About The Project
Want to volunteer in wondrous Nepal while also finding the time to fit in one of the world’s most iconic and amazing treks? Then this program delivers it all – with participants spending time working within impoverished Nepalese rural communities before heading out on either the Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp treks! This is an experience not to be missed – a best of both worlds in one of the most magical locations on earth. Volunteers will work on a variety of projects within communities, becoming immersed with the people and culture, before embarking on a trekking adventure. Funds received from the trekking tour go straight back to the community projects the volunteer has just been working on, creating a fantastic community project to benefit those in need while supplying an unforgettable volunteering and trekking experience. Nepal is the ultimate destination for mountaineers and trekkers, one where trekkers can now volunteer and help the impoverished communities in this amazing location.
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
See the Additional Info. section for information on the choice of trekking destinations.
How You Can Help
The objective of this program is to support and empower marginalized communities in Nepal. This fantastic program works in two extremely impoverished rural communities in the Kathamandu Valley. The trekking adventures were added to existing community volunteering programs to supply a wonderful trekking experience with all profits going straight back to fund the important work of the programs. This means volunteers on this program help through two important ways: their labor and through funding. Volunteers will work within the communities to supply essential support, working alongside local staff and volunteers. Participants will be hosted with friendly and experienced Nepalese host families where they will live while helping the community by teaching English in Monasteries, assisting in Orphanages or working with Women's Empowerment programs. This amazing home-stay experience gives volunteers the opportunity to become immersed in Nepali culture and language and provides a solid foundation for their travels.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and have the option to work in the following areas:
- Help teach basic English in Monasteries
- Support marginalized women
- Assist in Orphanages
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
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this program have the opportunity to experience Nepal's vibrant capital city during the comprehensive 3-day orientation. The city is a juxtaposition of urban sensory overload (traffic, people, sounds, smells) and serene temples.
Whilst on placement volunteers will be living and volunteering in the rural village locations either in Shivapuri National Park at the northern end of the Kathmandu Valley or in the Okhaldunga district in Everest region. Both regions showcase Nepal's incredible natural beauty and are an absolute treat for the international visitor!
During the trekking week volunteers have the option of embarking on treks in either Annapurna or Everest Base Camps (the later requires an internal flight the cost of which is additional). Annapurna lies near Pokhara in the North East of the country - a conservation area of unsurpassed natural beauty. Everest region lies to the North West of Kathmandu and is undeniably famous for its incredible mountain ranges and trekking opportunities.
Start Dates & Duration
This 5 week project is available year-round and programs start the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month with volunteers arriving on SUNDAY.
Volunteers can opt to participate on another program before or after this one.
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: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- 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 trekking in either Annapurna or Everest volunteers are accommodated in local tea-houses lodges and three meals per day are provided.
Fees
That’s just USD 63 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
Volunteers on this amazing program choose between 2 trekking location options:
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, 12 days
Local guides take you on paths less travelled through this Himalayan conservation sanctuary to experience breathtaking mountain scenery and gain a fascinating insight into modern Nepalese hill life. The trek follows local trails through forests, villages and terraced farmland, surrounded by massive glaciers and the souring peaks of Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and the fishtail peak of Machapuchare. A once in a lifetime experience!
Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, 12 days
Everest needs no introduction and its appeal for trekking is legendary. Following in the famous footsteps of Hilary and Tenzing and commencing with a 45 minute mountain flight (the cost of which is in addition to the program fee and is approximately US$400) into Lukla airstrip, the trek starts with a gradual ascent along the Dudh Kosi river valley up to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. Glimpses can be had of Everest as it rises above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. The trek takes visitors on an incredible journey, via Tengpoche monastery, to an ascent of Kala Pattar, a rocky outcrop to the west of Everest. This vantage point gives fantastic views of the Ice Fall and South Col as well as the immense south-west face of Everest which was first climbed in 1975 by Chris Bonington’s team. This is truly a classic trek which undoubtedly gives one of the best mountain views in the world.