Volunteering Solutions gives it's volunteers a great opportunity to learn the culture, history and language of this diverse country- Nepal. Orientation week is aimed to teach the volunteers about all issues about culture, basic language and history about Nepal before they start their program in the field. You can also choose to take part in this Orientation week or go directly into the volunteer program. This program starts on 1st,2nd & 3rd Monday of the month and is for 6 days. The program aims to give you true insight about Nepal, it's culture, basic language, food, places to visit and things to do while you would spend your time in Nepal. The program is held in Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. While on this program the volunteers would stay at the hostel or host family arranged by Volunteering Solutions.

Day 1 : Welcome to Nepal, introduction to the program in Kathmandu, safety issues, basic culture and history about Nepal. Also learn about your week's program and details about your volunteering program in Nepal to follow after this week.
 
Day 2: History, culture and traditional insight about Nepal followed with Nepali language class for 2 hours. Learn basic letters and words of welcoming, greeting, short expressions, as well as learn about important and handy words which would help you while at work in your placement. You would get a chance to explore by yourself around Kathmandu in the evening. Your coordinator would guide you about the best places to go and visit.
 
Day 3: Nepali language class continues for 3 hours, more extensive words, sentences and expressions. Explore the local markets in the evening time .
 
Day 4: Discover Kathmandu - Go on a guided tour to Kathmandu's most visited tourist spots. This would be a full day tour of New Kathmandu included with a lunch at a restaurant. The places you would visit are:
 
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Listed as a world heritage site, this is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist sites in Nepal. Its established is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Three km west of Kathmandu this site is situated on a hillock about 77 km. above the valley. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
 
Bouddhnath:(Khasti or Dew Drops) Lying some 6 km to the east of Kathmandu, this colossal and ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the largest in the valley. A world heritage site, Bouddhnath is supposed to have been built by using dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was reeling under a severe drought during its construction. The stupa looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design.
 
Kumari Ghar: Situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace is the temple of Kumari - the living Goddess, the goddess acknowledges the greetings from her balcony. With profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens, the building is simply majestic.
 
Day 5: Nepali language class 3 hours, covering more words and vocabulary to help you in daily use. In the evening explore along with your coordinator to the local markets and then go for shopping around Kathmandu along with the coordinator.
 
Day 6: Discover Kathmandu (Day 2) - go on a guided historic trail to visit Kathmandu and see beautiful historic sights, with lunch in a tradition Nepali restaurant.
The Temple of lord Shiva - Pashupatinath is a richly ornamented pagoda with two tiered golden roof and silver doors.

Patan Durbar Square : It is an enchanting row of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World heritage site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statue and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.
 
BHAKTAPUR Durbar Square : Once you enter the big gate you find the unique art and architecture and the special layout here. The 15th century Palace of 55 windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The national art gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden gate, is a masterpiece. This is the square full of various designed temples.
 
Day 7: End of program and visit to volunteer project.
 
Cost $250 for this 1 week program.
 
** This is a suggested, itinerary and is subject to change in order to comply with changes according to local conditions. The program does not include any monument entry fee.