Nepal Experience: 11-Day Travel + Volunteering – Kathmandu

COMBINE A TRIP TO NEPAL AND VOLUNTEERING IN 11 DAYS

TRAVEL TO KATHMANDU, CHITWAN, AND POKHARA. ENJOY THE HIMALAYAS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEERING… ALL ORGANIZED, IN JUST 11 DAYS.

Adventure, authentic experiences, and volunteering in Nepal. All in 11 days.
✓ Don’t worry about organizing a thing.
✓ Travel with a real NGO based in Spain and India.
✓ Experience real volunteering.
✓ Guided tours. 24/7 support.

Our promise is that throughout the whole trip:
a. You’ll be well cared for, from the moment you arrive.
b. You’ll be well informed and supported.
c. You’ll feel comfortable and safe.
d. You’ll have a great experience of authentic cultural immersion.

Activities

Volunteer activities are available to all volunteers during the program. Below is a description of some of our projects:

• Renovation projects. Schools and nurseries aren’t appealing to children. Children should see their schools as a garden of learning. The work focuses on making these buildings attractive by creating colorful stories, images, and other educational paintings. These activities are highly valued in society, as they boost the motivation of children and teachers.
• Entertainment for the children. As young members of our society, children don’t have many chances for fun activities, especially in the villages. And your entertainment will bring them smiles. These projects are an ideal activity for a cultural experience: they help strengthen the sense of community among its members and draw attention to children’s need to enjoy creative, fun activities.
• Creative art workshops with children. Schools usually don’t give children the space to develop their creativity. It’s a common feeling that school focuses on education rather than other activities, which makes teaching passive and monotonous. Volunteer groups develop a series of creative exercises such as drawing, painting, listening to music, and dancing, which are very important for improving mind-body coordination and creating interest in school. This activity can have a lasting impact on the education system and reduce the school dropout rate in rural areas.

A volunteer’s day to day

The volunteers you’ll live with come from all over the world and are very different people. But sharing such a profound experience gives the volunteer house a warm atmosphere of companionship and friendship that you feel the moment you land. It’s something close, something special.

So, among friends, your day starts with breakfast in the dining room before heading to your project, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms, since volunteers are highly valued and respected en Nepal. You will usually work de 9 a 12.30 o 13:00. After lunch and some free time, you may return to the project. It is deeply rewarding work, and many volunteers feel they receive as much from the experience as they give.

In the afternoons, back at the volunteer house, you’ll have free time to explore the city or take part in the program’s cultural immersion activities.

And on weekends… free to rest, or to travel!

Accommodation and meals

The new Kathmandu Volunteer House is ideally located in Thamel, in the city center, for project participants, with shops, restaurants, a hospital, transportation, etc.
It has rooms for 1 to 4 people with a cooler, private bathrooms, a terrace, shared lounges and dining room, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a washing machine with drying rack, fridges, a bookcase, lockers, etc.
And always under the supervision and care of the coordinator. Everything so you feel at home.

As for the food, typical Nepali buffet dishes are prepared that are, yes, a little spicy, but you’re sure to love them. Rice, legumes, omelets, vegetables, chicken… 3 meals a day are included.

Itinerary details

The itinerary may change due to circumstances beyond our control.

Welcome to Nepal! You’ll be met by the CiENViDAS representative at
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, who will take you to your accommodation.
The people of Nepal are known for their ever-present smiles. Nepal is a deeply
religious country, evident in its temples, monasteries, and buildings. The fertile
Kathmandu Valley, nestled among the mountains, is the historic heart of Nepal, where some of the most advanced Himalayan kingdoms rose and fell, and where Nepali art and culture were cultivated and refined.
After settling into your accommodation, you’ll receive a briefing about your program, and the rest of the day will be free to enjoy as you wish.
Night at the accommodation, Kathmandu (meals not included).

You’ll start the day with a sumptuous breakfast at your accommodation, getting ready for a day of
unparalleled exploration and cultural immersion. Your itinerary includes a visit to:
Pashupatinath Temple: an architectural marvel and one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world. Experience the timeless rituals along the calm banks of the Bagmati River, offering a glimpse into ancient traditions and spirituality.
Boudhanath Stupa: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of
Nepal’s deep Buddhist heritage. Marvel at the grandeur of the stupa, a beacon of peace and enlightenment.
Swayambhunath: Climb to the mystical heights of Swayambhunath, affectionately known as the “Monkey Temple,” set atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.
Enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape while exploring ancient relics and
intricate architecture dating back more than two millennia.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: a historic square showcasing exquisite Nepali architecture, palaces,
temples, and courtyards. Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley as you stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Evening visit to the Thamel district: a relaxed stroll through the bustling streets of Thamel, a vibrant neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere, colorful shops, and a wide variety of restaurants and cafés.
Night at the accommodation, Kathmandu (meals included: breakfast and dinner)

We’ll wake up with a yoga session led by a certified instructor, followed by a delicious breakfast. An orientation session to familiarize you with your upcoming volunteer project, and we’ll visit the project site to begin your work.
When you finish, you’ll have the chance to take part in a cooking class where you can learn the art of traditional Nepali cuisine with a local chef. We’ll discuss the day’s volunteer activities and plan the next day.
Night at the accommodation, Kathmandu (meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

We’ll have an early yoga session, breakfast, and you’ll continue with your
volunteer project all day. In the afternoon, a little reflection on your work and another
chance to immerse yourself in authentic Nepali culture by visiting a local family’s home for dinner. The local family is middle-income and offers an exceptional chance to get a close, personal look at the daily life of ordinary people in Nepal.
Night at the accommodation, Kathmandu (meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Start the day with breakfast, then off to your volunteer project. In the afternoon, we’ll take you to one of the nearest Buddhist monasteries, where you can immerse yourself in the rich traditions and culture of Buddhism. We’ll gather to reflect on the day’s experiences and prepare for the next day.
Night at the accommodation, Kathmandu (meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Start the day with breakfast, then off to your volunteer project. In the late afternoon,
after your reflection session with your guide, you’ll have the chance to experience the art of “henna” painting. This traditional South Asian art form is highly valued among local women, especially during wedding celebrations. In the evening, we’ll have a local culture session wearing traditional outfits and a photo shoot with our photographer.
Our usual briefing and some rest at the accommodation.
Night at the accommodation, Kathmandu (meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

An unforgettable 5-to-6-hour journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a picturesque city in the heart of Nepal’s western region. Just 220 kilometers by car from the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara is a true gem famous for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil lakeside atmosphere. At an altitude of 827 meters above sea level, Pokhara offers serene scenery amid the majestic Himalayas, including the iconic Annapurna Range. Explore the serene beauty of Phewa Lake, where the reflection of Mount Annapurna and the Machhapuchhre range create a fascinating view. Boating on the calm waters reveals a variety of fish, while a picturesque island temple adds to the charm of this scenic sanctuary.
Night at the accommodation, Pokhara (meals included: breakfast)

The day starts early with an excursion to Sarangkot, famous for its stunning sunrise views. Located about 5 km from the shore of Pokhara Lake, Sarangkot sits at 1,592 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding hills. You’ll watch the fascinating sunrise over the Pokhara valley and the majestic mountains, including the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, the Dhaulagiri range, and the iconic Fishtail mountain. Afterward, we’ll return to our accommodation for a delicious breakfast.
Next, we’ll set off to visit the famous local Patale Chhango, also
known as Devil’s Falls. We’ll see Gupteswar Gupha, a cave of
importance to Hindu worshippers. The tunnels are about 3 km long and vary in size — some are narrow and may require crawling. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to admire interesting rock formations. One of the highlights of Gupteswar Gupha is a symbol of the Hindu deity Shiva.
Night at the accommodation, Pokhara (meals included: breakfast)

Early in the morning, after breakfast, transfer from Pokhara to Chitwan, a distance of about 170 km. This journey usually takes around 6 hours, including a lunch break.
Royal Chitwan National Park is a lush valley set in the foothills of the
Churia ranges and home to the kingdom’s first National Park. This national park is
famous for its variety of wildlife, especially the great one-horned Indian rhinoceros and the elusive royal Bengal tiger.
Jungle walks: let you explore different wildlife habitat areas, from the
floodplain grasslands to the dense Sal forests, where you’ll have the chance to discover the wildlife.
A canoe ride on the Rapti River is the best way to discover the crocodiles’ habitat on the river (from a safe distance, of course). It’s also a relaxing way to observe the
different types of birds and wildlife species drinking water on the bank of the serene river.
Cultural show: in the evening, a traditional Tharu cultural show performed by the
local Indigenous Tharu community. This captivating show includes traditional dances, songs, and cultural demonstrations.
Night at the accommodation, Chitwan (meals included: breakfast and dinner)

Jeep Safari – We start the morning with a jeep safari through the National Park and
observe the various wildlife species that live in the area, especially the
endangered rhinos.
Birdwatching: Chitwan National Park is home to more than 450 bird species, a paradise for the bird world. We’ll take a guided walk through the forest to hear the songs of the colorful birds early in the morning and watch them fly.
We’ll leave the accommodation for the roughly 5-to-6-hour journey back to Kathmandu.
Night at the accommodation, Kathmandu (meals included: breakfast and dinner)

After breakfast, we’ll have a chat about the last few days and the trip in general, and
free time in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping or rest. And then all that’s left is to take you to the airport based on your flight time. Our trip ends here.
Meals included (breakfast).

•  Day 1 (Friday): arrival in Kathmandu.
•  Day 2 (Saturday): sightseeing in Kathmandu.
•  Day 3 (Sunday): yoga session, volunteering, and cooking in Kathmandu.
•  Day 4 (Monday): yoga, volunteering, and a meal with a local family in Kathmandu.
•  Day 5 (Tuesday): volunteering and a visit to the Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu.
•  Day 6 (Wednesday): volunteering, henna painting, and a Nepali dress workshop.
•  Day 7 (Thursday): start of the adventure in Pokhara.
•  Day 8 (Friday): exploring Pokhara.
•  Day 9 (Saturday): from Pokhara to Chitwan. Visit Chitwan.
•  Day 10 (Sunday): visit Chitwan and transfer to Kathmandu.
•  Day 11 (Monday): free time and transfer to the airport for the flight back home.

 The program includes.

•  A representative for personal assistance on all arrival and departure transfers
•  An English-speaking guide-companion throughout the trip.
•  A pre-planned volunteer project in Kathmandu (including all necessary materials).
•  10 nights of volunteer accommodation (shared room).
•  All meals described in the itinerary.
•  All transfers and sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary (entry tickets not included)
•  The yoga sessions indicated.
•  Cultural activities:
  ✓ Learn the famous art of “henna painting” from local experts.
  ✓ Learn the typical and traditional dress styles of Nepal from the instructors.
  ✓ A dinner with a local Kathmandu family.
  ✓ Road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges,
  interstate taxes, etc.
•  €200 contribution to our CiENViDAS project. Donation certificate.
•  Our International Volunteering Certificate from the CiENViDAS Foundation.

The program does not include.

•  Flights
•  Nepal visa (easy to get online)
•  Travel and health insurance (*)
  * TRAVEL INSURANCE: travel and health insurance is mandatory. You can use your own, or if you prefer, we can offer our special insurance for volunteers with cancellation coverage.

START dates / Departure 2025

You can deduct 100% of the program cost on your next tax return

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION
The formal program starts on FRIDAY per the table. So your flight should arrive on day 1 (listed as the “start date”), between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. the next day (day 2 of the program), so you can rest a bit before starting the activities. Our representative will be waiting for you with a CiENViDAS logo sign at the door of Kathmandu Airport. Check-in at the accommodation is open from 12 noon on day 1 of the program. (You can arrive at other times, but there may be a small surcharge of around €25.)
The available times for the airport transfer on your departure day are 8 PM on the last date, 10 PM, midnight, 2 AM, 4 AM, 6 AM, 8 AM, and finally 10 AM.

Don’t wait — spots are limited.

• Prior training: No prior experience required — just enthusiasm and commitment!
• Nivel Basic de Inglés
• Minimum age: Be 18 years old at the start of the program. If you are a minor, you’ll need to present consent signed by your parents or guardians.
• Required documents:
  • Résumé (CV).
  • Completed pre-registration form.
  • Criminal background check up to date.
• Attitude: Un espíritu aventurero, solidario, y ¡ganas de divertirse y aprender! .

This program is designed for people who want to transform lives while immersing themselves in an enriching culture.