Nepal, a land renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, draws countless visitors to its "Golden Triangle" of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. While these cities offer compelling tourist experiences, many visitors often leave without a deeper understanding of the country's authentic spirit and local way of life. Our carefully designed "Social Experiment Journey" bridges this gap, providing a unique opportunity to transcend typical tourism and engage meaningfully with Nepal, from its bustling urban centers to its serene mountain villages and wild lowlands.

This program goes beyond sightseeing, encouraging participants to contribute directly to local communities and economies. Volunteers will experience Nepal through the eyes of its people, fostering genuine connections and gaining insights into the diverse social formations and geographical richness that make Nepal a truly captivating destination where peace and love endure.

Kathmandu, established in the 2nd century AD, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places and the heart of Nepal's history, art, culture, and economy. With a multi-ethnic population primarily of Hindu faith, its cultural and religious festivities are integral to daily life. UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan, and Bhaktapur, the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, and the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath are major attractions.

Our volunteers will spend a week in Kathmandu, exploring its hidden gems and vibrant rhythm:

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, followed by an authentic Nepali welcome dinner in a local homestay, offering a warm introduction to Nepalese hospitality.

• Day 2: Embark on a walking tour of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), explore the bustling Thamel district, and delve into the historical grandeur of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

• Day 3: Visit local monasteries around Swayambhunath, engaging with monks and nuns, and participating in early morning prayers for a profound spiritual experience. The rest of the day is free for personal exploration. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

• Day 4: Explore the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, a significant Buddhist landmark, and later participate in the evening Arati ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple, a revered Hindu site. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

• Day 5: Undertake a day hike to Shivapuri Peak within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, including a visit to the region's largest Buddhist Nunnery and enjoying lunch with the Buddhist Nuns. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

• Day 6: Participate in a hands-on Nepali cooking class, learning to prepare staples like Momo and Dal Bhat. The class often includes a visit to a local vegetable and spice market, providing insight into local produce and culinary traditions. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

• Day 7: Explore either Patan Durbar Square or Bhaktapur, focusing on the intricate wood carving works and experiencing these heritage cities from a local perspective.

Khudi (28.40°N 84.31°E), a picturesque village nestled between the Khudi and Marshyangdi rivers, serves as a historic gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It acts as a vital market and service hub for approximately 20 surrounding mountain villages, providing essential resources like a medical clinic, veterinary clinic, secondary school, and various shops. This region is also home to the majestic Mansiri Himal, a subrange of the Himalayas featuring peaks like Manaslu, one of Earth's twenty highest.

• Day 8: Enjoy a scenic 6-hour drive northwest from Kathmandu to Besisahar, where volunteers will be warmly welcomed by villagers in a mountain community near Khudi.

• Day 9-14: Spend a full week immersed in this mountain village in the Annapurna area. Volunteers will engage in holistic community development, supporting local initiatives such as small community schools, assisting farmers with organic agricultural work, and experiencing authentic Nepali village life through homestays. Activities may include swimming in local rivers, hiking, village tours, fishing, and supporting women's empowerment projects. This stay in Khudi offers an unparalleled experience of rural Nepal.

Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city and its "capital of tourism," famous for its stunning Himalayan views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu from vantage points like Sarangkot (1600m). It is also known for its numerous lakes and is home to many Gurkha soldiers.

• Day 15: Drive to Pokhara and check into your accommodation for the night.

• Day 16-21: Enjoy a week in Pokhara, combining adventure with meaningful service. Mornings and evenings will be dedicated to supporting a local children's home, assisting with cooking meals and providing homework support. During the day, volunteers have free time to explore Pokhara's attractions: hiking to Sarangkot or the World Peace Pagoda, boating on Phewa Lake, paragliding, or experiencing day rafting.

Sauraha, a village in Chitwan district, is the eastern gateway to Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park, established in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. This region is home to the indigenous Tharu people, known for their unique culture, traditional homes, and deep connection to the forest. Chitwan National Park is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, gaur bison, sloth bear, and Asian wild elephant, as well as a rich variety of birds and reptiles like the Asian rock python and Gharial crocodile.

• Day 22: Drive to Sauraha village, adjacent to Chitwan National Park.

• Day 23-27: Spend four days in Sauraha engaging in social work, supporting women's empowerment groups, assisting local farms, delivering lectures on environmental awareness in local schools, and experiencing homestays with local Tharu families. Simultaneously, volunteers will enjoy safaris and other jungle activities to observe wildlife and immerse themselves in the unique culture of the lowlanders.

• Day 28: Drive back to Kathmandu (approximately 5 hours) for a final night. This afternoon is dedicated to last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel for friends and family back home.

• Day 29: Depart from Kathmandu, flying back home with unforgettable memories.

This program offers volunteers a unique level of involvement. Collaborating directly with local monasteries, homestays, community schools, children's homes, and farmhouses, participants gain full access to a variety of attractions and experiences that typical tourists often miss. This carefully designed package blends touristic exploration with profound local engagement, enabling participants to understand Nepal holistically – from its bustling cities to its remote mountain corners, its rich heritage to its towering Himalayan heights, and its diverse cuisines to its varied cultures.

It's a comprehensive experience that offers some of the best insights one can gain in Nepal as a volunteer, all while contributing to local communities. This budget-friendly package is designed to provide a broader understanding of what makes Nepal a country where peace and love are deeply ingrained, and why it is a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime.

We welcome volunteers with a positive mindset, a helping attitude, openness, friendly gestures, a love for nature, and respect for other cultures. In return, we guarantee an exciting and enriching month-long experience. While we prefer groups or at least two participants to run the program, single travelers are welcome to join specific start dates (preferably the 1st or 14th of the month). Groups of two or more can join at any time.

Volunteers need only bring their curiosity to explore another culture, a willingness to be a part of it, and a helping hand where needed.