limited our freedom, or at least mine. There were some safety measures that really didn't need to be put in place.
61 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers