Monastery Outreach Volunteer

Your time on the Monastery Outreach Tour is as much about spiritual discovery and cultural exchange as it is about teaching and engaging with communities. Whether you’re helping with English lessons or simply sharing stories, don’t be afraid to bring your personality into each moment. The more heartfelt and memorable your approach, the more meaningful your impact will be—for the monks, the locals, and yourself.

You will arrive on Sunday and have plenty of time to relax, meet fellow participants, and prepare for the enriching journey ahead.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On Monday, you’ll join our Orientation Day to get settled into your surroundings and gain a solid understanding of Nepali culture and monastery etiquette. Your Monastery Outreach Tour officially begins on Tuesday, as you start visiting monasteries and engaging in cultural and educational activities.

Orientation Day Schedule – Monday

• Welcoming Ritual – Puja to the gods & goddesses and name-giving ceremony with ice-breaking activities
• Review the Schedule – Walk through the week ahead
• Cultural Briefing – Do’s & don’ts in Nepali society and monastic life
• Cross-Culture Seminar – Customs related to eating, dressing, bathing, and more
• Lunch
• Safety & Security Talk – Sign the Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, and Release & Waiver
• Paperwork Collection – Submit passport copies, ID photos, and police clearance
• Placement Overview – Learn about the monasteries and outreach sites you may visit
• Local Exploration Assignment – Visit nearby shops, ATMs, and useful locations
• Clothing Shopping – Buy appropriate attire for monastery stays at a local market

Weekly Schedule – Tuesday to Friday

• Breakfast

• Travel to Monastery – Depending on the distance, you may return to base in the evening or stay overnight

• Volunteer on the Project (Morning) – Help with educational or cultural exchange activities (2–3 hours)

• Lunch

• Volunteer on the Project (Afternoon) – Continue sessions or assist with monastery life (2–3 hours)

• Return to base or settle in for an overnight monastery stay

• Dinner

Please note: Schedule may vary depending on weather, travel logistics, or monastery routines.

Evenings and Weekends

At the end of each day, you can choose to relax and reflect at the monastery or share stories with fellow volunteers back at the program house. Weekends offer a chance to explore the surrounding areas or simply unwind and recharge. Many participants use this time to plan short trips, hikes, or cultural visits together.

Places to Visit

Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience in itself! Thamel is a tourist hotspot filled with Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian artefacts, wood carvings, handicrafts, and unique clothing. You’ll also find modern malls offering fashionable wear and global grocery selections—from local teas to your favorite cereal. And when it comes to food, you can enjoy a new cuisine every night, with restaurants serving everything from Nepalese thalis to Italian pasta, Korean barbecue, and more!

If your placement is farther out—like in the Everest region—you’ll trade souvenir stalls for serene views, chanting halls, and nature that looks like it was painted just for you.

During your time on the Monastery Outreach Tour, you’ll stay in authentic Buddhist monasteries across Nepal—from peaceful spots in Kathmandu Valley to remote sanctuaries near the Everest region. Surrounded by mountains and immersed in monastic life, each location offers a unique, tranquil experience. You may even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest during your journey!

About the Accommodation

Our accommodation is simple but peaceful, in keeping with monastic life. You will be staying in shared rooms within the monasteries, typically with 1–3 other participants. Each monastery offers a quiet and reflective environment, with communal dining areas where you can relax and connect with fellow participants after a day of exploring or teaching. Please note that facilities are basic—there may be no hot showers or private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi access can vary by location. As part of respecting monastic customs, we kindly ask that you follow quiet hours and refrain from bringing alcohol into the premises.

Food

Nepalese food is delicious, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. Here, you will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two on weekends with a mix of Western and Nepalese cuisine. If you are a meat-eater, expect to have a chicken dish about once a week, (vegetarian options are always available) but you can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants. In addition, there is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages if you prefer to make your own meals.

Facilities

Monasteries near Kathmandu have ATMs and shops within walking distance. Remote locations like Chiwang or Serlo have limited access, so it’s best to prepare and stock up in the city beforehand.

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.