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1 Week Special Volunteer Program in Nepal
Be a part of the 1 Week Special Short Term Volunteer Program in Kathmandu, Nepal, with Volunteering Solutions and contribute effectively towards renovating the schools and making them more kids' friendly.
In Kathmandu, you work at a local school or community center that serves children from underprivileged backgrounds, helping renovate the building and make it more child-friendly. Day to day, you paint murals and art pieces on classroom walls and write alphabets and numbers on walls to create simple learning aids, working as part of a team of fellow volunteers on-site. The program suits high school and college students, gap year travelers, backpackers, and families looking for a short, structured trip, with no previous experience required.
The program runs for 1 week, starting twice a month (sundays), with the next start on 4 Oct 2026. You stay in a volunteer house or guesthouse in Bafal, a quiet area near Thamel, with breakfast and dinner cooked at the house and lunch usually provided at the placement. Prices start at $699, deposit included. Unlike longer placements, this week follows a fixed itinerary that pairs your project work with a welcome dinner and dance performance, a guided city tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites, and an optional day trip to Patan.
- Be a part of of 1 week volunteer project to contribure effectively to the local community
- Exploring the Himalayan charm and enjoy a traditional welcome dinner and dance performance in Kathmandu
- Go for a guided city tour, and walk around some of the ancient temples which are marked as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Incredible volunteering opportunity to help in renovating the local schools and add some creative spark
- Head off to Patan and explore the historic city
Your role on this program
- Assist in renovating a local school or community center that serves children from underprivileged backgrounds
- Paint murals and art pieces on classroom walls alongside fellow volunteers
- Write alphabets and numbers on walls to create simple learning aids for children
- Contribute creative ideas to help make classrooms more child-friendly
- Work as part of a team with other volunteers at the project site
- Use paint and renovation materials provided on-site for the work
Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.
Role boundaries
You do not teach classes, run the project independently, or work unsupervised with children; the local coordinator accompanies you to the placement and oversees the day's work. Because this is a one-week program, you are joining an ongoing renovation effort rather than completing it, and duties may vary with the placement's needs.
Program itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & Cultural Evening
Welcome to Kathmandu - the capital city of Nepal. You'll get to meet our coordinator at the airport who would take you to the accommodation in Kathmandu followed by refreshment and a brief orientation session about the schedule of the trip.
An exciting traditional dance and dinner await participants at night to kickstart a memorable journey of Nepal.
Overnight at a volunteer house/guest house in Kathmandu.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour
The second day begins with a Kathmandu city tour and encompasses visits to the Pashupatinath Temple, Durbar Square, and Boudha. While Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see and hard to miss location in the heart of the capital city Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudha are religiously significant sites in Kathmandu.
Overnight at a guest house in Kathmandu.
Meals: BD
Day 3: Volunteering Program in Kathmandu
You'll start working at the project site from today. Placed in a local school/community center, you'll get to renovate the center which caters to children from underprivileged communities and paint murals and art pieces along with them. All the materials shall be provided and you can help in giving a new fresh look to the school classrooms.
It'll be a great learning opportunity for you, as you'll work as a team with your fellow volunteers.
Optional Activity
In the evening, you can learn Momo making. Momo is a dumpling made of all-purpose flour and filled with either meat or vegetables. Inspired by Tibetan dumplings, the dish is a very popular Nepali street food. In Nepal, the most common type of momos is buff (buffalo) momos followed by chicken.
Overnight at guest house in Kathmandu.
Meals: BD
DAY 4 – Day 7: Continue with Volunteer Work in Kathmandu
You'll be continuing with your work at the school, adding your creative ideas and making a perfect kid's friendly environment. You can write alphabets and numbers on the walls, so that kids can see them and learn. You'll have to find what new you can do! Once the program ends, you'll surely be satisfied with your contributions.
Overnight at guest house in Kathmandu.
Meals: BD
(On Day 5, there’s an Optional Tour for Exploring Patan
You can choose to travel and explore the beautiful historic city of Patan, and soak in the old world vibes.)
Day 8 - End Of Program
As this incredible journey comes to an end, it’s time head back home (or continue with your adventures on the roads!).
Meals: B
Who can join and what you need
- Minimum age 17, with a parental consent form required for participants under 18
- No previous experience needed, but bring an open mind and a flexible attitude
- Must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program
- Clean criminal background check report, issued within 12 months of your start date, required for this placement with children
- Travel or medical insurance, either your own policy or the one Volunteering Solutions can arrange
The placement, its limits and your part in it
The placement is a local school or community center in Kathmandu that serves children from underprivileged communities. The renovation and painting work is organized around a fixed one-week itinerary, with the local coordinator accompanying volunteers to the site each day and managing the volunteer house, orientation, and daily schedule.
Because the stay is short, your contribution is one part of an ongoing project carried out by successive volunteer groups, not a task you complete on your own. Supervision stays with the local coordinator and placement staff throughout, and a background check is required given the setting involves children. The realistic scope of the work is practical and physical: painting, wall lettering, and classroom improvements, not teaching or direct child welfare responsibilities.
Our standards
- Responsible volunteer travel policyHow we choose, run and review every project
- Safeguarding policyBackground checks, supervision and our code of conduct with children
- Child & vulnerable adult protectionThe rules every volunteer follows on placement
- Certified B CorporationSocial and environmental performance verified by B Lab
- How we volunteer responsibly in NepalCountry-level partner context and standards
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
Prices include your $249 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total program fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Total price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $699 |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- All transfers and transport as per program
- All accommodation as per program
- Local team support
- All meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- All entrance fees on tour
- Cost for the Project/Project Materials
- Service work coordination
- Pre Departure Guidebook and Support
- Certificate of Participation(On Request)
Not included
- International/Domestic Airfare
- Vaccinations
- Any monument entry fee
- Visa fees
- Any personal expenses
- Meals not mentioned
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
Volunteers and interns are picked up from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by a member of the local coordinating staff. Those volunteers who will be already in Nepal will be met by the staff at a designated meeting point decided beforehand.
Accommodation
The volunteer/intern house in Nepal provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for participants during their stay. It is located in Bafal, a peaceful residential area just a 10-minute drive from Thamel, the lively heart of Kathmandu known for its tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants. This location offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility.
Volunteers can enjoy homemade meals, giving them a taste of traditional Nepali cuisine while ensuring their dietary needs are met. The house is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing for seamless connectivity with family and friends or managing any personal or professional commitments. A television is also available for relaxation and entertainment during free time.
The accommodation includes all basic amenities needed for a comfortable stay, such as running water, hot water during winters, clean western style toilets and electricity. The living spaces are cozy and inviting, providing a great opportunity for volunteers to unwind and build connections with fellow participants. The house is managed by a dedicated coordinator based in Nepal, ensuring that all aspects of the accommodation are well-maintained and that volunteers have support for any queries or concerns.
This setup allows volunteers to focus on their projects and enjoy their experience while feeling at home in a supportive and well-facilitated environment. Private room requests can be accommodated at a nearby guest house for an extra charge.
Orientation
Your local program coordinator will provide an orientation and briefing upon your arrival. Depending on your arrival time, the orientation may be conducted on the same day or the following day. Typically, it lasts about half a day and covers essential topics such as local culture, greetings, key locations, transportation options, and other important details to help you settle in and navigate the area with confidence.
Meals
Two Nepalese meals (Breakfast and Dinner) will be provided to all volunteers depending on your work schedule. Breakfast typically consists of Bread, Butter, Jam, Sandwich, Tea etc. Typical meals provided include Dal (Lentils), Rice, Vegetables, Chicken and meat etc. The staple meal for most Nepalese people is dal bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and vegetables in curry (tarkari). If you have any special dietary requirements, you can let us know in advance and we can try our best to accommodate that.
During your Free Time
On weekends, participants in Kathmandu often take advantage of the city’s prime location to explore Nepal’s stunning natural beauty and cultural richness. Many choose to visit Chitwan National Park, renowned for its thrilling safari experiences and wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, and tigers. Another popular weekend getaway is the picturesque town of Pokhara, known for its serene lakes, breathtaking Himalayan views, and opportunities for adventure sports like paragliding and trekking.
During weekday evenings, when free time is limited, volunteers frequently spend time in Thamel, a vibrant and bustling area famous among backpackers. Thamel offers a variety of cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural experiences. Volunteers can also explore Kathmandu’s rich history by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square, or the Garden of Dreams, immersing themselves in the city’s unique heritage and atmosphere.
Life on the program
Getting there and who looks after you in Nepal
Airport pickup
You are met at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by a member of the local coordinating staff; if you are already in Nepal, you are met at an agreed meeting point instead.
First night in Kathmandu
You are taken to the volunteer house or guesthouse, followed by refreshments and a brief orientation about the week's schedule, then a welcome traditional dance performance and dinner that evening.
Orientation
Your coordinator runs an orientation on arrival or the following day, typically lasting about half a day and covering local culture, greetings, key locations, and transportation.
City tour before the project starts
On day two you take a guided tour of Kathmandu, including Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudha, before project work begins.
First day at the project
From day three you start work at the school or community center, with the coordinator accompanying you and 24-hour staff support available for the rest of the week.
From volunteers in Nepal
Frequently asked questions
What will I actually do during the week?
You help renovate a local school or community center, painting murals and art pieces and writing alphabets and numbers on classroom walls to make the space more child-friendly, working alongside other volunteers.
Do I need experience or qualifications to join?
No previous experience is needed; you are expected to bring an open mind and a flexible attitude, and you must provide a clean criminal background check report since the placement involves children.
What is a typical day like?
Day one is arrival and a welcome dinner, day two is a guided city tour, and days three through seven are spent working at the project site, with an optional momo-making session and an optional Patan day trip along the way.
How long is the program and when can I start?
This program runs for 1 week, with start dates twice a month (sundays); the next start is 4 Oct 2026.
What does the price include?
Prices start at $699, deposit included; this covers transfers, accommodation, meals as listed, local team support, entrance fees on the tour days, project materials, and a pre-departure guidebook. Airfare, vaccinations, visa fees, and personal expenses are not included.
Where will I stay and what will I eat?
You stay in a volunteer house or guesthouse in Bafal, a quiet area near Thamel, with breakfast and dinner cooked at the house and lunch usually provided at the placement.
How does airport pickup work?
A member of the local coordinating staff meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu; if you are already in Nepal, you are met at an agreed meeting point instead.
What support is available if something goes wrong?
The local coordinator manages the volunteer house, runs your orientation, and accompanies you to the placement, with 24-hour staff assistance and an emergency contact throughout your stay.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations for Nepal?
Visa fees and vaccinations are not included in the program cost; specific guidance on requirements is sent to you before departure.
Who is this program suited for?
It suits high school and college students, gap year travelers, backpackers, and families looking for a short, structured trip; the minimum age is 17, and participants under 18 need a parental consent form.
Is a background check really required for a one-week program?
Yes, because the placement involves children, a clean criminal background check report issued within 12 months of your start date is required regardless of how short the program is.
What can I do in my free time?
Weekday evenings are often spent in Thamel or visiting sites like Swayambhunath Stupa or Durbar Square, and some volunteers take weekend trips to Chitwan National Park or Pokhara, though these are not included in the program itinerary.
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