Volunteer in Nepal - Meaningful and Affordable Programs Year-Round
Everything you need to know before volunteering in Nepal with a local NGO since 2008.
Who is Third Eye Volunteers Nepal?
Third Eye Volunteer Foundation Nepal (TEV-Nepal) is a 100% Nepali-managed, charitable volunteer organization based at Be Here Now Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu. Reg No. 1473/069, PAN 600670049. Since 2008, we have hosted 3000+ international volunteers. Our team includes educators, social workers, medical professionals, journalists, and meditation instructors. We believe human service is the highest form of humanity. Unlike foreign middleman companies, more of your fee goes directly to projects — 300+ women's groups, 55+ early childhood centers, local schools and health posts.
What is your mission?
To empower communities to manage their own development through volunteering. Core objectives: 1) Enable international volunteers to contribute meaningfully, 2) Strengthen education and life skills for children and youth, 3) Empower women through education and economic independence, 4) Support the poorest communities with health and infrastructure.
Why choose Third Eye Volunteers over other organizations?
Do you work with schools and organizations abroad?
Yes. We partner with international schools, universities, NGOs, and yoga studios worldwide for group volunteering, academic research (including PhD fieldwork), and long-term partnerships.
How long can I volunteer in Nepal?
From 1 week to 10 months. Most volunteers do 2-6 weeks. Minimum: Teaching 1 week, Women Empowerment 2 weeks, Medical Electives 2 weeks, Construction 1 week. Maximum: 150 days per visa year. We also support PhD fieldwork and journalism.
How soon can I start? Can I choose my own dates?
Yes. Start any day of the year — no fixed intake. We recommend confirming at least 2 weeks in advance so we can prepare homestay, orientation, and school placement. Best seasons: March-May and September-November, but programs run year-round including monsoon.
Can I volunteer with friends, family, or a group?
Yes. We welcome individuals, couples, families, student groups (up to 25), professionals and senior volunteers (18-70 years). We place friends/groups together whenever possible.
Do I need skills or experience to volunteer in Nepal?
No experience required for most programs. For Teaching English, Women Empowerment, and Construction — just fluent English and motivation. You get TEFL tips, cultural orientation, and Nepali language lessons on arrival. For Medical Electives and Nursing Internship, you must be a medical / nursing student.
What qualities do you look for?
Motivated, compassionate, respectful, willing to learn and adapt, and interested in helping children, women, and underserved communities. Flexibility is more important than qualifications.
Do I need to speak English or Nepali?
Basic English is required (does not need to be first language). You get basic Nepali language training during orientation. Learning a few Nepali phrases makes your experience much richer.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. Use a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Extendable up to 150 days per year at Immigration Office. We send you visa letter after confirmation.
Why do I have to pay to volunteer in Nepal?
Your program fee is not a payment to volunteer — it covers your living costs and makes the project sustainable. Unlike big agencies that keep 70%, we are local so fees stay low and go to:
What is included in the fee?
Food (2-3 meals), accommodation (homestay or volunteer house at Be Here Now Guest House, Thamel), airport pick-up/drop, Nepali language lessons, cultural orientation and guided Kathmandu tour, 24/7 local support, placement logistics, certificate.
What is not included?
International flights, visa fee, travel/health insurance, personal expenses, optional trekking/travel (Everest, Annapurna, Chitwan available at volunteer discount).
How much does it cost?
Teaching English 1-4 weeks $100-$400, Women Empowerment 2-6 weeks $140-$440, Construction 1-4 weeks $120-$400, Medical Electives 2-6 weeks $180-$500. Longer stays cheaper per week. Includes homestay, meals, orientation. See /page/fees for detailed breakdown.
Where will I stay? What food will I eat?
In Kathmandu: at our volunteer house or Be Here Now Guest House, Thamel — simple rooms, WiFi, hot shower. In villages: with a Nepali host family — basic but clean, squat or western toilet, bucket shower. Meals: traditional dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables), sometimes meat, vegetarian available. Special diets accommodated with advance notice.
Can I take time off to travel or trek?
Yes. Many volunteers take weekends off to explore Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, or trek. We can help arrange leave during long-term placements. We recommend our sister company Nepal Spiritual Trekking for safe, affordable treks — volunteers get combo rate for Everest Base Camp 14 Days, Annapurna Base Camp 12 Days, etc.
Is volunteering in Nepal safe?
Yes. Nepal is considered very safe for volunteers — warm, welcoming people. In 17 years and 3000+ volunteers, we have had zero serious safety incidents. We carefully select homestays and schools, provide 24/7 support: +9779841928192. Standard advice: respect local dress (cover shoulders/knees), drink bottled water, follow orientation.
Why volunteer in Nepal with Third Eye?
Because you make a real, visible impact while learning from one of the world's most resilient cultures. You will: 1) Improve English for children who have no trained teacher, 2) Help women earn their first income, 3) Support a health camp serving 200 villagers in a day, 4) Gain cross-cultural skills and global awareness that employers value, 5) Live with a Nepali family and celebrate Dashain/Tihar festivals — not as a tourist, but as family.
Can you recommend a trekking company?
Yes. Nepal Spiritual Trekking (P) Ltd. (nepalspiritualtrekking.com) — our sister organization, licensed trekking company (Reg 1473/069) used by our volunteers since 2008. We offer Volunteer + Trekking combination programs.
Volunteer in Nepal - Meaningful and Affordable Programs Year-Round
Third Eye Volunteer Foundation Nepal | Be Here Now Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu | P.O. Box 9788 | +9779841928192 | info@volunteersummernepal.org
WhatsApp 24/7: +9779818392976
Join 3000+ volunteers from USA, Europe & Australia. 1 week to 3 months affordable programs — Teaching English in Monasteries & Rural Schools, Women Empowerment with 300+ Women's Groups, Construction, Medical Electives & Elephant Care. Homestay, 3 meals, airport pickup & 24/7 support included. Based at Be Here Now Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu.
Third Eye Foundations (TEF) is a registered non-profit NGO offering impact-driven volunteering and internship opportunities in Nepal for people who want their time to truly matter. By working hand-in-hand with local communities, volunteers and interns help protect Nepal’s cultural and ecological heritage while gaining meaningful hands-on experience, personal growth, and the chance to be part of positive change that lasts well beyond their stay.