Medical Elective Volunteer Project in Nepal
Interested in Medical volunteering in Nepal? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical Elective enables volunteers to observe and assist in hospitals and clinics in locations across Nepal. Volunteers gain medical experience while seeing firsthand the challenges faced by a medical system in an under-resourced and developing country. Local staff benefit from the extra help as well as the cross-cultural exchange of learnings and ideas that international volunteers bring.
Highlights:
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Affordable fees from $500 for 2 weeks
- Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
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Observe clinical practice in a cross-cultural setting
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Explore Nepal’s diverse landscapes
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Stay with a local family for a unique experience of Nepali life
Who is this program suited to?
Key information
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The contrast between medical practices in the western world and those in developing countries can be stark, and this is a real opportunity to understand and contribute to the realities of modern medicine in an under-resourced environment.
As a Medical Elective volunteer you will assist in hospitals in Kathmandu, Chitwan or Pokhara, shadowing and assisting local physicians and nurses. It’s possible for volunteers to get good exposure to a range of different medical departments, but as local regulations prevent volunteers from performing independent tasks, you should not expect to be carrying out hands-on medical duties. For this reason, this project is best suited to medical students.
Volunteers are able to:
- Observe operating rooms
- Assist with physical therapy
- Help with burns patients
- Take part in emergency room rounds
- Lead family planning sessions
- Give immunizations
- Help new mothers and babies
Experienced and longer term volunteers are more likely to be able to assist with hands-on tasks, and can also help with healthcare and outreach campaigns in rural health clinics.
Why do Medical Elective volunteering in Nepal with IVHQ?
When you volunteer in healthcare in Nepal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping in local hospitals and clinics
- Learning about healthcare in a cross-cultural setting
- Observing a wide range of clinical practice
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining medical experience
- Immersing yourself in Nepali culture
- Exploring Nepal’s amazing mountain ranges
Volunteer requirements
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To join the Medical Elective project in Nepal volunteers need to be in their third or subsequent year of medical or nursing training. CNAs, EMTs and paramedics may be eligible for this project too.
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Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
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All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Nepal photo gallery
Medical specialties
On the Medical Elective project in Nepal you may be able to volunteer in the following specialties:
- Working with the blind
- Gynaecology (female volunteers only)
- Pediatrics
- Prosthetics
- Radiology, medical imaging, x-ray
”I enjoyed the journey a lot. As a medical student, even though most of the time would be observing, I could still learn a lot from it attending classes with the local medical students, talking to nurses and physicians. I really enjoyed the atmosphere there because everyone is so nice to us! I think being a volunteer is the best method for us to know about a ...” read more
Ka U, Chinese , 24
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Location
Land-locked in the middle of South Asia, Nepal is known for its astonishing alpine scenery and breathtaking mountainscapes. But this diverse country offers much more than its remarkable natural environment. Among Nepal’s 28 million people, there are more than 100 different ethnic groups speaking as many languages and following a large number of religious and cultural traditions. It also faces the challenges associated with a history of civil war, natural disasters, political corruption and a lack of resources and infrastructure to support its population.
Volunteers can have a meaningful impact on Nepalese communities by providing assistance with a wide range of activities that help make life, and the future, better for local people. IVHQ has a number of volunteer projects in Nepal. Some are located on the outskirts of the capital city of Kathmandu in rural and urban areas, while others are in Chitwan 150 kilometres away, in the middle of Terrai - a flat fertile plain that borders India and stretches right across Southern Nepal. Chitlang is a rural location, a two hour drive from Kathmandu and accessed through tough terrain. It is located in mid-hills along the Mahabharat range, to the south west of Kathmandu valley. Pokhara is located in mid-western Nepal and is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its amazing mountain views.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Kathmandu on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Kathmandu. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Nepal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Kathmandu on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Nepal team in Kathmandu and runs over the course of two days. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Nepal – an introduction to Nepal, Nepalese customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Nepal, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to visit local temples, sample authentic Nepali food, meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
If you are you placed in Pokhara or Chitwan, you will travel to your placement location on Wednesday and you will begin work on Thursday. If you are located in Kathmandu, you will visit your placement on Wednesday and begin work on Thursday.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day:
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays:
While a volunteer daily schedule will vary depending on the specific placement, a typical day is as follows:
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast at the homestay. |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break. |
| 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Dinner at the homestay. |
Weekends:
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of their local town and Nepal. Known for being home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mt Everest, Nepal is an adventurer’s paradise. It has a vast selection of exceptional hikes in the Himalayas with arresting views in every direction, white-water rafting, canyon swings, paragliding and scenic flights. It also has a rich multicultural heritage and a huge collection of temples, pagodas, shrines, carvings and ancient architecture, not to mention an astonishing array of wildlife and an interesting cuisine influenced by its many ethnic groups and cultures.
Accommodation and WiFi
On arrival in Nepal, volunteers stay in a guesthouse in Kathmandu for their two-day orientation.
Volunteers are then accommodated together in homestays and hosted by local families who have been approved by our program staff. We give your host family a fee for your support, food and board. It is exciting to stay with a host family, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn about the Nepalese way of life, meet local people, try traditional food and speak the local language - especially when host families in Nepal tend to have limited English.
Living is basic but comfortable and most homestays have electricity and running water, with the exception of some rural homestays which are without these conveniences during the dry season. Squat toilets are the norm in Nepal and you will not come across many western toilets. Volunteers can also expect low-pressure showers that are generally not heated, however, this is refreshing after a day in the heat.
You can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers and bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. It is recommended volunteers bring their own sleeping bag and mosquito nets for any trips away.
WiFi is available in most of the volunteer homestays, however those based in Chitwan should expect to walk to a nearby cafe for internet access. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Nepal.
Meals
The staple meal for most Nepali families is dal bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and vegetables in curry (tarkari) and/or meat (masu) with a side of pickle/sauce (achar).
Food in Nepal is heavily influenced by the country’s Indian and Tibetan neighbours and includes plenty of curries, breads and potato-based dishes. Volunteers are served two meals per day at their homestay and can purchase additional food to supplement this if they wish.
Bottled water is readily available in Nepal and volunteers should budget approximately $5 per week for two liters a day. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but there is a need to be flexible.
Pricing
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $500 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 3 weeks | $690 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 4 weeks | $880 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,070 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,260 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,620 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,980 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,340 Equivalent to $28/day |
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Airport pick-up
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteering
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of $299 in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, lunches, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Nepal generally find US$30 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as lunches, and local tours and activities.
Recommended activity & tour add-ons
Here are just a few of the Nepal add-ons we offer:
If you want to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself with a trek of a lifetime, the 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek is an awesome option for those who enjoy adventure, nature and culture all rolled into one. This iconic expedition is the most popular trekking route in the Himalayas and is unlike any other in the world.
In addition to completing the mighty journey to Everest Base Camp, you will learn about Sherpa life and their rich culture, visit an ancient monastery in Tengboche, and have stunning views of Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, and Cho Yo. Amidst all the rugged mountains vistas, you will also see the Khumbu Glacier and ascend the famous Kala Pathar for a close, unobstructed view of Mt Everest.
The 14-day Trek costs US$1,545 and includes:
- Accommodation at a hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights (one night prior to departure from Kathmandu and one night on arrival back to Kathmandu post trek)
- Return transfers to airport
- Return Flights (KTM to Lukla - Lukla to KTM)
- Accommodation in tea houses during the trek
- All meals
- All required documentation and trekking permit (TIMS)
- Guide fees and their insurance
- National Park fee
- Equipment of trekking guides
- All government and local taxes
Please contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager to sign up or to get more information about this trip.
Full itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek:
Day 1: Arriving at The Capital – Kathmandu (1400 m), where you will spend the night in a local hotel
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2860 m) and Trek to Phakding (2610m) Trek duration 3-3.5 hours
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440 m) Trek duration 5.5 hours
Day 4: Acclimatization at Namche Bazar
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3860 m) Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4350 m) Trek duration: 5 hours
Day 7: Acclimatization at Dingboche
Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4910 m) Trek duration: 5 – 5.5 hours
Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5180 m) – Everest Base Camp (5365 m) Trek Duration: 8 hours
Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545 m) and to Pheriche (4243 m) Trek duration: 3 hours + 4 hours
Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazar Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Day 12: Namche Bazar to Lukla
Trek duration: 7 hours
Day 13: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and stay the night in a local hotel
Day 14: Departure Day
Expect the unexpected - The weather and health of fellow trekking members can impact the number of days it takes to complete the trek, therefore we recommend to allocate 1-2 days extra to ensure you will make your international flight home.
Accommodation - You can expect to stay in local run lodges known as tea houses which are simply furnished with a bed and occasionally a small table. Bathrooms are typically shared and are in a separate area of the teahouse or in some tea houses will be outside. Staying in a teahouse is a great way to support these local businesses and boost the local economy in the Everest Region.
Meals - You will be doing “teahouse trek,” meaning there are villages with lodges and restaurants to eat and stay in along the entire route. You are expected to eat breakfast and dinner in the same lodge where you are spending the night.
Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice and lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee and hot chocolate are always available. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at the variety of food at the lodges.
Level of fitness required - There are a lot of steep ascents and descents on the trek and a good level of fitness is required. Some days you may be required to walk up to Seven hours. Please note that the estimated walking time each day will vary according to the overall fitness of the group and weather conditions.
Footwear and clothing - Bring well broken-in hiking shoes, suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes, down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and pants, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton or polypropylene pants or jeans, shirts and T-shirts; shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, comfortable track/gym suit.
You will be responsible for:
- Personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, laundry, tips, phone calls, hot showers, extra snacks, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Medical evacuation in case of emergency
- Trekking gear (available to hire)
- Unforeseen costs due to flight cancellation, weather conditions, illness, political unrest, etc.
- Meals in Kathmandu
If you’ve got your heart set on seeing the famous Himalayan Range and experiencing Nepali mountain culture, but only have limited time in Nepal or high altitudes are not for you, we would highly recommend the 5 day trek to Poon Hill!
This trek is a fastastic opportunity for those who want to experience their first taste of trekking in the Everest region and is also suitable for families with children.
The trailhead is only a 1.5 hour drive from Pokhara which is where some of our volunteer projects are based. Along the way, you’ll follow ancient trails that connect local communities, visit quaint villages, pass through rhododendron forests (full bloom in March, April and May), trek through terraced slopes, paddy fields and lush vegetation. You’ll be staying in local tea houses where you’ll get to experience the warm hospitality of the local Gurung villages.
You’ll end up at the summit viewpoint of Poon Hill itself at a final altitude of 3,200 m with views of the tallest mountains in the world including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna and Lamjung.
The 5 day Trek costs US$470 and includes:
- Private, round-trip overland transportation between Pokhara and Nayapul (start of trek)
- Accommodation in tea houses during the trek
- All meals during the trek
- All required documentation and trekking permit (TIMS)
- Guide fees
- National Park fee
- All government and local taxes
Please contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager to sign up or to get more information about this trip.
Full itinerary of the Poon Hill Trek:
Day 1: Pokhara to Naya Pul (Drive) and trek to Tikhe Dhunga Trek duration 6-7 hrs
Day 2: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani Trek duration 5-6 hrs
Day 3: Ghorepani to Tadapani (Morning hike to Poon Hill) Trek duration 4-5 hrs
Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk Trek duration 3-4 hrs
Day 5 Ghandruk to Naya Pul and drive back to Pokhara
Expect the unexpected - The weather, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and health of fellow trekking members can impact the number of days it takes to complete the trek, therefore we recommend to allocate 1-2 days extra to ensure you will make your international flight home.
Accommodation - You can expect to stay in local run lodges known as tea houses which are simply furnished with a bed and occasionally a small table. Bathrooms are typically shared and are in a separate area of the teahouse or in some tea houses will be outside. Staying in a teahouse is a great way to support these local businesses and boost the local economy in the Annapurna Region.
Meals - You will be doing “teahouse trek,” meaning there are villages with lodges and restaurants to eat and stay in along the entire route. You are expected to eat breakfast and dinner in the same lodge where you are spending the night
Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice and lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee and hot chocolate are always available. You will likely be pleasantly surprised at the variety of food at the lodges.
Level of fitness required - There are a lot of steep ascents and descents on the trek and a good level of fitness is required. Some days you may be required to walk up to six hours. Please note that the estimated walking time each day will vary according to the overall fitness of the group and weather conditions.
Footwear and clothing - Bring well broken-in hiking shoes, suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes; down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and pants, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton or polypropylene pants or jeans, shirts and t-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit; comfortable track/gym suit.
You will be responsible for:
- Personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, laundry, tips, phone calls, hot showers, extra snacks, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Medical evacuation in case of emergency
- Trekking gear (available to hire)
- Unforeseen costs due to flight cancellation, weather conditions, illness, political unrest, etc.
If you’re looking to disconnect from the hectic pace of the western world and practice mediation and yoga to clear your mind, this retreat is for you! Hatha yoga originates from the Himalayas of Nepal where gurus and saints practiced for over hundreds of years, making Nepal an ideal destination to join a meditation/yoga retreat.
This course is designed for beginner yogis and those who wish to further deepen their practice. The 7 night retreat is based in Nepal’s paradise, Pokhara which is where some of IVHQ’s volunteer projects are based.
The 7 night retreat costs US$475 and includes:
- Morning and evening yoga and meditation classes
- Accommodation in a Yoga Retreat Center
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Herbal tea (unlimited)
- 3 days of hiking, traveling around local villages and sightseeing
Please contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager to sign up or to get more information about this trip.
Full itinerary of the Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat:
Day 1:
- Arrival and check in
- Lunch at the yoga center
- Rest/free time
- 5.30pm - 7.30pm: Welcome evening yoga class
- 7.30pm: Dinner
- 8.15pm: Satsang Bhajan Kirtan (a traditional Hinduism activity)
- 9:30 pm: Bedtime
Day 2:
- 5.30am: Wake up
- 6.00am - 7.30am: Morning yoga class
- 8.00am: Breakfast
- 9.30am - 11.30am: Karma Yoga and self-study or relax
- 11:30am: Lunch
- 12.15pm - 5pm: Sightseeing, hiking and exploring the local village followed by meditation in a sacred area
- 5.30pm - 7.00pm: Pranayam Yoga and Meditation Class
- 7.30pm: Dinner
- 8.15pm: Satsang Kirtan
- 9.30pm: Bedtime
The schedule of Day 3-7 will be the same as the schedule of Day 2.
Day 8:
- 5.30am: Wake up
- 6.00am - 7.30am: Morning yoga class
- 8.00am: Breakfast
- 9.30am: Check out
Please note that this itinerary can change according to the instructors preferences.
Clothing - Please dress comfortably. For both females and males - long or short sleeved shirts/t-shirts covering the upper body and shoulders, yoga pants or long shorts. The organizers respectfully ask that you do not wear: attire that is seeing-through, skin tight, offensive language or messaging. Please no spaghetti straps, shoulder free dresses, miniskirts, tights, shorts above the knee or low cut trousers/pants. Mediation and yoga halls require you to remove your shoes.
You will be responsible for:
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, phone calls, extra snacks if needed)
Would you like to soar through the skies at one of the world’s best paragliding destinations? Do you want to see aerial views of Pokhara City, Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Himlayan range? If the answer is yes and you are a lover of adrenalin, this excursion is for you! With a take-off point 1500m above sea level and a short runway before you take flight, this is not for the faint hearted but you will be rewarded for your bravery with breathtaking views!
You will be flying 500m above the take-off point which is located upon Sarangkot Hill, with a professional pilot to assist you. The fly duration is approximately 25-30 minutes however you will need to allocate 2-3 hours for the whole experience.
The paragliding excursion costs US$125 dollars and includes:
- Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation (3-4km radius from the Lakeside)
- Flying 25-30 min in tandem flights with a professional instructor
- Photos and video of your flight
Please contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager to sign up or to get more information about this trip.
Important information for this activity:
Weather - Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is an adventure sport, the weather conditions can influence the timing.
Physical fitness - There is no minimum weight for a tandem flight however the maximum weight for a tandem flight is 120kg (265lbs). The pilot will be there to assist you, so he/she will balance the weight for the flight. There is no age limit however you do need to be fit enough to take several running steps upon landing.
Footwear and clothing - We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes that are secure while flying so that they do not fall off while flying. Sunglasses are also a good option as the wind and sun can be intense. We also recommend wearing a windproof jacket.
You will be responsible for:
- Travel insurance
- Medical evacuation in case of emergency
How to book IVHQ’s recommended add-ons:
When you apply for an IVHQ volunteer program, make a note of which tours and add-ons you’re interested in on your application form so we can check availability and prices for you.
Once you’ve paid your registration fee, your Program Manager will be able to book your place on the tour(s) you have chosen and help you organize your trip.
Check what's required to visit Nepal
Fill out the quick form below to find out what the Covid-19 restrictions and visa requirements are for Nepal, based on your country of residence.
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Protecting against COVID-19:
Volunteers tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of travel
Health & safety information provided during orientation
Strict disinfecting standards for programs & accomodation
Greater physical distance between volunteers
Essential country information
| Capital | Kathmandu |
| Population | 28 million |
| Languages | Nepali |
| Currency | Rupee (NRs.) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:45 |
Weather and climate: The climate in Nepal varies largely due to the variations in geography across the country. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons with dry weather and moderate temperatures. The Kathmandu Valley and other areas of high altitude experience summer temperatures of up to 28°C (82.4°F) and in winter, temperatures range between 2°C (35.6°F) and 20°C (68°F). The summer temperatures in Chitwan can reach up to 35°C (95°F) and in winter they range between 7°C (44.6°F) and a mild 23°C (73.4°F). The climate in Pokhara is similar to that of the Kathmandu Valley, with slightly warmer temperatures.
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