Are you planning to volunteer in Nepal, but unsure which provider to select? Now, you no longer have to waste time searching the internet and filling out dozens of contact forms. Simply fill out ONE form, we'll send it off to multiple providers and they'll contact YOU! You'll be able to compare rates and find the lowest cost program for the most affordable trip abroad.
Get Your Free Quotes NOWHave you ever dreamed of visiting Nepal? Are you interested in spending your vacation in this magnificent country as a volunteer? Does combining your Nepal trip to volunteering appeal to you?
Nepal is a beautiful nation famous for its majestic Himalayan range with some of the tallest mountains in the world. It is also rich in its spiritual traditions and culture and has a lot to offer - friendly locals, delicious food, varied wildlife, beautiful lakes and peaceful serenity. No wonder Nepal is a popular volunteering destination. Each year, hundreds of volunteers travel to Nepal with the goal of making a difference in the country.
There are several national and international organizations in Nepal that runs a wide variety of programs. However, if you compare these organizations’ volunteer programs in Nepal, you will find huge differences in price, purpose, usefulness, safety and so on. Thus, you need to dedicate a huge amount of time and effort to pick the best volunteer organization for you.
At TravellersQuest, we want to see you joining a reputable, safe and affordable program in Nepal where you can create a lasting impact. In this article, we have selected the 10 best organizations offering volunteering opportunities in Nepal.
We have selected by analyzing these companies’ price and affordability, online reviews, business history, reputation, professionalism, and commitment to community.
| Company Name | Starting price (2 weeks) |
Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| RCDP International Volunteers | $270 |
Abroad Review: 221 Reviews Go overseas: 47 reviews |
| Global Crossroad | $569 |
Go overseas:74 reviews
Abroad Reviews:334 Reviews |
| IFRE Volunteer | $569 |
Abroad Review: 327 reviews Go Overseas:74 reviews |
| Experimental Learning International (ELI) | $555 |
Go Overseas: 32 reviews G) Abroad: 63 reviews |
| International Volunteer HQ | $679 |
Go overseas:1,724 reviews
Go Abroad:1,282 reviews |
| Love Volunteers | $688 |
Go overseas:139 reviews Go Abroad:273 reviews |
| Plan My Gap Year | $699 |
Go Overseas:350 reviews
Go Abroad – 24 Reviews |
| Go Eco | $850 |
Go Overseas – 85 Reviews Go Abroad: 662 Reviews |
| GVI (UK) | $3,495 |
Go Abroad- 3924 reviews Go Overseas: 581 reviews |
Table updated: Sept 29, 2022
Based in the USA, and established in 1998, RCDP is the first organization to offer Nepal volunteer programs. Each year, they welcome over 1,000 eager volunteers who wish to make an impact in sustainable community development programs in Nepal. The volunteer’s engagement in the program directly benefits the underprivileged and poor through their affordable volunteer programs in Nepal.
Their focus is on orphanages and underfunded schools in Nepal, Thus, they team up with a variety of UK and USA based volunteer organizations to improve the lives of hundreds of orphaned children. RCDP currently runs its own orphanage in Chitwan.
RCDP is the first organization to offer meaningful volunteer in Nepal programs. RCDP works in collaboration with local organizations to make an impact on the areas of education, healthcare, disadvantaged community and environment.
RCDP’s orphanage project is located in Chitwan and Kathmandu district, where about 50 disadvantaged and orphan children reside and studies. When you join, you will help the children in various ways, by teaching, cooking, cleaning and so on.
No doubt, you will gain an experience of a life-time while changing the life of disadvantaged and exploring the best this amazing Himalayan country has to offer.
Teaching English Nepal volunteer program of RCDP is yet another highly impactful program, where you will share your English skills to the disadvantaged children studying in a community school. If you want to experience what a monks life looks like, consider joining monk teaching program of RCDP.
The monk teaching program allows you to spend your time in a monastery, where you will learn meditation and teach English to the young monks.
Volunteers who are interested in spending some time easing into their volunteer programs can opt to participate in a two week orientation program. The program consists of language training, cultural tours, village hikes, visits to popular tourist sites, and a 2-3 day stay at the Chitwan National Park with a jungle safari.
RCDP Nepal is a highly rated volunteer organization with no shortage of positive reviews. You can sift through their volunteer stories and reviews and get first-hand accounts of volunteers’ experiences, or search the web to read the more than 100 online reviews and handwritten testimonies on Go Overseas. RCDP Nepal is widely praised for its high-quality Nepal volunteer programs, warm and helpful support staff, and reasonable prices.
RCDP Nepal runs extremely affordable opportunities to volunteering in Nepal. Program fees range in price depending on length of stay and chosen program, with some beginning as low as $100! The weekly fees cover the costs of host family/hostel accommodation, three meals per day, and services of the local staff members.
RCDP Nepal was an obvious choice considering their commitment to the country, their long experience there coupled with great reviews and very cheap prices. Hundreds of raving reviews from past volunteers made us give this organization the first position on the list.
Global Crossroad is a U.S. based international volunteer organization established in 2003. Since its establishment, the organization has served over 18000 volunteers in 19 countries across the globe. Their program mainly focuses on orphaned children, disadvantaged local residents, and rural women’s groups program fees and the price starts at just $100.
Global Crossroad’s Nepal volunteering programs promise you a safe and real impactful experience. They offer different programs in Nepal for you to choose from.
The teaching English is best suitable for those who loves teaching English to underprivileged children. If you want to experience the life of the monk while also helping them learn English skills, you can opt for volunteering in Nepal Monastery program in Nepal.
If you want to change the life of disadvantaged children, we recommend you work in an orphanage in Nepal with GCR. Medical students and professionals can join medical/healthcare program and make a difference while also gaining hands-on experience.
No matter what program you choose, you will make a huge difference in the lives of disadvantaged. On top of that, you will gain hands-on experience while also taking in the beauty and adventure of the country.
Volunteers can also opt to participate in a one-week Language and Cultural Immersion Program in the capital city of Kathmandu.
Global Crossroad offers best impactful Nepal volunteer works. Their volunteer programs are extremely well known amongst the volunteer community and have been highly rated by 98% of volunteers. Read their reviews on Go Overseas.
Quality of programs, hospitality of host families, and program support are just some of the services the organization is lauded for. If you are interested in the program, read through their volunteer blog to familiarize yourself with life as a volunteer.
Global Crossroad’s volunteer in Nepal fees are inexpensive, yet they never compromise on the quality of programs. Also, the fees are paid directly to the host family or project, so you can be sure your money is going toward something good. In addition to a $299 application/registration fee, each program’s fees differ depending on length of stay.
Global Crossroad is a great choice for their stellar reviews and affordable prices. Pair this with their great homestay network and logistical support and you’ve got yourself a winner.
If Nepal is not on your list for now, you might be looking for the best volunteer program providers in other Asian countries as well. You can Volunteer in Bali, Volunteer in Cambodia, Volunteer in India, Volunteer in Sri Lanka, Volunteer in Thailand.
IFRE is a leading volunteer organization offering the best and low-cost volunteer opportunities in Nepal. IFRE Volunteers is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization based in the U.S that offers volunteer opportunities in developing and third world countries.
Since their start in 2006, nearly 17,000 volunteers have participated in their programs in 18 different countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It remains one of the most trusted and affordable volunteer organizations, with a near 99% satisfaction rate.
IFRE Volunteers has been offering many significant programs in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. With them, you can opt to volunteer in the field of education, medical care, environment conservation, monk teaching and photojournalism. Besides, they also offer summer volunteer and adventure program in Nepal.
IFRE’s education program refers to teaching English to poor and disadvantaged children. You will spend your days in a community school help improving the English skills of the children.
If you joined orphanage volunteer program in Nepal, you will work with underprivileged orphans in a orphanage. Your tasks include preparing food for orphans, cleaning, teaching English and other subjects, organizing dance classes and so on.
Medical volunteers in Nepal work in a community hospital shadowing local doctors and nurses. If you love to live a life of a monk while also helping them improve the vital English skills, you can join Nepal monastery volunteer program.
Photojournalism is actually not a volunteer program, instead, this program will help you understand the art of clicking photos in Nepal’s most attractive Himalayan locations.
IFRE Volunteers promotes a “complete” volunteer experience, which includes language courses, cultural immersion, and amazing travel experiences, in addition to its volunteer opportunities.
IFRE Volunteering Programs in Nepal has many positive reviews. Their extremely dedicated and experienced coordinators are always available to make sure your experience is meaningful and customized to your liking.
Their U.S. based client-care team members, in-country coordinators, and international partners ensure that your each concern will be answered before, during, and after your trip. In-country coordinators are also very familiar with the needs of the local community and have worked extensively with local organizations.
IFRE Volunteers offers some of the best and most inexpensive volunteer in Nepal programs. And because it is a 501(c) 3 organization, your program fees are tax deductible.
You will pay a $299 one-time application fee, which covers advertising, staff salaries, taxes, and other operational expenses. Your weekly program fees, which are paid directly to your host families and projects. Program fees vary depending on chosen project and length of stay.
IFRE’s greatest strengths are their highly transparent volunteer in Nepal fees, excellent support staff and a commitment to ensuring the most rewarding cultural experience across the board.
ELI is a U.S. based organization that strives to connect eager volunteers with meaningful project placements in Africa, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Kevin O’Neill, ELI focus on creating the lasting impacts on grassroots projects. They are also a registered 501(c) 3; which means your program fees are tax deductible.
ELI’s Nepal volunteer program offers a wide range of areas for volunteers and interns to work in. With Eli, you can help provide care and education to orphaned children, or teach English in a Buddhist monastery or public school.
You can also work in the area of women’s empowerment and human rights to promote gender justice. Other projects include helping with the construction of earthquake-damaged schools, medical and dental work, and helping to develop veterinary and animal health policy.
ELI’s amazing programs have earned many great reviews. Volunteers are impressed with the quality and usefulness of the programs they offer. If you want to learn more about what to expect before going abroad, ELI’s website features photo journals, interviews, videos, and participant blogs.
ELI’s offer reasonable volunteer opportunities in Nepal so that you do not have to worry about cost. Their application fee is only $200 and comes with a 7-day refund policy.
Program fees include pre-departure information, airport pick up, a city tour and orientation, two meals per day, 24/7 emergency service, and more. Fees for the medical and dental programs are higher because hospitals charge an internship fee.
You live together in a volunteer house in Kathmandu that is close to all the shops, cafes, bookstores, and transportation options.
We chose ELI for their large amount of material documenting their volunteer projects, as well as their great prices for long-term volunteering and excellent reviews.
Started in 2007, International Volunteer HQ is a New Zealand based organization that offers quality volunteer programs in Nepal and over 30 other countries. IVHQ has sent over 50,000 volunteers abroad since their start and earned a reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and experienced volunteer travel providers.
IVHQ places volunteer in Nepal in four main regions in Nepal – Kathmandu, Chitwan, Chitlang, and Pokhara. With IVHQ, you can teach English in public and private schools, assist with childcare in orphanages in Kathmandu and Pokhara, pick a medical elective and volunteer at a hospital in Nepal, or work in a remote health clinic.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a guardian. The Nepal program begins on the first and third Monday of every month, and volunteers can stay for up to 12 weeks.
IVHQ is a highly trusted volunteer organization and a great choice. They have placed over 51,000 volunteers abroad and are verified by several international travel portals including Go Abroad and Go Overseas, where they have over 3000 reviews and a 95% positive response rate.
IVHQ adheres to their own specific “foundation,” which includes affordability, responsibility, quality, support, safety, friendship, need, loyalty, experience and enjoyment.
Volunteer programs in Nepal start as low as $250. There is also a $299 registration fee, which covers ongoing support from IVHQ staff, marketing costs, information packets, administrative costs, travel costs to inspect programs, and donation to the IVHQ Fund.
With their focus on cultural exchange and immersion for their volunteers, along with great prices and very generous reviews.
Love Volunteers began in 2009 by a New Zealander named Julian, who then recruited his two sisters to run the organization. Now, this family venture has become a unique and trusted volunteer organization that promises life-changing experiences in 35 different countries. Their focus is on community, volunteers, and partners.
Love Volunteers rewarding Nepal volunteer programs takes place in the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara. You must be at least 18 years old to participate and stay for a minimum of one week.
Love Volunteers offers medical, education, community development, monastery teaching etc. programs in Nepal. The one and only focus of each of these programs are to improving the quality of life and living standards of the disadvantaged.
You can join their teaching English volunteer trips to Nepal and gain real world teaching experience while also helping poor kids learn English skills. If you love playing with kids, there is a childcare program for you to accompany with.
Monastery teaching is another wonderful program where you get to live like a monk and also teach monks your English skills. If you are physically fit and string minded, you contribute in a building construction and renovation program.
Medical students can opt for medical volunteer program in Nepal, where you gain hands-on experience while also help providing vital healthcare access to the disadvantaged Nepalese.
Love Volunteers is a wonderful organization with a dedicated team working to provide enriching experiences. Their team members are known for providing prompt and helpful responses to all questions and concerns. Read through their reviews on Go Overseas and on GoAbroad.com.
Love Volunteers offers reasonable fees. Their programs allow you to travel and impact local communities without spending a lot of money.
The organization is small, with no huge overhead costs or luxury expenses. They also work with local organizations, which helps keep administration costs low and puts money directly into the local economy.
Love Volunteers has an incredibly transparent process and fees, and the provider also enjoys stellar reviews across all review sites and offer their Nepal volunteer programs at affordable fees.
Founded in 2011 in the UK, PMGY has almost a decade’s worth of experience and has assisted thousands of volunteers to go around the world and help. The organization focuses on providing 100% transparent fees and processes, and their fees and reviews are both equally excellent.
PMGY is a worthy addition to this list of the best affordable volunteer providers in Nepal, and you’ll see why as we move on to their programs, reviews and fees.
PMGY aims to uplift the condition of education, health and community in Nepal. Thus, collaborating with local organizations, offers programs like teaching English, Childcare and teaching Buddhist monks.
Experienced or first timers who loves teaching can join PMGY’s Nepal teaching English volunteer program. If you are fascinated by the life of monks, want to learn some meditation and also want to share your English skills, do join their monk teaching program.
Their childcare program is suitable for those who loves to make a positive impact on the life of underprivileged and orphaned children. By joining this project, you will indeed get a true sense of achievement knowing that your little help could change someone’s life.
Their volunteer in Nepal projects start on Sundays, and PMGY advice volunteers to arrive at least one day prior to the start-date of their selected project.
Plan My Gap Year enjoys great reviews across the board ( 96% on Go Overseas and 4.8 on Review Center). More than 500 former volunteers share their experiences of volunteering with PMGY. 99% of them highly praises the organizations helpful staffs, project’s impact and low-cost fees.
One of the best things about Plan My Gap Year are their incredibly affordable fees for Nepal volunteering opportunities. Their Nepal programs starts as low as $350 a week, and the cost covers food, accommodation, and project donation.
We chose Plan My Gap Year for their focus on volunteers’ social experience, as well as their great prices and rave-reviews.
GoEco began in 2005 by two volunteers from the U.S. who wanted to promote the idea of responsible tourism. They began by introducing the concept of volunteer tourism in Israel and have since expanded to offer volunteer opportunities in over 33 countries.
Their volunteer blog features fascinating first-hand accounts of volunteer experiences abroad. They are highly praised for their focus on environmental conservation and nature protection especially from those who were volunteering work in Nepal.
GoEco has two programs in Nepal– teaching English in a Buddhist Monastery, or empowering women in Kathmandu through education and confidence-building activities.
For volunteers interested in teaching English, there is a minimum four-week commitment required, with a maximum 12-week commitment. Prices begin at $1,410 for four weeks. Volunteers can range in age from 18 to 70, with accommodation including a shared or private room in the monastery and three meals per day on weekdays (two meals on weekends).
The program for empowering women requires a minimum two-week commitment, with a maximum of 12 weeks. Prices begin at $850. Nepal volunteers’ range in age from 18-75, although younger volunteers may be accepted with parental consent. Volunteers share a room in the volunteer house and receive three meals per day.
All volunteers, regardless of program, receive a weeklong orientation where they are immersed in Nepalese culture and language.
GoEco is rated very highly and has been recommended by USA Today, The Boston Globe, MNS, The Guardian, Huffington Post, US News & World Report, and more. They are also listed on GoOverseas and GoAbroad.
GoEco’s commendable commitment to sustainable and ecological prices landed them a spot on this list. Their affordable prices and praise from countless former volunteers also helped, of course.
Nepal is an incredibly beautiful country with several snow-capped mountains, ancient monuments, landmarks, vibrant cities, national parks, hypnotic landscapes and so on. Besides volunteering, you would also love to enjoy trekking in the foothills of the mighty peaks. There are many famous trekking routes in Nepal and some of them are Everest, Annapurna base camp, Annapurna circuit, Annapurna Sanctuary, Langtang, Makalu and Manaslu. Some of these treks are long and some are short treks and operated by many top ranked companies in Nepal.
If you are not an avid trekker, you can also enjoy life-enriching cultural tours, spiritual tours, helicopter tours, wildlife tours with top travel operators in Nepal. Also, adventure lovers can enjoy many types of adventurous activities such as rafting tours, bungee jumping, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking tours and so on.
If you are wondering about the cool and famous things to do in Nepal to make your trip amazing read these articles that explain the highlights of the Kathmandu city, best places to explore in Pokhara, top places to worship in Lumbini and Chitwan’s best tourist hubs.
GVI is a UK based organization that was established in 1998 and has served 25,000 volunteers in over 25 countries. They run highly impactful volunteer programs in collaboration with local communities and organizations that facilitate real change.
Some of their partner organizations include Save the Children, South African National Parks Board, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Jane Goodall Institute, Rainforest Concern, and the Kenyan Wildlife Service.
You can choose to join any one of the six different Nepal volunteer programs as per your skills, qualification and interest.
If you have a basic level of physical fitness and strong mental determination to change this world, you can opt for joining building construction program in Nepal. During the program, you will contribute to build or renovate orphanage, school or library in rural areas.
Women empowerment volunteer in Nepal program calls for volunteers who love to uplift the living standard of deprived Nepalese women. You will mainly teach several valuable life skills to the impoverished women and help them lead a harmonious life.
If you want to work with vulnerable kids, you can either join a childcare program or English teaching program. Childcare volunteers are placed in a childcare center, where you will teach, cook, clean and do other extra activities with children. Nepal English teaching volunteers will teach English in a underfunded and understaffed community school.
You can also choose to do a Volunteer and Adventure Experience, where you volunteer on a child care project and then embark on an adventure to the Mount Everest base camp. This must be done for six weeks at a cost of 1,775 pounds.
All other projects take place in Pokhara and begin at 850 pounds for two weeks, with the exception of the construction project, which begins at 900 pounds for one week.
Each program also includes an orientation that includes language and cooking classes, as well as an excursion to the Tal Bahari temple. You will have ample free time to explore the country when you are not volunteering in Nepal, with great advice from local staff on places to go.
GVI holds the award for Best Volunteering Organization in 2011 by Responsible Travel and has numerous additional awards for specific projects. They have been featured in many international media outlets, including The Times, The Guardian, Daily Mail, BBC Holiday, and BBC’s ‘The Dark.’ They are reviewed on GoOverseas, and Volunteer Forever with hundreds of reviews.
It wasn’t hard to settle on GVI given their many awards, high degree of publicity and extensive experience. Though their prices are a bit high, their programs impact on local communities are invaluable. This all reflect on their past volunteers reviews.
Projects Abroad was founded in the UK 25 years of before. This organization has stellar reviews across the board with 9.28 on Go Overseas, 4.7 on Volunteer Forever, 4.6 on TrustPilot and 9.40 on GoAbroad. Their prices are somewhat high, but there’s a lot included in the price and no registration fees.
A Broader View Volunteers was founded in 2007 in Pennsylvania and has great reviews on Go Abroad (100%), Volunteer Forever (4.99/5) and Go Overseas (99%). Their prices are also reasonable, and programs are exciting.
While Global Volunteers, founded in 1999, doesn’t have as many reviews as the main entries on this list, their scores are nonetheless great with 9.56 on Go Overseas for volunteer in Nepal programs.
Founded in 2007 in Thailand, Friends for Asia has a solid 9.62/10 rating on Go Overseas and very affordable prices. We also like that they’re a company local to Asia, but their low numbers of reviews kept them off the main list.
New Hope Volunteers has very reasonable prices. Volunteering in Nepal starts as cheap as $400 for 2 weeks and the only thing that kept them off the top 10 was their fairly low number of reviews.
If you are thinking of volunteering in Africa, you can check out these top-rated Kenya volunteer providers, South Africa volunteer providers, Tanzania volunteer providers, Uganda volunteer providers and Ghana volunteer providers.
A volunteering trip to Nepal is indeed an experience of a lifetime, but you might find it difficult seeing the cost of volunteering programs. Free volunteer programs are almost impossible to find since volunteer travel and adventure travel are almost similar programs. However, there are some organizations that offer extremely low-cost volunteering programs in Nepal. Peace Corps, RCDP Nepal, New Hope Volunteers, United Nations, etc. offer some the most inexpensive volunteer programs in Nepal.
Nepal is an underdeveloped country and needs volunteers to develop essential infrastructure and empower disadvantaged communities. In fact, there is only a limited access to healthcare, education, and other fundamental facilities for disadvantaged communities in Nepal. To fill this gap, various organizations are running Nepal volunteer programs like building construction, English teaching, women’s empowerment, childcare, conservation and more. You can opt for any program that matches your skills, qualifications and passion and get on board to a generous journey.
Yes, you need to obtain a Tourist Visa to travel and volunteer in Nepal. You can get the visa by applying online e-visa to Nepal immigration. Or you can also get the tourist visa upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport. However, Nepal provides this facility to only a few countries citizens, thus please check Nepal Immigration website before leaving your home country.
Volunteers need to sign up and register their profile on UNICEF volunteer’s webpage. UNICEF’S volunteer opportunities in Nepal are offered through National Committees. You must be 18 years old or above to be able to participate on their program. You must also demonstrate your qualification, relevant professional experience, personal competency, and requisite maturity to be a UNICEF volunteer.
Despite its natural and cultural richness, Nepal is still an underdeveloped country. There is a great lack of basic facilities of healthcare, education, drinking water and so on. You can participate in programs like teaching, medical volunteer, building construction, painting, environment conservation, etc. as per your skill, qualification and interest. These programs are generally taking place in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara and other cities and villages of the country.
With so many volunteer in Nepal programs offered by the organizations featured in this article, we are confident you’ll be inspired to start planning your own volunteer travel adventure. It is truly a wonderful way to see the world while making a meaningful and impactful difference in the very locations, and with the right people, which need your time and talents the most.
Age, experience, background and income are no barriers to getting involved, as the wonderful world of volunteering opportunity truly is open to all. All you have to do is choose between the many amazing, well organized and interesting projects which are on offer here.
