Nepal

30 Years 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.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

Affordable Volunteer Travel

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. 

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.

Pokhara, is a must see for truly spectacular scenery, adventure activities and food. Situated approx 5-6 hours by bus from Kathmandu, the bus trip alone is worth the journey. Here you will witness the awe and glory of the Himalayas. Pokhara has a chilled out vibe and great to relax and unwind form the busy pace of Kathmandu. You can enjoy a clear view of snow-capped mountains just 20 KM’s in the distance. Be sure to check out the adventure sports such as paragliding or white water rafting and of course world famous treks in and around the Annapuma Mountain range.

All accommodation is included during your placement. Your stay will be comfortable, clean and secure with basic modern amenities. Depending on your chosen volunteer project, you will stay in either a volunteer centre (dedicated house) or a home stay.

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, the volunteer centre houses up to 20 volunteers with 3 to 4 people sharing one room (single gender rooms). They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room, 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 (approx US $150 p/room p/week). This must be booked well in advance and is subject to availability. 

In Pokhara, enjoy life in a home stay living with up to 4 other volunteers. Here you will be made to feel like a local with much gratitude from the local villagers. You’ll share a room with max 3-4 other volunteers. The home stay is basic, but clean with bathrooms, a kitchen and dining room. Private bathroom, lockable rooms, bed linen, fans and mosquito protection included. Laundry facilities are available (at a small fee) but no hot showers! There are ATM’s located about 15 minute walk to the house and a supermarket about 30 minutes walk. 

3 vegetarian meals are provided p/day on weekdays and 2 vegetarian meals p/day on weekends for the duration of your program. You can expect chicken dishes approx twice per week. You are free to eat as you like when you are out and about and there are many exciting options available.

Nepalese cuisine has Indian & Tibetan influences with lentils and rice forming the base of most meals and a diverse range of herbs, vegetables and smoky flavors. The national dish is daal bhaat tarkaari, which is spiced lentils over rice served with tarkari and cooked with spices. Cow meat is forbidden because Hindus consider cattle to be sacred. In fact, many tribes and communities in Nepal are strict vegetarians.

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra night’s accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project.   

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.

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