Travel the
World. Make a Difference.
Nepal
Program
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ELCOME TO BUILD ABROAD NEPAL!
Thank you for choosing Build Abroad! We hope you are
excited about your upcoming trip to Nepal.
As you know, Build Abroad connects volunteers with construction projects in
developing countries. We feel volunteering is one of the best ways to make
a difference in the world. Aside from the physical accomplishments, our
construction volunteers bring home an insight about a different culture. During
your trip, we are confident you will have a blast exploring Nepal!
We have put together this packet of information so that you can be fully
prepared when you arrive. It should be very informative, but if you have any
questions after reading it through, feel free to contact us!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Nepal & Airport Pickup
03
Trip Checklist
04
Accommodations & Meals
05
Itinerary & Travel
06
Health & Climate
07
FAQ & Contact
08
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A LITTLE ABOUT NEPAL
Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country located in South
Asia. The mountainous north of Nepal has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including the
highest point on Earth, Mount Everest. Nepal is a developing country with a low income economy.
It continues to struggle with high levels of hunger and poverty. Despite these challenges, Nepal has
been making steady progress
Throughout most of its history, Nepal was ruled as a monarchy. Elections for the 1st Nepali
Constituent Assembly on May 28, 2008 overwhelmingly favored the abolition of the monarchy.
On September 20, 2015, the new constitution was announced and established Nepal as a federal
democratic country by making seven unnamed states.
Nepal has five climatic zones, broadly corresponding to the altitudes. The tropical and subtropical
zones lie below 1,200 meters, the temperate zone 1,200 to 2,400 meters, the cold zone 2,400 to
3,600 meters, the subarctic zone 3,600 to 4,400 meters (11,811 to 14,436 ft), and the Arctic zone
above 4,400 meters (14,436 ft).
The overwhelming majority of the Nepali population follows Hinduism. Shiva is regarded as the
guardian deity of the country. Nepal is home to the famous Lord Shiva temple, the Pashupatinath
Temple, where Hindus from all over the world come for pilgrimage.
AIRPORT PICKUP INFORMATION
By now you should have sent us your flight information. Upon your arrival, a staff member from
Build Abroad’s partner organization will meet you in person at the Kathmandu (KTM) Airport. They
will have the words “Green Lion” on a posterboard so you can identify them.
If for some reason there is a problem meeting with the representative, please call or take a taxi
directly to:
The Green Lion Nepal Office
Fishal Tole, Ganesh Marg
Dhapasi Height, Dhapasi – 6/25
Near Nature Club
Phone: +977 1 4377623
Mobile: +977 9851034651 (Rajesh - Volunteer Leader)
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TRIP CHECKLIST
Before you leave
Fill out our online form with passport number, flight information, etc.
Make sure your passport is up to date and expires no less than 6 months before your trip
Background check at your local police department or online. (Required)
Print off a copy of your passport and contact info for a friend/family member
What to pack
Build Abroad Packet
Passport
Background Check
Tee Shirts
Warm Shirts
Pants
Shorts
Rain Gear
Comfortable Hiking Shows/Boots
Sandals
Sunglasses
Hat
Day Pack
Camera
Water Bottle
Bathroom Kit
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
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ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS
Build Abroad provides all accommodations for our program participants. Living accommodations during
the week will be at a shared homestay with other volunteers.
All homestays will have wifi access,
Your trip costs include two meals a day. Typically both of these meals will be served at your homestay.
The staple Nepali meal is Dal baht. Dal is a lentil soup, and is served over baht (boiled rice), with
tarkari (curried vegetables) together with achar (pickles) or chutni (spicy condiment made from fresh
ingredients). It consists of non-vegetarian as well as vegetarian items. Mustard oil is a common cooking
medium and a host of spices, including cumin, coriander, black pepper, sesame seeds, turmeric, garlic,
ginger, methi (fenugreek), bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, chilies and mustard seeds are used in cooking.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Your homestay is equipped with 24-hour electricity (220V). To operate small U.S. and European
appliances (like phones, hairdryers, and electric shavers) you may need a voltage converter. To avoid
damage to your electronic appliances, be sure to check each appliance for acceptable voltages before
you plug them in.
The following plugs will work in most Nepali homes and hostels:
Type A: Flat blade plug. (Usually known as the American Plug)
Type B: Flat blade plug with a ground
Type C: Round pin plug. (Usually known as the European Plug)
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
The drinking age in Nepal is 18 years old. Volunteers are allowed to consume alcohol during our trips
while they are not working. You will need to be respectful of your host family, as some of them do not
allow alcohol in the house. Alcohol consumption before volunteer work will not be allowed.
Illegal drug use of any kind is also strictly prohibited. If you are found to be using drugs on the trip, you
will be immediately removed from the program without a refund.
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SAMPLE ITINERARY
Volunteering takes place during the week, Monday through Friday. Your first week will be an optional
cultural immersion week. Please note a minimum of 2 weeks is required for our Nepal trips.
Typical Day: Volunteers will work a morning shift and a shorter afternoon shift with a lunch break in
between. A typical day is as follows:
8:00 AM – Travel to job site to build after having breakfast with host family.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Morning shift ends and volunteers have their lunch break.
3:00 PM – Work day ends and volunteers are free until dinner.
8:00 PM – Dinner with your host family.
NOTE: This schedule may vary
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Boudhanath Stupa
The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the holiest and most recognizable sites in
Kathmandu. Boudhanath is the religious center of Nepal’s Tibetan/Buddhist
community, and is surrounded by around 50 monasteries.
Durbar Square
Even though the Nepali royal family moved from the Hanuman Dhoka palace
about a century ago, Durbar (Palace) Square remains the tourist heart of
Kathmandu. Most visitors are surprised by the sheer number of temples.
Everest Region
The 1,500 mile long Himalaya range contains every one of the world’s
fourteen 8000 meter peaks. The Everest region is accessed by a 30 minute
flight in a tiny plane.
Annapurna Region
The Annapurna region is accessed from tranquil Pokhara, and is famous for
the Annapurna range and the sacred Fish Tail mountain. Annapurna base
camp (4130 meters) is the highest point, providing stunning 360 degree views.
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HEALTH
Nepal poses some small health risks that can be avoided by taking some simple precautions.
1. Water
Drink bottled or filtered water. Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, treated with iodine, or
purified.
2. Elevation
Because of Nepal’s elevation, altitude sickness can be a potential health risk. Kathmandu has an
elevation of 4,600 feet/1,400 meters, with surrounding areas at much higher altitudes. It is best to
allow your body to adjust. If you feel any symptoms immediately after landing, there is a medical station
nearby, and of course our in-country partner organization is always available to help you. We have a lot
of experience getting participants well again.
CLIMATE
Nepal has five climatic zones, broadly corresponding to the altitudes. The tropical and subtropical zones
lie below 1,200 meters (3,937 ft), the temperate zone 1,200 to 2,400 meters (3,937 to 7,874 ft), the cold
zone 2,400 to 3,600 meters (7,874 to 11,811 ft), the subarctic zone 3,600 to 4,400 meters (11,811 to
14,436 ft), and the Arctic zone above 4,400 meters (14,436 ft).
Nepal experiences five seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. The Himalaya blocks
cold winds from Central Asia in the winter and forms the northern limit of the monsoon wind patterns.
In a land once thickly forested, deforestation is a major problem in all regions, with resulting erosion and
degradation of ecosystems.
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FAQs
Do I have to know Nepali?
Speaking Nepali is not required for a trip to Nepal but a basic understanding of the language is helpful.
Basic Nepali phrases and words will be taught during orientation as well.
Will there be other volunteers with me?
Yes. And the numbers vary from week to week. You can expect several other construction volunteers
to be participating in the program at the same time as you. In addition to the construction volunteers,
there will be even more people doing other work with our partner organizations. You can rest assured
that you will meet a lot of fun, unique people during your time with Build Abroad.
CONTACT
Build Abroad wants to make this experience as enjoyable as possible leading up to your trip as well as
in Nepal. If you have any questions or concerns that have not been addressed in this package, do not
hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
Build Abroad Nepal Contact
Chad Johnson
[email protected]
+1 802 266 0155
Local Partner Email
[email protected]
Kathmandu, Nepal
The Green Lion Nepal Office
Fishal Tole, Ganesh Marg
Dhapasi Height, Dhapasi – 6/25
Near Nature Club
Phone: +977 1 4377623
Mobile: +977 9851034651 (Rajesh - Volunteer Leader)
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