Overview
Volunteer and Adventure in Nepal

This programme combines four weeks of volunteer work on popular community projects with a two-week trek to the base camp of Mount Everest. Staying with a local family, the volunteer work includes teaching various subjects at a local school, working at an orphanage or getting involved at a community youth centre. No matter what you do, the placements are challenging, worthwhile, great fun and allow you to meet some inspiring people in a beautiful area.

At the end of the first month you will return to Kathmandu to be briefed on the trek to Everest Base Camp. The 14-day return trip will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet to see one of the world’s most renowned mountains.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

The most positive experiences I had volunteering for GVI would have to be just simply living with and getting to know the Nepali people. Their way of life, response to life and general outlook on life is so inspiring and so beautiful that you can't help but fall in love with the people and the place. The children I taught and worked with at the youth club with made me discover a love and joy in children I never knew I had.

Margo, 2007 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Aside from providing invaluable help with hands on work, volunteers provide a vital source of funding to the project. Through volunteer contributions, funds are made available to the different projects with which GVI works. This especially applies to the children’s homes, most of whom have very limited resources and no regular income.

Highlights

Being immersed in the Nepali culture, learning the language and culture during the orientation in Kathmandu, teaching and helping incredible children across the country, undertaking the challenge of trekking to Everest Base Camp.

Location

For such a small country, Nepal has contains remarkable outdoor adventure opportunities and amazing cultural diversity. High up in the Himalaya mountains of Nepal, your orientation begins in Nepal’s capital city Kathmandu, then moves to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. You will have a chance to explore the Kathmandu Valley and enjoy the temples, trekking and white water rafting that the area has to offer. You will then be placed at one of the various project locations around this beautiful country and will gain a personal insight into the Nepali people and culture during your stay.

Field Conditions

The accommodation varies throughout the trip from hotel accommodation (first night), host family stays (during orientation), to simple guesthouse accommodation. Participating in everyday Nepali life means a living a simple lifestyle, having a bed that’s not too hard in a room shared with not more than one other (same gender) and using water when needed (which is not always hot). Electricity is usually available but not always guaranteed. Cooking your own meal should you wish is welcomed and learning some Nepali recipes encouraged! In Nepal there is not always a very high value put on personal privacy but your own space will be respected, especially if it is seen that you are sensitive to Nepal custom, mores, taboos, etc.