Volunteer in Sindhupalchok – 11 Days

Nepal was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 25 April, 2015 which caused large scale damage. The country and the local community are finding it hard to cope with the destruction caused by the earthquake. Dharma Adventures along with its partners Dharma Karma Society and Rotary Club are helping in the relief and rebuilding process. We are working with the local communities and volunteers in rebuilding the schools, community spaces and religious buildings damaged by the earthquake.

This program takes us to Sidhupalchowk district in eastern Nepal, 85 km from Kathmandu. This is one of the worst affected areas in Nepal caused by the earthquake and the several aftershocks that followed. The death toll and casualties in this region is in its high. Of the 65,000 houses in the district, over 90% have been reported to be damaged. Our focus will be on rebuilding schools in this area.

 



Skeleton Itinerary





Detailed Itinerary


Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Malla [-/-/-]


Day 2: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

Pick up from the hotel for a full day sightseeing of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath.

Kathmandu City is the political as well as the cultural capital of the country. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever.

The magnificent temple of Pashupatinath with its astonishing architectural beauty is situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Swayambhunath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It rests on a hillock 3 km towards the western edge of Kathmandu and is one of the most important and the most sacred Buddhist shrines of Nepal.

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu and is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The ancient stupa is one of the largest in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon briefing and preparation for your volunteer work will begin.

Overnight at Hotel Malla [B/-/-]


Day 3: Drive to Sindhupalchowk

After breakfast drive to Sindhupalchowk. The drive takes about three hours to Melamchi Bazaar and from there about 12 kms or so off road to our rebuilding location. Along the way you will see areas that were affected by the earthquake.

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]


Day 4: Full day Community Service

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]


Day 5: Full day Community service

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]


Day 6: Full day Community service

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]


Day 7: Full day Community service

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]


Day 8: Full day Community service

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]


Day 9: Full day Community service

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]


Day 10: Morning transfer to Kathmandu

After breakfast we will drive back to Kathmandu. Rest of the day can be spent at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel Malla [B/-/-]


Day 11: Departure

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward destination.

-Trip Ends-

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner






Group size 6 to 15 persons
What is my role during the time I am volunteering? You are expected to help with the rebuilding and assist with the finishing touches. When the group arrives at the location, 80% of the building will have been pre built since construction will begin as soon we receive the funds. We endorse child safe practices and working alongside the locals. This gives you an opportunity to get an in depth knowledge of their lifestyle, learn about their culture and build relationships. If you do not want physical work, then you can boost their morale and discuss other needs of the locals. Local villagers love foreign company and sometimes, even a mere conversation gives them happiness.
Will any gear be provided during volunteering? No, there will be no gear provided. You need to bring the right gear & equipment with you for the kind of volunteering you are planning to do. You may also be able to source them locally in Kathmandu.
What kind of accommodation will be provided at the volunteering sites? Accommodation during the volunteering days will be camping style. We will have custom made A frame tents set up for you to be shared on a twin sharing basis. A foam mattress and bed sheet will be provided. Our camping staff comprising of a Sirdar, Sherpa, cook, porters and helpers will accompany you. They will ensure that your camps are ready before your arrival. Food ingredients like vegetables etc. (as per availability) will be locally sourced and prepared fresh at the camp site. Where possible, we try providing benefits to the community and bringing their much needed income.
Sindhupalchowk Project #1 Building a school
What are we rebuilding? We will be rebuilding a school
What funds are required from each participant besides the tour cost? A B3 (Build Back Better) fund  per participant must be raised to qualify for this program, in addition to the tour cost. If more funds can be raised and the total amount exceeds the estimated amount, the balance unused funds will be directed for additional work in the area.
Sindhupalchowk Project #2 School resources such as computers, printers, photo copy machine
What are we rebuilding? You can also contribute towards attaining the school resources such as computers, printers, etc.
What funds are required from each participant besides the tour cost? A B3 (Build Back Better) fund per participant must be raised to qualify for this program, in addition to the tour cost. If more funds can be raised and the total amount exceeds the estimated amount, the balance unused funds will be directed for additional work in the area.
What will the B3 Funds be used for? The B3 funds will be used for construction materials and local labor cost.
Includes • Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on bed and breakfast plan
• 7 nights /8 days Volunteer program inclusive of accommodation, meals, transportation to and from the program location
• All sightseeing as indicated in the program with private vehicle and escorted by English speaking local guide
• All monument entrance fees as per the above program
Excludes • Nepal entry visa fee
• Airfares
• Meals not mentioned in the above program
• Refreshments, bottled drinks.
• Tipping
• Insurance and rescue of any form
• Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control
• Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost
• Photography charges in the monasteries and monuments
• Any items, services and meals which are not included in the above cost inclusion or mentioned in the above itinerary