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Despite the natural beauty of the Himalayas, Nepal faces significant environmental challenges. Air pollution in and around Kathmandu has been increasing at rapid rates and now poses significant health risks to locals. On top of this, there is large scale use of single use plastics across the country, with low levels of recycling. In fact, one of the main ways plastic is disposed of is by burning it, which is contributing to the already dangerous levels of air pollution.
We work with the local community in and around the Kathmandu Valley and have developed a range of programs that tackle these environmental issues. By volunteering with us, you’ll get to be involved in these projects, some of which include:
Tree planting to help offset the carbon emissions of your travel and air pollution in the area
Educational campaigns in the community and at local schools about the long-term impacts of single use plastics, benefits of recycling and ways to reduce their carbon footprint
Constructing waste segregation plants in the community and maintaining existing ones
Organising community clean ups
When you arrive in Nepal you’ll be met by our team at the airport. Over the next few days you’ll have a thorough induction and orientation where you’ll learn about Nepalese customs and culture, get your bearings around town, meet community partners and gain a better understanding of the context of the projects you’re working on.
Over two weeks, you’ll work in the community Monday - Friday with your weekend free to travel and explore. Your day will usually be structured with a morning session (approx. 3 hours) after breakfast and then a session of the same length after lunch. Your afternoons and evenings will be free for you to relax or do any required planning for the next day.
On the last day, you’ll either be transported back to the airport or you can join our extension trip trek!
After your volunteer program you can join our optional extension trip for $800, where you’ll embark on the epic 5-day Poon Hill trek! Beginning in Pokhara, you'll have an afternoon to stroll around the lakeside city before getting ready to start your trek the following day. You'll pass through picturesque mountain villages, lush forests and small streams as you make your way to the Poon Hill summit - 3200m above sea level. The Poon Hill lookout has the most incredible panoramic views of the Annapurna ranges that you'll be lucky enough to see at sunrise before beginning your descent, fresh on the knowledge you just trekked into the highest mountain range in the world!
To deal with the uncertainty that comes with COVID-19, we have introduced several guarantees so you can confidently book in your 2022 volunteer program today. Click the button below for all the details.
*Note: if you have other dates in mind or would like to travel as an individual, email us at in[email protected] and we’ll be more than happy to help!