Gap Year Programs in Nepal

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Come face-to-face with complex social structures, diverse religions and geographic regions, and the intersections where tradition and change collide. You will get the chance to engage with organizations working on regenerative solutions to climate change, connect to life in local communities through homestays, experience the spirituality of an Ashram, trek in the Himalayas, kayak through the backwaters, and sample the amazing regional cuisines as you share meals with our amazing partners and soon-to-be new friends. Throughout your journey, the people you meet and the places you stay will teach you about the region's complexities, widen your perspective, and help you gain insights to understand the world's interconnectedness. As you understand how one action impacts another and how the mighty Himalayas affect coastal communities downstream, you can start to explore your purpose and the role you want to play in a globally interconnected world. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 5

The Himalayas. Since time immemorial, these colossal peaks with their vast web of rugged, isolated valleys and distinct ethnic groups have drawn only the most intrepid travelers from distant lands. Through rural and urban homestays, a retreat in a Buddhist monastery, high mountain trekking, service learning, and independent study, Dragons Himalaya students explore this remarkable region and its people, encountering ancient spiritual traditions with deep roots in a mystical land. Our Himalayan Gap Year Semester is based in the Kathmandu Valley, an ancient crossroads and melting pot of Himalayan peoples. While living with host families and studying the Nepali language, students meet with local scholars and activists and learn about Nepal’s history, politics, and culture while pursuing a wide range of independent study and learning service projects. College Credit is optional for an additional fee.

International Impact Internship in Nepal Immerse yourself in life in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, and make a real difference through a meaningful community-based internship. Working alongside the FutureSense Foundation, you’ll support local education initiatives and contribute to long-term, sustainable development. Choose your Impact Area and deliver engaging activities that inspire and empower young learners. Throughout your journey, you’ll gain valuable experience, build leadership and cross-cultural skills, and grow in confidence, with full support from our in-country team. This is more than just travel - it’s a chance to live, learn, and give back. You’ll also earn an International Impact Diploma, helping your CV and university application stand out as you take your first steps toward becoming a global changemaker. Join us in Thailand and turn your gap year into an experience that truly matters.

Experience high altitudes, cultural immersion, and remote backpacking on this Himalayan adventure. You will explore jungle and alpine conditions while moving between locations, hiking, rock climbing, and exploring different areas within Nepal. Spending a minimum of 64 nights backcountry camping, you will become fully immersed in the local culture and adventure lifestyle. With iconic landscapes, isolated mountain villages, and warm and friendly locals, Nepal is unforgettable and will carry a place in your heart like no other. This program is about spending 12 weeks in the world’s most dramatic landscapes. From technical skills to emergency safety and group dynamics, this comprehensive program will give you the confidence to navigate, hike, climb, and guide in the great outdoors. You will be on the move around Nepal hiking in Langtang National Park, Annapurna Circuit, Pokhara, and climbing local crags in Pharping or Habbitan. If you are ready to adventure travel in Nepal while gaining an outdoor education, this is the program for you!

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Our Monastery volunteer program in Nepal or Sri Lanka is a truly unique teaching experience. You will teach a group of young monk students from various background Englishskills. The monks living in the monastery belong to the families whose faith is Buddhism. Often the children are from the poor families from the mountainous regions of Nepal. The monastery provides the young monks with accommodation, meals and education. Additionally, being in the monastery young monks also learn and study Buddhism and perform various rituals. A lot of monks are keen to learn English as part of their education but many monastery lack the funding required for skilled English Teachers. These monk children are only provided limited time a day of English teaching from government teachers, most of which are not well equipped in teaching the subject, and thus very little development takes place. Hence, there is a great need for skilled English-speaking volunteers to teach them the basics of the language and provide them with much-needed confidence that comes with a better understanding of the outside world.

If you’re looking for an epic adventure that makes a real positive difference in the world – you’ve found it. You’ll spend your time hiking between remote villages high up in the Himalayan mountains, discovering holy temples and ancient sites along the way. You’ll stay at local homestays or rustic trekking lodges. Your host family or mountain guide will take care of your meals, too, as you get to sample some traditional Nepalese cuisine between peaks. When it’s time for a break, you’ll help the Nepalese children in these remote villages learn English. As tourism continues to grow in this mountain country, being able to speak English will open up a world of opportunities for the locals. You’ll be giving back to one of the most dramatic and revered landscapes on Earth while hiking along the highest mountain range in the world. If you’re active and keen to make a difference in rural communities in one of the most amazing countries in the world, this is the trip for you!

A Journey of Adventure, Purpose, and Connection — Discover Nepal & India Beyond the Ordinary Journey into the heart of Nepal and India on a 10-week adventure designed for growth, connection, and purpose. Trek Himalayan trails, practice meditation in mountain monasteries, explore the vibrant energy of Indian markets, and volunteer alongside local communities. This is more than sightseeing—you’ll live the culture, learn from local leaders, and contribute to meaningful projects. Every moment is built for transformation: cultural immersion for the curious, hands-on service for the changemaker, guided reflection for the gap year adventurer, and skill-building for those preparing for what’s next. With experienced instructors and a supportive group, you’ll gain confidence, resilience, and clarity about your path ahead. Whether you’re seeking a reset before college, an alternative to traditional study abroad, a sustainable way to travel, or a deeper connection with global communities, this journey helps you grow into who you’re becoming—while seeing the world through new eyes. Reach out to learn more!

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.

Make a lasting difference using your talents, skills, and passion. Join us in this gap year volunteering program in destinations like Kenya, Malawi, India, Nepal, and Thailand. This is the perfect opportunity to become a global citizen while immersing yourself in diverse cultures. At Africa & Asia Venture (AV), we consider your skills and knowledge to put these to good use in our programs in the following areas: - Art, Drama, Music, and Dance - Community Work - Sports Coaching - Teaching Stay for as short as 5 weeks or as long as 12 weeks. You can also participate in the 16-week gap year program, which comprises 12 weeks of volunteering and 4 weeks of independent travel. If you have an alternative duration, don’t hesitate to let us know and we’ll work with you to create a tailored itinerary. Your gap year doesn’t necessarily mean a “year” out. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your preferences.