Nepal is known best for its spectacular snow capped mountains, Himalayan treks, sacred religious sites and colourful culture.

If you’re considering visiting Nepal, you damn well should! And spending time as a volunteer in Nepal is a great way to lend a hand to important social and environmental issues, learn new skills, and immerse yourself in Nepali culture.

For all its cultural and natural diversity, Nepal faces many challenges. It’s a country with a lot of social and gender inequality, as well as many environmental issues that need addressing and gaps in education that need to be closed.

There are many worthy causes you can support in Nepal, so if you feel called to volunteer, stick with us and we will unpack what you need to know.

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    Top 3 Volunteer Projects in Nepal

    Learn Organic Farming Techniques in the Himalayas, Nepal

    Learn Organic Farming Techniques in the Himalayas

    • > Farm work
    • > Panauti
    Community Project near Chitwan National Park, Nepal

    Community Project near Chitwan National Park

    • > Social media, gardening, art, web development, teaching
    • > Chittahi, near Chitwan National Park.
    Trek and Teach, Nepal

    Trek & Teach

    • > Teaching English to Nepali children, trekking the Langtang track.
    • > Langtang Region (Fly into Nepal)

    What You Need to Know About Volunteering in Nepal 

    It’s all well and good to say you want to volunteer in Nepal, but how do you even get involved in a project? While there are many ways you can volunteer, knowing where to start and finding a project can be tricky. 

    Lucky for you, we’ve got some connections. We tracked down some epic volunteer projects through our mates at Workaway, Worldpackers and Global Work and Travel. These are all third party platforms that connect travellers with meaningful projects around the world. 

    Before you ask, these lot are not the kind that charge exorbitant fees just to pocket the profit. You’ll see many of those kinds of projects while searching online, but they aren’t the ones we are going to promote here.

    While there’s a small sign up fee involved for Workaway and Worldpackers, and a project fee for Global Work and Travel, you can trust that we would never recommend you people who aren’t in it for the right reasons. 

    Make sure you are really ready to get down and dirty volunteering, if you are looking for an easy breezy time a Nepal backpacking trip may be more your speed.

    Worldpackers: connecting travellers with meaningful travel experiences.

    Why Volunteer in Nepal

    Your reason for volunteering in Nepal is going to be different from mine or your mate, but here are some top reasons if you need the extra nudge. 

    • Embrace local culture: Nepali people are known for being hospitable and welcoming people. What better way to embrace the culture of a country than to live as the locals do and experience their way of doing things. 
    • Give back to the community: Leave a community better than you found it by lending a hand as a volunteer. Many projects rely on the generosity of donors and volunteers to keep running and making an impact. 
    • Learn yoga and meditation: What better place to learn about yoga and meditation than in the birth country of the first buddha? Yoga and meditation are a daily practise for many Nepali people, and you’ll have the chance to really learn about the practise while you’re there. Who knows, it may become a daily ritual for you too!
    • Explore a stunning country: Have you ever seen a picture of the Himalayas? If not, open a tab and Google it. If a picture online is enough to leave you breathless, imagine the magnitude of exploring this beautiful country in the flesh. 
    • Meet new people: Whether it’s with locals, other volunteers or the people you meet along the way, you’ll have the chance to make new connections with people from all over the world. 
    • Learn something new: Have you always wanted to learn about organic farming or wanted to put your teaching skills into practice? Volunteering gives you a chance to upskill and try new things. 
    • Follow your passions: If you’re reading this, no doubt you’re drawn to volunteering because there’s a passion for something bubbling away inside you. Whether that’s travel, learning a language, helping people or supporting the environment, find your passions and follow them. 

    Before You Volunteer in Nepal

    adventure list nepal mountain

    Before you arrive in Nepal, you’ll need to organise a few things. I’m not just talking about what to pack, you also need to know about visas and vaccinations. 

    Visas 

    Nepal doesn’t have a specific volunteering visa, but you can volunteer on a tourist visa! A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival in Nepal, you just can’t do paid work with it. These visas are granted for 30 days, but can be extended for a maximum stay of 150 days per calendar year. 

    It’s a safe bet to check with your project hosts to see if they have a local perspective, or a suggestion on what their other volunteers usually do.

    Vaccinations 

    Before we get into this, know that we are travel experts and not medical doctors. It’s always worth having a chat with a doctor or travel nurse to see what vaccinations or medical advice would serve you on a trip abroad. 

    A vaccination against typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B is recommended. Its also worth considering a rabies shot!

    Mosquitos are never a good time, and to make it worse, some of those buggers in Nepal carry Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis. Your doctor may advise you to get a jab or take meds if you’re travelling to certain regions, but whatever approach you take, try and avoid getting bitten in the first place by wearing loose, long clothing and using repellant. 

    There is no risk of yellow fever in Nepal, but you may need to show proof of vaccination if you are arriving from a high-risk area.

    Nepal at a Glance

    • Currency – Nepalese Rupee
    • Conversion – $1 USD = 122.59 Nepalese Rupee (As of March 2022)
    • Capital City – Kathmandu
    • Official Language – Nepali language

    Fun Fact! The Nepali language is spoken as the mother tongue by 44.64% of the population. Following Nepali, there is Maithili (11.67%), Bhojpuri (5.89%) and Tamang (5.77%). All up, there are 123 languages spoken as mother tongues in Nepal.

    Costs of Volunteering in Nepal 

    Most volunteer projects in Nepal will charge a fee per day to cover the costs of food, accommodation and other necessities, while others charge an outright fee to cover the costs of organising volunteers. 

    It might sound odd that you need to pay to volunteer, but this is common practice around the world! Consider it like a donation, an extension of your goodwill or the cost of everyday living. 

    The actual costs of these programs vary depending on how you organise your trip. The cost can start from $5 per day, and can range up to $100 per day (for the projects that include everything such as transport etc… note this is at the high end!)

    Make sure you remember all the other extra costs of living in Nepal like your flight tickets, travel insurance, exploring, emergency funds and a little bit of cash for fun.

    Choosing a Volunteer Project in Nepal

    Durbar Square, Nepal

    When you’re starting to look for a project, start by thinking about what you like and what you’re good at. The best project for you will be one that involves using your skills for a cause that you care about. That’s where the magic happens, baby. 

    • Teaching English – This could involve teaching your own class, assisting a local teacher or working on an education project that is about language immersion. You may need to have an education background or TEFL qualification for some projects.
    • Construction projects – If you’ve got a background in construction, there are many projects who could make use of your capable hands. Build a community centre or a village home, its all beneficial work!
    • Permaculture/Farm work – Green thumbs, you’ll have many opportunities to work with the land on a farming or permaculture project. 
    • Social Projects – There are a lot of people in Nepal fighting the good fight who run social projects to uplift their community. Get involved and make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
    • Organisational support – There are non profit groups and projects in Nepal that could use your skills to improve the service and support they offer. You could help out with doing social media, marketing, web development, copywriting, administrative support fundraising or advocacy. 
    • Environmental projects – If you love mama earth and want to help save her, get involved with an environmental project and do your part. 

    While you look through the volunteer projects in Nepal, you’ll notice that many projects need volunteers in different roles. You could choose a particular project and have the option of working in an organic garden, teaching children English, working on their social media presence or doing some construction work. This kind of project means you may have a chance to help in a few different ways. 

    Take a long think about how long you are able to commit to your volunteering adventure. Be it a few days or a few months, there are projects that will suit everyone.

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    Top Volunteer Projects in Nepal

    Okay, now we’ve covered the stuff you need to know before you get there, let’s take a look at some of the amazing volunteer projects in Nepal that are on the hunt for volunteers. 

    Humanitarian Nepal

    Humanitarian Nepal, Nepal
    • Opportunity: Teaching assistance, social project
    • Location: Kathmandu

    This volunteer project is based in the bustling Nepali capital city of Kathmandu. You’ll be involved in social and educational projects that support the local community. Lend a hand in a local classroom, provide teaching assistance at a local school, and work alongside monks in training.

    This opportunity gives you a unique chance to see what is involved for those who dedicate themselves to the teachings of Buddha. When you volunteer in Nepal with Global Work and Travel, they will sort out all of the details for you, including airport transfers and accommodation, so this is a good option for someone who wants to have the pros sort out the hard stuff. 

    Trek & Teach

    Trek and Teach, Nepal
    • Opportunity: Teaching English to Nepali children, trekking the Langtang track
    • Location: Langtang Region (Fly into Nepal)

    This trekking and teaching combo is in the Langtang Region of Nepal and perfect for adventure seekers.

    Picture this: You and your group trek through the spectacular peaks and valleys of the Himalayas, helping teach English in local schools and contribute to sustainable social change. For those wanting to volunteer in Nepal, support local communities, and see some spectacular sights along the way – this project is the way to do it.

    Global Work and travel will also sort out all the logistics for you, so you can relax into your volunteer duties and immerse yourself in the relaxed and welcoming Nepali lifestyle without having to think about planning. 

    Community Project near Chitwan National Park

    Community Project near Chitwan National Park, Nepal
    • Opportunity: Social media, gardening, art, web development, teaching
    • Location: Chittahi, near Chitwan National Park.

    Are you keen to contribute to a community project and be immersed in nature? This project near Chitwan National Park is a farm, garden and fun park that aims to bring tourism to a rural area. The way you contribute to the project depends on you and your strengths. They are looking for volunteers with a knack for social media marketing, web design, gardening, farming, teaching, art projects and community development. Something for everyone, right? 

    Whatever your skills, they can use them for the betterment of the community, as they see hosting volunteers as an opportunity to learn and exchange cultures. You even have the chance to do a yoga and meditation course while there! Explore the incredible Chitwan National Park, and join in the organised day trips to go swimming, cycling, and on safari. 

    Learn Organic Farming Techniques in the Himalayas

    Learn Organic Farming Techniques in the Himalayas, Nepal
    • Opportunity: Farm work
    • Location: Panauti

    Have you got a green thumb, or are you keen to learn about organic farming? This project in Panauti has an organic garden that you can help tend to. They need helping hands with planting, weeding, collecting herbs, watering, ploughing, sowing seeds and other farm related tasks. If you’re more of a fungi kind of fun-guy, they are also starting to grow shiitake mushrooms. 

    As a volunteer you’ll learn how to manage an organic farm, put some permaculture concepts into practise and get to exchange ideas on innovative farming, all the while living in a beautiful space in the Himalayas. 

    If getting your hands dirty isn’t your thing – the same host has a few other volunteer positions up on Worldpackers that involve social media, website development and guest house assistance. 

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    DIY Volunteering in Nepal

    For those who prefer to do things off the beaten track in life, you might prefer to find your own volunteer project, DIY style. You can still support a range of different projects in a number of ways, just like if you went through a third party platform. 

    This is a good approach if you have something specific in mind (or you enjoy spending a long time trawling the internet). It might take you a bit longer to get there, but it’s well and truly worth it when you find the perfect volunteer project for you. 

    There are lots of ways you can do this. A good place to start is with a simple Google search. The more specific your search is, the better. Try something like “NGOs in Pokhara” or “Dog Shelter Kathmandu” and see what you find. 

    It’s also worth checking Facebook groups, community noticeboards and hostel common rooms when you’re in Nepal to see if you find any leads of people looking for volunteers. 

    You might notice that many NGO’s do not accept volunteers. Often the organisation does not have enough resources to organise and train volunteers to help them out. If you find a group doing great work and you want to support them, the best way to do this may be by making a donation. 

    Kat Centre

    Kat Centre, Nepal
    Photo: Kat Centre

    Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre (KAT) is an animal shelter and charity working to raise awareness of inhumane treatment of street dogs, and provide them the love and care they deserve. They do this by running a sterilisation program to reduce the street dog population, provide medical and health care to needy animals, community education and a public adoption program.

    As a volunteer, you can help out by caring for the animals, content writing and social media support, research, adoption planning and medical assistance, if you have a vetinary background. 

    The Women’s Foundation Nepal

    Nepal’s society is deeply patriarchal, and women and girls face discrimination in many aspects of life. The Women’s Foundation Nepal is a non profit organisation working to help women and children experiencing violence, abuse and poverty. 

    They provide shelter and support, access to education, business loans and empowerment and work towards equality by lobbying the government and community groups for representation. They do invaluable work in the community, though there is a long way to go before they achieve their organisational goals. 

    They accept volunteers with professional backgrounds in marketing, communications, accounting, business administration, teaching and childcare. If you’ve got experience in these areas, you can be a part of a movement fighting for equality for women and girls in Nepal. 

    Rebuild Nepal – Ongoing Earthquake Relief

    The 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal and killed an estimated 10,000 people. As many as 800,000 homes were destroyed and communities were left without the essentials. While many necessities such as drinking water, food, clothing & medicine have since been restored, the re-building efforts are ongoing even seven years on, and the COVID-19 pandemic has meant many programs have run to a halt. There are many organisations working to support the ongoing effort to rebuild.

    One of them is Conscious Impact, a volunteer-led initiative. They run a monthly program, and ask that volunteers raise money to put back into the community and to cover the cost of hosting them.

    People with a background in construction and/or the ability to do heavy, physical work will be able to have the biggest impact on a project like this. 

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    What to Expect When Volunteering in Nepal

    I can’t tell you exactly what to expect when you volunteer in Nepal, as the specifics are going to vary depending on the project. Be sure to reach out to your organiser if you have super specific queries.

    Accommodation

    Most volunteer projects will put you up in dorm style accommodation with other volunteers. This might be in a local hostel, guest house or a family home. If you need to organise your own accommodation, have a chat with your host and see if they have any suggestions.

    You might find that their suggestions are more affordable than looking through HostelWorld, Airbnb and Booking.com – though those are great options too!

    Days Off and Work Hours 

    These details will vary – of course. Most projects will expect you chip in at least 20 hours of work per week, and will give you 1-2 days off where you can chill out or explore what the area has to offer. 

    Getting Around

    Buses are a pretty reliable way to get around Nepal. In saying that, traffic can be bad or the route may be delayed by something unexpected like an accident, livestock on the highway or a landslide. It may take a while, but take a deep breath and accept that it’s part of the package when you’re travelling in Nepal.

    If you prefer to avoid public transport, you can arrange private transportation pretty easily once you arrive. Your hosts may be able to help with this!

    Do’s and Don’ts

    • Do greet people with “namaste”. This is a respectful and polite way to greet people in Nepal, while you hold the palms of your hands upright and together in front of your chest. You can use this for goodbye too!
    • Do eat with your hands. Sure, this may be different to how you do at home, but eating a plate of dahl baht with your hands is typical in Nepal. Avoid using your left hand though…
    • Do get used to eating beige food. This isn’t meant to turn you off, but expect your diet might lack some colour for a while. What the food lacks in colour, it makes up for in taste.
    • Do say yes to new opportunities! You’ll learn a lot if you say yes.
    • Do wake up early. There must be something in the air in Nepal, but even people who struggle to get out of bed in the mornings (ahem….me) will love the early mornings in Nepal.
    • Do go trekking. If you have the chance to go on a hike, don’t miss the opportunity!
    • Don’t slack off. Remember, you’re there to volunteer not just on holiday. If you want to go to Nepal to chill, consider a different type of trip instead.
    • Don’t wear your shoes inside temples or Nepali homes.
    • Don’t skip out on street food. From fresh samosas to alo parata and chana masala, eating delicious street food is a must. If it’s freshly made, you’re all good.
    • Don’t forget to have fun! Yeah sure, you’re there to volunteer, but you can have fun while you’re at it!

    Final Thoughts 

    If you’re thinking of volunteering in Nepal, hopefully, this write up has answered any questions you had and pointed you in the direction of amazing programs you can be a part of!

    Happy travels, and namaste. 

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