Volunteer in

Nepal

Frequently asked questions(FAQ's - Nepal)

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Nepal alumni as well as other former and current volunteers? expand_more

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.
You can also visit the Nepal Program Reviews page to view the testimonials and feedbacks of our past participants.

To read alumni interviews and experiences, visit the ‘Meet a Volunteer’ section on our website.

Flights and Visa

Tell me more about Visa for Nepal expand_more

Getting a Visa for this little Himalayan nation isn’t difficult in any way. You can get your visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport itself or alternatively, you can also apply for Nepal Visa at your nearest Nepal Embassy. 

What are the recommended inexpensive airline options to reach Nepal? expand_more

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the major international airport serving all flights arriving in Nepal. It is well connected with direct flights from major Asian and Middle Eastern countries. If you are arriving from North America or Europe, you will probably need to book a flight with a stopover at a Middle Eastern city such as Abu Dhabi or Doha.

The major airlines flying into Kathmandu are:

Qatar Airways

Etihad Airlines

Air Arabia

Air India

Air Vistara

Silk Air

Dragon Air

Thai Airways

Fly Dubai

AlJazeera

 

Health and Safety

How safe is Nepal and Kathmandu in particular? expand_more

This fabled land of Buddha attracts thousands of travelers from around the world. The country has easily embraced the western culture and is one of the most traveled destinations in the world. Women, especially, can feel relaxed in this country. It is safe to go out in the night; however, avoid the company of strangers. Volunteers are advised to follow the safety guidelines given in the pre-departure handbook as well as told to you by your coordinator during orientation.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need? expand_more

Carry general medicines with you, other than that consult your doctor before flying. We recommend these basic vaccinations for your safety:
Tetanus
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

You are also requested to consult your doctor before traveling to Nepal to get a list of recommended vaccinations.
Also, if you have altitude sickness then ask your doctor to prescribe proper medicines.

Do I need to buy a health insurance? expand_more

Yes, for all participants it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider at a very nominal cost. 

Accommodation and Living

How do I get to the accommodation and the program location? expand_more

Your in-country coordinator will take you to your placement location from the airport and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, city, culture etc. You will be told about the daily mode of transport that you will need to take to go to your project location. Usually, the projects are within short distance from your accommodations. Some projects are within walking distance while others are a short ride away.

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements? expand_more

Accommodation is shared on the same gender basis in the volunteers home which is managed by the VS Nepal in-country coordinator. The accommodations are neat and provide a comfortable stay during your volunteering period in Nepal. The accommodations have running water, electricity and all basic amenities available. Volunteers need to understand that living conditions in Nepal can be different as compared to what you have back at home. You need to be flexible, open minded and adapt to the culture and environment. Living with other like-minded volunteers from around the world is a great experience in itself.

Can vegetarians be accommodated? expand_more

Yes –  please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can guide you so that you get to taste the best food available out there! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.

Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program? expand_more

Typically, volunteers are required to put 5-6 hours every day, 5 days a week. However, work timing is dependent on the project chosen by the volunteers and can vary.  You will get free time in the evenings and on the weekends. You can utilize this time to explore the local market streets of Thamel, visit Durbar Square, see evening prayers at the “ghat” of the Pashupatinath Temple and also visit Swayambhu temple. During the weekend, you can visit Chitwan National Park or go visit the famous tourist destination Pokhara. 

We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the ‘Add-on Tours’ section in your ‘My Account’. Your in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in the country. 

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Nepal? expand_more

Nepal is an inexpensive country. It is recommended to get your personal stuff from a proper general store that sells on MRP (Maximum Retail Price). Locals can often quote high prices for souvenirs, try to bargain and you will get a good price. A simple bracelet should not cost you more than 50-100 NC (Nepalese Currency). Food and dining in Nepal are very reasonable. A 10% (flexible) service charge is applicable in dining and lounging areas.

Where can I change my money in Nepal? Are there ATMs in Nepal? expand_more

There are many money exchange shops in Kathmandu city. The best option is to change your money at the airport counters itself. There are ATMs located all around the capital city, Kathmandu as well.

What should I pack for my trip to Nepal? expand_more

We always suggest our volunteers to pack light. Being a country on the lap of the Himalayas, the temperature is usually on the colder side, and we would recommend you to get woolen wears and jackets. Pack comfortable clothes and walk shoes. Nepal is a conservative country with numerous sacred worshipping places where short, tight and revealing clothes wouldn't be allowed. 

FAQ's Application and Program Details

How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted ? expand_more

Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for your application to be processed and placement to be confirmed by our team. After your application is accepted, your placement document will be updated in your ‘My Account’ online and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (age, skills and experience etc). 

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Nepal? expand_more

VolSol recommends all its volunteers to apply for the desired programs well in advance. Our major booking seasons are from January to July and September to December. 

As we have limited spots available in our programs and serve on first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and book your spots well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and paying the application fee. 

Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts. 

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Nepal volunteer programs? expand_more

The minimum age requirement for the programs in Nepal is 17 years. For the Medical program, volunteers must be 18-year-old and above.
He/she should have the flexibility to adjust in new environment and culture.
For Medical Program – Pre-Medical, Medical and Nursing students as well as Medical Professionals are welcome to join. Participants with other qualifications in the medical field such as CAN, EMT can also join the program.
Participants must be in good health.
Volunteers who are 16-year-old are also accepted in the Childcare program in Nepal. However, they need to provide a notarized parental consent form. 

Can I volunteer as part of a group? expand_more

Yes, you are welcome to take part in any of the volunteering projects in Nepal as a group. It is a popular destination for group participation. Our Nepal programs have hosted large student groups from around the world including that of schoolies coming for short term volunteering programs. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.
 
In our experience of more than 12+ years we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues.

What are the Program Locations in Nepal? expand_more

In Nepal, all our volunteering programs as well the accommodations are based in and around the capital city, Kathmandu.

When do I need to arrive in Nepal for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Nepal? expand_more

All volunteers need to arrive in Kathmandu on the mentioned program starting date.
All volunteers are provided with the airport pick up from the Tribhuvan International Airport (Airport Code: KTM) by the local coordinator or representative. Those who are arriving overland or are already in Nepal will be picked up at? a meeting point decided beforehand. 

Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion? expand_more

Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.

Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer? expand_more

If you are planning to come for multiple programs in your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time (from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.

For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next VolSol program. 

What will be my usual working hours? expand_more

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day, however. It can vary depending on their program. You will have the weekend off so you can go and travel on weekends. However, in some placements, you will need to work on some Saturdays as well.