• Good Health And Well-Being

Real Nepal Experience

location
4 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Join us in 2024 - 7th July & 4th August
  • Stroll through the medieval city squares of Kathmandu
  • Take in the fabulous panoramic city views from Monkey Temple

Highlights

  • Join us in 2024 - 7th July & 4th August
  • Stroll through the medieval city squares of Kathmandu
  • Take in the fabulous panoramic city views from Monkey Temple
  • White-water raft down the Trisuli river with your team
  • Enjoy five days trekking in the Annapurna region of the Himalayan mountains

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Groups

    About the program

    This epic adventure includes 28 days exploring colourful Kathmandu, trekking the Himalayas, bicycle tours in Chitwan and volunteering in Pokhara. Phew!

    Join the gap year Nepal experience for an epic adventure, combining travel with community volunteering. Tick off all the “must-see” opportunities that this intriguing country has to offer. From exploring the colourful temples and markets of Kathmandu, trekking through the mighty Himalayas, to ...

    About the program

    Join the gap year Nepal experience for an epic adventure, combining travel with community volunteering. Tick off all the “must-see” opportunities that this intriguing country has to offer. From exploring the colourful temples and markets of Kathmandu, trekking through the mighty Himalayas, to discovering the charm and wildlife in Chitwan. The whole experience will be fun, diverse and culturally enriching. Meanwhile, you'll also be making a positive impact on the local community.

    SUMMARY OF THE REAL NEPAL EXPERIENCE

    The Real Nepal Experience offers ambitious individuals the opportunity to join together and embark on a thrilling adventure across Nepal. Our local team provides a structured, fast-paced and thrilling group itinerary across a number of amazing sites around the country. Your group will also dedicate time to volunteering projects to give back to local communities, developing and showcasing your skills. On the gap year Nepal experience, you will arrive in Nepal on a set date, joining your group before travelling and volunteering across a 4 week period. This makes the PMGY Experience trips ideal for anyone who wishes to explore and engage in new experiences in the company of others.

    Individuals on this experience trip have the unique chance to explore different aspects of this vibrant country, from exploring the wildlife on safari in Chitwan, hiking through the Himalayas to visiting ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples. Your adventure will pan across the best sites in the entire country, before dedicating your time to meaningful volunteer projects. Across this 28-day itinerary, be prepared for breathtaking sites, friends for life and complete cultural immersion. The gap year Nepal experience is perfect for anyone looking to travel within a safe, structured and social environment.

    From one destination to the next, you won’t need to worry about a thing. All your in-country transport and accommodation will be arranged by our local teams on the gap year Nepal experience. This helps to ensure that your experience abroad is as smooth as possible. Our team will arrange numerous activities for you to enjoy and engage in during your trip. For any spare time, our local experts will be able to help you discover the impressive range of activities you can get involved in during your trip to Nepal. A portion of your time will also be dedicated to making a difference within a community in Nepal. This will allow you to put your skills and enthusiasm into practice to make a meaningful difference to local communities overseas.

    The trip’s group set-up makes the gap year Nepal experience an exceptional social occasion. You have the chance to meet individuals from across the globe, forming friendships that will last a lifetime. You will stay together for your entire adventure, sharing moments and memories that will stay with you forever. You will also have the chance to immerse yourself with members of the local community, making your gap year programs in Nepal even more special.

    EXPLORING NEPAL

    Nepal is simply sublime. From the colourful, fluttering prayer flags to the ever-present dramatic mountainous backdrop, this awe-inspiring country beguiles travellers. It has been a hotspot for intrepid travellers for decades. Whilst the world has changed, Nepal is still catching up – one of the many reasons that make it such a fascinating country. The landscape is diverse and harsh yet beautiful beyond belief.

    Many of the Nepalese people live in poverty, yet remain as proud and welcoming as ever. You may leave the country at the end of your gap year Nepal experience, but you are certain never to forget it. The huge earthquake that struck on 25th April 2015 had a devastating effect. Nevertheless, Nepal has slowly bounced back with a strong, determined spirit. It is now considered very safe to travel to Nepal and as you travel the breadth of the country, you will probably not be aware there was a recent earthquake.

    The gap year Nepal experience starts in the bustling capital of Kathmandu. Meanwhile, we will prepare you for the upcoming weeks through a combination of cultural briefings, language lessons and sightseeing. The trip continues onto Pokhara for a 5 day trek through the spectacular Himalayan mountain scenery, stopping on the way for a full day of white-water rafting.

    After that, we then move onto Chitwan National Park where we will take a walk through the jungle and a bicycle tour around 20,000 lakes (a.k.a Bishazari Tal) and indigenous villages, followed by a 10 day volunteering placement, before returning to Kathmandu to complete the gap year Nepal Experience. Phew!

    Your group will travel together by private and public transport, visiting some of the best destinations Nepal has to offer, as well as some of the hidden gems most visitors never see. A PMGY coordinator will accompany you throughout your gap year Nepal experience, so you’ll get the chance to learn so much about the local culture and history throughout your travels.

    OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

    Itinerary Schedule - The itineraries for our PMGY experience trips are subject to change, as a result of unforeseen circumstances. We will always do our best to notify participants of changes in advance of the program start date. However, activities day to day during time in-country also remain subject to unanticipated changes.

    Project Flexibility - Participants on the Real Nepal Experience are advised to be flexible when it comes to the Nepal volunteer program aspect of the trip. The type of volunteering experience and location can differ as it is often dependent on factors such as the size of the group, the need at the time and volunteers’ project preference. So the volunteering program is finalised when in Nepal and our local team will run through the options for this accordingly.

    Travel Insurance - For this trip it is essential to check that your Travel Insurance will cover you for being over 3,000m on your trek.

    Typical day

    VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT

    The group will spend two weeks engaging in community volunteer opportunities within the Nepal volunteer program. This may be at one of the English teaching or monastery placements that we support. Depending on the size of the group, you may all work together or be divided into ...

    Typical day

    VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT

    The group will spend two weeks engaging in community volunteer opportunities within the Nepal volunteer program. This may be at one of the English teaching or monastery placements that we support. Depending on the size of the group, you may all work together or be divided into smaller groups. Meanwhile, the volunteering work will largely depend on the community needs at the time. For example, this may involve teaching English and monastery opportunities or a renovation and building project at these project sites.

    In addition, each volunteer in Nepal is advised to note and be flexible when it comes to the volunteering aspect of the trip. The type of volunteering experience and location can differ as it is often dependent on factors such as the size of the group, the need at the time and volunteers’ project preference. Therefore, the volunteering program is finalised when in Nepal and our local team will run through the options for this accordingly.

    No experience is required for the volunteer placements and you will always be placed with another member of your group. Also, our local team will provide you with guidance, so that you understand what your role is at the project. In addition, we request that volunteers spend an hour or two each evening preparing for the next day. Your role will range from renovating and painting local schools or children's homes, to organising games and activities for the children.

    If you don’t have any teaching experience then there is no need to worry! You’ll be working alongside other members of your group, and our local team will assist you in planning activities and lessons. However, we expect every volunteer to spend time preparing activities and lessons for the following day. There may also be the chance to support some renovation and building work, depending on the needs at the time.

    You will volunteer for around 3-5 hours each day on the gap year Nepal experience. During this time, your accommodation will be close to the project. Therefore, you will be able to walk to your placement site each day.

    Free-time activities


    Free-time activities

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    You should also be physically fit, as volunteering overseas can be quite strenuous. If you have any medical/mental health conditions that may affect your participation overseas then these must be declared to us during your online application.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 14:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Plan My Gap Year

    • Accommodation
    • Meals (As Indicated In The Itinerary) 
    • Airport Pick Up & Drop Off
    • Language Lessons
    • 5 Day Annapurna Trek
    • White Water Rafting
    • Chitwan Bicycle Tour
    • In-Country Orientation
    • 24 Hour Support

    Airport Pickup at Tribhuvan International Airport

    You should arrive into Tribhuvan International Airport (airport code KTM) on the Sunday. The airport pickup is available 24 hours. 

    On arrival a member of our local team or appointed driver will be at the waiting area for you holding a sign with your name on it. This waiting area is usually just as you exit from the airport. They will drive you straight to Asim’s House in Kathmandu where you can relax and settle in. This journey takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic.

    Accommodation

    Travelling
    All your accommodation is organised by PMGY on your gap year Nepal experience. The type of accommodation will vary depending on your itinerary each day. There may be intermittent Wi-Fi available at some accommodation, however, volunteers in Nepal can purchase a local SIM card in-country to use with an unlocked mobile phone.
    Guesthouse – For the majority of your time on the gap year Nepal you will stay in a guesthouse. You will be sharing a room with fellow members of the group, with up to 6 people per room. The rooms will be basic but comfortable, with a Western-style toilet and sometimes a hot water shower.
    Camping – After your day of white-water rafting, your group has the option to camp out by the bank of the river on your gap year Nepal experience. Tents will be shared, usually 2 volunteers per tent. Alternatively, it may be a guest house or hotel accommodation format.
    Teahouse – Over the course of the Annapurna trek you will stay at teahouses. The teahouses are extremely basic, especially during the third night of the trek. Generally, they have a communal room downstairs, and you may have an ensuite or a shared bathroom. The bedrooms are unheated but you will be provided with adequate bedding. Usually, there will be two people staying in each room on the gap year Nepal experience.
    Volunteering
    Project Residence - During your last two weeks when you volunteer in Nepal, the accommodation will depend on your specific project type and location that you join us on. This could be anything from living in a monastery or with a host family.
    It is important to note that for your volunteer work in Nepal, the accommodation will be comfortable but generally very basic, particularly in rural locations. Most accommodation will have western-style toilets, however, some options only have Nepali style squat toilets so be prepared! More rural placements have bucket showers.
    Most accommodation does not have Wi-Fi access and electricity is intermittent so it’s a good idea to bring a torch and plenty of books! It’s a wonderfully rustic way to live and a million miles away from today’s hectic, hi-tech lifestyle. So enjoy every peaceful second on your gap year Nepal experience!

    Food & Beverages

    All the meals that are provided on the gap year Nepal experience will be traditional Nepalese cuisine. Certainly, this will mainly be Dhal Bhat (rice, lentils and potato curry), which is served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are numerous western restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can get some home comforts. Please see the itinerary for specific details on what meals are included in the Program Fee during your gap year Nepal experience.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Nepal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Nepal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Nepal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Nepal. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program starts on 7th July & 4th August 2024

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks 1,371€
    Average fees 342€/week

    Program fees

    342€ per week 4 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 4 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Plan My Gap Year during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Plan My Gap Year

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (1434 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2011

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Josh

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Plan My Gap Year is an award-winning international volunteer placement organisation based in the UK.

    Meet your organization

    Plan My Gap Year is an award-winning international volunteer placement organisation based in the UK. We provide safe, affordable, need-driven volunteer programmes from 1 to 24 weeks in 11 countries worldwide.

    A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US…

    Founded by volunteers for volunteers, Plan My Gap Year works with local communities in the developing world towards long-term sustainable goals. We know there is no better way to travel and make a positive impact on the world.

    We work extremely hard to ensure that our opportunities are affordable for everyone who wants to make a difference. So fees are 100% transparent, something our volunteers really appreciate.

    Plan My Gap Year structured programmes create the perfect platform for you to see the world, meet like-minded people and engage in meaningful volunteer work. We have teams in the UK and in our host destinations who will support you 24/7 throughout your time with us. Furthermore, every project on our network is regularly risk-assessed by our UK team to ensure our set up is safe and that our volunteers are making a positive impact.

    There is also a great social element to our programmes. Plan My Gap Year puts you in touch with all your fellow volunteers via Facebook before you set off. Our projects receive volunteers from around the world throughout the year, so even if you’re travelling solo, you’re going to meet heaps of people along the way. Plus you’ll have plenty of opportunity to travel the country with your newfound travel buddies – it’s all part of the PMGY experience!

    So if you’re thinking of doing something a bit different on your next trip abroad, then why not drop us a line and find out what extraordinary things you could be doing.

    AFFORDABLE & TRANSPARENT FEES

    Our aim is to make our programmes accessible to motivated travellers irrespective of their financial capacity. Plan My Gap Year focuses on providing the core requirements of a volunteer programme: safety, structure and sustainability.

    We are 100% transparent with our fees. That way you know exactly how much of your money goes towards the local community.

    Compared to the large majority of volunteer organisations out there, even most charities and not-for-profits, PMGY’s opportunities are significantly cheaper. Furthermore, as our reviews will testify, our support service and structured programmes are second to none.

    SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT

    Your safety is our top priority. All of Plan My Gap Years' programmes have been personally inspected and vetted by the PMGY team – which is not an industry standard by any means. We carry out independent risk assessments on an annual basis and our local teams constantly review the safety precautions we implement. This includes regular staff and safety appraisals.

     Our local teams are made up of highly experienced volunteer coordinators. They have hosted international volunteers for many years and are prepared to react in the unlikely event of an emergency. Whatever the problem, big or small, our local teams are available around the clock.

    As part of our commitment to your safety, we keep in constant communication with local embassies and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to ensure we can identify potentially dangerous situations and act upon them immediately. Our UK team are available 24/7 to assist volunteers and their families.

    TRAINING & SUPPORT

    We support our volunteers every step of the way. Before you go we will provide you with a detailed Volunteer Handbook, which will guide you through how to prepare for your trip. This Handbook contains literally everything you need to know – from what to pack, to how to obtain a visa, to local language guides.

    Our experienced UK team are always available to provide assistance. Plan My Gap Year is always available to answer our questions and support you in anyway we can. 

    On arrival, a member of our in-country team will collect you from the airport and help you settle in. Your orientation course will teach you everything you need to know about the country, how to stay safe and what to expect from your upcoming volunteer experience. 

    Our local team are on-call 24/7. Whether you’ve lost your passport or just want some help in planning a weekend trip, our friendly in-country coordinators provide that safety net to ensure you are well looked after.

    RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

    Plan My Gap Years' responsibility is not limited to our travellers but also the projects we support. That is why all our volunteers must provide a Criminal Background Check before they travel.

    It is essential that our projects are need-driven and sustainable. We work closely with our local partners to ensure that our volunteers are contributing to bring about long-term development.

    PERSONAL TOUCH

    We really know our programmes. Our UK team have stayed in the accommodation, volunteered at the projects and met the volunteers. We carefully assess each application we receive so that your personality and skills are suited to the project. Whatever your query, you can feel assured that you will be speaking to someone who can tell you exactly what to expect.

    HAVING FUN

    One of the best aspects of volunteering is meeting some amazing like-minded people. We place over 2,000 volunteers every year so wherever and whenever you go, you have the peace of mind in knowing you will be living and working alongside other PMGY volunteers. In many of our destinations, we run our own Volunteer House accommodation, which ensures all volunteers live together, and therefore guaranteeing a strong social element. In addition, our local team are always there to help you plan any independent travel or give you some tips for what to do at the weekend.

    1434 reviews · rating4.9

    Benjamin Vanherpe rating5

    2024 at Real Nepal Experience

    My trip to Nepal was really great because you get a lot of information before you leave to Nepal. Also the people in Nepal of the organisation will help you if you have a problem or if you want to do something. In the monastery, where I did the volunteering, I gave English class to the children. It ...
    Jingyu Hu rating5

    2024 at Real Nepal Experience

    During the month, I met so many other volunteers from different backgrounds and they are all so brave which encourages me in so many ways; we become such good friends in just a month and in the end I was not ready to leave and right now I’m back in my life still think of the amazing times in ...
    Priya Nalavade rating5

    2024 at Real Nepal Experience

    Overall my experience was amazing and couldn’t have been better, I met the best people on this trip and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide then Yubaraj! have made memories for a life time in ...
    Lauren Hancock rating4.8

    2023 at Real Nepal Experience

    Lots of awesome experiences in the internary and structure is great for people looking to travel in a supportive and social environment. The information on the volunteering was a bit vague and most of our groups' placements didn't work ...
    Eleanor rating5

    2022 at Real Nepal Experience

    I have travelled with PMGY before (in 2016 I did the real Thailand experience and had the most amazing time) so I was confident booking the real Nepal experience, and recommending their service to friends. Plenty of information was provided in the handbook before leaving, so I felt prepared, and ...
    Amy Naylor rating4

    2019 at Real Nepal Experience

    Overall my experience with PMGY was positive, and I had a great time in Nepal. Pre departure my questions were answered promptly, however I did notice some inaccuracies in the volunteer handbook regarding the itinerary. In particular it mentioned that we would be camping out for a night after our ...

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > Nepal > Kathmandu

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    Contact Josh
      Excellent response rate
    English

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