Health Care Volunteering in Pokhara, Nepal

I truly credit IVHQ with one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences I’ve had abroad. From the very start of the application process, everything was seamless and filled me with excitement. I chose to volunteer with children with special needs in Kathmandu in the fall of 2025, and IVHQ made the entire journey incredibly smooth and stress-free. My program manager was outstanding—always responsive, supportive, and helpful whenever I had questions. I never felt rushed, had more than enough time to complete all requirements, and appreciated the clear guidance every step of the way. The IVHQ website is extremely well organized and easy to navigate, and the timely reminders about deadlines were incredibly helpful. Once in Nepal, the experience exceeded all my expectations. I absolutely loved my homestay family—the accommodations were comfortable, the family was warm and welcoming, and the homemade Nepali food was delicious. This experience had such a positive impact on me that I am already planning to return to Nepal next year to volunteer again. I am deeply grateful to the entire IVHQ team for their professionalism, care, and dedication. They truly made this experience special, rewarding, and unforgettable.

My IVHQ program manager was so helpful and was always very available for me. I appreciated the constant help so much. The local team was amazing and everything was so seamless and well-organized. They were always available and answered my questions so quickly and in-depth. The hospital in Pokhara was amazing. I loved volunteering there so much and learned a ton for my nursing program. All the medical staff were so welcoming and engaging. I really appreciated how amazing this opportunity was and everything I gained from it. My host family was amazing. So welcoming and kind. They helped me with so many things, and they gave me advice for adjusting to Pokhara. They showed me around to places and told me about things to do. They offered to take me to a volunteer school and a clinic in addition to my volunteer placement and I really enjoyed seeing these places. All-around so wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about the Nepal IVHQ Medical Elective program. So many amazing learning opportunities with the hospital and beautiful places to visit. I gained so much experience volunteering in the ER for my future career as an ER Nurse. Every single person I encountered was so wonderfully welcoming, and I formed relationships that will last. My trek was an incredible journey, and I felt very supported by the people I did it with. From start to finish, this trip was perfectly organized and packed with memories I will cherish forever. I recommend this program to everyone.

It was truly the best trip of my life. I’ve traveled a lot before, but this experience was something completely new and unforgettable. Helping the elephants — even just preparing food for them — filled me with so much joy, because I realized that even the smallest actions can contribute to a much greater purpose. I was surrounded by incredible people who shared the same values. Together we supported each other, laughed, worked side by side, and quickly became like one big family. We’re already dreaming about our next volunteer program together. When the journey came to an end, I couldn’t hold back my tears — those two weeks were simply too beautiful to let go. The whole process was organized at the highest level. I am grateful to IVHQ and local teams in Nepal for the best trip of my life.

This has been the most wonderful volunteer experience I have ever had. From the moment I arrived in Kathmandu, I was touched by the kindness and warmth of the Nepali people. The lady at the front desk of hotel not only walked with me to get a SIM card, but also helped me register account, accompanied me to take the taxi, and stayed until the driver arrived. In Chitwan, the placement and the accommodation were also perfect. On my birthday, the placement coordinator thoughtfully prepared a birthday present for me. While the owner of hotel and his staff also organized a traditional local celebration for me. During my time with the elephants and every person I met, I experienced countless moments that I will cherish for a lifetime. I also gained precious friendships from all over the world. This volunteer experience has given me so much strength and so many beautiful memories, and I know I will return to this gorgeous land to reunite with all the wonderful people I’ve met.

I was very happy IVHQ reached out before, during and after my trip it made me feel very safe as well as cared for! Couldn’t be happier with all of the help resources throughout my booking process and visa application! The Local Team helped me from the get go - I had bags go missing and within a day the support team had them back! Any questions or concerns I had they were quick to answer and made sure throughout my whole trip to check in both through text and in person! This volunteer project made me feel like I was a part of something bigger and something ethical! I was so happy with how all the animals and carers were treated and how happy each individual was! I have gained so much confidence and experience from this trip and am so excited to experience something like that again! I would tell someone to give into the experience don’t have outlandish expectations and remember the different cultural backgrounds!

From pre to post trip IVHQ was professional and on point to make sure the participant is well prepared for an awesome adventure abroad. The local team made contact daily to make sure participant was comfortable and happy with volunteer placement.

The local team was delightful; they answered to all of our queries and made sure that we were enjoying the trip. This programme was very interesting as I felt as if we were mutually learning from each other (we taught the women English, they taught us a bit of Nepali and told us their stories), therefore I believe we have had some sort of impact. Absolutely, go for it! At 16, I was understandably nervous about travelling alone to a new country. However, IVHQ were incredibly supportive; they were always available to answer our questions and made sure the entire experience was fruitful and safe. I’d particularly recommend choosing Nepal as I’ve found that people there are lovely, the scenery is absolutely stunning and most importantly the food is delicious. I volunteered in a women’s education programme, which gave me valuable insight into their lives. The women I worked with were not only inspiring, but also had a fantastic sense of humour!

Volunteering in developing countries gives you an appreciation for how hard the native people work and live. You have to be open minded when volunteering abroad. It is a growing experience to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Immerse yourself in the culture and put aside any judgements. Local Team was available at all times. They were amazing at providing all the support needed and answered all questions.

IVHQ is a very organised, accessible and fantastic program to volunteer with. Communication was clear, expectations were laid out and the entire time on my journey I felt safe and well supported. In particular, I especially appreciated the pre-organised airport pick up - as travelling overseas to an International airport can be overwhelming and confronting at times! The volunteer program was incredible and I loved all the people I met along the way.

Volunteering in women’s empowerment in Nepal through IVHQ has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The women I had the chance to work with were incredibly kind, eager to learn, and full of heart. Their warmth and determination made my time there unforgettable. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me forever, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to connect with such inspiring women. The IVHQ staff and the local team were both wonderful. They supported me fully at all times, not only with everything related to the project activities, but also with recommendations that helped make my stay in the city much more enjoyable and meaningful. I’m deeply grateful for their care, guidance, and constant support.

IVHQ was absolutely amazing! The service I received right from the start from Scotia was above and beyond my expectations. She was so thorough and always available to answer my questions. The local team in Nepal were great as well. Friendly, informative and fun. They were always there if I needed anything and gave me all the information I needed to make my 2 weeks in Nepal amazing. IVHQ is a great organization doing amazing things so I highly recommend them. I cannot wait to book my next adventure. Thanks for everything, I loved my volunteer placement, people were so nice and working with the Elephants was so very special for me.

Having recently retired I was new to overseas volunteering - Projects Abroad were extremely well organised and very attentive to details to make this a truly life changing experience. The opportunity to teach so many wonderful children and to meet their teachers is an opportunity not to be missed. I highly recommend Projects Abroad

Best experience of my life. We were able to be very hands-on and it was very informative. I couldn't ask for a better experience. We were very involved, it was very inclusive, and we not only felt like we were making a difference, we all left eager to do more to help elephants and the Nepal Elephant Care Sanctuary specifically. I gained confidence, friendships, knowledge...and an incredibly valuable life experience. I will assure anyone who might be hesitant that IVHQ will be very responsive to any questions and concerns they might have, and that the experience will provide them with lifelong memories and an enriching cultural experience in which they will be able to connect with local people in a way that you can't in typical travel experiences.

The checklist was extremely helpful. I followed it and felt completely prepared for my trip. The local team were absolutely amazing. So helpful and transparent about what to expect in Nepal. They kept in touch throughout the program and went the extra mile to help everyone. This was a break from the norm and a fully immersive experience in Nepal. New friends and a great learning curve. As a solo traveller I arrived knowing no one and left with so many new friends. I feel I am so much more aware and educated about elephant welfare and want to spread this awareness far and wide. I feel I have a much greater understanding of elephants and how they should be treated. If you are hesitant - just do it! You ask yourself, "What if I fall?" and I say, "Oh my darling, but what if you fly?!" - Erin Hanson

The local team was excellent - everyone was organized and clear about everything that was needed. Being a small part of the elephant sanctuary was incredible. All of the family and staff were wonderful and warm. This was such a precious experience and one I will cherish forever. I miss it all and want to return!

I knew it would be a great adventure and experience but I am so thankful I was able to achieve so much in just two weeks! Meeting lots of locals, living like a local, visiting all the famous sites, hikes, tours on the weekend and after the volunteer days, really immersed in the whole experience. IVHQ provided all the resources, preparation, online support and service to ensure every minute is maximised. Everyone I encountered locally were so kind, generous and informative - I was there to help teach ladies and I think they and Nepal taught me way more. Feel very grateful to have had this adventure, and highly recommend to others! You can volunteer and have a holiday at the same time, it only makes it that more enriching and immersive. Book yours today and make a difference while enjoying yourself.

I think the online resources were very thorough in preparing for my trip, and my IVHQ Program Manager was always easy to communicate with to get questions answered. The local team were always available to answer questions and assist with travel between locations. They even went above and beyond to make sure my last day and departure went okay. It was a lifelong dream fulfilled to work with elephants and it was even better than I imagined it would be. I feel that I was able to make an impact by sharing the conservation message and what I learned with my friends and followers back in the US, and I feel like I made a difference in the local community by being a part of the program and shopping local. Don't hesitate to go! You may experience normal difficulties of traveling and being in a different country, but the experience on the program is well worth any inconveniences.

Meandering through the narrow streets of Katmandu on my way to my placement I wondered if I was totally mad and would I survive this city of chaos. Once I met Bhavani, our project leader, I totally relaxed. She was an excellent leader and explained everything I needed to know. She anticipated a lot of my questions and I felt at home. When we got into the school to do our painting we were made feel very welcome. I cannot describe how beautiful each and every child is. The second week we assisted teachers and enjoyed every minute with these amazing children.

Projects Abroad responded to this reviewNovember 24, 2023

Thanks for sharing your experience in Nepal, Ailish. We're pleased to read that Bhavani made you feel relaxed and at home. We appreciate your nine star review — we'd love to learn if there was more we could have done to make this ten star for you (and potentially, our future participants). Please contact us on [email protected] if you'd like to continue this conversation. Thanks for choosing Projects Abroad!

Personal limits I think the programme is very good because it helped me test and move some of my personal limits especially through trekking and bungy jump. I like the very social aspect of the group but I do not see our contribution to the local community unless we choose to do volunteering work.

I had joined in Nepal as a volunteer a few months ago for teaching and absolutely loved my experience. The local team is fantatic and I can not recommend this program enough. I would definately apply to Volunteering Journeys! Thank you Anish and team for a fantastic time..