Cultural and Introduction week in Kathmandu

Cultural and Introduction Week Schedule

You’ll arrive on Sunday, with plenty of time to refresh, before your exciting Culture and Introduction week in Nepal begins!

Monday

Start your morning with a Puja – or worship – to the Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism, witnessing Religious rituals which are central to the culture. Discovering the importance of murtis (images), mantras (prayers), and yantras (diagrams of the universe), you will also find out about the personal nature of Hindu worship and the significance of individual offerings.

Following some fun activities to get to know the rest of your groups, you’ll spend the remainder of your morning discussing the schedule and safety of the program.

Lunch is served! After this you’ll have a Nepali Language Training session which will introduce you to some essential words and phrases to help you communicate more easily with the locals.

Tuesday

Your day begins with a Nepali Language session to get you talking! Following this, there’s a break for lunch and then a cross-cultural orientation session for an hour and a half to bridge the knowledge gap regarding dining, drinking, bathing, clothing and toileting customs in the culture of Nepal.

Wednesday

Back to school today, where you will have an introduction to Nepal’s schooling and educational system. The afternoon session takes you on a 2-and-a-half-hour tour of Boudhanath, one of the most sacred, and historically significant landmarks of Nepal. Finish the day with a Nepali cooking class and try out your new culinary skills for dinner!

Thursday

An early morning relaxing session of yoga and meditation is on the cards today! Thereafter, you will have your last Nepali Language session, before heading out to the local market.  Here you’ll get to try out your new skills as you scavenge for some local, authentic Nepali souvenirs.

Friday

Today is all about hiking! Following a beautiful nature trail, you’ll set off up the mountains to reach a spectacular viewing point over the Kathmandu valley. After a lunch break where you can relax and recharge your batteries, you’ll have a chance to evaluate your week’s activities, giving and receiving feedback and asking any questions you may have. A culinary delight is prepared for you in the evening as you take part in a lesson about traditional Nepali cooking techniques.

Please note: This schedule can be changed depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Evenings and Weekends

After a day of introductions to Nepali culture, you can choose to explore the area or simply chill. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends through the week and plan bigger outings at the weekends!

Transportation

Programme transport is included. However, any additional excursions must be paid for separately.

About our Accommodation

Our accommodation is comfortable and you will be staying in gender-based dorms. Inside there is a mini library where you can read, and communal dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with your fellow volunteers. There’s also a beautiful garden to relax in – perfect for sociable evenings! Importantly, be aware that there is a curfew of 22.30 at the house, to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Further, no alcohol can be brought into the houses.

Food

Nepalese food is delicious, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. Our meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, with vegetarian dishes available every day, and a chicken dish about once a week. Alternatively, you can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.

Facilities

Our house is located five kilometres away from the city centre, where you can find anything you might need. Further, the nearest ATM and supermarket are only a 15-minute walk away from our accommodation.

Transportation

From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):

• Buddhist Monastery
• Kavre
• Mate
• Pokhara

Please note – transport for your own outings is not included.

Nepal is one of the world’s most exciting destinations for volunteering abroad, gap years and adventure travel. Home to the Himalayas, ancient temples, vibrant culture and welcoming local communities, Nepal offers the perfect mix of meaningful travel and unforgettable experiences. Volunteering in Nepal with TRU Experience Travel allows you to make a real impact while exploring one of Asia’s most inspiring countries.

Volunteers can take part in teaching English, kindergarten projects, construction work, healthcare and education programmes, medical placements, dental care placements, veterinary projects, animal care and women empowerment initiatives. Every project supports local communities while giving travellers valuable life experience and cultural immersion. Whether you are helping in schools, supporting healthcare programmes or working alongside local communities, every day is rewarding and meaningful.

Nepal also offers endless adventure. Explore colourful streets in Kathmandu, visit peaceful Buddhist temples and experience authentic local culture. During evenings and weekends, volunteers are free to explore Nepal at their own pace. Take road trips through mountain villages, discover hidden temples, visit lakes and markets or relax with incredible Himalayan views. Adventure lovers can enjoy world-famous treks, including the unforgettable Everest Base Camp trek, as well as shorter hikes through valleys, forests and remote villages.

Nepal is also known for spiritual journeys and personal growth. Experience yoga, meditation, monasteries and sacred sites while connecting with Nepal’s rich traditions and peaceful atmosphere. Every moment in Nepal offers something unique, from cultural experiences and community projects to mountain adventures and life-changing memories.

TRU Experience Travel creates unforgettable volunteer experiences for travellers wanting more than just a holiday. Meet like-minded people, explore Nepal in an authentic way and combine purpose with adventure. Whether you are travelling solo, taking a gap year or searching for a meaningful volunteer abroad experience, Nepal is the perfect destination.