Imagine immersing yourself in a culture deeply rooted in ancient wisdom, in the very land where Lord Buddha was born. Our Monastery & Nunnery Support Programme offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to learn about Buddhism, meditation, and monastic life while making a tangible difference by teaching English to monks and nuns. This programme is an unparalleled chance to connect with a completely new culture, share knowledge, and help these revered communities communicate globally.

Nepal is the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) in Lumbini, 623 BC. Buddhism quickly flourished here, with Tibetan Buddhism being the second most followed religion. The country boasts over 1,200 Buddhist temples, many dating back more than 2,000 years. Iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath (the "Monkey Temple"), Boudhanath, and Charumati Vihara showcase Nepal’s ancient stupa designs and spiritual vibrancy.

Kathmandu alone is home to numerous monasteries, housing thousands of monks, lamas, and teachers devoted to Buddha's teachings. While these monasteries attract countless tourists interested in spiritual learning, the primary language of study remains Tibetan, limiting opportunities for global engagement. Recognizing the importance of spreading Buddha's teachings worldwide, high Lamas are actively seeking English-speaking volunteers like you. As the Dalai Lama wisely said, "To learn English is to spread the word."

Many of the young monks and nuns in these monasteries are Tibetan refugees or disadvantaged children from remote ethnic hill tribes in Nepal's mountains. For these less privileged children, becoming a monk or nun often offers a chance at a better life, providing education, shelter, and community in the capital and other parts of the country.

Their training begins at an early age, encompassing Buddhist practices, philosophy, and general mainstream education, including English. English proficiency is crucial; it enables them to translate religious texts, communicate Buddhist teachings globally, and broadens their future prospects. It's not uncommon for some monks and nuns to eventually return to mainstream society; therefore, a formal education, particularly English, significantly boosts their career opportunities.

As a volunteer teaching English to monks and nuns in Nepal, you'll profoundly benefit their language development, communication, and pronunciation skills. Beyond teaching, you can also participate in the daily life of the monastery, gaining an intimate understanding of their spiritual journey.

This programme is ideal for anyone curious about new cultures and genuinely compassionate about serving others. Peace and compassion are the foundations of Buddhism; if you resonate with these values, you'll find deep fulfillment here.

It's a beautiful give-and-take process: you learn about Buddhism and its profound values, while sharing your knowledge and skills with the monastic community. This programme is perfect for those with an interest in Buddhist philosophies and a desire to contribute.

If you're a native English speaker or possess strong English language skills, your contribution will be invaluable. Creative thinkers and art lovers can also use their artistic savvy to enhance learning and engagement for the students.

While many rewarding teaching opportunities exist in local schools or childcare centers in Nepal, volunteering in a monastery offers a truly unique experience steeped in Buddhist culture and traditions. Your contribution of English language skills can significantly impact the monks' and nuns' ability to participate in global ceremonies and spread their teachings.

Volunteering here is a noble cause that will profoundly shape your character. Engaging with children from a different world will boost your communication skills and self-esteem. You'll emerge with new perspectives, a positive transition in your personality, and the satisfaction of contributing to a truly unique community.

Beyond the impact, you'll enjoy an unparalleled cultural immersion in Nepal. Nestled beneath the majestic Himalayas, Kathmandu is a culturally rich city brimming with ancient monuments and spiritual sites. Experience peaceful days, breathtaking vistas, and the profound charm of living amidst a spiritual legacy.

While our Buddhist Monastery Volunteer Project is welcoming to all, adherence to monastic values is essential:

• Daily Schedules: Monasteries follow strict schedules for prayers, meditation, and worship. Classes are typically held at specific times. Volunteers are allowed to participate in religious activities based on the monastery's specific rules and flexibility, which can vary. Always respect these permissions.
• Conduct and Appearance: As these are religious institutions, maintaining respectful conduct, appearance, and behavior within the monastery area is crucial. Some monasteries may advise specific dress codes.
• Prohibitions: Smoking and consuming alcohol are strictly prohibited within monastery premises. Be mindful of your surroundings when talking or using cell phones, especially during prayers or meditation.

Our primary volunteer base is strategically located near Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the epicenter of Himalayan Buddhism. Our volunteer homestay is just 1 km from this iconic landmark, considered a spiritual "Mecca" for Buddhists across Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India.

We collaborate with dozens of monasteries within a 1-2 km radius of our homestay. Volunteers stay with a host family in our dedicated volunteer home, which serves as a central placement hub. You'll walk to the monasteries for classes, which are scheduled at various times: 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, 2:30–4:00 PM, or 5:00–7:00 PM, depending on the monastery's availability. You're also welcome to join morning and evening prayers, typically a 10-20 minute walk from your accommodation.

Staying at our volunteer home, centrally located within Kathmandu Valley, offers you the unique privilege of experiencing the city's vibrant culture and heritage as a local. Our freshly cooked meals are a delightful culinary experience, and you'll build an international community with like-minded volunteers. Enjoy organized weekend hiking trips, free evening tours to Swayambhunath and Thamel, visits to local vegetable markets, and hands-on cooking classes (including Momo and Nepali cuisine). A significant bonus: our volunteers enjoy free daily 2-hour yoga sessions with a local guru near the homestay. This combination of monastery service and local immersion makes our programme truly unique.

For those seeking a more focused monastery experience outside the bustling capital, we offer placements in:

• Pharping: A small Newar town 23 km south of Kathmandu, accessible by bus (approx. 1.5 hours). It's a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site with numerous monasteries and retreat centers.
• Sundarijal: Located 15 km northeast of Kathmandu, this area, where the Bagmati River originates, also hosts several Buddhist monasteries.
• Pokhara: Nepal's tourism capital, known for Phewa Lake and Himalayan views, offers a few monastery volunteering options for those preferring a serene, natural setting.

We also have placements in Bhaktapur, Kavre, Lumbini, Solukhumbu, Sindupalchok, and other regions based on monastery needs.

Choosing Your Monastery/Nunnery: A monastery is a residence for monks, and a nunnery for nuns, where they live, study, pray, and engage in communal activities. We place volunteers in both "gompas" or "viharas" (Nepali terms for monasteries/nunneries) according to their requirements.

Resources: Volunteers are encouraged to bring teaching materials daily to maximize their impact. Students are typically 6-16 years old.

Weekends: Your project work runs Sunday to Friday, leaving weekends free for relaxation, local exploration, or travel across Nepal.

GKF was founded with a purpose after the 2015 earthquake. We are a fully local organization, run by Nepalis for Nepalis. Our fees are reasonable compared to international organizations, and our deep understanding of Nepal's geography and people ensures your experience is enriching and authentic.

Nepal, home to eight of the world's tallest mountains, offers breathtaking scenery from the Himalayas to vibrant national parks. It's a mountaineering and hiking paradise, providing golden opportunities for treks like Everest Base Camp after your volunteer work.

• Safe & Stable: Nepal is a safe and politically stable country with a very low crime rate, largely due to its religious background.
• Excursions & Culinary Delights: Explore versatile Nepali cuisine, rich in local flavors, and savor the world-famous Nepali tea.
• Cultural Immersion: Delve into a culture evolved over centuries, blending influences from India and Tibet, with diverse tribes and religions coexisting peacefully. Experience welcoming art, music, and spirituality.
• Make a Positive Change: Your skills, passion, and love will profoundly impact young monks' lives through education, setting an inspiring example globally.

This deeply personal decision depends on your goals and values. Ask yourself:

• Passion to help & build relationships? You'll constantly engage with monks, staff, other volunteers, and your host family.
• Ready to step out of your comfort zone? Be prepared for potential differences in amenities like hot water, reliable electricity, or familiar food. Embrace adaptability!
• Skills to share? No special qualifications are required, but a proactive, hardworking attitude is key.
• Financial means? While volunteering is about service, costs for flights, accommodation, food, visas, vaccinations, and travel insurance apply. Fundraising options like GoFundMe are available.

Apply with your preferred dates. Upon confirmation of availability, you can book by depositing through Volunteer World. Once flights are confirmed, send GKF your flight details (date, time, airline, number) and connect with our team via WhatsApp for easy communication.

• Food: Traditional Nepali meals of rice, lentils, curry, vegetables, and lean meat (no beef) are home-cooked, healthy, and provided three times daily.
• Working Hours: You'll work 2-3 hours per day, Sunday to Friday, leaving ample time for local discovery and weekend excursions.
• Extend Your Stay: Yes, extensions are possible. Visa extensions can be processed at immigration offices in Kathmandu.
• Problem Resolution: Communicate any issues with your supervisor. If needed, the in-country coordinator will assist.
• Host Family English: Most host families speak some basic English, but it's not guaranteed. Learning basic Nepali phrases is recommended; our local coordinator can assist with communication.
• Bedding/Mosquito Nets: Clean bedding is provided. You may bring your own light sheets/towel.

• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
• Visa: Required. Apply at a Nepali embassy/consulate or utilize on-arrival visa services if eligible (e.g., for US, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe citizens).
• Vaccinations: Consult your doctor. CDC recommends MMR, DTP, Varicella, Polio, Flu shot, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid.
• Flights: Compare airlines and routes, avoid busy seasons, and use miles if possible.
• Funds: Ensure enough money for your entire trip and extra for personal expenses. Consider fundraising.

• Original & photocopies of travel/program documents (including travel insurance).
• Money/credit card.
• Flashlight (with batteries/charger).
• Comfortable clothing & shoes.
• Book, journal/notebook.
• Small bag for weekend trips.
• Personal toiletries & medication.
• Rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellent.
• Towel, water bottle, travel adapter.
• Warm jacket & scarf.
• Bathing suit.
• Small gift for your host family and project placement (coordinator can advise).

Do's:

• Always greet with "Namaste".
• Dress appropriately, covering shoulders and knees.
• Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, or monasteries.
• Obtain official receipts for antiques.
• Use two hands when receiving anything as a sign of respect.

Don'ts:

• Do not give money to all beggars.
• Do not give food after tasting it from your plate.
• Do not ask for beef (cows are sacred).
• Do not take photos of holy shrines or people without permission.
• Do not touch anyone's head.
• Don't be surprised by personal questions (age, marital status, profession).

Culture shock is common due to differences in customs, food, and living conditions. Overcome it by:

• Embracing Nepali Culture: Participate in community events, interact, and learn.
• Learning Local Ways: Observe and research local values.
• Making Local Friends: Connect with Nepalis and other volunteers.
• Being Open-Minded: Embrace new perspectives with positivity.
• Learning Basic Nepali: Boosts confidence and connection.
• Maintaining a Positive Attitude: See challenges as learning opportunities.
• Being Passionate: Be proactive and dedicated to your work.
• Exploring the Country: Travel and discover Nepal's natural beauty.

Volunteering in a developing country like Nepal can be incredibly worthwhile, yet challenging. Be prepared for occasional inconveniences with electricity, water, or Wi-Fi, and approach them with positivity. This programme is about service, love, and giving, not a typical tourist trip. If you're seeking an affordable travel option, your focus might need to shift. This is a profound opportunity for positive transition and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Happy volunteering, and thank you for choosing us for your journey!