Volunteer in Nepal

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Nepal Teaching Volunteers

As a volunteer teaching English in Nepal, you will have a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a community level while immersing yourself in Nepal’s fascinating culture. From kindergartens to primary schools, you’ll assist in lessons or lead classes, educating and inspiring the next generation and preparing them for brighter futures.

Background to the Teaching Program

As a volunteer teaching English abroad in Nepal, your role is to help students develop vital English skills that will empower them to achieve their future goals. Conversing with fluent English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are crucial for better employment opportunities. Through your volunteer work in Nepal, you’ll contribute to the education of young people, helping to drive economic, political, and social progress.

Unfortunately, Nepal’s education system suffers from underinvestment, with many schools lacking qualified teachers, especially for English. This has led to high illiteracy rates, with 41% of the adult population unable to read or write, limiting career prospects to low-paying manual labour jobs.

Tourism is Nepal’s largest industry outside of agriculture and offers lucrative job opportunities. However, English proficiency is a key requirement for these roles. As government schools often provide limited English education, only children from wealthier families attending private international schools receive quality language instruction. By volunteering to teach English in Nepal, you’ll offer hope and inspiration to students who lack access to private education, opening doors to brighter futures. If you’re seeking volunteer gap year options, our Nepal projects provide incredible opportunities to make a lasting difference.

Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples

During your Nepal volunteer program, you’ll be placed in a local school or kindergarten that serves underprivileged communities. Depending on the project’s needs at the time, you may also have the chance to work in a day-care centre, providing basic education and care to pre-school children.

Smart Kids Kindergarten – Situated in Kathmandu Valley, this kindergarten was established in 2015 with a focus on child-centred education. It provides a fun and engaging learning environment for children aged 3 and older. Despite limited resources and minimal English communication, this placement offers an excellent opportunity to teach English and boost children’s confidence. Activities are interactive, focusing on learning through play to help young learners grow.

Chitwan Primary School – Volunteers teaching English in Nepal may be placed in this small school in Chitwan town in southern Nepal. Class sizes typically range from 20 to 30 students, aged 5 to early teens. You’ll often work with one teacher throughout your placement, following a curriculum or designing your own lessons depending on the school’s resources. Creativity and imagination go a long way in overcoming limited materials, making this a rewarding challenge for volunteers.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day​

You’ll start your day early with your host family, enjoying breakfast before heading to your placement. Depending on your location, your project may be a short walk from your homestay, or transport will be provided.

Your primary role as a volunteer in Nepal is to teach English. However, there may also be opportunities to teach other subjects like Maths and Arts. While local staff are available to assist, most international volunteers will lead their own lessons. Lessons are informal, allowing volunteers the freedom to be creative with their teaching methods.

To make lessons engaging, volunteers teaching English in Nepal are encouraged to use interactive activities, such as games, songs, and art. Educational games like Hangman, Hot Seat, or team quizzes are effective ways to build vocabulary and inspire learning. Flashcards, stickers, and souvenirs from your home country can also enhance lessons, making them both fun and educational.

Most schools have basic resources, though some offer outdoor spaces, playgrounds, and a selection of books and toys. You might wish to bring extra materials, such as educational books or games, to support your teaching. Resources can be purchased locally, which is a cost-effective way to support the local economy.

Volunteers typically teach 3–5 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Schools often start around 9–10am, with kindergartens beginning earlier. After finishing at 2–4pm, you’ll have free time to explore your neighbourhood, visit local markets, or join cultural activities.

Nepal Monk Teaching Volunteers

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a completely new culture while sharing your skills? As a volunteer teaching English to monks in Nepal, you’ll step into a fascinating way of life. Live within a traditional Nepalese Buddhist monastery and embrace this unique experience. Join the monks in their daily routines, start your mornings with peaceful meditation before sunrise, and spend your day sharing knowledge and helping these communities improve their English skills.

Background to the Teaching Program

While Buddhism is not the most widely practised religion in Nepal, its influence runs deep throughout the country’s history and culture, and Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha. From the numerous temples and stupas scattered across the land to the Tibetan Buddhists who have sought refuge, Nepal holds a significant place in the Buddhist world.

Many young Nepalese men dedicate part of their lives to training as monks. Most of the children in monasteries are either Tibetan refugees or come from disadvantaged ethnic hill tribes. For many, becoming a monk provides the opportunity for a brighter future.

Training as a monk begins at a young age. These young monks learn about Buddhist philosophies and practices while also receiving a general mainstream education, which includes learning English. The ability to speak English is crucial, as it allows monks to translate sacred texts and share the teachings of Buddhism with a wider audience. As the Dalai Lama famously said, “To learn English is to spread the word.”

Providing monks with both formal education and religious training is essential. Many monks leave the monastery as they grow older, and strong English skills significantly enhance their career opportunities in mainstream society.

By volunteering to teach English to monks in Nepal, you can play a key role in their educational journey. Working alongside international volunteers, you’ll help monks improve their communication and pronunciation skills, opening doors to new opportunities and enabling them to share their wisdom with the world.

Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples​

If you are keen to teach English to monks in Nepal, you will live within the monastery in separate living quarters. The location of your placement during your volunteer in Nepal experience will be at one of the monasteries we support in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Chitwan. Monasteries in Kathmandu are located across the valley, with some near the city centre and others in more rural, tranquil areas.

Sundarijal Monastery – Situated in the eastern Kathmandu Valley, Sundarijal Monastery is about an hour’s drive from central Kathmandu and is home to around 50 monks. These monks range in age from 6 to over 20, with approximately half aged between 6 and 15. Volunteers here lead educational classes for around three hours each day, working closely with the monks. Beyond teaching, volunteers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the monastery’s daily rituals and join the monks in games, creating a truly enriching cultural exchange.

Kwung Gumba Monastery – Another opportunity for your volunteer work in Nepal is with Kwung Gumba Monastery, located in a small neighbourhood in Kathmandu. This placement offers convenient access to shops and the main town. The monastery has western toilets and intermittent Wi-Fi. Volunteers teaching English to monks in Nepal will work in one of three classrooms surrounding the library, which are equipped with whiteboards and benches. Students are grouped by ability, enabling volunteers to tailor their lessons effectively.

Daunne Monastery – The Daunne Monastery in Chitwan offers a more rural experience, nestled within a jungle environment where monkeys are your neighbours! This Nepal volunteer program provides an authentic setting with basic facilities and limited resources. Volunteers here teach both male and female monks and support a local school that also caters to village children. The school is a short uphill walk into the forest, providing a serene backdrop for a rewarding teaching experience.

Shree Urgen Choling Buddhist Monastery – Located in the picturesque Pokhara region, Shree Urgen Choling Buddhist Monastery offers a unique and flexible experience in a more informal setting. As there is no local teacher, volunteers tutor young monks in the early mornings before accompanying them to a nearby government school. During the day, volunteers can relax by the lakeside or help with general monastery tasks. In the afternoons, volunteers support the children with tutoring and spend evenings engaging in games, singing, and dancing. This immersive role allows volunteers to bond closely with the young monks while experiencing life at the monastery.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day​

As a volunteer teaching English to monks in Nepal, your day will begin early, with the resonating sound of the monastery’s gong calling everyone to morning prayers. This unique start to the day provides an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the Buddhist way of life.

You will typically have a teaching schedule of two hours per day. With the shorter teaching hours on this program, you’ll find plenty of downtime at the monastery, allowing you to focus on personal activities or explore informal teaching opportunities. These may include conversational English, learning games, or helping the monks with homework and exam preparation. Your volunteer programs abroad run from Monday to Friday. While your main role will be to teach English, there may also be chances to teach other subjects such as Maths or Science.

This volunteer teaching English abroad project follows a flexible curriculum. Most of the time, you will independently plan your lessons or collaborate with fellow volunteers. Government course guidebooks focusing on English, Maths, and Science are often available to help you structure your classes.

In Kathmandu, the monasteries typically host 40 to 150 young monks, depending on the location, while in Chitwan, there are around 100 monks. Their ages range from approximately seven years old to their mid-teens, with class sizes averaging 10 to 15 students. The monks’ proficiency in English varies, so thoughtful lesson planning is essential. Sharing knowledge about your own culture is especially appreciated and helps deepen the learning experience.

During your free time on the Nepal volunteer program, you can explore the local community, visit nearby markets, or learn more about Buddhist traditions. Evenings may include playing games, engaging in sports, or leading extracurricular activities with the young monks.

Depending on your specific Nepal volunteer program, you may also assist with practical tasks like preparing meals or gathering firewood and wild mushrooms from the surrounding jungle. The monks are welcoming and genuinely grateful for your support, eager to share their culture and way of life with you. As a volunteer in Nepal, this experience offers a unique insight into Buddhist practices and traditions rarely available to tourists.

Upon your arrival, the young monks are often eager to meet you, though some may be shy during the first few days. You’ll have the chance to share meals with them and participate in morning meditation rituals (Puja) if you’re up early enough. While the monks won’t be able to formally teach you these practices, they are always open to your proactive involvement, making this a truly enriching and immersive experience.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our Nepal volunteer programs, you should book your flights to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on the Sunday start date. The airport code is KTM. Volunteers in Nepal can arrive at any time on their designated Sunday start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our Nepal volunteer program spans three unique locations: Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is a bustling metropolis rich in cultural heritage and history, filled with temples, palaces, and courtyards. Pokhara, 200km west of the capital, offers serene lakes and stunning mountain vistas, while Chitwan’s fertile Terai region near the Indian border provides a refreshing contrast to the Himalayan terrain.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Nepal are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in Nepal.

Your orientation for your volunteer program in Nepal will begin on Monday. After a refreshing breakfast, you’ll start the day with a two-hour Nepalese language lesson. Learning some basic Nepalese phrases is not only a fantastic cultural experience, but it will also help you communicate more easily during your volunteer placement, making your time in Nepal even more rewarding.

The theoretical part of the orientation follows, where you will receive an introduction to Nepal’s transport system, safety advice, and an overview of our Nepal volunteer programs. This session will be held at your in-country director Asim’s house, providing a relaxed and welcoming setting to learn more about your upcoming experience.

After lunch, the group will head into Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist centre for a guided sightseeing tour. A local team member will take you to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Monkey Temple, Boudha Stupa, and Pashupati Temple. This is a great opportunity to explore Nepal’s rich history and cultural diversity.

You’ll also have time to exchange money, purchase a local phone or SIM card, and visit the supermarket for any essentials. After a busy day, you’ll return to the Volunteer House for a home-cooked evening meal, followed by time to relax and get to know your fellow volunteers.

Your orientation continues on Tuesday morning with a cultural lesson led by our local team. You’ll learn about daily life in Nepal, cultural norms, religious traditions, and important “dos and don’ts”. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy—perhaps you’ll start shopping for souvenirs or visit some more historical sites.

The evening will be spent preparing for your journey to your volunteer placement. If your project location is nearby, you may be transferred there that evening instead.

Please note that lunch during your orientation (Monday–Tuesday) is not included in your Program Fee.

Please make sure you arrive into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Day 1 (Sunday) Arrival

Welcome to Nepal! A PMGY local coordinator will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding a PMGY sign so you can spot them easily. You will then be transferred to your volunteer accommodation, where you can relax and let home know you’ve arrived safely. In the evening, you will enjoy your first Nepalese dinner, a great introduction to local flavours and traditions.

Days 2-3 (Monday-Tuesday) Orientation

Your orientation for your volunteer program in Nepal will begin on Monday morning. After a refreshing breakfast, your day starts with a two-hour Nepalese language lesson. Learning some basic phrases is a great cultural experience and will also help you communicate more easily at your volunteer placement, making your time in Nepal even more fulfilling.

The theoretical part of the orientation follows, covering the transport system, safety advice, and an overview of our Nepal volunteer programs. This session takes place at in-country director Asim’s house, providing a relaxed and welcoming setting.

After lunch, you’ll head into Kathmandu’s tourist centre for a guided sightseeing tour. A local team member will introduce you to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Monkey Temple, Boudha Stupa, and Pashupati Temple. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Nepal’s rich history and cultural diversity.

You’ll also have time to exchange money, buy a local phone or SIM card, and visit the supermarket. After a busy day, you’ll return to the Volunteer House for a home-cooked evening meal, followed by time to relax and get to know your fellow volunteers.

On Tuesday morning, your orientation continues with a cultural lesson, where our local team will teach you about daily life in Nepal, cultural norms, religious traditions, and important “dos and don’ts”. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether that means shopping for souvenirs or exploring more historical sites.

In the evening, you’ll pack and prepare for your journey to your volunteer placement the next day. If your project location is nearby, you may be transferred there that evening instead.

Please note that lunch during your orientation (Monday–Tuesday) is not included in your Program Fee.

Day 4 (Wednesday) Travel to Your Placement

On Wednesday morning, you will move to your volunteer project location. If you are placed in Chitwan or Pokhara, you will travel by tourist bus, with the local team assisting you at the bus station. These comfortable, air-conditioned buses have reclining seats to make the journey more enjoyable.

Upon arrival at the Chitwan or Pokhara bus station, a local coordinator will meet you and take you to your accommodation. Your bus ticket and transfer to/from the bus station are included in your Program Fee.

Important note: Depending on road, weather, and traffic conditions, travel times from Kathmandu to Chitwan or Pokhara can range from 7-12 hours. Due to longer orientation and travel times, Nepal is highly recommended for long-term volunteers.

If your volunteer placement is in the Kathmandu region, a local coordinator will typically take you straight to your host family or project accommodation, usually in a private vehicle.

Days 5-6 (Thursday-Friday) Volunteering Begins

You will start your volunteer work in Nepal on Thursday morning. If you need anything while at the project, our local team is always available to support you and is just a phone call away.

Days 7-8 (Saturday-Sunday) Weekend!

The weekend is your time to explore Nepal’s incredible landscapes and culture. Volunteers in Nepal have the unique opportunity to experience both rural and urban locations, with projects available in Chitwan, Pokhara, and Kathmandu. Each location has its own charm, offering stunning contrasts between mountains, jungles, and lakes.

Nepal is one of the best destinations for independent travel, with countless trekking routes, cultural sites, and natural wonders to explore. In Thamel and Pokhara, you’ll find trekking shops, cafés, and lively streets, making it a popular hub for backpackers. Alternatively, you can discover local sites, including the jungles of Chitwan, the lakes of Pokhara, and the breathtaking Himalayan mountains.

During your volunteer experience in Nepal, our local team encourages you to explore the country’s rich culture and landscapes. They are happy to help you plan your weekend opportunities and offer travel advice.

The Following Weeks

Your next weeks will follow a similar pattern, with volunteering from Monday to Friday and weekends free for travel. Time will fly by, so make sure you make the most of every moment!

Our local team is available to support you throughout your stay. Whether you need travel advice, help with a lost phone, or just someone to talk to, they are always there to assist.

Last Days (Friday-Sunday)

On Friday, your volunteer placement comes to an end, and you will travel back to Kathmandu.

Saturday is your last full day in Nepal, and you will spend the day in Kathmandu. You’ll have free time to explore more of this fascinating city before heading home. Your transport back to Kathmandu is included in your Program Fee, and you will be met at the Kathmandu bus station by our local team. Alternatively, if your placement is in the Kathmandu region, the local team may collect you in a private vehicle and bring you back to the host accommodation in Kathmandu for your final night.

On Sunday, we will arrange your airport drop-off, which is included in your Program Fee. A member of our local team will ensure you get to the airport on time for your departure flight.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in Nepal as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the project residence, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in Nepal. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in Nepal.

Nepal experiences a hot and humid climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from December to May, while the rainy season typically falls between June and November. However, rain showers in Nepal tend to be short and intense, rather than lasting all day, so don’t let the monsoon season discourage you from visiting! In fact, the rainy season can be refreshing, offering relief from the heat while transforming the landscape into a lush, green paradise.

The hottest months are from January to April, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity in Nepal involving moderate weather, the period between October and December is ideal, as it is cool, dry, and not too humid. The coldest months are from November to March, when night-time temperatures can drop significantly, so it’s best to pack some warm clothing if you’re volunteering during this time.

Accommodation

The first few days of your Nepal volunteer program will be spent in Kathmandu, where you’ll stay with our host team in their family home. The accommodation is welcoming and comfortable, with Wi-Fi available, making it a great introduction to life in Nepal. After these initial days, your accommodation will depend on the specific program you’re joining. Throughout your stay, the host team will remain in contact, and local staff at your accommodation will be your main point of contact during your volunteer placement. Your final night on the program will also be spent back in Kathmandu at the family home before your departure.

It’s important to note that for your volunteer work in Nepal, the accommodation is generally basic, especially in rural locations. While most places have western-style toilets, some may only have Nepali-style squat toilets. In more remote areas, bucket showers are common. Additionally, Wi-Fi is not typically available, and electricity can be intermittent. Bringing a torch and plenty of books is a great idea to prepare for the rustic charm of life in Nepal. Embrace this peaceful way of living, a refreshing change from today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

If you’re teaching English in Nepal, you’ll stay with a host family close to your project, often within walking distance. Living with a host family is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Nepalese culture and traditions while becoming part of the local community. Your efforts to socialise and engage with the family will enhance your experience and foster deeper connections, making you feel like a true member of the household.

If you’re teaching English to monks during your volunteer work in Nepal, you’ll live at one of the monasteries in Kathmandu, Pokhara or Chitwan. The monasteries in Chitwan and Pokhara are located in rural settings, where facilities may not include western-style toilets, hot water showers, or internet access. Meanwhile, monasteries in Kathmandu tend to be more modern and vary in location – some are closer to the city centre, while others are in rural areas with limited access to shops. In Kathmandu, western-style bathrooms are more common, but Wi-Fi and hot showers are still generally unavailable.

Living at the monastery offers a truly unique and tranquil experience. Expect to hear the gong ringing at 5am each morning to summon the monks for prayer and meditation, an activity you’re welcome to join. Immersing yourself in this serene environment and participating in the monks’ simple daily rituals is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Always carry toilet paper and hand sanitiser when you volunteer in Nepal. While toilet paper is easy to find in local shops, hand sanitiser is usually only available in cities, so it’s worth bringing a couple of bottles from home.

Meals

Meals are prepared for you each day by your host family or, when staying at a monastery, by the local staff on-site. Food is simple, fresh and rooted in traditional Nepalese cooking, often featuring lentils, rice, potatoes, vegetables, yoghurt and spices such as cumin, coriander and chilli. Dishes can sometimes be on the spicy side, offering an authentic taste of local cuisine. At homestays, you are welcome to help in the kitchen and learn how to prepare Nepalese meals if you wish. Whether at a family home or within the monastery grounds, the meals you receive reflect everyday Nepali life and eating culture.

Dhal Bhat, Nepal’s national dish, is commonly served for breakfast and dinner. It consists of rice, lentils, and seasoned vegetables. Most meals are vegetarian, including pasta or noodles with locally grown vegetables. Occasionally, chicken, pork, or fish dishes are also served.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements. However, this cannot be guaranteed. You may need to purchase additional ingredients at your own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-confirm them with the local team upon arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

Here’s an example of the meals you can expect:

Breakfast – Dhal Bhat, Tea

Lunch – Traditional Nepalese Snacks

Dinner – Dhal Bhat, Noodle Soup, Chapati, Bread, Rice

On the Nepal volunteer program, most projects are within walking distance of the volunteer accommodation. Monastery placements are located on-site, while host family placements are generally a 15-20 minute walk away. This convenient setup ensures minimal travel time for volunteers in Nepal.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.