At United Planet, we offer volunteer abroad trips to over 40 countries – but we know it can be difficult to decide where you want to travel. The following article provides some handy information about Nepal. You can learn about other United Planet destination countries by viewing more of our country spotlights!
Curious to discover an Asian culture while climbing the highest peaks in the world? Seeking adventure and excitement? Imagine walking through a forest of banana trees on a warm, sunny day. As you look into the distance, you are taken by the awe-inspiring landscape of snowy peaks surrounding you – a vision of paradise. Welcome to Nepal!
Located in the Himalayas, bordered to the north by China and to the South by India, Nepal was ruled by the Shah dynasty during most of its history. However, a decade-long Civil War involving the communist party of Nepal and several weeks of mass protests by all major political parties led to the 12-point agreement in 2005. The ensuing elections favored the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal multiparty representative democratic republic.
Nepal has a large variety of landscapes, extending from tropical forest of Terai in the south up to the highest mountains of the world, including Mount Everest. The country is famous for the possibilities it offers for tourism, trekking, alpinism, bicycle, safaris, and rafting. As a volunteer in Nepal, you will have the chance to trek in the wonderful Kathmandu valley. You will love hiking in the mystic Himalaya, where you will enjoy the grandiose landscapes all around you and the beauty of a small monastery nestled away from the rest of the world!
You will also have the opportunity to go on extraordinary excursions to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, to see the monkeys that roam through it; and to Bodhnath, the largest Stupa in Nepal (mound-like structure used by Buddhists as a place of meditation).
Aside from the beautiful nature and temples, Nepal is a culturally exciting country, home to traditions, celebrations, music, and food. In fact, there are 60 distinct ethnic groups in the country today, including the Newan, considered the first inhabitants of Kathmandu valley. United Planet Quests to Nepal feature a city tour of Kathmandu, which will allow you to discover the city’s perfumed markets, traditional Buddhist music performances, street festivals, and more.
Oh, and did we tell you about the Momo, a kind of dumpling that is a popular local fast food, and the delicious Dal Bhat soup? You’ll definitely have to taste! Also, how better to get to know a new culture than to learn one of the 90 languages spoken in the country? Don’t be afraid – as a United Planet volunteer, you will have the opportunity to take Nepali language classes, which can include cooking and dancing lessons!
Says United Planet volunteer Leah Carlon, “Overall my experience was the most life-changing thing I’ve ever been through. Going to the festivals and visiting temples was really fascinating. I loved being in such a different culture, and it really was eye-opening to live with an actual Nepali family.”
As you can see, you have many things to learn about and to explore in Nepal. But you can give back as well! Despite the yearly influx of tourists experiencing the rich culture of Nepal and meeting its friendly people, 40% of the population live in poverty. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to help local communities, engaging in cross-cultural dialogue while assisting with challenging social projects.
United Planet offers both short-term and long-term Quests to Nepal. Below, we highlight a few volunteer opportunities for you to help local communities.
Orphanage Quest: Volunteers are needed to help at a local orphanage in Kathmandu. There are 47 children at the orphanage, ranging in age from four months to 13 years old. Currently, over 30 of the children are infants; volunteers at the orphanage provide attention and enrichment to the children and tend to their basic needs. As a volunteer, you can also help the older children with educational activities such as arts and crafts, and helping with homework and basic English teaching.
Teaching Quest: Volunteers are needed to teach at local schools in various areas of Nepal, including Kathmandu and more rural locations. Volunteers may teach their own class or assist a local English teacher in a classroom. But if you are interested in teaching other subjects such as math, science, money management, and public speaking, your ideas are welcome! No language requirement or previous experience needed.
These are just a few of the projects available in Nepal. Whether you travel for one week or one year, volunteering with United Planet will give you the chance to return rich of souvenirs and cultural discoveries, and will change your outlook on life. Carrie Schramm says about her experience volunteering with United Planet in Nepal: “I am a very different person back in America because I understand the importance of accepting people’s differences and appreciating what you have. […] Take the leap and don’t look back – you will never regret helping to make the world a better place. And somewhere along the way you will become a better person.”
Source: Tengasepresente
Volunteering in Nepal is a life experience you will never forget! If you are interested in volunteering in Nepal on either a short-term or long-term Quest, visit our Nepal homepage to read more about each volunteer project. If you would like to volunteer in another country, check out our interactive map to see where we offer volunteer trips!
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
