Pokhara, Nepal Homestay

Thanks to IVHQ, Vertical Ascent, Pokhara Homestay, Samata School aka Pokhara Bamboo School and Happy Treks for such a memorable experience in Nepal!

IVHQ’s website made exploring many options easy and selecting the destination that best matched our expectations. My husband, daughter and myself wanted a volunteer experience that we could attend together and live in a homestay.

Once we reached out to IVHQ they consistently communicated in a friendly and professional manner guiding us to the trip of a lifetime! IVHQ makes it possible to live, learn and give back to well-deserving people all around the world.

Upon arrival to Kathmandu the local Vertical Ascent team took care of all of our needs and wishes through airport pick-up, orientation, sight-seeing and project placement. Shortly after orientation our family headed to Pokhara where we were picked up by Pokhara Homestay and arrived to join in the celebration of their daughter’s birthday. Ironically our last day at the Homestay was my 53rd birthday and we celebrated my special day. The family kitchen was always open serving delicious Nepali Dal Bhat (Lentils and Rice). The accommodations were much nicer than anticipated. My husband and I shared a private room with an ensuite bathroom on the top floor of the home with a spectacular view of the city and mountains.

We volunteered at Samata School aka Pokara Bamboo School 6 days a week from 10-3 for three weeks. The students and faculty were superb! My favorite part of each day was the walk to school. We were greeted as “teacher” by the passerbyers, witnessing shop owners and family life.

Finally, Happy Treks of Nepal created a special overnight short trek to the mountains for our family.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” Thanks again for such a memorable experience in Pokhara - IVHQ, Vertical Ascent, Pokhara Homestay, Samata School aka Pokhara Bamboo School and Happy Treks!!