You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Volunteer World Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Volunteer World Nepal offers comprehensive Nepali language and cultural training tailored for expatriates, volunteers, and research students eager to delve into Nepali culture. Our team of seasoned instructors will skillfully lead you through language acquisition while fostering a genuine understanding of Nepali communities. At Tour and Trekking Nepal, we furnish cutting-edge learning resources designed to provide profound insights into Nepal’s culture and way of life. Throughout your orientation and language sessions, you will be fully immersed in the local culture and language, creating a rich and authentic experience. This program is ideally suited for individuals seeking to maximize their time in Nepal and to engage with the country on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Kathmandu stands as the vibrant cultural nucleus of Nepal, an alluring haven for travellers since Nepal first welcomed outsiders within its borders. The city beautifully amalgamates elements of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influences within the encompassing Valley. Adjacent to this hub is Patan and Bhaktapur, two significant cities brimming with cultural and religious importance in Nepal’s tapestry.
An immersive guided excursion awaits, offering a complete day to explore the historical Durbar Square adorned with distinctive architecture and home to the revered Kumari, the living goddess. The journey continues to the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, followed by visits to the renowned ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and the Buddhists’ shrine of Buddhhanath. As dusk settles, an enriching pre-trip discussion is scheduled, where you will meet your trek leader and fellow adventurers, setting the stage for your forthcoming expedition.
We descend down along the winding road on the banks of the Trishuli River. After checking in to the hotel, there will be a briefing on the activities we will be engaged in during our stay in Chitwan. We then walk on the banks of the Rapti River to enjoy the sunset in the sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan. In the evening, we enjoy dinner along with a brief cultural program showcasing the tribal dances unique to the Chitwan region of Nepal.
Early in the morning, we will be mounted on elephants for a jungle safari through dense grasslands to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. After breakfast, we visit the elephant stables and even enjoy bathing the elephants. During the afternoon we can drive through the jungles followed by a canoe ride down the Rapti River. While canoeing, we may get a close look at the Gharial and Mugger crocodiles along with freshwater dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds. Or, we may even go for bird watching or nature walks and come closer to a variety of wild flora and fauna found in the park. Overnight in Chitwan.
Day 06: Drive to Lumbini from Chitwan:
Today we will depart for Lumbini “The birthplace of Lord Buddha” by a tourist bus for 5 to 6 hours passing through beautiful paddy farms, rivers, city etc. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
Day 07: Full Explore Day in Lumbini:
You will explore around holy Lumbini Garden, Mayadevi Temple “the birthplace of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha”, Museum and other many sacred monasteries, Stupa, and Debalaya, representative of different countries from the world. You may meditate for a few hours in the monastery or garden. A full day will be sufficient to look around the garden for the most attractive site. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
Day 08: Drive to Pokhara from Lumbini:
Drive to Pokhara, early in the morning by tourist bus or private vehicle with the amazing scenery of farmland, and city. Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist spots in Nepal. It offers a magnificent view of snowcapped mountains in the north and a city view of Pokhara with a beautiful lake. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
Day 09: Full Day Pokhara Sightseeing:
Early morning, we drive to Sarangkot for the sunrise. From Sarangkot, one can enjoy a clockwise view of snowcapped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, streams and gorges, and picturesque villages inhabited by friendly smiling Gurungs, Magars and other ethnic tribes. Afternoon, Sightseeing includes visits to nearby Tibetan villages, David’s Fall, Mahendra Cave, the famous Seti George and some beautiful temples like Bindhabasini Temple and Pokhara Museum. Sightseeing in Pokhara also includes a boat ride on Lake Phewa – Phewa Lake is the centre of all attractions in Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu:
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful northern skyline of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. This will be a journey along river banks with wonderful views of hills and the rural Nepalese lifestyle. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with the Volunteer Society Nepal staff. Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 11 – 20: Volunteering work could be started through any of the volunteering programs:
- Teaching in Schools or Monasteries.
- Centre for Disabilities/Special Education
- Construction and Manual Work Volunteer
- Sports/ Physical Education Internship
- Teaching English to Buddhist Monks
Day 21: Farewell Friend and Departure/Fly back to Home
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today. A Volunteer World Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
