About The Project
Restrictions due to the pandemic mean that this program cannot get the support it needs right now. Sign up for 2022 and we'll work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
This exciting Volunteer Travel Tour program is perfect for those intrepid travellers with a passion for volunteering! From the jungle of Terai to the spectacular wildlife of Chitwan National Park and upwards to the Himalayas, Nepal is a melting pot of landscapes, biodiversity and ethnicity. From jungle safari’s and tiger spotting to temple hopping and roaming hillside settlements and the magical streets of Kathmandu, participants on this great program get the opportunity to experience all these while also ‘giving back’ and supporting the communities through which they travel and explore. From working with children or within marginalized communities, the volunteering experience will be hands on and in support of those in true need. This program delivers the ability to make a true difference to the lives of others while also getting to experience so many amazing sights in this magical country, along with its rich culture, history and geography.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential support to the impoverished rural communities of Nepal
- Improve the future prospects of the communities through education and other essential projects
- Raise awareness of Nepalese society’s health and social issues to an international audience
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike
How You Can Help
The objective of this program is to support and empower marginalized communities in Nepal by supplying volunteer support to community programs and through funding these programs from the small profits made on the tours. Volunteers can choose which programs they would like to work on, including working in an Early Child Education centre or working with older children, teaching English or giving life skills training in one of the Children’s Clubs. Other projects include supporting marginalized women in the community or even retreating to a monastery to teach English to Buddhist monks. Regardless of the program, volunteers will find their experience challenging but immensely rewarding – for both them and the community they are supporting. The tour element offers the incredible opportunity to explore local sites in the Kathmandu Valley, tour rural villages, hike in the Himalayan ridge area and take a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park. Wow! See the 'Additional Info' section for further details of the Travel element.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Help teach basic English in schools or monasteries, or
- Support marginalized women and youth, or
- Help in child care centres, or
- Spend time with at risk youth and those marginalized in society
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of education. This project best suits those with experience and/or qualifications in the field of childhood development and education, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist in the classroom. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this amazing program have the opportunity to experience Nepal's vibrant capital city of Kathmandu whilst volunteering, combined with travel to some of the best sites and experiences that Nepal has to offer.
Time is spent exploring the Kathmandu Valley and rural Tarkeshor municipality. Stunning vistas are enjoyed during a trip and trek in the Himalayan ridge top area and three days are spent in stunning Chitwan National Park .
Start Dates & Duration
This four week project is available year-round, starting on the 1st and 15th of every month.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu you will be collected at the airport and taken to your accommodation. A comprehensive three-day induction is provided which will include specific information about your placement as well as covering the basics of the Nepalese language and an insight into the culture. This is a great opportunity to mix with other volunteers and get to know the local team.
- Arrival Day: Volunteers arrive on either the 14th day of the month or the last day of the month.
- Departure Day: 7 days after arrival for every week volunteering.
- Arrival Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (Code: KTM)
Accommodation & Meals
On placement volunteers have the unique opportunity of staying with a local Nepalese family. Host families are experienced at caring for volunteers and are welcoming and supportive. Their homes may be basic by international standards and the levels of English may vary but this is more than made up for by generosity of spirit.
Initially volunteers stay in a Volunteer House in Kathmandu and are provided with a three day orientation session before transferring to their host family home. Lunch is provided daily during the orientation with breakfast and dinner readily available for little cost.
Living conditions in Nepal are far from luxurious and will vary between homes.The accommodation will have running water but hot water is uncommon as are heating and air-conditioning. Electricity will be available but is unreliable and may be turned off for a period each day.
When volunteering during Nepal’s winter months (particularly December, January and February) warm clothes and a heavy sleeping bag are recommended.
WiFi may be available in the Host Family Home for a small fee but we recommend that volunteers purchase a local SIM card and data package on arrival in order to stay in touch with friends and family.
Three simple and delicious meals per day are provided by the host family whilst on placement and are normally vegetarian with staples such as rice, lentils (dal) and vegetarian curries. Volunteers are encouraged to take a lunchbox or one can be purchased on-site.
Whilst on overnight trips accommodation is provided in hotels/guesthouses
Fees
That’s just USD 39 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Either during the weekends and/or in the fourth and final week of this placement volunteers have the opportunity to see some of the incredible sites this country has to offer. The timing of trips is dependent on volunteer schedules and will be arranged by the local team.
- Volunteers have the opportunity to view 3 of the sites contained in the 'sister' cities of the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktpur. With their varied languages and cultures and the myriad world heritage wonders contained within, this is an incredible area to explore. Sites include the architecture and grandeur of Darbar Squares; the Buddhist Stupas of Baudhanath and Swyambhunath (colloquially known as the 'Monkey Temple'); Hindu Temples Pashupatinath and Budhanilakantha and the historic fortified town of Patan.
A half-day walking tour in Tarkeshor municipality offers the opportunity to view rural village life in the beautiful Nepalese countryside. This is also an opportunity to see the wonderful projects our partner is running in this area.
- Travel overnight to the Himalayan ridge-top towns of Nagarkot or Dhulikhel for awe inspiring sunset/sunrise views over the mountain ranges and explore the area on foot during a guided hike.
- Spend two nights and three days on a Jungle Safari in famous Chitwan National Park. Located 200 kms south of Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan is known as Asia's best Wildlife Reserve and offers the opportunity to view tigers, one horn rhino, elephant, deer and a variety of birds; all within the stunning natural beauty of this World Heritage Listed National Park.