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 does 28 Day Nepal Volunteer Road Trip Involve?
- Travel around Nepal on this exciting 4 week experience!
- Visit fascinating places including Buddhist temples, Royal Chitwan National Park, river rafting down the Trisuli river & hiking
- Meet and get to know your fellow volunteers
- Take part in beautiful hikes in the mountains
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 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: 28 DAY ROAD TRIP
LOCATION: KATHMANDU, CHITWAN, POKHARA & POON HILL
START DATES: 1ST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE & GUEST HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 28 DAYS
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
3 weeks travelling and 1 week volunteering! You’ll have the chance to explore fascinating sites like the Swoyambhunath Buddhist temple and the expansive Royal Chitwan National Park, and take part in a volunteer program on the last week (this could be teaching, kindergarten or renovation).
Embark on a rafting adventure along the Trisuli River, hike through rural villages in Kathmandu, and enjoy a rewarding five-day trek to Poon Hill, where you’ll witness some of the world’s most stunning mountain ranges. You’ll also participate in yoga and meditation sessions for both body and mind, along with visits to local markets and enriching cultural introduction sessions.
What is included in the program
- Airport transfers as per the policy – Airport Pickup in Kathmandu – Tribhuvan International Airport
- Presence of a dedicated program coordinator throughout your travel, at the projects and facilities- Logistical management support in case of emergencies
- Authentic Nepali meals and European (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the duration of the entire program as per the meal plan
- Accommodation at hotels, tea houses, and at our accommodation facility – Shared accommodation
- Local transportation to all venues
- Entry fees to all places
- Extensive pre-departure information
- Overland public local transportation
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
- Meet and get to know your fellow volunteers
- Explore some of Nepal’s best sights
- Take part in adventure activities like white water rafting!
Food & Accommodation
Along the route you will have overnight stays in hotels/guest houses, resorts and buses. More information can be found inside the program schedule.
Kathmandu House
Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, the large volunteer center has 4 bedrooms which hold up to 12 people maximum, with 3 to 4 people sharing one room. They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room; 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.
Kathmandu accommodation includes 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 Meals p/day weekends (mostly vegetarian cuisine), 4-6 persons p/room and Wifi in public areas- quality is not the best though. You may want to purchase a local SIM data plan. There is also a T.V, DVD player, computer, Laundry facilities (at an additional fee), Lockable rooms, Hot shower, Private bathrooms, Bed Linen (no towels), Mosquito protection and Fans (no air-con).
*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
-28 Day Nepal Volunteering Road Trip
-
Adventure Week
$610 -
4 Week Annapurna Base Camp
$1545 -
4 Week Everest Base Camp
$3180 -
28 Day Road Trip
$2320
What's Included
-
Accommodation
-
Meals
-
Airport Pickup
-
Local Transportation
-
1 Day Orientation
-
24/7 In-Country Support
-
Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
Due to the nature of the program, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Arrival airport transfer
- 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
- Accommodation (Volunteer Centers – shared dorm style rooms)
- Daily ground transportation (to/from project)
- Training & supervision as required
- Use of necessary equipment incl program materials
- 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
- Touring & excursions as per itinerary
- Certificate of Completion
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Airfares & visa fees
- Additional tours, souvenirs, spending money
- Some daily local transport (depending on program eg. $2 p/day)
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.
Schedule
Week 1
Day 1: Sunday
- Arrival
- Transfer to our Center
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Day 2: Monday
- Welcome ceremony
- Introduction to the program
- Rituals and lesson on do’s and don’ts in Nepal
- Cross cultural session
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Day 3: Tuesday
- Nuts & Bolts
- Lesson on Nepalese language
- Orientation tour to Swoyambhunath Temple
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Day 4: Wednesday
- Drive to Pharping
- Enjoy the ride along the amazing Nepalese landscape
- Arrive at the monastery
- Overnight stay in the monastery
Day 5: Thursday
- Pilgrimage tour in Pharping
- Explore Buddhist monasteries and sites in Pharping
- Overnight stay in a monastery
Day 6: Friday
- Hiking
- Drive back to Kathmandu
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Day 7: Saturday
- Day at leisure in Kathmandu
- Time to explore the busiest city in Nepal on your own
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Week 2
Day 8: Sunday
- Day at leisure in Kathmandu
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Day 9: Monday
- Bus ride to Trishuli river
- White Water rafting in Trishuli river
- Overnight camping in Fishling
Day 10: Tuesday
- Continue rafting
- Drive to Chitwan for Jungle safari
- Witness a Nepalese cultural dance
- Overnight stay in a resort in Chitwan
Day 11: Wednesday
- Jungle activities- jeep safari and Jungle walk
- Visit to the elephant breeding center
- Overnight stay in a resort in Chitwan
Day 12: Thursday
- Jungle activities in the morning- bird watching
- Drive to Lumbini – birth place of Lord Buddha
- Overnight stay at a tea house in Lumbini
Day 13: Friday
- Lumbini Tour
- Overnight stay at a tea house in Lumbini
Day 14: Saturday
- Drive to Pokhara
- Overnight stay at the Hotel Green Land in Pokhara
Week 3
Day 15: Sunday
- Day at leisure in Pokhara
- Overnight stay at the Hotel in Pokhara
Day 16: Monday
- Drive to Nayapul
- Trek to Ulleri
- Overnight stay at a tea house in Ulleri
Day 17: Tuesday
- Trek to Ghodepani (steps uphill)
- Overnight stay at a tea house in Ghodepani
Day 18: Wednesday
- Get up early in the morning to see the sunrise at Poon Hill
- Trek to Ghandruk
- Overnight stay at a tea house in Ghandruk
Day 19: Thursday
- Trek to Pothana
- Overnight stay at a tea house in Pothana
Day 20: Friday
- Trek to Phedi
- Drive to Pokhara
- Enjoy the massage
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Pokhara
Day 21: Saturday
- Drive Back to Kathmandu by tourist bus for 8 hours
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Week 4
Day 22: Sunday
- Day at leisure
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Day 23: Monday
- Drive to Nagarkot
- Overnight stay at the local home-stay in Nagarkot
Day 24: Tuesday
- Hike to Dhulikhel via Nala
- Overnight stay at the local home-stay in Dhulikhel
Day 25: Wednesday
- Hike to Namobuddha
- Overnight stay at a Monastery in Namobuddha
Day 26: Thursday
- Day at leisure in Monastery
- Overnight stay at a Monastery in Namobuddha
Day 27: Friday
- Hike to Panauti
- Drive back to Kathmandu
- Overnight stay at the Center in Kathmandu
Day 28: Saturday
- Say goodbye to the local team
- Departure
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
*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.
Additional Requirements
Due to the nature of the program, a decent level of fitness is required.
Additional Equipment
We recommend following equipment and items to pack for your trekking trip.
For head
- Sun Hat / baseball cap
- Fleece/Wool hat (to cover ears) for winter
- Sunglasses & reading glasses
- Scarf to cover face (dust/wind)
For lower Body
- Under garments
- Hiking shorts – 1
- Lightweight walking pants – 1
- Light weight thermal leggings – winter
- Fleece or tracksuit pants
For Feet
- Thin cotton inner socks
- Thick warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots
- Sandals
- Walking poles
For Upper Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight thermal tops – winter
- Fleece long shelve tops
- Down vest/jacket – winter
- Poncho rain cover
For Hands
- Lightweight fleece gloves – winter
- Playing card
- Trail map & guide book
For Sleeping
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillow slip/case
Medical Kit
- See your Doctor for complete medical kit Including Dimox – for high elevation
Accessories
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- Dry packs
- Open neck water bottles
- Watch with light & alarm
- Pack cover
- Day pack
- Money belt
- Toiletries & Personal Hygiene
- 1x quick dry towel & face cloth
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Toothbrush & paste (biodegradable)
- Multipurpose wipes (face & body)
- Deodorant
- Face & Body moisturizer
- Nail clippers/file
- Small comb/brush
- Clothes washing soap (biodegradable)
- Toilet paper (you can buy more on trek)
- Anti-Bacterial wipes (4x packs)
- Hand sanitizer (small bottle)
- Sun block face/body high UV protection
- Lip block with UV protection
- Feminine hygiene products
Extra Items
- Camera & extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Reading books
- Journal & pen
- Energy/protein bars
- Walkman & Steripen
***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.***
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link:
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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