Experience the Charm of Nepal
Your Gap Year in Nepal
A Country of Breathtaking Landscapes
Nepal boasts a rich cultural heritage deeply influenced by Hinduism, which plays a significant role in its traditions and festivals. From the majestic Himalayan peaks to the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, a gap year in Nepal is an experience like no other.
The country has made strides towards progress in recent years, improvements in education and healthcare, and efforts to enhance environmental awareness are underway. Despite these advancements, Nepal still faces challenges such as high levels of poverty, particularly in rural areas, and ongoing issues with access to quality education, healthcare, and sanitation infrastructure.
Be a part of something bigger by joining us to discover this extraordinary country. Contribute to a meaningful cause while immersing yourself in a journey that brings together cultural and historical understanding.
Volunteering in Nepal
Programme Overview
GapGuru Nepal takes you on a journey of history, culture and adventure. Based in the Kathmandu Valley, you’ll support the FutureSense Foundation, contributing to long-term projects, making a positive impact as part of something bigger.
You’ll engage with local learners in your chosen Impact Areas. Through innovative activities and hands-on involvement, you’ll build upon previous work to drive sustainable, positive change in the community.
Adventure Week offers an exciting introduction to travel to boost your confidence for future explorations. You’ll embark on the renowned Poon Hill Trek, experiencing Nepal’s stunning landscapes and cultural richness. This week will deepen your connection to Nepalese heritage, with experiences that extend beyond your gap year.
Ready to travel with impact? Join us in Nepal and make a difference whilst experiencing Nepalese culture and creating unforgettable memories. Let’s make an impact together!
Induction
Your first few days will be an immersive orientation experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local Nepalese culture and discover where you’ll be based in the Kathmandu Valley. You’ll have a comprehensive Health & Safety briefing, an introduction to Nepali, and a chance to learn more about the inspiring work of the FutureSense Foundation. These first few days are a great chance to bond with your fellow travellers and the hub team!
Project Delivery
From Monday to Friday each week during your project delivery, you’ll be based at our hub in the Kathmandu Valley. With guidance from your GapGuru mentor, you’ll help inspire change in the Impact Areas you have selected by engaging local learners in diverse activities outside the traditional classroom structure. This is a crucial part of our ongoing, sustainable programme, where you’ll build upon previous students’ work and be part of facilitating lasting change in our communities.
Adventure Week
You couldn’t go to Nepal without experiencing some of the world-class trekking it offers. On your Nepal Adventure Week, you’ll embark on the Poon Hill Trek which is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Nepal! Guided by local experts, you’ll stay in local guesthouses, savour authentic Nepalese cuisine, and enjoy stress-free travel with all transport and trekking essentials sorted for you.
Our Adventure Week usually takes place on week 5 of your programme however this can be subject to change. Your full programme itinerary will be confirmed in your briefing pack at least 6 weeks before departure.
Weekends
You’ll have your weekends free to venture out and explore some amazing places such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhaktapur or visit some of the ancient temples in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city.
Our Impact Areas address key global issues, promoting long-term positive impact and sustainable development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In Nepal you can choose to make an impact in:
- STEM
- The Arts
- Conversational English
- Health and Wellbeing
- Social Enterprise
On this adventure, you’ll experience unique local cultures, diverse landscapes and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Guided by local experts, you’ll stay in friendly guesthouses, enjoy authentic Nepalese cuisine and end up with your head amongst some of the tallest mountains in the world.
- Day 1: Transfer from the hub to Pokhara; explore the lakeside city, Devi’s Waterfalls, and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave.
- Day 2: Transfer to Nayapul and begin the trek; follow Modi Khola river, crossing Birethati and passing through Ram Ghari, Sudame, and Hille.
- Day 3: Steep climb to Ulleri through oak forests and streams; continue ascent to Ghorepani (2,875 meters).
- Day 4: Sunrise walk to Poon Hill for panoramic Himalayan views; trek to Tadapani, passing a waterfall and rhododendron forest.
- Day 5: Sunrise view from the village; trek down to Saulibazar, follow Modi Khola river to Nayapul; transfer back to Kathmandu.
- Day 6 – 7: Head back to Kathmandu; enjoy free time for exploration and relaxation.
On a GapGuru programme, you will be supporting our charity, the FutureSense Foundation. You’ll be working in partnership on long-term community development initiatives to achieve a ‘Fairer World’, a world in which each person has the opportunity to meet their aspirations for a better future.
The FutureSense Foundation Nepal team are based in the Kathmandu valley where they live and work in the community year-round. We have partnerships in the rural districts of Lalitpur, Dhulikhel or the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhaktapur where we support local communities mainly from low-income families.
In Nepal we’re working on projects related to STEM, English, WASH, First Aid & Safety, Women’s Health, Physical, social and emotional wellbeing support. This means that when you visit Nepal, you will be able to contribute to long-term programmes and see first-hand the work FutureSense Foundation do.
You will be staying at a local, family-run guesthouse. All the rooms are dorm style, so you will be sharing with 2-4 other participants from your group.
The accommodation is safe and regularly cleaned, with plenty of chill-out spaces for you to relax in during your spare time. But be aware that the amenities will be a step down from your home comforts here in the UK.
There are shared bathrooms throughout the guesthouse that include either a western or drop toilet, shower and sink. The hot water in the building is solar-powered, which can be unreliable in winter. There are kettles for hot bucket showers as a backup if this happens.
Meals
Meals are served family-style and are vegetarian to ensure that we can provide you with safe food and also reduce our carbon footprint.
We can cater for all dietary requirements, so long as our team are made aware of these before your arrival. You’ll have access to free safe and clean drinking water at all times.
Breakfast
We keep breakfast simple to give you time in the morning. Expect toast, jam and eggs with coffee and tea. Some mornings you even get the chance to try a traditional Nepalese breakfast curry!
Lunch
Lunch will either be taken back at your accommodation or you will have a packed lunch.
Dinner
You will have dinner at your accommodation, including local foods such as dal bhat, momos, fried rice, or chapatti curry. Our team of cooks may occasionally provide western meals such as pasta but be prepared for a lot of rice and potatoes!
What's Included?
Prices Include
- A GapGuru Mentor during your stay
- Clean and safe Accommodation
- 3 x nutritious meals from Monday –Friday in the hub
- Training & orientation
- Support before, during and after your trip
- Airport pick-up & drop-off
- In-country transport
- All pre-travel materials
What we can help you with
- International Flights
- Visa and Travel insurance fee
- Vaccinations
- Local Transport and Travel
- Any Personal Expenses
- We know that sorting this stuff out can be hard so we’re more than happy to help!
Nepal Awaits
Why Make an Impact With GapGuru
- Support Local Communities
- Ethical and Sustainable
- Be Part of Something Bigger
Your Gap Year in Nepal
A Country of Breathtaking Landscapes
Nepal boasts a rich cultural heritage deeply influenced by Hinduism, which plays a significant role in its traditions and festivals. From the majestic Himalayan peaks to the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, a gap year in Nepal is an experience like no other.
The country has made strides towards progress in recent years, improvements in education and healthcare, and efforts to enhance environmental awareness are underway. Despite these advancements, Nepal still faces challenges such as high levels of poverty, particularly in rural areas, and ongoing issues with access to quality education, healthcare, and sanitation infrastructure.
Be a part of something bigger by joining us to discover this extraordinary country. Contribute to a meaningful cause while immersing yourself in a journey that brings together cultural and historical understanding.
Volunteering in Nepal
Programme Overview
GapGuru Nepal takes you on a journey of history, culture and adventure. Based in the Kathmandu Valley, you’ll support the FutureSense Foundation, contributing to long-term projects, making a positive impact as part of something bigger.
You’ll engage with local learners in your chosen Impact Areas. Through innovative activities and hands-on involvement, you’ll build upon previous work to drive sustainable, positive change in the community.
Adventure Week offers an exciting introduction to travel to boost your confidence for future explorations. You’ll embark on the renowned Poon Hill Trek, experiencing Nepal’s stunning landscapes and cultural richness. This week will deepen your connection to Nepalese heritage, with experiences that extend beyond your gap year.
Ready to travel with impact? Join us in Nepal and make a difference whilst experiencing Nepalese culture and creating unforgettable memories. Let’s make an impact together!
Induction
Your first few days will be an immersive orientation experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local Nepalese culture and discover where you’ll be based in the Kathmandu Valley. You’ll have a comprehensive Health & Safety briefing, an introduction to Nepali, and a chance to learn more about the inspiring work of the FutureSense Foundation. These first few days are a great chance to bond with your fellow travellers and the hub team!
Project Delivery
From Monday to Friday each week during your project delivery, you’ll be based at our hub in the Kathmandu Valley. With guidance from your GapGuru mentor, you’ll help inspire change in the Impact Areas you have selected by engaging local learners in diverse activities outside the traditional classroom structure. This is a crucial part of our ongoing, sustainable programme, where you’ll build upon previous students’ work and be part of facilitating lasting change in our communities.
Adventure Week
You couldn’t go to Nepal without experiencing some of the world-class trekking it offers. On your Nepal Adventure Week, you’ll embark on the Poon Hill Trek which is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Nepal! Guided by local experts, you’ll stay in local guesthouses, savour authentic Nepalese cuisine, and enjoy stress-free travel with all transport and trekking essentials sorted for you.
Our Adventure Week usually takes place on week 3 of your programme however this can be subject to change. Your full programme itinerary will be confirmed in your briefing pack at least 6 weeks before departure.
Weekends
You’ll have your weekends free to venture out and explore some amazing places such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhaktapur or visit some of the ancient temples in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city.
Our Impact Areas address key global issues, promoting long-term positive impact and sustainable development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In Nepal you can choose to make an impact in:
- STEM
- The Arts
- Conversational English
- Health and Wellbeing
- Social Enterprise
On this adventure, you’ll experience unique local cultures, diverse landscapes and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Guided by local experts, you’ll stay in friendly guesthouses, enjoy authentic Nepalese cuisine and end up with your head amongst some of the tallest mountains in the world.
- Day 1: Transfer from the hub to Pokhara; explore the lakeside city, Devi’s Waterfalls, and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave.
- Day 2: Transfer to Nayapul and begin the trek; follow Modi Khola river, crossing Birethati and passing through Ram Ghari, Sudame, and Hille.
- Day 3: Steep climb to Ulleri through oak forests and streams; continue ascent to Ghorepani (2,875 meters).
- Day 4: Sunrise walk to Poon Hill for panoramic Himalayan views; trek to Tadapani, passing a waterfall and rhododendron forest.
- Day 5: Sunrise view from the village; trek down to Saulibazar, follow Modi Khola river to Nayapul; transfer back to Kathmandu.
- Day 6 – 7: Head back to Kathmandu; enjoy free time for exploration and relaxation.
On a GapGuru programme, you will be supporting our charity, the FutureSense Foundation. You’ll be working in partnership on long-term community development initiatives to achieve a ‘Fairer World’, a world in which each person has the opportunity to meet their aspirations for a better future.
The FutureSense Foundation Nepal team are based in the Kathmandu valley where they live and work in the community year-round. We have partnerships in the rural districts of Lalitpur, Dhulikhel or the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhaktapur where we support local communities mainly from low-income families.
In Nepal we’re working on projects related to STEM, English, WASH, First Aid & Safety, Women’s Health, Physical, social and emotional wellbeing support. This means that when you visit Nepal, you will be able to contribute to long-term programmes and see first-hand the work FutureSense Foundation do.
You will be staying at a local, family-run guesthouse. All the rooms are dorm style, so you will be sharing with 2-4 other participants from your group.
The accommodation is safe and regularly cleaned, with plenty of chill-out spaces for you to relax in during your spare time. But be aware that the amenities will be a step down from your home comforts here in the UK.
There are shared bathrooms throughout the guesthouse that include either a western or drop toilet, shower and sink. The hot water in the building is solar-powered, which can be unreliable in winter. There are kettles for hot bucket showers as a backup if this happens.
Meals
Meals are served family-style and are vegetarian to ensure that we can provide you with safe food and also reduce our carbon footprint.
We can cater for all dietary requirements, so long as our team are made aware of these before your arrival. You’ll have access to free safe and clean drinking water at all times.
Breakfast
We keep breakfast simple to give you time in the morning. Expect toast, jam and eggs with coffee and tea. Some mornings you even get the chance to try a traditional Nepalese breakfast curry!
Lunch
Lunch will either be taken back at your accommodation or you will have a packed lunch.
Dinner
You will have dinner at your accommodation, including local foods such as dal bhat, momos, fried rice, or chapatti curry. Our team of cooks may occasionally provide western meals such as pasta but be prepared for a lot of rice and potatoes!
Want to learn more
Upcoming Departures
Thailand
📍 Mae Sariang
15th November 2024
From £2,595
Tanzania
📍 Arusha
15th November 2024
From £2,595
India
📍Palampur
11th January 2025
From £2,595
Peru
📍Urubamba
1st February 2025
From, £2,595
Cambodia
📍Battambang
15th February 2025
From £2,595
Nepal
📍Kathmandu Valley
15th February 2025
From, £2,595
Panama
📍El Valle de Anton
1st March
From, £2,595
Need Gap Year Advice?
Want some help planning your gap year? Whether you’ve already booked a gap experience with us, or are wondering where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out to our fantastic GapGurus! We’ve got plenty of gap year experience and nearly 20 years of turning dreams into reality. Chances are, we’ve heard your question before. Drop us a message and let’s make the most of your gap year!
