Community Service

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you forever. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, the representative and Guide of Gyan will greet and welcome you at the airport and escort you to Boudhanath and sightseeing.

The Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest Stupas in the world and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimages plus a tourist destination in Kathmandu. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity.

Boudhanath is part of the shared history of Nepal and the Tibetan part of China. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels and houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests, monasteries and shops ring the stupa. Monasteries are the core of Buddhist life and community. They are spiritual centers of peace, inspiration, and prayer that offer an opportunity for study and contemplation. They are a place for solace and support for the local community. The tour ends with a prayer session and the lighting of candles in one of the many monasteries around Boudhanath.

After sightseeing at Boudhanath our Guide will transfer you to Hotel/Accommodation. After refreshments at the hotel, we also advise you for the preparation day of your Community Service, so you can cross-check if you are well prepared to kick off your community service (you can be prepared according to your requirements such as, study tools, required equipment’s, chargers of your electronic devices and other necessary items).

After breakfast, our guide will lead the guests to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It serves as a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus worldwide. The temple complex is renowned for its beautiful pagoda-style architecture, intricate wood carvings, and numerous smaller shrines. Pashupatinath is also a cultural hub where rituals, such as cremations, are openly performed on the ghats (stone steps) along the river, reflecting deep spiritual traditions.

Patan Durbar Square is one of the three ancient cities that make up the Kathmandu Valley and is commonly known as the "City of Fine Arts." According to legend, the founding of Patan dates back to pre-Christian times. Unlike the Malla Kingdoms of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, which were mainly influenced by Hinduism, Patan was a major Buddhist city for many years. It is believed to have been founded in the third century B.C. by the famous Buddhist emperor, Ashoka, who visited the town during a pilgrimage from Northern India and built four stupas that encircle the center of the old town. This makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited Buddhist towns in the world. Recognized for its fine arts and architecture, Patan was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The Durbar complex is filled with Hindu temples, museums, shrines, and Buddhist monuments dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. In total, there are 136 courtyards and 55 temples within the Durbar Square area. The Patan Museum, housed in a former palace, is a must-visit as it displays artifacts that showcase the long history and evolution of the Newari ethnicity.

After visiting Patan Durbar Square, we will transfer you to Thamel, the most popular tourist hub in Kathmandu. In Thamel, you can explore a variety of handicrafts and other traditional Nepalese products, as well as enjoy a wide range of food and beverages. The area is filled with shops selling Pashmina shawls, Thangka paintings, singing bowls, and many more items that you might want to take home as souvenirs.

After enjoying breakfast in the morning, the Gyan representative will arrange transportation to take you to your volunteer placement. Gyan management brings extensive experience in facilitating development volunteerism across various sectors, ensuring that both volunteers and host communities have a mutually rewarding experience.

Upon arrival at your destination, the Gyan representative will provide an orientation session. This briefing will cover essential information about the village or institution, including details on local culture, traditions, and customs. You will also receive important guidance on community safety and security, as well as any specific instructions relevant to your volunteer role. This thorough introduction is designed to help you integrate smoothly into the community and to maximize the positive impact of your volunteer work.

In Nepal, volunteerism is a significant and popular activity, with numerous opportunities for those looking to contribute to the community. Some of but not limited to the volunteer activities in Nepal that Gyan would like to promote are:

Teaching English & Extra Curricular Activities: Many rural schools in Nepal have limited resources and English-speaking teachers. Volunteers are often needed to teach English to children and help improve their language skills. This is one of the most common and impactful forms of volunteer work. On the other hand, the students are not provided the creative extracurricular activities in the community schools. So the volunteers coming with different games techniques and recreation activities would be a great psychological refreshment to the children of rural community schools.

Healthcare and Medical Volunteering: With a shortage of medical professionals in rural areas, volunteers with medical training can provide much-needed healthcare services. This includes working in clinics, assisting with public health campaigns, and providing health education. Please note that practicing specific healthcare services will require special permission from the Nepalese government which will be facilitated by the Gyan team but related costs (if any) shall be on the volunteers.

Community Development: Volunteers often engage in projects aimed at improving local infrastructure, such as building schools, community centers, and water supply systems. These projects are crucial for enhancing the quality of life in remote villages. Gyan team has extensive experience and a pool of networking with multiple government and non-government agencies in Nepal where they can experience different community development as but not limited to; Coffee farming, Apiculture, Garbage Management, Local way of vegetables and other staple crops farming, community health issues, traditional medicine and their use in ancient way.

Women's Empowerment: In rural Nepal, women are often compelled to work in the household, regardless of their education status. The cultural tradition is that women are in second position in both the house and community. In many parts of Nepal, women face social and economic challenges. Volunteers can work with local organizations (that Gyan can connect with) to provide education, vocational training, and support for women, helping them gain independence and improve their livelihoods. On the other side that would be a significant experience for the volunteer to learn the status and different experiences/hurdles that Nepalese women are heaving.

Childcare and Orphanage Support: There are numerous orphanages and childcare centers in Nepal where volunteers can assist in caring for children, teaching them basic skills, and providing emotional support.

Environmental Conservation: Nepal's rich biodiversity and natural beauty require protection. Volunteers can participate in conservation projects, such as reforestation, wildlife protection, and sustainable agriculture, to help preserve Nepal’s environment.

Monastery Volunteering: Volunteers interested in Buddhism can teach English or other subjects in monasteries, where they interact with young monks and immerse themselves in the spiritual culture of Nepal. Gyan representatives have been in close collaboration with different monasteries since 2012.

Cultural Exchange Programs: Nepal is very rich in culture and different traditions. You can have different cultural experiences and study the ancient culture and traditions in the village.  These programs allow volunteers to live with local families, learn about Nepalese culture, and share their own culture, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

These volunteer opportunities not only contribute to the development of Nepalese communities but also provide volunteers with a meaningful and enriching experience. The Volunteer or an institution can choose one of the above or they can also propose different volunteer opportunities which will easily be managed by Gyan.

Continue working on the desired volunteer works 

Continue working on the desired volunteer works 

Continue working on the desired volunteer works 

Continue working on the desired volunteer works 

After some days of regular volunteering work, the volunteer can explore other local temples, monasteries, waterfalls, caves, Forest Walk etc. depending upon the availabilities of those. There can be local festivals (upon season) or rituals which are interesting experiences for the volunteers.

Continue working on the desired volunteer works 

Continue working on the desired volunteer works 

Continue working on the desired volunteer works 

The team Gyan along with the host community or other institution will organize the thanksgiving ceremony with garland and flowers along with the cultural singing and dancing program dedicated to the volunteer. The farewell speech from both side (volunteer and hosts) will be delivered. After the ceremony the volunteer will be prepared with the baggage and other stuffs for leaving tomorrow morning towards Kathmandu.

After the volunteer work is finalized, the Gyan team will organize the travel back to Kathmandu. After the check-in, of the accommodation, the guests will join in the farewell dinner with typical Nepalese cuisine offered by Gyan.

As your volunteer work ends, join us for a special farewell dinner to celebrate the incredible journey and experiences you've undertaken. This evening, we'll gather to share stories, and laughter, and reflect on the challenges and triumphs experienced along the trail.

The farewell dinner will be held at a local restaurant, where you’ll be treated to a delicious array of traditional Nepali cuisine. Savor the flavors of the Himalayas, from hearty Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice) to momos (dumplings) and other regional specialties, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

As we dine together, it’s a time to toast to the friendships formed, the stunning landscapes witnessed, and the personal achievements made throughout the trek. Our guides and porters will also join us, allowing you to express your appreciation for their support and expertise.

The evening may also include a cultural performance, giving you a final taste of Nepal’s rich traditions in music and dance. This farewell dinner is not just a meal, but a celebration of your journey and the memories you've created.

We hope this evening leaves you with a lasting impression of Nepal's warmth and hospitality, as well as a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment from your volunteering experience.

As your unforgettable journey through the majestic communities comes to an end, it's time to bid farewell to the serene mountains, lush valleys, and the warm hospitality of the local communities.

Take this final day to unwind, perhaps enjoying a leisurely breakfast or exploring the town one last time (depending upon the flight time). You might want to shop for souvenirs or take a moment to savor the local cuisine. Depending on your schedule, you’ll either be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or continue your travels within Nepal.

As you prepare to depart, we hope the memories of this experience stay with you—memories of breathtaking landscapes, the camaraderie of fellow volunteers, travelers, and trekkers, and the sense of accomplishment from completing one of the world’s most remarkable countries.

Thank you for choosing to embark on this journey with us. We wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you back for another exploration of Nepal’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Until then, farewell and Namaste!

THANK YOU