from 2,777€

Excellent 4.8rating (150)

Everest Base Camp Trek & Community Support

location
4 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • The Everest trek covers the upper part of Solu Khumba district taking you through Namche and Tengpoche, Dinbuche and Lobuche then on to Mt. Everest Base Camp.
  • Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 2700m and trek to Phakding 2600, 3 – 4 hrs and overnight A spectacular flight on a steep mountain runway start of our trek at the village of Lukla [2850m].
  • Trek over suspension bridges, raging rivers and some of the best scenery in the world
  • Kathmandu introduction week and a week of volunteering included
  • Challenge yourself, push yourself and encourage your fellow hikers!

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Combine a 4 week trek to Everest base camp with volunteering in Kathmandu. Suspension bridges, raging rivers and some of the best scenery in the world awaits you.

For the adventurous, why not combine one of the best treks in the world with a volunteer project? You will have an introduction week in Kathmandu before your base camp trek and then a week of volunteering afterwards. This is a great way to explore and give back at the same time.

First Week: ...

About the program

For the adventurous, why not combine one of the best treks in the world with a volunteer project? You will have an introduction week in Kathmandu before your base camp trek and then a week of volunteering afterwards. This is a great way to explore and give back at the same time.

First Week: Introduction Week – Kathmandu

Starting in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, this week you will learn all about Nepalese culture, the language, dos and don’ts, and lifestyle of the local people. You will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt race at a local market!

Second and Third Week: Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Trekking region is on many travellers’ bucket list! This is a hard trek, over rough terrain but mainly due to the altitude, so volunteers must have a reasonable level of fitness, as there won’t be much resting! However, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views, passing through Sherpa villages, admiring some of the world’s most stunning landscapes and getting to see the best of Nepalese culture.

Fourth Week: Volunteering in Kathmandu

You will have a choice of several volunteer projects for your final week. This is a great way to give back to the country and to really experience Nepalese hospitality.

You can choose between teaching at a local school, helping out at a kindergarten or aiding injured dogs at the animal shelter.


Typical day

Week 1: Introduction in KathmanduDay 1: Monday

  • Puja to the gods ceremony
  • Talk on behavioural norms, dos/don’ts 

Day 2: Tuesday

  • Nepali language training
  • Talk on general health precautions and safety 
  • Cultural  tour to Swoyambhunath temple.
  • Shopping at local market

Day 3: Wednesday

  • Yoga/ meditation ...

Typical day

Week 1: Introduction in KathmanduDay 1: Monday

  • Puja to the gods ceremony
  • Talk on behavioural norms, dos/don’ts 

Day 2: Tuesday

  • Nepali language training
  • Talk on general health precautions and safety 
  • Cultural  tour to Swoyambhunath temple.
  • Shopping at local market

Day 3: Wednesday

  • Yoga/ meditation session
  • Language training
  • Talk on religion and culture
  • Historical  tour 

Day 4: Thursday

  • Nepali language training
  • Cooking session
  • An amazing race for a Scavenger Hunt at the local market and orientation tour to an exclusive area of Kathmandu 

Day 5: Friday

  • It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
  • Feedback sharing, evaluation

Day 6-7: Sat/Sun

Free time to explore on your own.

Week 2: Everest Base Camp TrekDay 8: Monday

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla which is at an elevation of 2700m and trek to Phakding (3-4 hrs) and overnight. A spectacular flight and a jagged landing on a steep mountain runway will bring us to the start of our trek to the village of Lukla.

Day 9: Tuesday

Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar 3440m, (6-7 hrs) and overnight. We will continue north following the Dudh Kosi river and on to Jorsale, where we will enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here, it will be a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the lmja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the Nangpo Tsangpo (Bhote Kosi) followed by a steep climb (for about 2 hrs) to Namche Bazaar, the main town in the Khumbu region. 

Day 10: Wednesday

Namche Bazaar (resting day and overnight). Namche Bazaar is tucked away between two ridges amongst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. Once named the “Trekkers Mecca of Nepal”. Namche now boasts an abundance of lodges and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a resting day, acclimatizing to the new altitude of 3450m before heading off towards Gokyo.

Day 11: Thursday

Namche Bazaar trek to Tengboche (3860m) for about 6 hrs and overnight. From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Now, we will get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we will descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an excellent lunch spot, and here we can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche.

Although tiring, the hike up the zigzag path has numerous distractions, with rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu.

Day 12: Friday

Tengboche trek to Pheriche, (4252m) for 6 hours and overnight. After breakfast, we will head up to Pheriche with the majestic Amadablam overshadowing our day. On the way, we will meet a little Sherpa village called Pangboche and continue to Pheriche.

Day 13: Saturday

Pheriche trek to Lobuche (4933m) for six hours and overnight. We will continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Taboche on the left. We will then turn right and climb more steeply towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. At the top of this climb, there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche.

Day 14: Sunday

Lobuche trek to Gorakshep (5184m) for two and half hours and (Kalapattar 5500m) and back to Labuche.

Week 3 – Everest TrekDay 15: Monday

Lobuche trek to Dingboche (6 and half hrs) and overnight. It is downhill most of the way, as we will retrace our steps to Dughla and descend to Pheriche. The Himalayan Rescue Association have their trekkers aid post here and it is quite interesting to visit.

Day 16: Tuesday

Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3860m, for 4 hrs) and overnight. We will continue to follow the river and after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche.

Day 17: Wednesday

Tengboche trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) for 5 hrs and overnight. From Tengboche, we will descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki, where there is water driven prayer wheels. Then, we will climb and contour around the hillside to Namche.

Day 18: Thursday

Namche Bazaar trek to Lukla (2840m) for 7 hours and overnight. From Namche Bazaar, the trail descends steeply to the village of Jorsale. Passing the villages of Phakding (2640m) and Choplung, we will reach Chaurikharka and the trail that cuts up to the airstrip at Lukla.

Day 19: Friday

Lukla to Kathmandu. Early morning flight to Kathmandu

Day 20-21: Sat/Sun

Free days to relax.

Week 4: Volunteering in KathmanduDay 22-26: Monday to Friday

You can choose from the following options:

  • Teaching at local schools
  • Helping out at a Kindergarten
  • Working with rescued dogs at our Canine Rehabilitation project



Free-time activities

Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. 

There are also several malls where you can find fashionable ...

Free-time activities

Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. 

There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

If volunteering with kids a police check or working with children check is required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

  • Arrival  airport transfer
  • Dedicated coordinator and emergency support
  • 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
  • Accommodation (Volunteer Centers & tea houses – shared dorm style rooms)
  • Daily ground transportation to all venues
  • Relevant entry fees
  • Training & supervision as required
  • 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
  • Touring & excursions as per itinerary
  • Certificate of Completion 

Airport Pickup at Tribhuvan International Airport

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.

If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.

For Pokhara placements you will be picked up at KTM airport and spend the first night (Sunday) at the accommodation in Kathmandu. On Monday you will have an orientation day in Kathmandu (no orientation is offered in Pokhara). On Tuesday, you will be transferred to Pokhara, before starting your project on the Wednesday. If your first project is in Pokhara then the transfer is included. If first volunteering in Kathmandu, and then changing to a project in Pokhara, you will need to pay extra for the transfer. 

For Buddhist monastery placements please note that transfers between Kathmandu and monasteries are not included in the program fee. You will be picked up at KTM airport and spend the first night (Sunday) at the accommodation in Kathmandu. On Monday you will have an orientation day in Kathmandu. On Tuesday, you will transfer to the monastery. We highly recommend doing the cultural orientation week add-on project for monastery projects, so you have a full understanding of the local culture. 

Accommodation

All accommodation is included during your stay on our program within the schedules/ itineraries provided. Your stay will be comfortable, clean and secure with basic modern amenities.

(First & last week)

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, the large volunteer center has 4 bedrooms which hold up to 12 people maximum, with 3 to 4 people sharing one room. They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room; live-in staff on call 24/7; a garden complete with a comfortable covered area and 24/7 security.  

Centrally located, there are several gym’s nearby as well as local supermarkets, ATM’s, mobile phone shops etc.   For couples or those wanting more privacy, there are upgrade accommodation options available for an additional cost (approx US $150 p/room p/week).  This must be booked well in advance and is subject to availability. 

Kathmandu accommodation includes;

  • 3 Meals p/day weekdays,  2 Meals p/day weekends (mostly vegetarian cuisine)
  • 4-6 persons p/room
  • Wifi in public areas (Quality is not the best though.  You may want to purchase a local SIM data plan)
  • T.V, DVD player, computer
  • Laundry facilities (at an additional fee)
  • Lockable rooms
  • Hot shower
  • Private bathrooms
  • Bed Linen (no towels)
  • Mosquito protection
  • Fans (no air-con)

(Second & third week)

You’ll stay in a local guest houses and/or tea houses along defined trekking routes.  The rooms at the guest houses will generally accommodate 2 to 4 people on sharing basis, single gender. Single rooms are available if booked in advance and at extra cost.  Hand washing your clothes will be a necessity. 

Food & Beverages

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can chose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Nepal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Nepal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Nepal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Nepal. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Program runs once per month (first Monday of each month). Arrivals Sat/sun. If arriving Sat, an extra night is charged. 
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks 2,777€
Average fees 695€/week

Program fees

695€ per week 4 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 4 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (150 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

150 reviews · rating4.8

Geneviève Pilon rating4.2

2023 at Everest Base Camp Trek & Community Support

I had an amazing time in Nepal. The trip was wonderful. Help and support always there. Really well organized. I enjoyed particularly the trek and the cultural week. The only thing that I was a bit disappointed was the volunteer program I choose (KAT - Katmandou Animal Treatment Center). A bit boring ...
Errol S rating5

2024 at Turtle Conservation Assistance

It was an amazing week working with a diverse group of volunteers from around the world. We got to experience working with turtles from nearly hatched to around 8 months old. They were extremely cute and you could really see the impact of the volunteering when we released them into the wild. It ...
I can’t express enough how much Meki, Tima and Paulina took care of me. They would even fan me when I was eating and if I was lying on the front deck (anywhere I was actually if they thought it was needed😆) I’ve never been fanned before😆 Sitting up the head of the table being fanned and ...
Gabriele Heumann rating4.8

2024 at Nutrition & Public Health Outreach Assistant

Vielen Dank für die tolle Erfahrung. Ein besonderes Lob für Carrun, ich würde es gerne immer wieder machen. Dankeschön auch am Marie und Masi tolle Gastfamilie. Ich kann sie nur weiterempfehlen ...
Jennifer Steinborm rating4.4

2024 at Support Woman & Children Commune

From the first day in Fiji I felt incredibly welcome there! Mere and Masi were very helpful from the start and showed me everything. I enjoyed working with the women at the Lovu HART Village at the office and when kindergarten started I loved seeing the kids every day and helping them where I could. ..
ANNA RATTERO rating4.2

2024 at Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

È stata una bellissima esperienza, stare con i bambini è stato magnifico! Loro non parlano bene inglese quindi ho comunicato con loro usando soprattutto sguardi e gesti. Si ha la possibilità di conoscere persone del posto, conoscere una nuova cultura e offrire il proprio contributo nel fare ...

Location

Asia > Southern Asia > Nepal > Kathmandu

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