Volunteer in Nepal

The Women Empowerment program in Kathmandu offers you the opportunity to teach and mentor women of all ages who have had little or no access to formal education. Many are homemakers or rural migrants seeking to improve their literacy, independence, and confidence. Through conversational English, life skills, and creative teaching methods, you will help them build essential skills, expand opportunities, and become more self-sufficient. Beyond teaching, this program fosters genuine cultural exchange, personal growth, and lasting impact on Nepal’s journey toward greater empowerment and education.

Nepal itself is a destination like no other. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, it is home to breathtaking mountain landscapes, rich traditions, and warm hospitality. Its capital city, Kathmandu, buzzes with life – ancient temples, colorful markets, and lively festivals all set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. As a volunteer, you’ll not only make a difference in the classroom but also experience the beauty and vibrancy of Nepalese culture, from exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites to sharing meals with locals. Volunteering here means your journey will be as rewarding personally as it is meaningful for the community you support.

Age: 18–65 years

Education: High school diploma (minimum)

English Level: Intermediate

Required Documents on Signup: Passport copy, resume, background check (CRB)

Minimum Commitment: 2 weeks

Mandatory: Culture Week orientation

No other specific qualifications are required—only enthusiasm, adaptability, and a passion for helping others.

Start your Nepal journey with a week dedicated to immersing yourself in the country’s rich traditions, history, and daily life. Culture Week helps you adjust to your new surroundings, learn basic Nepali, and explore the beauty of Kathmandu while bonding with fellow volunteers. From temple visits and cooking classes to scavenger hunts and hikes, this week sets the foundation for a meaningful volunteer experience.

Culture Week isn’t just orientation – it’s your gateway to understanding Nepal. By the end of the week, you’ll have the confidence to navigate Kathmandu, connect more deeply with locals, and get the most out of your volunteer placement. It transforms your time in Nepal into an authentic, rewarding journey

Highlights

• Participate in a traditional Puja ceremony and cultural rituals
• Learn basic Nepali language skills for everyday use
• Explore UNESCO sites, temples, and local markets
• Take part in a hands-on cooking class and taste authentic Nepali food
• Enjoy yoga, meditation, and cultural games
• Hike through scenic mountain trails with breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley
• Build friendships through activities like movie night, scavenger hunt, and culture night

Typical Schedule

Monday

• Welcome Puja & name-giving ritual
• Orientation, icebreakers & cultural seminar
• Neighborhood exploration (banks, temples, markets)

Tuesday

• Health & adaptation discussion
• Nepali language training
• Local market visit & city scavenger hunt
• Evening movie night

Wednesday

• Morning yoga & meditation
• Nepali cooking class
• Guided temple tours (Sleeping Bishnu, Jamchen Vijay Stupa, ISKON Temple)

Thursday

• Visit to Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple)
• Insights into Nepal’s education system
• Evening culture night

Friday

• Scenic mountain hike & Kathmandu Valley views
• Group reflection & feedback session

(Schedules may vary depending on weather and local conditions.)

Inclusions

• Accommodation (Sunday arrival – Saturday departure)
• Three meals per weekday, two per weekend
• Airport pickup (during scheduled times)
• Program materials & cultural activities
• Guidance from local coordinators and 24/7 in-country support

Exclusions: Flights, visas, insurance, personal expenses, additional tours

Requirements

• Minimum English level: Basic
• Parental consent required if under 18
• Participants 65+ need a doctor’s fitness certificate
• Modest clothing (covering shoulders/knees) required for cultural visits
• Good walking shoes for tours and hikes

2025 & 2026: Weekly start dates (program begins every Monday following the mandatory Culture Week).

Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Programs run year-round, with flexible start times to suit participants’ schedules

September 2025

• September 1, 2025
• September 8, 2025
• September 15, 2025
• September 22, 2025
• September 29, 2025

October 2025

• October 6, 2025
• October 13, 2025
• October 20, 2025
• October 27, 2025

November 2025

• November 3, 2025
• November 10, 2025
• November 17, 2025
• November 24, 2025

December 2025

• December 1, 2025
• December 8, 2025
• December 15, 2025
• December 22, 2025
• December 29, 2025

January 2026

• January 5, 2026
• January 12, 2026
• January 19, 2026
• January 26, 2026

February 2026

• February 2, 2026
• February 9, 2026
• February 16, 2026
• February 23, 2026

March 2026

• March 2, 2026
• March 9, 2026
• March 16, 2026
• March 23, 2026
• March 30, 2026

April 2026

• April 6, 2026
• April 13, 2026
• April 20, 2026
• April 27, 2026

Included in Program Fee:

• Accommodation (Sunday through Saturday noon of final week)
• Airport pickup (during regular hours) and scheduled program transportation
• Daily meals (3 meals on weekdays, 2 meals on weekends)
• Program materials and teaching guidance
• Training and supervision from experienced coordinators
• International medical insurance
• 24/7 local team support

Not Included:

Personal expenses and additional tours/activities

Flights and visa expenses

Transportation outside the program

Travel insurance

Participants are housed in a shared accommodation center located 5 km from Kathmandu city center. The house includes:

• Facilities: mini library, garden, dining/lounge areas, Wi-Fi in public areas, refrigerator access
• Room Types:
  • Standard shared rooms (4–6 persons per room)
  • Optional private rooms (1–2 persons per room, extra fee)
• Amenities: lockable rooms, hot showers, fans, mosquito protection, safety box, laundry (extra fee)
• Meals: Vegetarian-based meals served on-site (3 meals per weekday, 2 per weekend), with occasional chicken dishes and dietary accommodations available upon request

Nearby, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, ATMs, and easy access to taxis for exploring Kathmandu.

With so many volunteer options, why volunteer through Greenheart Travel? 

Greenheart Travel is a non-profit, mission based organization dedicated to creating meaningful, long-lasting impact in the communities we serve. We work closely with local, grassroots partners to ensure that every program is responsible, sustainable, and truly makes a difference.

For years, we’ve been connecting volunteers with authentic, hands-on projects that not only support communities but also allow participants to grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re planting trees, teaching English, supporting wildlife conservation, or helping with community development, you’ll know your time and energy are making a positive impact.

When you travel with us, you’re not just signing up for a program – you’re joining a global community that values cultural exchange, responsible travel, and service learning

Personalized and Consistent Support

• Our head office is located in Chicago, and we’re available to answer questions during US business hours.
• Friendly, responsive, and professional communication from staff who have actually volunteered abroad themselves
• Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way
• An experienced program manager will personally review your application to make sure this is the right program for you

Global Community of Volunteers

• Access to a community of alumni and current volunteers on the program, before you even leave!
• Automatic enrollment in the Greenheart Club, an online community for Greenheart alumni to find resources, log volunteer hours, and apply for alumni grants and scholarship
• Offer an online platform to log your service hours, qualifying you for a  Greenheart Grant
• Exclusive access to Greenheart Travel Alumni Program

Top-Notch Materials and Preparation

• The Greenheart Travel Atlas, an interactive guide to your cross-cultural experience
• Online pre-departure orientation with focus on cultural training
• Greenheart Travel T-shirt

Don’t just take our word for it! Check out independent reviews from past participants of Greenheart Travel programs here.

Have questions or want to talk to us about the program? Set up a time to have a phone call below.

Be sure to review the FAQs before your call! 

1. Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Submit your Application Fee: A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your application fee in full.

4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

5. Video Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re Accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Nepal! The rest of your balance is due 60 days before you leave.

The above process can take as little as 1 week to complete, so it’s up to you how quickly you’re able to complete each step.