From its sweeping views of the Himalayas to its charming villages and golden temples, Nepal gets your attention at every glance — and entices you to stay. If you want to go and help out this great country, you can do your part by volunteering.
Here’s all you need to know to volunteer in Nepal:
Things to Know Before You Volunteer in Nepal
Sandwiched between China and India, Nepal is a landlocked nation known for Mount Everest. Mount Everest is known as Sagarmatha to most Nepalis and Chomolungma to Tibetans.
The country’s welcoming people, gorgeous nature, and abundance of historical and cultural sites make it a prime destination for travelers and volunteers alike. This is also where Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born (in the gardens of Lumbini).
Never colonized, Nepal is a fiercely proud country with a culture that’s distinctly its own. Come ready to experience it.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
From the cities to the countryside and mountainous areas, there are many places to volunteer in Nepal. Here are five:
1. Teach English in Nepal
Being able to speak English opens up great career opportunities for young people in Nepal, like jobs in tourism, which plays a major role in the economy. Unfortunately, many schools don’t have the resources to properly educate students in the language.
Featured Program: International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ)
IVHQ in Nepal offers a rewarding Teaching English Volunteer Program where volunteers live with host families in Kathmandu or Chitwan. Participants teach English and other subjects in local schools, making a significant impact on students’ futures. The program runs from 1 to 12 weeks, with start dates every first and third Monday. Volunteers need no prior experience but should be fluent in English. This program is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in Nepali culture while contributing to education and gaining valuable teaching experience.
2. Community Development in Nepal
Poverty is still widespread in Nepal, especially in rural communities. Such areas require more resources to take action and solve big problems. You can be a part of the answer when you volunteer in Nepal in a community development program. From building health clinics and schools to establishing strategies for sustainable development and greater economic opportunity, you can help communities across Nepal get on the path to a brighter future.
Featured Program: GoEco
GoEco in Nepal has a great Construction and Rebuilding Volunteer Program, ideal for hands-on volunteers eager to make a lasting impact. Based in Kathmandu, participants work on renovation and construction projects at schools, children’s homes, and community centers. Tasks include building walls, painting, carpentry, and more. The program lasts from two to eight weeks, offering a tangible way to enhance local infrastructure and improve living standards. Volunteers live in shared accommodations, fostering a community spirit as they work towards a brighter future for Nepal’s children and communities.
3. Disaster Relief in Nepal
In April 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. It killed nearly 9,000 people, injured 22,000, and left roughly 3 million requiring assistance. Though much progress has been made, more work remains. Ensure those impacted by this disaster can secure a better future by participating in a disaster relief project.
Featured Program: Projects Abroad
If you’re looking for a tangible way to make a difference, Projects Abroad’s building program in Nepal is for you! You’ll help rebuild schools damaged or destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. Your work will help create a safe space for children to learn, providing them with a firm foundation for their education.
You don’t need previous skills to join, and you’ll work closely with local builders who will teach you everything you need to know to do the work. Projects Abroad has an in-country staff that is available 24/7 to support and guide you.
4. Helping Domestic Animals in Nepal
Nepal’s rich culture and stunning landscapes are home to countless domestic animals in need. From stray dogs to working animals, many face challenges such as neglect, injury, and malnutrition. By volunteering in Nepal, you can support efforts to care for and rehabilitate these animals, ensuring they receive the medical attention, shelter, and love they deserve. Your work will help improve the lives of Nepal’s domestic animals, making a lasting impact on the communities and the animals they depend on.
Featured Program: Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)
IVI’s Stray Dog Rehabilitation program in Nepal offers a meaningful way to support abandoned and mistreated dogs in Kathmandu. Volunteers assist in dog rehabilitation centers by feeding, cleaning, and caring for the dogs, helping prepare them for adoption. The program also involves community outreach to promote animal welfare. Volunteers live in a shared volunteer house, with meals provided. This program is perfect for animal lovers eager to make a difference, offering a rewarding experience while addressing the urgent needs of Nepal’s stray dog population.
5. Health Care Services in Nepal
The poorest areas in Nepal suffer from a lack of medical resources to adequately treat people. Geographic and infrastructure challenges only worsen the issue. Supply medical assistance to those who need it most by being a medical volunteer in Nepal.
Featured Program: Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)
VolSol’s Medical Internship in Nepal offers a hands-on experience for pre-med, medical, and nursing students in Kathmandu. Interns work alongside local doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics, assisting with procedures like suturing, vaccinations, and patient check-ups, depending on their skills. The program runs weekdays, with weekends free to explore Nepal. Interns stay in shared accommodations, with meals provided. This internship is ideal for students seeking practical healthcare experience in a developing country, while also immersing themselves in Nepal’s rich culture and scenic beauty.
Have an Awesome Experience as a Volunteer in Nepal
You have many ways to apply your skills and knowledge as a volunteer in Nepal, whether it’s working with children or assisting at an animal rescue center. As long as you take some time to search, you can find a dream program that suits your budget and passion. And you’ll be on your way to Nepal!
Volunteer Forever ยท Editorial Team
The mission of Volunteer Forever is to make it easier for people to volunteer, teach, intern, and travel around the world by helping them find and fund their trips abroad.