Live in a Buddhist monastery in the breathtaking Everest region in Nepal and help teach English and math to Buddhist monks of all ages! This program is most suitable for those especially interested in Buddhist culture and religion.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum five-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), pickup and transfer to our volunteer center in Kathmandu. You will settle in to your accommodations and meet fellow volunteers.
Week One – Culture Week – Monday to Friday: Your first week is built into your program itinerary as the first step towards a great stay in a new country. It is designed so that you can understand the Nepalese culture and how to live with and work alongside the monks in the monasteries. It is a fun-filled week that is dedicated to getting to know Nepal and some of its cultural aspects firsthand. You will also have time to meet the local people, taste the local cuisine and get familiar with Nepalese customs. Given its aim–learning about traditional rural Nepal culture, it is appropriate that this week takes place in Kathmandu. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture, including visits to local villages, touring temples, local fairs, and some amazing natural scenic sites that you can explore during your free time. This first week is based in the city of Kathmandu in our program accommodations in the city. The weekend is free to spend as you wish in the city before transferring to the remote Everest region to work with the monks.
Week Two to Five – Volunteering – Monday to Friday: Your volutneer program is based in a Tibetan Buddhist center contributing to the rich tapestry of the Everest Region. As a volunteer, you’ll move to the Monastery to start your placement, making it your new home. This journey to the Everest Region is coordinated by our local team alongside our Kathmandu staff, and you’ll be briefed fully at your orientation. For those who love adventure or hiking, the travel involves a day-long jeep ride, a stay overnight in Phaplu, followed by a roughly 3-hour hike to reach the monastery. Alternatively, you can choose to drive directly to the monastery. Your travel preferences will be discussed and arranged during your Culture Week in Kathmandu, ensuring a personalized experience with our team. Transfer costs to and from the project needs to be paid by the participants. A full description of the volunteer work is provided below in the volunteer work section.
Weekends – Saturday and Sunday: The weekend is free for volunteers who are extending to spend how they wish. As you are located in a remote region in Everest, there are lots of beautiful scenery in the area and hiking opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
Departure Day, Saturday: On your 5th week you’ll depart the Monastery on the last Saturday of the program itinerary.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Nepal is a country of diverse and rich geography, culture, and religion. The mountainous north contains eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest – the highest in the world. In Nepal, it feels as though the clock has gone back several hundred years. The capital city is a maze of narrow, unpaved streets lined with terracotta-roofed houses. With its thousands of shrines, temples and antiquities, Kathmandu is often referred to as a “living museum.” Hinduism is practiced by most people in Nepal, while Buddhism, though a minority faith in the country, is linked historically to Nepal. Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha Gautama, a native of Nepal, gave birth to the Buddhist tradition.
The monasteries are in the Everest region, which require a 12 hour drive and hike. This location is suitable for the more adventurous volunteer traveler.
As a volunteer, the experience is designed to be an immersive cultural experience living the monk lifestyle and getting involved in their communities. You will teach different subjects, including English, and have one on one English conversation classes with the monks at the monasteries. You will also have time to learn about Buddhism while doing this. You will teach novice monks, both adults and children!
Because the monks spend their lives inside the monastery, this program provides them with the amazing opportunity to learn English, Math, Science and other subjects and experience another culture, from international volunteers. There monasteries take in children from the age of eight. Some children come from mountain villages where otherwise they wouldn’t have an education, so they join the monastery to have a better start in life.
We will assign volunteers to a specific monastery, depending first on needs and availability and then on preference. Volunteer projects may include:
Teaching: Depending on your abilities and experience, you may assist a local teacher, while others may lead a class on their own. Volunteers will teach English informally, which gives you the opportunity to use your imagination and plan your daily lessons as you see fit. You may also get to teach other subjects like math, science, sports, etc.. There are no guidelines, other than to engage your class and allow them to practice English. Volunteers teach on average four classes a day of around 45 minutes each for both children and adult monks.
Other Tasks: Volunteers may also have the option to get involved in other tasks around the monastery, such as gardening, cooking or helping in the library. The participants are more than welcome to join their daily routine. You can also observe and take part in morning and evening Puja (worshiping).
Schedule: Volunteers will work Monday-Friday and have Saturday and Sunday free.
Holidays: Please note that the monasteries in the Everest Region are closed during the winter months from December to February. Volunteer work does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration. Volunteers are still welcome to come during cultural holidays to experience them with the monks.
Our team is excited to offer the ultimate Trekking Week Itineraries, perfectly crafted to enhance your Nepal trip for adventurous travelers and hiking aficionados alike! Whether you seek to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, engage in thrilling outdoor activities, or explore the rich cultural heritage of Nepali villages, our itineraries promise an unforgettable adventure. The following are meticulously designed, full-week-long itineraries that you can seamlessly incorporate into your program with us, ensuring a rich, diverse, and exhilarating experience in the heart of Nepal.
The Poon Hill Trek: offers a unique glimpse into the beauty of Nepal’s Annapurna region through a manageable trek. This journey begins north of Pokhara, winding through the iconic Poon Hill area, allowing trekkers to experience a mix of diverse cultural regions against the backdrop of the stunning Annapurna Himalayan panorama. Highlights include the visit to Poon Hill viewpoint, renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Suitable for all levels of hikers, including families and retirees, this trek combines cultural immersion with natural beauty, making it an ideal addition to any Nepal trip experience.
Adventure Week in Nepal: is a thrilling add-on for those seeking an action-packed experience. This adventure immerses participants in a range of activities across the Himalayas, including hiking, white-water rafting on the Trisuli river, and jungle safaris. The program is designed to challenge adventurers with its physical demands while offering a close-up of Nepal’s natural beauty and wildlife. Ideal for those with a decent level of fitness, it promises an unforgettable week of exploration and adventure, encapsulating the spirit of the Himalayan wilderness.
The Village Trek: offers an immersive experience into the heart of Nepal’s rural culture and lifestyle. It takes adventurers through various villages, staying in local homes, and sampling authentic cuisine, providing a deep dive into Nepali customs and daily life. This trek is uniquely designed to visit seldom-seen villages, allowing trekkers to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayas up close while engaging with local communities, schools, and farms. Ideal for those seeking cultural immersion beyond the typical tourist paths, it promises an enriching journey through Nepal’s lesser-known treasures.
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