Medical Elective Volunteer Project in Nepal

Apply now. The next available start date for this project is Jun 7, 2021

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.

Volunteers are placed in hospitals in Kathmandu, Chitwan or Pokhara, where you shadow and assist 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.

Medical Elective volunteer in Nepal with IVHQ

Volunteers are able to observe operating rooms and assist with physical therapy, burns patients, emergency room rounds, family planning sessions, immunizations and helping new mothers and babies.

Experienced and longer term volunteers (i.e. two months or more) 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

This project is open to volunteers who are in their third year of medical or nursing school or above. You will need to present a copy of your qualification to our local team at least 30 days prior to your arrival.

Please note there is a minimum duration requirement of 2 weeks for this project and there is also a surcharge of $60 per week to cover training and resources used. This will be included in the program fee quoted to you when you apply. Please ensure that you apply for the Medical Elective project at least six weeks before your chosen start date, to provide enough time to arrange a suitable placement.

Apply now

Project Highlights

What you need to know

Affordable fees from $250 for 1 week
Volunteer in hospitals in Kathmandu, Chitwan or Pokhara
Observe and shadow local professionals working across range of medical departments
Suitable for medical students who have completed at least two years of study
Longer-term volunteers more likely to have hands-on tasks (with supervision)
Additional $60 per week surcharge for additional training and resources
Minimum duration of 2 weeks
Volunteer for up to 5 hours per day

Destination Highlights

Nepal at a glance

Projects based in popular Nepalese towns and cities of Kathmandu, Chitwan, Chitlang and Pokhara
Program fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, breakfast and dinner each day, and 24/7 in-country support
Accommodation in a guesthouse initially, then local homestays
Between 30 and 60 volunteers start in Nepal each month

Entry and visa requirements for 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.

Location and duration

The Nepal volunteer program has volunteer opportunities located throughout Nepal, with volunteer projects located in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara and Chitlang.

Nepal Volunteer Project Locations

Medical Elective (Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara)
Childcare (Kathmandu, Pokhara)
Women’s Education (Kathmandu)
Teaching English (Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara)
Special Needs Care (Kathmandu)
Construction and Renovation (Kathmandu, Chitlang, Pokhara and Chitwan)
Sustainable Agriculture (Chitwan, Pokhara)

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and volunteer projects here are located on the outskirts of the city, in rural and urban areas. Chitwan is located approximately 150 kilometers from Kathmandu, in the middle of Terrai - a flat fertile plain that borders India and stretches right across Southern Nepal. Chitlang is a rural location, about 2 hours 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.

The Nepal volunteer program begins on the first and third Monday of every month. Volunteers can choose to volunteer for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Please note that Childcare project in Pokhara has a 2 week minimum duration.

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 2 days. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Nepal – Introduction to Nepal, Nepalese Customs, Language Training Details, Rules and Expectations, Safety, Travel Opportunities in Nepal, 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 the Wednesday and you will begin work on the Thursday. If you are located in Kathmandu, you will visit your placement on Wednesday and begin work on the Thursday.

Volunteer schedule

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. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break.

2.00 PM - 5.00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house, go sight seeing, or do some shopping.

7.00 PM - 9.00 PM Dinner at the homestay.

Accommodation and WiFi

On arrival in Nepal, volunteers are accommodated in a guesthouse in Kathmandu for the 2-day duration of 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. Please note, host families in Nepal speak limited English. Living is basic but comfortable and most homestays have electricity and running water, however some rural homestays do not have electricity or running water 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 are comprised of 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 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 side of pickle/sauce (achar). Indian and Tibetan influenced dishes also very common in Nepal, including 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 this (2 liters per 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 also as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.

Reviews

“The placement was fantastic and I’ve made a promise to myself and everyone at the Kathmandu childcare center that I will return as soon as I get the chance. The experience was unreal and the love and relationships I built in such a short space of time with the elders as well as the children was truly amazing. It was a completely humbling experience that children with absolutely nothing can have so much happiness in their lives regardless of the situation that they are in.” - Jitesh Mistry (Childcare Volunteer in Nepal)

Program fees

Nepal

Duration	Program Fee $USD
1 week	$250
2 weeks	$380
3 weeks	$510
4 weeks	$640
5 weeks	$770
6 weeks	$900
8 weeks	$1,140
10 weeks	$1,380
12 weeks	$1,620

All programs attract a Registration Fee (from US$299) on top of the Program Fee (partially refundable until 60 days before your program start date*). A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
The Medical Elective project has an extra cost of US$60 per week, while the Construction and Renovation project has an extra cost of US$50 per week to cover training, resources and materials used in these projects.
* Terms and Conditions do apply

What extra costs will I have?

Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, souvenirs, in-country trips or tours.
Transfer back to the airport at conclusion of the program (Pre-arranged airport drop off from Kathmandu can be arranged for US$14)
Spending money - Volunteers in Nepal generally find US$20 to be sufficient for weekly expenses

Registration Fee

What it covers

Most affordable program fees
Expert support from a program specialist
Full MyIVHQ account access
Online volunteer training
Comprehensive preparation tools
IVHQ alumni rewards

Program Fee

What it covers

24/7 in-country support
Airport pick-up
Program orientation
Volunteer placement
Accommodation
Meals

Recommended travel & tour add-ons

Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 days

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$1545 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.

Click here to see a 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

Poon Hill Trek - 5 days

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.

Click here to see a 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.

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.

Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat - 7 nights

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.

Click here to see a 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)

Paragliding

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.

Click here for important information about 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 titness - 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

Weekends and travel

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of their local town and Nepal. Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield and engage in tourist activities, such as trekking, jungle safaris and visits to temples.

See our Nepal Travel and Tours page for more volunteer travel options in Nepal!

Photo gallery

IVHQ Teaching English volunteer in Nepal

Playing games with the children in Nepal

IVHQ Medical Elective volunteers in Nepal with IVHQ

Group of IVHQ Medical Elective Volunteers in Nepal

Typical classroom setting in Nepal with IVHQ

IVHQ afterschool support volunteer in Nepal on the Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer teaching English in Nepal with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare volunteer teaching English in Nepal with IVHQ

IVHQ Teaching English volunteer in Nepal with IVHQ

Kathmandu Nepal volunteer homestay exterior

Kathmandu Nepal volunteer homestay kitchen

Kathmandu Nepal volunteer homestay bedroom

Kathmandu Nepal volunteer homestay living room

Kathmandu Nepal volunteer homestay hosts

Visiting Kathmandu during an IVHQ weekend

Volunteers on Safari in Chitwan during an IVHQ weekend

Essential country information

Capital	Kathmandu
Population	27.47 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 typography 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.

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate on this program, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian. 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.

All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ’s local team on arrival in Nepal. Additional requirements apply for Medical Elective, NGO Support and Sustainable Agriculture volunteers.

Free Interactive Volunteer Training - All volunteers are encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training, which is available exclusively to registered IVHQ volunteers. The training is designed to build an understanding of important aspects that need to be considered before embarking on an IVHQ program. It helps volunteers to prepare in the right way by providing advice on what it takes to be a safe, responsible and valuable volunteer. Try a sample of the training here.