28 Day Nepal Road Trip

WHY we need you in Nepal

teen group volunteers mountains

WHAT does 28 Day Nepal Volunteer Road Trip Involve?

IVI-volunteer-with-young-child-in-Nepal

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

IVI Volunteer teaching Nepalese Children

  PROJECT NAME: 28 DAY ROAD VOLUNTEER TRIP

LOCATION: KATHMANDU, CHITWAN, POKHARA & ANNAPURNA

  START DATES: 1ST  MONDAY, EACH MONTH

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE & GUEST HOUSE

  MIN DURATION: 28 DAYS

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required

Overview

Immerse yourself in this distinctive Nepalese experience, where you’ll engage in volunteer projects alongside local communities. Explore fascinating destinations like the Swoyambhunath Buddhist temple and the expansive Royal Chitwan National Park.

Embark on an exhilarating Trisuli River rafting adventure, take a scenic village hike in rural Kathmandu, and embark on a fulfilling 5-day trek to Poon Hill, offering unparalleled views of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges. Indulge in rejuvenating body and mind sessions with Yoga and Meditation, and delve into local markets during cultural introduction sessions.

See FAQ below for more info.

What is included in the program

  • Airport transfers as per the policy – Airport Pickup in Kathmandu – Tribhuvan International Airport
  • Presence of a dedicated program coordinator throughout your travel, at the projects and facilities- Logistical management support in case of emergencies
  • Authentic Nepali meals and European (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the duration of the entire program as per the meal plan
  • Accommodation at hotels, tea houses, and at our accommodation facility – Shared accommodation
  • Local transportation to all venues
  • Entry fees to all places
  • Extensive pre-departure information
  • Overland public local transportation

What is excluded in the program

  • Personal expenses such as table drinks, room service items, laundry, telephone calls, tips, portage at hotels or airport, bottles of water during your road travel etc.
  • Any additional expenses caused by or liability for the disturbance in the program due to circumstances, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, riots etc.
  • Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods.
  • Our program does not cover any liability and does not insure participants. Participants must have appropriate insurance before joining the program.
  • Any camera fee where applicable.
  • Any service not specified above.

Location

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is an incredible place! The contrast of decaying buildings, smell of incense, street sellers, historic temples and incredible mountain views will invigorate your senses and keep you inspired to learn more about the amazing history and culture. For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here. This small, mountain-sheltered valley is the historical centre of Nepal, a place where kingdoms rose and fell, where palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and where Nepali art and culture was developed and refined.

Project Tasks

  • Meet and get to know your fellow volunteers
  • Explore some of Nepal’s best sights
  • Spend time volunteering on local projects

Food & Accommodation

All accommodation is included during your stay on our program within the schedules/ itineraries provided. Your stay will be comfortable, clean and secure with basic modern amenities.

(First & last week)

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, the large volunteer center has 4 bedrooms which hold up to 12 people maximum, with 3 to 4 people sharing one room. They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room; live-in staff on call 24/7; a garden complete with a comfortable covered area and 24/7 security.  

Centrally located, there are several gym’s nearby as well as local supermarkets, ATM’s, mobile phone shops etc.   For couples or those wanting more privacy, there are upgrade accommodation options available for an additional cost (approx US $150 p/room p/week).  This must be booked well in advance and is subject to availability. 

Kathmandu accommodation includes 3 Meals p/day weekdays,  2 Meals p/day weekends (mostly vegetarian cuisine), 4-6 persons p/room and Wifi in public areas- quality is not the best though. You may want to purchase a local SIM data plan. There is also a T.V, DVD player, computer, Laundry facilities (at an additional fee), Lockable rooms, Hot shower, Private bathrooms, Bed Linen (no towels), Mosquito protection and Fans (no air-con).

(Second & third week)

You’ll stay in a local guest houses and/or tea houses along defined trekking routes. The rooms at the guest houses will generally accommodate 2 to 4 people on sharing basis, single gender. Single rooms are available if booked in advance and at extra cost. Hand washing your clothes will be a necessity. 

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can chose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.

Testimonials...

FAQ

This is a great all round project, combining both adventure, cutlure and volunteering. It’s a great way to meet new people if travelling solo. 

  • Arrival  airport transfer
  • 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
  • Accommodation (Volunteer Centers – shared dorm style rooms)
  • Daily ground transportation (to/from project)
  • Training & supervision as required
  • Use of necessary equipment incl program materials
  • 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
  • Touring & excursions as per itinerary
  • Certificate of Completion 
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Airfares & visa fees
  • Additional tours, souvenirs, spending money
  • Some daily local transport (depending on program eg. $2 p/day)

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.

If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.

Week 1

Day 1: Monday

Rituals, sign the documents, do’s and don’ts and an assignment

Day 2: Tuesday

Language, cross culture introduction, tour to Swoyambhunath followed by a movie night

Day 3: Wednesday

Yoga and meditation session, a cooking class & Scavanger Hunt

Day 4: Thursday

Presentation of Scavanger hunt, Kritipur Tour followed by a Cultural Night

Day 5: Friday

Hiking

Day 6: Saturday

Free time for you to relax.

Day 7: Sunday

Free time for you to relax.

Week 2

Day 8: Monday

Drive to Charaudi and start White water rafting

Day 9: Tuesday

Continue rafting, drive to Chitwan

Day 10: Wednesday

Jungle activities

Day 11: Thursday

Jungle activities

Day 12: Friday

Drive to Pokhara – visit lake side and get necessary items for trekking.

Day 13: Saturday

Free time for you to relax.

Day 14: Sunday

Drive to Nayapul and trek for 3 to 4 hours to Tirkhedhunga.

Week 3

Day 15: Monday

Trek to Ghodepani for 6 to 7 hours (steps uphill)

Day 16: Tuesday

Get up early in the morning to see the sun rise at Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani for 5 hours

Day 17: Wednesday

Trek about 6 hours to Tolka via Ghandruk – Landruk

Day 18: Thursday

Trek about 5 to 6 hours to Phedi and drive to Pokhara enjoy the massage

Day 19: Friday

Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus for about 8 hours

Day 20: Saturday

Free time for you to relax.

Day 21: Sunday

Free time for you to relax.

Week 4

Day 22-26: Monday to Friday

Community Work in Kathmandu

You will get the chance to give back to Nepal by helping out in some of our projects. Your options to choose from:

  • Teaching in Local Schools
  • Renovation projects
  • Organic Farm/Community Development

Day 27: Saturday

Transfer to Tribhuvan Int’l airport

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Weekly program lineup may be changed depending on various conditions on ground.

The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.

Additional Requirements

Due to the nature of the program, a decent level of fitness is required.

Additional Equipment

We recommend following equipment and items to pack for your trekking trip.

For head

  • Sun Hat / baseball cap
  • Fleece/Wool hat (to cover ears) for winter
  • Sunglasses & reading glasses
  • Scarf to cover face (dust/wind)

For lower Body

  • Under garments
  • Hiking shorts – 1
  • Lightweight walking pants – 1
  • Light weight thermal leggings – winter
  • Fleece or tracksuit pants

For Feet

  • Thin cotton inner socks
  • Thick warm wool hiking socks
  • Hiking boots
  • Sandals
  • Walking poles

For Upper Body

  • T-shirts
  • Lightweight thermal tops – winter
  • Fleece long shelve tops
  • Down vest/jacket – winter
  • Poncho rain cover

For Hands

  • Lightweight fleece gloves – winter
  • Playing card
  • Trail map & guide book

For Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Pillow slip/case

Medical Kit

  • See your Doctor for complete medical kit Including Dimox – for high elevation

Accessories

  • Headlamp & spare batteries
  • Dry packs
  • Open neck water bottles
  • Watch with light & alarm
  • Pack cover
  • Day pack
  • Money belt
  • Toiletries & Personal Hygiene
  • 1x quick dry towel & face cloth
  • Shampoo & Conditioner                  
  • Toothbrush & paste (biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose wipes (face & body)
  • Deodorant
  • Face & Body moisturizer
  • Nail clippers/file
  • Small comb/brush
  • Clothes washing soap (biodegradable)
  • Toilet paper (you can buy more on trek)
  • Anti-Bacterial wipes (4x packs)
  • Hand sanitizer (small bottle)
  • Sun block face/body high UV protection
  • Lip block with UV protection
  • Feminine hygiene products

Extra Items

  • Camera & extra batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Reading books
  • Journal & pen                          
  • Energy/protein bars
  • Walkman & Steripen

***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.*** 

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: NP – Holidays – All Programs

 

Nepal is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world.  Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s.  It is home to Mount Everest, the birthplace of Buddha, and an astonishingly beautiful landscape, ranging from the well-known peaks of the Himalaya to the low-lying regions of the Terai.

The Nepali people are as diverse at the geography, with over 70 languages or dialects and scores of traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year.

However, Nepal is also one of the most under-developed countries in the world, with low rates of literacy, high rates of poverty and a persistent gender imbalance. The government is frequently unable to provide adequate education and health facilities throughout the country and both urban and rural areas are forced to live without necessary resources to promote growth and development of their communities.

Nepal is a year round destination, and the cliate can vary between the North and South regions. The best overall times to visit are during spring and autumn (particually for trekking).

December to Febuary is winter, and it can get extremely cold in the mountains (down to sub zero). Summer in this region has a pleasent temperature but still bring some warmer clothing for the evenings. 

Summer in southern Nepal can get extremely hot (plus 40°C) in some areas. Winter temperatures in this area can range from 7°C to 23°C.

Kathmandu has a pleasent climate on average. The monsoon rains start from June to September in Nepal. 

The majority of Nepalis are either Hindus or Buddhists, but there are many other religions here too like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism. You will find many temples and monasteries around Nepal. The right hand is used for important things such as passing money, eating and the giving of gifts. 

Nepalese people love their food and much of it has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cultures. Nepali people have a lot of respect for elders and will call each other didi (“older sister”), bahini (“younger sister”), etc, even if they are not actually related. The family unit is very strong and having a close knit family is important for the local people. 

30 Years Non Profit Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits.   Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed. 

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact.   All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
 

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points.   Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

Weekends & Extra Tours

Ready to Volunteer in Nepal?