Project Leaders
Volunteer in Nepal

Niraj Shrestha - National Coordinator

Niraj is from a distinguished Newar family steeped in cultural and artistic traditions. He has many years of experience working with visitors to Nepal through his time with one of Nepal's original Rafting and Trekking operators. He has an ability to ensure the best possible results from any endeavour and is very experienced in supplying the best and most appropriate support to each and every volunteer, and each and every placement. He is the definitive Nepali mover and shaker; the man who ensures things don’t go wrong, but somehow has acquired a lot of experience in putting them right!

Gopal Karki - Project Staff

Gopal was born and brought up in the Everest region and has an infectious love for the great outdoors in Nepal. In the last seven years Gopal has led many treks for the tour operator, Himalayan Encounters, and has now brought his skills and enthusiasm to the GVI Volunteer Programme.

Yagya Bhetwal - Project Staff

Yagya is from the lowlands of Chitwan and has exceptional knowledge of Nepal’s fauna and flora, and especially birdlife. He worked for sometime as an ornithologist at Chitwan National Park before returning to Kathmandu to work in tourism, and on the GVI Volunteer programme. Somehow he finds time for his family’s farm and has the true countryman’s instincts and skills for practical matters!

Tony Jones - Founder

Tony Jones heads the Rafting and Trekking Operations and is now considered an honorary Nepali, he is also the archetypal Englishman in the relaxed and slow moving environment of Nepal. Tony has been involved in a number of ways with various Nepali charities and NGO’s, and is committed to giving assistance where it is most needed.