1 Week Summer Special in Nepal – Culture, Nature and Adventure

WHY we need you in Nepal

group in inflatable boat by river

HIGHLIGHTS

teen group volunteers mountains

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

IVI Volunteer teaching Nepalese Children

  PROJECT NAME: 1 WEEK SUMMER SPECIAL NEPAL

LOCATION: NEPAL

  START DATES: 3rd JUN, 1st JUL, 5th AUG

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS) 

  MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required

Overview

Embark on a week-long journey through Nepal’s cultural and natural wonders, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. On Day 1, Sunday, upon your arrival and transfer to the volunteer house in Kathmandu, an evening induction program sets the stage for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 kicks off with an early morning drive to Chitwan, where you’ll enjoy a canoe ride along the Rapti River and venture on a jungle trek. The day ends with a captivating cultural dance performance by the local Tharu Tribe at Chitwan Forest Resort. Day 3 continues the exploration with a jungle drive, a visit to the Elephant Breeding Centre, and a cultural tour, followed by a serene sunset at the Rapti River.

On Day 4, after birdwatching, you’ll drive to Pokhara and explore the lakeside area. The day includes a leisurely walk around the lake and witnessing the light offerings at the lakeside. Day 5 is packed with early morning excursions, such as a drive to Sarangkot for sunrise, a visit to Bindabasini Temple, and boating on Fewa Lake. Later, explore Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Peace Pagoda, and Pumdi Kot. The evening offers free time for shopping at the lakeside.

Day 6 involves a return drive to Kathmandu, where you’ll be transferred back to the accommodation. The day ends with a cultural night and sharing of feedback. Finally, on Day 7, Saturday, the tour concludes with a departure, wrapping up a week of immersive experiences and cultural insights in the heart of Nepal.

A fantastic add-on to your volunteer program as a way to explore after your hard work!

Location

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is an incredible place! The contrast of decaying buildings, smell of incense, street sellers, historic temples and incredible mountain views will invigorate your senses and keep you inspired to learn more about the amazing history and culture. For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here. This small, mountain-sheltered valley is the historical centre of Nepal, a place where kingdoms rose and fell, where palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and where Nepali art and culture was developed and refined.

Food & Accommodation

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, with 4-6 people sharing one room (single gender rooms). They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room, wifi, TV, computer, DVD player, fans, live-in staff on call 24/7, a garden complete with a comfortable covered area and 24/7 security. Centrally located, there are several gym’s nearby as well as local supermarkets, ATM’s, mobile phone shops etc.  

*For couples or those wanting more privacy, there are upgrade accommodation options available for an additional cost. This must be booked well in advance and is subject to availability.

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.

*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


Summer
Special


- 1 Week Summer Special









All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $940
Vol House
What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • 3 Meals a day
  • Airport Pickup & Drop off
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Activities as per the program
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

Testimonials...

FAQ

This is a fantastic way to explore before or after a volunteer program. Everything is included, so it takes the hassle out of organising individual tours and excursions! Plus a great way to make new friends 🙂 

  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals p/day weekdays
  • Arrival airport transfer & Drop off
  • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
  • 1 day orientation
  • Daily transportation to project
  • Activities as per the program
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer or extra night for an additional fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.

Sunday
Pickup and Transfer to the Center and welcome Dinner

Monday
Early morning drive to Chitwan
Canoe ride at the Rapti River
Jungle Trek
Cultural Dance performance by the local Tharu Tribe.

Tuesday
Jungle drive after breakfast
Visit to the Elephant Breeding Center
Cultural tour
Sundown at the rafting river

Wednesday
Bird Watching and driving to Pokhara
Transfer to the hotel
Explore the Lakeside and walk around the lake.
Observe the Light offering at the lake

Thursday
Early Morning drive to Sarangkot for Sunrise.
Visit Bindabasini Temple
Boating at the Fewa Lake
Visit Davis Fall (Waterfall)
Gupteshwor Cave and
Peace Pagoda
Visit Pumdi Kot
Free for shopping at the lakeside.

Friday
Drive back to Kathmandu Transfer to the center
Cultural Night and Feed Sharing

Saturday
Farewell to the local team and departure

*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.

The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.

∙ Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses for sun protection
∙ Mosquito/insect repellent (Deet)
∙ Comfortable working shoes
∙ Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for personal hygiene
∙ Modest and comfortable clothing suitable for cultural interactions
∙ Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
∙ Personal toiletries for your convenience
∙ Daypack or backpack for daily excursions
∙ Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during activities

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: NP – Holidays – All Programs

Nepal is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world.  Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s.  It is home to Mount Everest, the birthplace of Buddha, and an astonishingly beautiful landscape, ranging from the well-known peaks of the Himalaya to the low-lying regions of the Terai.

The Nepali people are as diverse at the geography, with over 70 languages or dialects and scores of traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year.

However, Nepal is also one of the most under-developed countries in the world, with low rates of literacy, high rates of poverty and a persistent gender imbalance. The government is frequently unable to provide adequate education and health facilities throughout the country and both urban and rural areas are forced to live without necessary resources to promote growth and development of their communities.

Nepal is a year round destination, and the cliate can vary between the North and South regions. The best overall times to visit are during spring and autumn (particually for trekking).

December to Febuary is winter, and it can get extremely cold in the mountains (down to sub zero). Summer in this region has a pleasent temperature but still bring some warmer clothing for the evenings. 

Summer in southern Nepal can get extremely hot (plus 40°C) in some areas. Winter temperatures in this area can range from 7°C to 23°C.

Kathmandu has a pleasent climate on average. The monsoon rains start from June to September in Nepal. 

The majority of Nepalis are either Hindus or Buddhists, but there are many other religions here too like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism. You will find many temples and monasteries around Nepal. The right hand is used for important things such as passing money, eating and the giving of gifts. 

Nepalese people love their food and much of it has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cultures. Nepali people have a lot of respect for elders and will call each other didi (“older sister”), bahini (“younger sister”), etc, even if they are not actually related. The family unit is very strong and having a close knit family is important for the local people. 

30 Years Non Profit Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits.   Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed. 

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact.   All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
 

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points.   Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

Weekends & Extra Tours

Ready to Volunteer in Nepal?