About Nepal
Nepal is a landlocked country located in the heart of Asia on the slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges. It represents an enriching destination with very diverse geography, including Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain. Nepal is home to river valleys, forests, meadows and subtropical plains such as the Terai region. A great deal of incredible wildlife can also be found in Nepal, including many endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros and the snow leopard.
The official language of Nepal is Nepali and the capital is Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley is famous for its rich culture and heritage sites such as thousand-year-old temples, palaces, monasteries and other historical sites. Hinduism and Buddhism are the country’s two major religions and have a significant influence on the culture of the country.
Nepal is one of the least developed countries in the world and faces many challenges, such as poverty and natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. Some of these issues are due to Nepal’s isolation while others grew from political instability as Nepal recently transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic at the end of the decade-long civil war in 2008. The natural disasters that Nepal is affected by impact its development as well.
Advice before volunteering in Nepal
Although English is spoken in urban and touristic areas, learning some basic Nepali phrases will allow you to communicate with the locals better and will show respect for the culture and community.
Ensure that you care for and prioritize your health and safety by checking with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute regarding any necessary vaccines or medication. Be aware of the risks of altitude sickness as well and take precautions if necessary.
Weather conditions can vary widely depending on the region and time of year you go so be sure to do your research beforehand and pack accordingly.
Is it safe to volunteer in Nepal?
All the projects are very safe and you will have support, guidance and emergency help 24/7. Nevertheless, you should always exercise caution in an unfamiliar place. Be aware of petty theft such as pickpocketing in crowded areas. Take any necessary precautions against altitude sickness and mosquito borne diseases as well.
Requirements to volunteer in Nepal
In order to volunteer in Nepal, you must be 16+, have at least proficient English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.
How can I help in Nepal?
Nepal faces many challenges and there are many ways to help. The earthquakes have created a need for volunteers to help construct and repair houses, buildings, etc. In addition, Nepal has high poverty rates so any efforts to support communities, such as teaching English, are greatly appreciated.
Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal
Discover volunteering opportunities in Nepal. Particularly, discover community construction projects. Since the country is under constant seismic threat, the goal of volunteering programs in construction is to help communities recover from earthquakes. Among volunteering projects, you can also find a summer camp.
Join a volunteer program in Nepal!
Please check with your doctor or travel clinic in regards to the vaccinations you need for your project destination. You can also check the pasteur institute for the up-to-date health recommendation per destination at this link
For any international project, Freepackers Care requires the subscription of a travel insurance including the coverage of accidents, diseases, repatriation and includes civil liability in case of damage to third parties.
You can subscribe online with our partner CHAPKA, which offers 5% discount with this link. If you subscribe to another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
For complete protection during studies or an internship abroad, you can subscribe to Cap Student insurance online by following this link. This insurance also includes civil liability in the context of an activity abroad.
