Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Nepal
- Around 25% of the population in Nepal are living below the poverty line.
- Malnutrition is particually evident in children under 5, with 36% enduring stunting.
- Children from poor families have low attendence at school, with 1 in 4 of the poorest not going to school at all.
- Nepal can experience natural disasters, such as earthquakes. This can severly impact the local structures and roads.
- Much of Nepal's population lacks access to basic medical care.
WHAT does Everest Base Camp Trek Involve?
- Kathmandu introduction week and a week of volunteering included
- Challenge yourself, push yourself and encourage your fellow hikers!
- Trek over suspension bridges, raging rivers and some of the best scenery in the world
- Meet and interact with the local people along the way
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK & VOLUNTEER
LOCATION: KATHMANDU (starting location)
START DATES: FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH (Sat/Sun arrivals)
ACCOMMODATION: TEA HOUSES & VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 4 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: A good level of fitness.
*Please note: this project runs once per month (first Monday of every month).
Overview
For the adventurous, why not combine one of the best treks in the world with a volunteer project? You will have an introduction week in Kathmandu before your base camp trek and then a week of volunteering afterwards. This is a great way to explore and give back at the same time.
First Week: Introduction Week – Kathmandu
Starting in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, this week you will learn all about Nepalese culture, the language, dos and don’ts, and lifestyle of the local people. You will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt race at a local market!
Second and Third Week: Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Trekking region is on many travellers’ bucket list! This is a hard trek, over rough terrain but mainly due to the altitude, so volunteers must have a reasonable level of fitness, as there won’t be much resting! However, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views, passing through Sherpa villages, admiring some of the world’s most stunning landscapes and getting to see the best of Nepalese culture.
Fourth Week: Volunteering in Kathmandu
You will have a choice of several volunteer projects for your final week. This is a great way to give back to the country and to really experience Nepalese hospitality.
You can choose between teaching at a local school, helping out at a kindergarten or aiding injured dogs at the animal shelter.
– Full schedule in the FAQ section!
*This is a 4 week program which can be extended to spend more time volunteering at the end.
What is included in the program
- Airport transfers as per the policy – Airport Pickup in Kathmandu – Tribhuvan International Airport
- Presence of a dedicated program coordinator throughout your travel, at the projects and facilities –
- Logistical management support in case of emergencies
- Authentic Nepali meals and European (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the duration of the entire program as per the meal plan
- Accommodation at hotels, tea houses, and at our volunteer house – shared accommodation
- Local transportation to all venues
- Entry fees to all places
- Extensive pre-departure information
- Overland public local transportation
What is excluded in the program
- Air ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
- Personal expenses such as table drinks, room service items, laundry, telephone calls, tips, porterage at hotels or airport, bottles of water during your road travel etc.
- Any additional expenses caused by or liability for the disturbance in the program due to circumstances, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, riots etc.
- Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods.
- Our program does not cover any liability and does not insure participants.
- Participants must have appropriate insurance before joining the program.
- Any camera fee where applicable.
- Any service not specified above.
Few things to consider when you are with us!
- Returning to the accommodation after your personal trips before 22.00 hrs every day
- You will not be allowed to hire any vehicle on your own
- Consumption of alcohol inside the accommodation is strictly prohibited
- Respect and adhere to our code of conduct
- Our staff is there to support you, guide you and make your trip memorable.
- We kindly request you to follow their instructions at all times
- You will not be allowed to bring outsiders inside our centres/tea houses or hotels
Location
Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is an incredible place! The contrast of decaying buildings, smell of incense, street sellers, historic temples and incredible mountain views will invigorate your senses and keep you inspired to learn more about the amazing history and culture. For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here. This small, mountain-sheltered valley is the historical centre of Nepal, a place where kingdoms rose and fell, where palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and where Nepali art and culture was developed and refined.
Project Tasks
- Trek through the most spectacular scenery
- Meet local people on the way and learn about their culture
- Push yourself and have fun on this challenging adventure
- Give back on a volunteering project
Food & Accommodation
All accommodation is included during your stay on our program within the schedules/ itineraries provided. Your stay will be comfortable, clean and secure with basic modern amenities.
(First & last week)
Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, the large volunteer center has 4 bedrooms which hold up to 12 people maximum, with 3 to 4 people sharing one room. They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room; live-in staff on call 24/7; a garden complete with a comfortable covered area and 24/7 security.
Centrally located, there are several gym’s nearby as well as local supermarkets, ATM’s, mobile phone shops etc. For couples or those wanting more privacy, there are upgrade accommodation options available for an additional cost (approx US $150 p/room p/week). This must be booked well in advance and is subject to availability.
Kathmandu accommodation includes 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 Meals p/day weekends (mostly vegetarian cuisine), 4-6 persons p/room and Wifi in public areas- quality is not the best though. You may want to purchase a local SIM data plan. There is also a T.V, DVD player, computer, Laundry facilities (at an additional fee), Lockable rooms, Hot shower, Private bathrooms, Bed Linen (no towels), Mosquito protection and Fans (no air-con).
(Second & third week)
You’ll stay in a local guest houses and/or tea houses along defined trekking routes. The rooms at the guest houses will generally accommodate 2 to 4 people on sharing basis, single gender. Single rooms are available if booked in advance and at extra cost. Hand washing your clothes will be a necessity.
You will be provided with three meals a day. The meals will be Nepalese food served at the tea house, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. There may be some meat and Western dishes available in some tea houses.
Adventure
& Trekking
- Nepal Adventure Week
- 4 Week Annapurna Base Camp Trek
-4 Week Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
-28 Day Nepal Volunteering Road Trip
-
Adventure Week
$495 -
4 Week Annapurna Base Camp
$1545 -
4 Week Everest Base Camp
$2495 -
28 Day Road Trip
$2150
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
-
Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
This is a challenging trek so you will need to be in good health and have a good level of fitness.
Week 1: Introduction in Kathmandu
Day 1: Monday
- Puja to the gods and goddess and name-giving ceremony
- Go over the week’s schedule and handing over of documents
- Introduction game to get to know fellow participants
- Cultural seminar on social behavioural norms, dos and don’ts in Nepalese culture.
- Cross-cultural orientation on eating and drinking habits, bathing, clothing, and toilet etiquette in Nepalese culture.
- Go out to explore your surrounding around the program house
Day 2: Tuesday
- Nepali language training
- Talk on general health precautions and safety during the program
- Cultural as well as historical orientation tour to Swoyambhunath temple.
- Shopping at the local market
Day 3: Wednesday
- Yoga and meditation session
- Nepali language training
- Lecture on religion and culture
- A cultural as well as historical orientation tour to the famous Kirtipur (an ancient settlement of indigenous group of Kathmandu)
Day 4: Thursday
- Nepali language training
- Nepali cooking session
- An amazing race for a Scavenger Hunt at the local market and orientation tour to an exclusive area of Kathmandu and tourist downtown.
Day 5: Friday
- It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
- Feedback sharing, evaluation
Day 6: Saturday
Free time to explore on your own or relax
Day 7: Sunday
Free time to explore on your own or relax
Week 2: Everest Base Camp Trek
Day 8: Monday
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla which is at an elevation of 2700m and trek to Phakding (3-4 hrs) and overnight. A spectacular flight and a jagged landing on a steep mountain runway will bring us to the start of our trek to the village of Lukla.
Day 9: Tuesday
Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar 3440m, (6-7 hrs) and overnight. We will continue north following the Dudh Kosi river and on to Jorsale, where we will enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here, it will be a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the lmja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the Nangpo Tsangpo (Bhote Kosi) followed by a steep climb (for about 2 hrs) to Namche Bazaar, the main town in the Khumbu region. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading center with a weekly Saturday market.
Day 10: Wednesday
Namche Bazaar (resting day and overnight). Namche Bazaar is tucked away between two ridges amongst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. Once named the “Trekkers Mecca of Nepal”. Namche now boasts an abundance of lodges and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a resting day, acclimatizing to the new altitude of 3450m before heading off towards Gokyo.
Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khunde Hospital and also the one hour walk up to the Everest Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest.
Day 11: Thursday
Namche Bazaar trek to Tengboche (3860m) for about 6 hrs and overnight. From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Now, we will get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we will descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an excellent lunch spot, and here we can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche.
Although tiring, the hike up the zigzag path has numerous distractions, with rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu.
We will stay near the monastery with Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam framed in the doorway of our tea house.
Day 12: Friday
Tengboche trek to Pheriche, (4252m) for 6 hours and overnight. After breakfast, we will head up to Pheriche with the majestic Amadablam overshadowing our day. On the way, we will meet a little Sherpa village called Pangboche and continue to Pheriche.
Day 13: Saturday
Pheriche trek to Lobuche (4930m) for six hours and overnight. We will continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Taboche on the left. We will then turn right and climb more steeply towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. At the top of this climb, there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche.
Day 14: Sunday
Lobuche trek to Gorakshep (5184m) for two and half hours and (Kalapattar 5500m) and back to Labuche.
Week 3 – Everest Trek
Day 15: Monday
Lobuche trek to Dingboche (6 and half hrs) and overnight. It is downhill most of the way, as we will retrace our steps to Dughla and descend to Pheriche. The Himalayan Rescue Association have their trekkers aid post here and it is quite interesting to visit.
Day 16: Tuesday
Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3860m, for 4 hrs) and overnight. We will continue to follow the river and after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche.
Day 17: Wednesday
Tengboche trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) for 5 hrs and overnight. From Tengboche, we will descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki, where there is water driven prayer wheels. Then, we will climb and contour around the hillside to Namche.
Day 18: Thursday
Namche Bazaar trek to Lukla (2840m) for 7 hours and overnight. From Namche Bazaar, the trail descends steeply to the village of Jorsale. Passing the villages of Phakding (2640m) and Choplung, we will reach Chaurikharka and the trail that cuts up to the airstrip at Lukla.
Day 19: Friday
Lukla to Kathmandu. Early morning flight to Kathmandu
Day 20: Saturday
Free days to relax and to catch your breath.
Day 21: Sunday
Free days to relax and to catch your breath.
Week 4: Volunteering in Kathmandu
Day 22-26: Monday to Friday
You can choose from the following options:
- Teaching at local schools
- Helping out at a Kindergarten
- Working with rescued dogs at our Canine Rehabilitation project
This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
- Arrival airport transfer
- 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
- Accommodation (Volunteer Centers – shared dorm style rooms)
- Daily ground transportation (to/from project)
- Training & supervision as required
- Use of necessary equipment incl program materials
- 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
- Touring & excursions as per itinerary
- Certificate of Completion
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Airfares & visa fees
- Additional tours, souvenirs, spending money
- Some daily local transport (depending on program eg. $2 p/day)
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.
If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.
*Note: Airfares from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu are required but not included in the cost. This will be organised approx 1 month prior to your start date.
The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.
Suggested equipment
(Note that it’s not recommended to do the mount everest base camp trek during DEC – MAR during winter, however we can organise if desired).
Head
- Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
- Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Upper Body
- Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Hands
- 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
- 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
Lower Body
- Non-cotton underwear briefs
- 1 pair of Hiking shorts
- 1 pair of Hiking trousers
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
- 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
Feet
- 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
- 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
- Cotton socks (optional)
- Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version
Sleeping
- 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Rucksack and Travel Bags
- 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches)
- Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
- Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
- 1 skin-blister repair kit
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Anti-headache pills
- Cough and/or cold medicine
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
Practical Items
- 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
- 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
- 1 compass or GPS(optional)
- 1 alarm clock/watch
- 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
- 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
- 1 small folding knife
Toiletries
- 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue /toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.***
Nepal is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world. Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s. It is home to Mount Everest, the birthplace of Buddha, and an astonishingly beautiful landscape, ranging from the well-known peaks of the Himalaya to the low-lying regions of the Terai.
The Nepali people are as diverse at the geography, with over 70 languages or dialects and scores of traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year.
However, Nepal is also one of the most under-developed countries in the world, with low rates of literacy, high rates of poverty and a persistent gender imbalance. The government is frequently unable to provide adequate education and health facilities throughout the country and both urban and rural areas are forced to live without necessary resources to promote growth and development of their communities.
Nepal is a year round destination, and the cliate can vary between the North and South regions. The best overall times to visit are during spring and autumn (particually for trekking).
December to Febuary is winter, and it can get extremely cold in the mountains (down to sub zero). Summer in this region has a pleasent temperature but still bring some warmer clothing for the evenings.
Summer in southern Nepal can get extremely hot (plus 40°C) in some areas. Winter temperatures in this area can range from 7°C to 23°C.
Kathmandu has a pleasent climate on average. The monsoon rains start from June to September in Nepal.
The majority of Nepalis are either Hindus or Buddhists, but there are many other religions here too like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism. You will find many temples and monasteries around Nepal. The right hand is used for important things such as passing money, eating and the giving of gifts.
Nepalese people love their food and much of it has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cultures. Nepali people have a lot of respect for elders and will call each other didi (“older sister”), bahini (“younger sister”), etc, even if they are not actually related. The family unit is very strong and having a close knit family is important for the local people.
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