Medical Internship in Kathmandu

Your time in Kathmandu is as much about growing your clinical skills as it is about immersing yourself in a new cultural environment. This is a chance to step beyond the classroom and into a dynamic, hands-on setting—where each interaction brings both learning and meaningful contribution to patient care.

You will arrive on Sunday, with time to settle in, relax, and get ready for a fulfilling week ahead on the Medical Internship Program in Kathmandu.

Mandatory Orientation Day – Monday

Monday is dedicated to your cultural orientation, helping you become familiar with local customs and expectations before beginning your clinical placement.

Welcoming Ritual – Puja to the Gods & goddess and name-giving ceremony with ice-breaking activities

• Welcoming ritual – Puja ceremony and name-giving with ice-breaking activities

• Overview of weekly schedule

• Social norms and cultural etiquette in Nepal

• Cross-cultural seminar: food, dress, hygiene customs

• Lunch

• Safety briefing and signing of Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, and Waiver

• Placement introduction and site visit

• Local area exploration and basic shopping

Weekly Schedule

Tuesday to Friday

• Breakfast
• Clinical placement at the hospital (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
  • Shadow experienced doctors and gain exposure to different medical cases
  • Observe procedures performed by medical professionals
  • Assist doctors and nurses when appropriate, under supervision
• Lunch (available for purchase at the placement site)
• Dinner

Please note: Specific tasks and schedules will vary depending on the hospital’s current needs. You may work more than 25 hours per week to accommodate the medical team’s requirements.

Evenings and Weekends

At the end of your day as a volunteer, you can choose to explore the area or simply relax with new friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures together!

Places to Visit

Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience in itself!  Thamel is a tourist hotspot, where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artefacts, wood carvings, handicraft and unique clothing. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. And if dining out is your thing, you can have a dish from a different country every night, with a plethora of restaurants serving local and international dishes!

Kathmandu is a vibrant and historic city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. Known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modern life. From the spiritual calm of centuries-old stupas to the energetic rhythm of daily markets, the city provides an inspiring setting for professional and personal growth. Interns in Kathmandu often find themselves immersed not only in medical practice but also in the colorful rhythm of Nepalese life.

About the Accommodation

The house is designed for comfort, safety, and community. You’ll stay in clean, dorm-style rooms (4–6 per room), with the option to upgrade to a private room. Each room includes fans and mosquito protection, and all accommodation areas have access to hot showers, safety boxes, and lockable doors.

The communal spaces include:

• A mini library for quiet study or reading

• A relaxing garden for downtime

• Shared dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow interns

• A refrigerator to store personal food or drinks

Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and laundry services are provided for an additional fee. Towels are not included, so remember to pack your own. A curfew of 10:30 PM is in place for your safety, and alcohol is not allowed on the premises.

Food

You’ll enjoy three meals per day on weekdays and two per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese dishes, primarily vegetarian and often including rice, lentils, vegetables, and local flavors. A chicken dish is typically served once a week.

Meals are usually served at the accommodation center. However, when you’re out at your placement site, lunch may be packed or taken at nearby local restaurants (at your own cost). Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Facilities

The accommodation is ideally located, giving you easy access to both urban conveniences and cultural charm. Here’s what’s nearby:

• Local cafés, convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies

• ATMs and a supermarket just a 15-minute walk away

• Reliable transport options like taxis and buses from the nearby main road

• Easy trips to Thamel, Kathmandu’s iconic shopping and tourist district

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.