Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Nepal
- Around 25% of the population in Nepal are living below the poverty line.
- Malnutrition is particually evident in children under 5, with 36% enduring stunting.
- Children from poor families have low attendence at school, with 1 in 4 of the poorest not going to school at all.
- Nepal can experience natural disasters, such as earthquakes. This can severly impact the local structures and roads.
- Much of Nepal's population lacks access to basic medical care.
WHAT Is Involved on the Panchase Trek?
- Trek through the Himalayan region, experiencing Nepal’s rich cultural and natural diversity
- Stay in traditional tea houses or homestays, interacting with local families
- Walk 6-7 hours per day, reaching a maximum altitude of 2,030 meters
- Be guided by an experienced trekking coordinator trained in high-altitude safety and first aid
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: PANCHASE TREK
LOCATION: KATHMANDU, NEPAL
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
This program offers an incredible opportunity to discover the traditional village lifestyle of Nepal while trekking through some of the world’s most breathtaking Himalayan scenery. You’ll journey through diverse landscapes, connect with local communities, and soak in awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks.
As you trek, you’ll stay in cozy tea houses or homestays, enjoy hearty Nepali meals, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of daily life in the mountains. Guided by an experienced trekking coordinator, this adventure combines physical challenge with cultural immersion for a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Nepal.
Program Highlights
- Trek through the majestic Himalayan region, experiencing Nepal’s cultural and ecological richness
- Stay in traditional tea houses or homestays and connect with local families
- Savor authentic Nepali cuisine and enjoy the warm hospitality of mountain communities
- Hike 6–7 hours per day, reaching altitudes of up to 2,030 meters
- Be guided by a trained coordinator experienced in high-altitude trekking and first aid
Your Role as a Trekker
Your daily routine will involve scenic hikes along established trails, interacting with villagers, and staying in rustic accommodations. You will:
- Walk 6–7 hours each day, with regular breaks for lunch and rest
- Stay in simple tea houses or homestays featuring twin rooms and shared facilities
- Engage with local culture and traditions through first-hand interactions
- Rely on your trekking coordinator for guidance, safety, and logistical support
- Drink purified water using drops or tablets provided (bottled water is also available for purchase)
Accommodation
During your trek, you’ll stay in local tea houses or village homestays. Tea houses are basic mountain lodges that double as guesthouses and social hubs. Rooms typically include twin beds and minimal furnishings. Shared bathrooms are common, with squat or Western toilets, and running water is generally available. Hot showers can be arranged at most places for around 500 NPR, while cold showers are free.
Meals
You’ll have breakfast and dinner at the lodge, while lunch is enjoyed at trailside restaurants. Meals often feature traditional Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), alongside dishes like noodles, vegetables, potatoes, and soups. Some lodges also offer Western-style options such as pasta, pizza, and fries. Snacks, soft drinks, and beer are widely available along the trail.
Safe Drinking Water
We provide chlorine drops and water purification tablets for safe drinking water. Use 3 drops per litre and wait 20 minutes before drinking. Alternatively, bottled water is available for purchase at most tea houses.
Trekking Coordinator
Your trekking experience will be overseen by a dedicated coordinator, trained in high-altitude safety, first aid, and emergency procedures. They are your go-to for any concerns or questions. While their English may be basic and trek-focused, they are highly professional and committed to your safety and experience.
Daily Trekking Time
Expect to walk 6 to 7 hours a day, depending on terrain and weather, with lunch breaks built into the route. The trek reaches a maximum elevation of 2,030 meters.
What’s Included
- Accommodation from Sunday to Saturday noon of the final week
- Airport pick-up during scheduled times and transportation during program activities
- Daily meals: three meals on weekdays, two meals on weekends
- Program materials and structured trekking guidance
- Training and supervision from experienced local coordinators
- 24/7 local support team
What’s Not Included
- International and domestic flights, and visa fees
- Transportation between different locations in Nepal
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions or activities beyond the core program
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.
Project Tasks
This program aims to bring you closer to authentic Nepal and the majestic Himalayas and truly immerse you in the Nepali culture, customs and lifestyle.
Food & Accommodation
On the Trek
In the trekking region, we offer you accommodation in a tea house (mountain lodge) or homestays. A Tea House is a combination of a guest house, restaurant, and social hang-out. The rooms are separate with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets can be either squat type or the western version. Most of the Tea Houses have running water facilities. Many of them provide hot water for showers but they will charge 500rs for hot showers while cold showers are free
You will usually have breakfast and dinner in the lodge; lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal of Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Some restaurants have western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trailside restaurants.
Safe Drinking Water in Trekking
We provide chlorine liquid and water purification pills during the trek. You need to use 3 drops in a liter and wait 20 minutes to consume it. If you want to buy bottled mineral water, you are more than welcome, which is available at the tea house.
Kathmandu
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.
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.
Adventure
& Trekking
- Nepal Adventure Week
- 4 Week Annapurna Base Camp Trek
-4 Week Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
-4 Week Nepal Volunteering Road Trip
-Panchase Trek Week
- 2 Week Buddhist Monastery Immersion
- 1 Week Poon Hill Trek
- 1 Week Pikey Peak Trek
-
Adventure Week
$590 -
4 Week Annapurna Base
Camp
$1450 -
4 Week Everest Base
Camp
$2250 -
28 Day Road Trip
$2160 -
Panchase Trek
$620 -
Poon Hill Trek
$680 -
Pikey Peak Trek
$820 -
Buddhist Monastery
Immersion
$980
What's Included
-
Accommodation
-
Meals
-
Airport Pickup
-
Local Transportation
-
1 Day Orientation
-
24/7 In-Country Support
-
Project Materials & Equipment
-
Pre-departure Expert Advice
-
Preperation Tools & Checklists
-
Certificate of Completion
Testimonials...
FAQ
Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- 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.
Monday
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m) Duration 6-7 hours
Tuesday
Boat across the lake, trek up to the Peace Pagoda, followed by a 5-6 hour trek to Pumdi Bhumdi (1,650m). Stay overnight at Bhumdi.
Wednesday
Trek to Panchase (2030m) for a 4-5 hour journey and stay overnight.
Thursday
Trek to Ghatichhinna/Kade and then catch the bus to Pokhara.
Friday
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m) for a journey lasting 6-7 hours. Overnight stay at the Kathmandu accommodation
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Special Needs 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.
Additional Requirements
Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.
Additional Equipment
Essential Gear & Equipment
Make sure you pack wisely to ensure a safe and comfortable trekking experience. Below is a recommended packing list categorized for easy reference.
Head & Face Protection
- Sun hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
- Warm fleece or wool hat (covers ears, essential for winter)
- Sunglasses (UV protection, polarized preferred)
- Scarf or buff (for dust, wind, and warmth)
Clothing – Lower Body
- Hiking shorts (1 pair, for warm weather)
- Lightweight trekking pants (1–2 pairs)
- Thermal leggings (for warmth in winter)
- Fleece or tracksuit pants (for extra warmth or lounging)
Clothing – Upper Body
- T-shirts (quick-dry, breathable)
- Lightweight thermal base layers (for cold conditions)
- Fleece or long-sleeve tops (for warmth)
- Down vest or jacket (for extra insulation in winter)
- Waterproof poncho or rain jacket
Footwear
- Thin cotton liner socks
- Thick wool hiking socks (for warmth and blister prevention)
- Hiking boots (sturdy, waterproof, and well-broken-in)
- Sandals or camp shoes (for evenings and river crossings)
- Walking poles (collapsible, optional but recommended)
Hand Protection
- Lightweight fleece gloves (for winter)
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
- Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth and hygiene)
- Pillowcase or small travel pillow
Personal & Medical Supplies
- Personal medical kit (consult your doctor for a full list)
- Prescription medications (if required)
- Basic first aid items (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister pads)
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen or paracetamol)
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox if recommended)
Toiletries & Hygiene
- Quick-dry towel & face cloth
- Biodegradable shampoo & conditioner
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Multipurpose wipes (face & body)
- Deodorant
- Face & body moisturizer
- Nail clippers & file
- Small comb or brush
- Biodegradable laundry soap
- Toilet paper (can buy more during the trek)
- Hand sanitizer (small bottle)
- High UV protection sunscreen
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Feminine hygiene products (bring enough for the trip)
Accessories & Miscellaneous
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Dry bags or ziplock bags (for waterproofing valuables)
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Watch with light & alarm
- Backpack rain cover
- Day pack (for essentials during trekking)
- Money belt (for storing cash & passport)
Extras (Optional but Recommended)
- Camera & extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Journal & pen
- Trail map & guidebook
- Energy/protein bars
- Playing cards (for entertainment)
- Small book or e-reader
- Steripen or water purification tablets
***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.***
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.
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