Location
  • Nepal
    • Kathmandu
    • Chitwan
    • Pokhara
Length
1 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)

Pricing

Starting Price
275
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $275 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Airport Transfers Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 01, 2024
Apr 30, 2025
72 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Nepal and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Nepal.

Our affordable projects start from $20/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-12 weeks. Choose from 11 projects, ranging from Childcare in Pokhara surrounded by gorgeous mountain views to supporting Elephant Conservation in a local elephant sanctuary in Chitwan. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $20/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-12 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Elephant Conservation Volunteer in Nepal

Volunteer on an Elephant Conservation project with IVHQ and help provide exceptional care to rescued elephants who were previously used for rides. Support local staff with tasks like cleaning, preparing food, and building projects. Gain hands-on experience in animal care and make a positive impact on the wellbeing of these majestic creatures!

Volunteer in Nepal with IVHQ

Based in either Kathmandu or Pokhara, you'll be based in a childcare center helping with early stages of education and entertainment, fostering an appetite for learning and fun in local children.

Volunteer in Nepal with IVHQ

Help with construction and maintenance around educational facilities across Nepal. This is well suited to fit an eager volunteer who enjoys physical, hands-on work.

Volunteer in Nepal with IVHQ

Assist education centers for women who did not complete high school qualifications, but want another chance. Volunteers focus on teaching English, which boosts job prospects and helps with cultural understanding.

Volunteer in Nepal with IVHQ

Provide valued input as a fluent English speaker in lessons in both public and private schools across Nepal.

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 69 reviews
  • 5 rating 92.75%
  • 4 rating 5.8%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 1.45%
  • Impact 4.6
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.75
  • Value 4.7
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 69 reviews
Default avatar
Georgia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ Nepal Review

IVHQ is a very organised, accessible and fantastic program to volunteer with. Communication was clear, expectations were laid out and the entire time on my journey I felt safe and well supported. In particular, I especially appreciated the pre-organised airport pick up - as travelling overseas to an International airport can be overwhelming and confronting at times! The volunteer program was incredible and I loved all the people I met along the way. It was a beautiful, cultural immersive experience getting to know the locals also.

19 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Andrea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering with IVHQ, a lifetime experience I won't forget

Volunteering in women’s empowerment in Nepal through IVHQ has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

The women I had the chance to work with were incredibly kind, eager to learn, and full of heart. Their warmth and determination made my time there unforgettable. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me forever, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to connect with such inspiring women.

The IVHQ staff and the local team were both wonderful. They supported me fully at all times, not only with everything related to the project activities, but also with recommendations that helped make my stay in the city much more enjoyable and meaningful. I’m deeply grateful for their care, guidance, and constant support.

What was your funniest moment?
I had the opportunity to wear the Haku Patasi, a traditional Newari dress that is worn by Newari women in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal during significant festivals.
Pros
  • Positive impact in local communities
  • Cultural immersion
  • Improve skills and CV
Cons
  • Time was too short to make a bigger impact
  • Emotional bond that can make it hard and sad to leave
17 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Carla Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Elephant Sanctuary

I found this website after going on a trek in the Himalayas in January 2024. I fell in love with the country and the people and wanted to return and do some volunteer work. I found IVHQ on the internet and with the variety of programs they offer around the world I was able to return to Nepal and booked a trip to the Elephant Sanctuary in Chitwan. It was a magical experience. You learn such a lot about these wonderful animals and the hosts at the sanctuary were so gracious. It was a very rewarding experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
It was such a wonderful experience, bring good shoes/boots and be prepared to cut corn!!
Pros
  • The elephants and the Mahouts were wonderful!
  • The sanctuary was always aware of everyone's safety including the elephants
  • Learning all about these wonderful animals and their habitat
Cons
  • None
26 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rose
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ was amazing!

IVHQ was absolutely amazing! The service I received right from the start from Scotia was above and beyond my expectations. She was so thorough and always available to answer my questions.
The local team in Nepal were great as well. Friendly, informative and fun. They were always there if I needed anything and gave me all the information I needed to make my 2 weeks in Nepal amazing. IVHQ is a great organization doing amazing things so I highly recommend them. I cannot wait to book my next adventure. Thanks for everything, I loved my volunteer placement, people were so nice and working with the Elephants was so very special for me.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make sure you go with an open mind and remember where you are and set your expectations properly. Be brave, be open and be willing to experience it all. It is something you will never forget and will make some amazing memories. Life is short, live it!
Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Trying new food
  • Giving back and making a little difference in the world
Cons
  • Long bus ride with rough roads
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nepal

This was my first time volunteering with IVHQ, and it certainly won’t be the last! I made some amazing friendships with people from the other side of the globe who also came to Nepal to make a difference. The local team surpassed my expectations—kind, always available with support and advice, and showing me all the little things I might have missed while exploring this beautiful country and doing the volunteering work. I also want to acknowledge my IVHQ manager who handled my case with professionalism and positivity. I truly believe I made an impact, and I will recommend it to anyone, regardless of age or nationality—even non-anglophones like me! Give it a try—it won’t disappoint you and can only add to your meaningful experiences in life!

Pros
  • Self empowerment
  • Connection
  • Exploring new culture
Cons
  • Thamel area is too crowded
42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Judy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First time Volunteer

This was my first time travelling on my own and doing volunteer work. IVHQ made the process easy with their steps and checklist and was always good about answering my questions. The experience and knowledge I gained is more than I ever anticipated. I surprised myself at how much I could push myself physically, being a 59yr old who is not in tip top shape. This was a bucket list trip for me, and I came away with new friends, a sense of accomplishment and gratification. I would definitely do this again...I just need to decide where to go next

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment was when we were digging holes and putting up fencing and a 2 month old elephant kept stepping in the holes and grabbing us with his trunk. He was like a curious little toddler, making it difficult to get our job done. We didn't mid his interference since he was So adorable
Pros
  • I gained more than I expected. Physical strength, cultural knowledge and spiritual growth
Cons
  • It was hard work at times
40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Worth experience and just amazing

I had chosen women's education for my project and I must say the ladies were just surprising. By teaching them or by being with them I think learnt more than they did. Their enthusiasm and support to each other and the willpower they had made me realize so many things. Most importantly their love, care and blessings have made me even cheerful to do next project soon. This experience will forever be in my beautiful diary. It felt really nice to share things that I knew and to teach them useful stuff. Thank you IVHQ for this wonderful and memorable chance.

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moments were : Everyday we made the ladies to come up to the front and read aloud the stuffs written in board and the ones sitting in the middle bench would crawl from under the desk, some would sing a song in the middle when they were unable to read the words and some would say pronounce wrong and everyone would laugh around in fun. These moments were really funny. They would behave as we were during our school days. It made me miss my school days and the fun we had. But it was amazing to see them learn and have fun at the same time.
Pros
  • They were all enthusiastic.
  • I taught them many stuff but got to learn at the same time.
  • The experience build up my confidence.
Cons
  • Language barrier
68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Benedetta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life-changing experience!

I recently had the privilege of volunteering in Kathmandu, Nepal, for two weeks, where I taught English to women in the local community. I embarked on this journey with the expectation of broadening my horizons and learning about myself, but nothing could have prepared me for the depth and impact of the experience.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the stark contrasts in Nepal. Witnessing some of the challenging conditions that many Nepali people face was eye-opening, but what stood out even more was the warmth, kindness, and resilience of the people I met. Despite the differences in our backgrounds, I felt completely safe and welcomed, not just within my program but also as I explored the country.

My specific program was an enlightening and humbling experience. I came in with high expectations for myself, but those quickly had to be adjusted as I learned how the school operated and what the students needed most. This was my first significant lesson: the importance of flexibility and adapting to the realities on the ground. Thankfully, I was surrounded by an incredible support system, including fellow volunteers and the local team, who were always there to offer guidance and encouragement.

Teaching English to the women in the school was truly rewarding. I cherished the opportunity to build close relationships with them, and it was inspiring to see their eagerness to learn and improve their skills. The program also allowed me ample time to explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where I immersed myself in the rich culture and history of the region.

One of the most memorable aspects of my time in Nepal was living with a host family. I highly recommend this to anyone considering a similar experience. Sharing in the daily joys and challenges of family life provided me with a deeper understanding of Nepali culture and made my stay feel even more authentic and enriching.

Overall, my volunteering experience in Nepal was much more than I could have ever imagined. It was a journey of learning, growth, and connection that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with lasting memories, I wholeheartedly recommend this program.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could do it again, the one thing I would change is the length of time I spent volunteering. I was only able to volunteer for two weeks, and while I believe those two weeks were incredibly impactful, I realized how much more I could have contributed with additional time. Just as I was getting comfortable with teaching and adapting to life in Nepal, my time there was up. I feel that if I had been able to stay longer, I would have been able to make an even greater difference in the lives of the women I was teaching. In the future, I would prefer to volunteer for more weeks to fully immerse myself in the experience and maximize my contribution.
Pros
  • great local team
  • a country full of wonders and surprises
  • possibility to really leave an impact
73 people found this review helpful.

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