Volunteer Opportunities
Our in-country volunteer program matches volunteers’ skill sets with our ongoing projects (short and long term options available). We are always looking for individuals with Teaching, Medical, Technical (IT/Marketing) and Construction backgrounds, but all are welcome. Each intern will work closely with our National Director and Founder, Prem Kunwar, to build an experience that best matches the unique skills and interests of every person that comes through our doors.
Look through the many opportunities below to find the subject that matches your field and abilities!
Medicine
People with medical backgrounds are desperately needed in communities around Nepal; our work in the past has included permanent health post staffing, as well as seasonal medical treks to those villages to remote for accessible treatment. We take everyone from volunteer EMTs to Medical Professionals!
Teaching
From the earliest days of our organization, we’ve had a special focus on primary and secondary education. Our work with teachers spans a wide range of subjects and settings, from the core subjects of Math, Science, and English to advising on modern curriculum and practices for our teacher training programs.
We’re also looking for people experienced with computer and tech education! The computer labs we’ve built in schools across the country are of no use if no one knows how to use them.
Technical Skills
These can be in addition to your other skills and certifications, or as a standalone internship position. Visual media is an important part of our fundraising and advertising campaigns, and we need people experienced with photography, film making, web design, and social media management. Also greatly appreciated is any experience with grant writing and proposal submissions!
We look forward to getting to know you better! Use the form below to get connected and take the next step forward on your experience.
FAQs
Where do interns and Volunteers live?
While in Pokhara, volunteers and interns normally live at the warm and welcoming Norgay Montes Hostel in North Lakeside. For $10 per night, you’ll have 2 meals of daal bhat each day, along with a private bathroom, western-style toilet, and hot water. Lunch is normally taken at one of the many affordable restaurants nearby, or at the office.
In the villages, you’ll have the chance to live with a host family and experience a typical Nepali household. For around the same cost as Norgay Montes, you’ll also be provided with accommodation and meals.
how much does this program cost?
KarmaFlights doesn’t charge you for anything! Although you are responsible for paying for your own accommodation, food, and travel, the application process is totally free. We do this because every Rupee you contribute brings more jobs and opportunities to the vibrant community and people around us.
how many interns and volunteers does Karmaflights have at a time?
Before COVID, our organization routinely had several visitors at a time involved in projects and villages. As travel slowly returns to normal, we hope to have 10-15 interns and volunteers by June of 2022.
how do I get to Pokhara?
Although we’d love to meet you right at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, we’re based in the city of Pokhara in the western half of Nepal. However, we have connections and partnerships with hotels in and around Kathmandu which can coordinate your pickup from the airport and your first few nights in the country. If you’d rather come to Pokhara right away, we can arrange for a jeep to pick you up right from the airport; it costs about $100, which can be split by up to 4 people.
If you choose to stay in KTM for a few days, you’ll have 2 options to get to Pokhara:
Take a tourist bus; These are similar to western-style coach busses, complete with reclining seats and air conditioning. The trip takes between 7 and 8 hours and costs around $10.
Fly a domestic airline to Pokhara; The route to Pokhara is well-known, and Buddha Air has a safe, modern fleet of aircraft and trains its staff to meet international standards. Many planes leave KTM each morning, and the flight takes about 20 minutes and costs around $65.
How much supervision do Interns have?
Depending on your skillset, KarmaFlights will support you as much as you need. Normally our interns work with local community leaders for their specific projects, although a KarmaFlights staff member will often help you in while you’re in Pokhara.
how are karmaflights and Nepal managing the risk of covid-19?
Although Nepal used blanket travel bans during the first two pandemic surges, so far the third wave has caused no such restrictions. We hope it stays this way because although the infection rate can be high at times, death rates remain low. However, both the Nepali Government and we require visitors to be fully vaccinated, and you’ll need a valid PCR test no older than 48 hours to enter the country. In addition, mask-wearing is widespread in public places, stores, and restaurants.
Use this link to see up-to-date information: https://www.kayak.com/travel-restrictions/nepal?origin=AF
how long does karmaflights accept interns for?
KarmaFlights can put you to work for as long as you’re willing to help! Many volunteers and interns take breaks to do trekking or other leisure travel.
what visa do I need?
Nepal’s standard tourism visa is valid for 15, 30, or 90-day increments, and can be purchased ahead of time by sending your visa to the nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate, or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, although the line is often long. The visa can be extended for a minimum of 15 additional days at a cost of $3 per day. In addition to a visa, you’ll need:
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
Proof of Hotel Booking (Provided at www.norgaymonteshotel.com)
Valid, negative PCR test
International Traveller Entry form. KarmaFlights can provide all the necessary information for each line. You can access it here: https://ccmc.gov.np/