Location
Although only 150 km and around 12 hours north of Katmandu, Langtang is one of the most remote areas of Nepal. Bordering Tibet, the mountainous Langtang National Park is known for its spectacular Himal Mountain views and is a popular trekking destination. Our volunteer programs are based in mountain villages around the small town of Syabrubesi. Although all are within 3 hours of Syabrubesi, the villages can only be accessed on foot and are very remote and basic by Western standards. People in this region are primarily Tamang. The Tamang are known for their industrious nature and many are employed as porters for tourists visiting the area.
About the project
This unique program offers you the chance to learn, teach and travel in the Himalayas. A key element in local community development is the ability to further education and economic prosperity with out compromising traditional ways of life and the natural environment. This exciting project seeks, with the aid of motivated international volunteers, to improve the lives of the poorest and most marginalized members of Nepali society through a variety of different fields including social work, informal and formal English teaching and education, and health and sanitation. As a volunteer in this project, you will contribute your skills and knowledge to Nepalese people, while gaining an in-depth experience of their culture and community. You will live with a local Nepalese family and meet other like- minded volunteers from around the world.
Katmandu induction program
All volunteers arriving in Nepal are given between 2 days and two weeks of training, language lessons and initiation in Nepali life. The amount of time volunteers spend in Kathmandu will depend upon the length of their placements however all volunteers will start their stay in a guesthouse near the office and will have 2 days training and sightseeing in the centre of the city. Following this volunteers are moved onto one of our two training villages in the Kathmandu valley for further cultural and language introductions and initiation into Nepali life. All of the villages are located within one and a half hour's bus ride from Kathmandu's centre and most have a well- developed infrastructure, with water readily available, and reliable roads. Once your training is finished you will go to your placement village and commence with your volunteer work. Training will incorporate: Nepali language lessons; classroom survival tips and instruction along with classroom immersion; cultural Introduction; and sightseeing in Kathmandu
Volunteer work and contribution
Your placement will be decided once you have gone through training period. Your strengths and preferences will be assessed and a suitable placement will be found for you.
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Tholu Bharkhu Children's Resource Center
This library and resource center was established in Rasuwa, Thulo Bharkhu in August 2005. It has a library and one classroom for 20 children. Volunteers conduct informal English language lessons in the mornings and late afternoons before and after school at the Center and are also welcome to conduct workshops in various subjects and skills. Volunteers placed here will also teach English at a local school.
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Goljung Chidren's Library, Langtang
Established in 2005. This library has 2 rooms, a library and office for the volunteer. Volunteers conduct informal English language lessons in the mornings and late afternoons before and after school at the center and are also welcome to conduct workshops in varying subjects and skills. Volunteers placed here will also teach English at a local school.
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Syabrubesin Children's Library
This library was established in 2006. This library is at the corner of the town, it has two rooms, a library and office for the volunteer. Volunteers conduct informal English language lessons in the mornings and late afternoons before and after school at the center and are also welcome to conduct workshops in varying subjects and skills. Volunteers placed here will also teach English at a local school.
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Teaching in Government Schools
Volunteers have the opportunity to teach in a number of primary and secondary schools in the Langtang area. Volunteers will work together with a local teacher to help improve English skills including listening and speaking, grammar, and reading for children and teachers. You will also be able to assist local teachers in a variety of other subjects including maths and history.
The Nepali work -week runs from Sunday - Friday with Saturday being the only day off. You will work from 4-6 hours per day with the opportunity to work more if you choose. Times for each placement vary, when working in children's homes and informal education centres, you will teach and help the children in the morning before school and for a few hours after school.
Accommodation & Facilities
Volunteers live in the orphanage or a host family. This will provide you with an opportunity to learn about all aspects of Nepali life, culture, food and people. Nepali households are basic compared to households in the west. Bathrooms have squat toilets and cold running water. You will sleep in a separate room and may share with another volunteer. Mattresses are quite hard! Do not expect luxury. You will essentially become a member of the household, and participate in all activities including cooking, washing, working in the fields, and generally caring for the house and family. This is the best way to experience the real Nepal.
In your homestay you will eat with your host family. Traditional Nepali food is Dal Bhat with rice and curried vegetables which is eaten at every meal. As well as Dal Bhat and the more Indian influenced Nepali foods Tibetan influenced dishes such as Tibetan breads, thugba (noodle soup), momos and tsampa are particularly popular in mountain regions. Volunteers usually eat with there home stay families during the week but can travel into Syabrubesi on weekends which has a small selection of continental foods.
Not just work...
Located close to the Tibet border the Langtang area offers fantastic opportunities for trekking sightseeing and rafting. Volunteers can take trips to Tato Pani, a naturally heated lake only 3km from the Tibetan border. If you would like to take a break to do some sightseeing or trekking contact your coordinator and a small break can be arranged.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18
- Good level of English
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with children
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)
Additional information
About GoEco
Frequently asked questions
Volunteer logs
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