Volunteer & Adventure Trip – 5 weeks

Trip Overview

Embark on a 5-week journey of a lifetime with our Volunteer and Adventure Package! Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal through a unique blend of homestays, community volunteer placements, thrilling jungle safaris, Kathmandu sightseeing, white water rafting, and awe-inspiring trekking in the Himalayas.

Trip Highlights

Flexible: Tailor your journey to match your dreams. Your adventure, your way!


Volunteering Opportunities: Ever thought about making a difference? Now's your chance! Immerse yourself in impactful volunteer work, creating lasting memories and connections with local communities.


Wildlife Safari Activities: Get ready for thrilling encounters with Nepal's incredible wildlife. From elephant back safaris to jungle walks, your adventure is packed with exciting activities.


Trekking in the Himalayas: Feel the exhilaration of trekking through stunning landscapes around the Annapurna region. Challenge yourself with a trekking adventure guided by experienced professionals.


Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Nepali culture. Are you ready to connect with locals and create lasting memories?


Join us on this epic journey, where every moment is a new adventure waiting to unfold!

Safety and Support

Curious about safety? Your well-being is our top priority. At VCD Nepal, we value the safety of our volunteers above all else. Our local coordinator and VCD team are dedicated to looking after you and ensuring that you stay safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout your time in Nepal. From the moment you arrive at the airport, our coordinator will be available to assist you with anything you may need. We provide a detailed orientation process as soon as you arrive in the country, ensuring that you are well-prepared for your volunteer experience.

Arrival Information

Upon your program start date, arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Look for a VCD Nepal coordinator holding a sign with your name, making it easy for you to spot them. They'll guide you to your accommodation, ensuring a smooth transition to your volunteer experience in Nepal.

Accommodation and meals

During your first few days in Kathmandu for orientation, you'll stay with a local host family or at a nearby guest house/hotel. The rooms are basic but comfortable, equipped with Western-style toilets, hot water, and free WiFi. Once your volunteer placement begins, you'll stay with local families in villages or cities, enjoying private rooms with basic furnishings. Meals, featuring Dal Bhat Tarkari, are served three times daily, with breakfast around 7 am, and lunch and dinner around 9 am and 7 pm, respectively.

In city areas, hosts provide amenities like Wi-Fi, western toilets, and hot showers. However, village hosting families may have limited facilities such as internet access, hot showers, or western toilets. Nonetheless, the village stay offers a unique, rustic experience. Participants can purchase bottled water or request filtered/boiled water.

During the adventure program, your accommodation and meals will be arranged at local guest houses or tea houses. You can buy bottled water or request filtered or boiled water from your host family.

Upon Arrival Orientation

Upon arrival, you'll undergo orientation to familiarize yourself with daily life in Nepal. You'll spend a couple of days at a host family or local hotel, meeting fellow volunteers, and adjusting after your flight. You'll have the chance to try local food and get ready for your placement. During orientation, you'll receive:

Language lessons
Information about cultural and gender issues in Nepal
Details about your placement
Insights into volunteering in Nepal
Introduction to Nepalese cuisine
A Kathmandu city tour, including famous sites like Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

This orientation ensures you're well-prepared to begin your volunteer work and immerse yourself in Nepali culture.

Itinerary: Your Amazing Adventure Begins!

This journey is all about you! Imagine this itinerary as a blank canvas waiting for your dreams. Share your travel wishes, and our expert planner will make them come true!

01 day: Arrival in Kathmandu
Your arrival in Kathmandu will be met with a warm welcome from our team at the airport, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. We'll be there to greet you, address any initial questions you may have, and promptly transfer you to your hotel for a comfortable stay.

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu's Magic!
Discover the enchanting city of Kathmandu with a day of sightseeing and cultural wonders. It's like entering a storybook of traditions and fascinating sights.

Day 3: Language and Cultural Orientation!
Immerse yourself in the local language and cultural information as you continue exploring Kathmandu. We'll share cultural insights and teach you some Nepali language, helping you adapt quickly to the vibrant local environment.

Days 4-5: Rafting and Safari Thrills!
Hold on tight for an exhilarating rafting adventure! Then, off to the Chitwan safari program for more excitement and wildlife wonders.

Day 6: Jungle Safari Extravaganza!
Picture a whole day filled with jungle safari activities – a wild adventure exploring nature's secrets. Get ready for a safari party like no other!

Day 7: Breakfast Bliss and Off to Pokhara!
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading to Pokhara for epic trekking. The mountains are calling, and you're in for a treat!

Days 8-9: Trekking Marvels!
Strap on your trekking boots for an Annapurna adventure. Breathtaking views, new friends, and the thrill of trekking await you!

Day 10: Back to Kathmandu Adventure's End!
Wrap up the trek, return to Kathmandu, and relive your mountain conquest. Celebrate the end of this incredible adventure!

Days 11-25: Volunteering Journey Begins!
Hit the road to your volunteering placement, where you'll make a difference for the next few weeks. Get ready for an exciting week of volunteering, dedicated to creating positive change and unforgettable memories. It's time to make a difference!

Day 26: Kathmandu Return and Relax!
Back in Kathmandu, it's time to unwind. Reflect on your volunteer adventures and get ready for the next chapter.

Days 27-33: More Volunteering Awesomeness!
Round two of making a difference – choose your program and dive back into the fulfilling world of volunteering.

Day 34: Market Exploration!
Take a break and explore the local market scene. Find hidden gems, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 35: Departure Day!
Your trip ends here as you prepare to leave. Our representative will assist with your airport transfer. See you on another volunteer journey with VCD Nepal soon. Safe travels!

Destination

Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara and Dhading

Included

  • Airport transfers

  • Accommodation and meals
  • 22 days of community volunteering placement
  • Sightseeing around Kathmandu
  • Language and cultural orientation
  • Public transportation to and from the placement
  • Half-day white water rafting
  • 3 days of trekking (2 nights accommodation in Pokhara, a professional trekking guide, trekking permit, TIMS permit, public transportation, 3 meals a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - while trekking, public transport back to Kathmandu)
  • 3 days Chitwan wildlife safari (2 nights accommodation in a jungle resort, 6 meals - 2 breakfast, 2 lunch & 2 dinner, elephant back safari, jungle walk, Tharu cultural dance, Tharu village walk, bird watching, canoe ride, elephant breeding center visit)

Excluded

  • Visa
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses

Questions & Answers

How do I get to Chitwan after I finish my volunteering placement?

We will arrange a tourist bus for you, departing in the morning at 7:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 5 hours to your jungle safari resort.

How will I find a hotel upon arrival in Chitwan?

A VCD Nepal representative will pick you up from the bus stop. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be welcomed warmly by the staff, and they will provide you with the activities itinerary for the next 3 days.

Do I need any special clothing or gear for the jungle safari?

Not really, but I advise you to bring mosquito repellent and sun protection.

How do I get back to Kathmandu after the safari?

Our local coordinator will arrange transportation for you to return to Kathmandu.

How do I get to Pokhara for trekking?

We will arrange a tourist bus, departing at 7:00 AM, for a 7-hour journey. Upon arrival, a VCD Nepal trekking guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. The guide will provide a briefing the evening before the trek.

What is the daily schedule during volunteering?

Depending on your chosen project, your day usually starts at 7 am with morning tea. The main meal is around 9:30 am, followed by work at the project site. The standard workweek is six days, with Saturdays off.

Can I choose my volunteering project?

Yes, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of projects based on your interests and skills.

Can I extend my stay in Chitwan after the safari?

Yes, you can customize your itinerary to extend your stay in Chitwan or any other destination.

What language is spoken during the cultural orientation?

The orientation is conducted in English, ensuring effective communication for all participants.

Are there medical facilities available during the safari?

Yes, the safari resort and local areas have access to medical facilities in case of emergencies.

What happens when I arrive at Kathmandu airport? Will someone from VCD Nepal pick me up and take me to my accommodation?

Absolutely! Your exciting volunteer and adventure journey begin in Kathmandu. Upon arrival, our VCD Nepal coordinator extends a warm meet and greet and smoothly transfers you to your comfortable accommodation. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Do I need any special trekking gear?

A good runner and warm jacket should be sufficient for this low-altitude trek. The need may vary by season, so please inform us in advance for tailored advice.

Where is my trekking route?

The 3-week volunteer trek package includes trekking around the Annapurna region. The route can be customized based on your preferences.

How do I get back to Kathmandu after trekking?

Upon completing the trek, your guide will drop you off at a hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara. The next morning, our local coordinator will pick you up around 7 am and transfer you to the bus to Kathmandu. The journey takes 7-8 hours, and upon arrival in Kathmandu, our volunteer coordinator will guide you to your Thamel accommodation. Remember, this adventure is yours to customize, so feel free to share your preferences, and let our experts tailor your journey accordingly!