The monasteries we work with are located in different areas of Kathmandu, Pharping, Nala, and the Everest region. In the Everest regions, we work with Serlo Taksindo, Mendo Pakhe, and Choying monasteries. During your program, you will be accommodated in the monastery itself, where you will do the program. You will be sharing a room with other participants. The nearest monastery to our Kathmandu Center is Tinchuli (Near the Bouddhanath Stupa), which is about 30 minutes drive from our centre in Kathmandu. Monasteries in Nala and Pharping are about 2 hours drive from Kathmandu.
In the Everest regions, we work with Serlo Taksindo, Mendo Pakhe, and Chiwaing monasteries. Reaching these regions can take about 12 hours of jeep driving and an overnight stay in Phaplu. Then the next day, you will do a hike of about 30 minutes to 4 hours to reach the Monastery.
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Itinerary
Kathmandu - Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries
About Your Location
Aims & Objectives
To help teach monks English and also, to get our participants immersed in the lifestyle in a monastery and to learn about Buddhism.
Weekly Schedule & Activities
Arrival Day
Arrival day is Sunday, and you will be picked up at the airport between 06:00 and midnight. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the volunteer accommodation in Kathmandu. On Monday, you will get help booking a private transfer to the monastery (at own cost).
Introduction Day
Your project starts with an introduction day on the first Monday including a tour of the area surrounding the accommodation, available facilities, cultural "do's and don'ts", safety concerns as well as some basic local language lessons.
Monday to Friday
From Monday to Friday you will teach different subjects, including English, to the monks, both young and old, for about 2 to 3 hours every day. Apart from this activity, you are free to also take part in other activities such as working in the kitchen, gardening, working at the library etc.
Arrival day is Sunday, and you will be picked up at the airport between 06:00 and midnight. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the volunteer accommodation in Kathmandu. On Monday, you will get help booking a private transfer to the monastery (at own cost).
Introduction Day
Your project starts with an introduction day on the first Monday including a tour of the area surrounding the accommodation, available facilities, cultural "do's and don'ts", safety concerns as well as some basic local language lessons.
Monday to Friday
From Monday to Friday you will teach different subjects, including English, to the monks, both young and old, for about 2 to 3 hours every day. Apart from this activity, you are free to also take part in other activities such as working in the kitchen, gardening, working at the library etc.
Culture Week
This program also includes a Culture Week. Experience and get an in-depth knowledge of the ancient traditions, culture, language, temples, and Buddhist monasteries in this Himalayan country. Our Culture Week will get you kickstarted into this amazing country located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Not only will you get to learn about the language and lifestyle, but you will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt race at a local market!
Aims & Objectives of the Culture Week
During this week, you will learn about Nepalese culture through a series of introductory culture classes which are designed to help you develop your Nepalese language skills and deepen your understanding of the Nepalese way of life complete with details on rituals and customs. You will learn about Nepal's history and the religious influences which have shaped it. Moreover, we will pay a visit to the local shops and markets that will get you learning as you go with the local culture and how to become a part of it. As part of your city tour and orientation, you will also visit some amazing sites such as the temple of Swayambhunath: one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.
Schedule***
Monday
Puja to the gods & goddesses and name-giving ceremony
Go over the week’s schedule and handling of documents
An introduction game to get to know fellow participants
Cultural seminar on social behavioral norms, dos & don’ts in Nepalese culture. Intercultural eating and drinking habits, bathing and clothing customs in Nepalese culture.
A little assignment for you to explore your neighborhood and find local civic places such as banks (ATM), temples, schools, restaurants etc.
Tuesday
A social interactive session to get to know each other and an opportunity to bring out concerns about your health etc so that we will be aware.
Nepali language training
Shopping at the local market
Orientation tour of the city of Nepal with an interesting game called “Scavenger Hunt”, we will tell you more about this when you are here
Movie Night
Wednesday
Yoga and meditation
Nepali cooking session
Cultural as well as historical orientation tour to Sleeping Bishnu, Jamchen Vijay Stupa and ISKON Temple as ISP
Thursday
A cultural as well as historical orientation tour to the famous Swayambhunath temple
A talk on schooling and education system in Nepal and placement sites
Culture Night
Friday
It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
Feedback sharing (evaluation)
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Aims & Objectives of the Culture Week
During this week, you will learn about Nepalese culture through a series of introductory culture classes which are designed to help you develop your Nepalese language skills and deepen your understanding of the Nepalese way of life complete with details on rituals and customs. You will learn about Nepal's history and the religious influences which have shaped it. Moreover, we will pay a visit to the local shops and markets that will get you learning as you go with the local culture and how to become a part of it. As part of your city tour and orientation, you will also visit some amazing sites such as the temple of Swayambhunath: one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.
Schedule***
Monday
Puja to the gods & goddesses and name-giving ceremony
Go over the week’s schedule and handling of documents
An introduction game to get to know fellow participants
Cultural seminar on social behavioral norms, dos & don’ts in Nepalese culture. Intercultural eating and drinking habits, bathing and clothing customs in Nepalese culture.
A little assignment for you to explore your neighborhood and find local civic places such as banks (ATM), temples, schools, restaurants etc.
Tuesday
A social interactive session to get to know each other and an opportunity to bring out concerns about your health etc so that we will be aware.
Nepali language training
Shopping at the local market
Orientation tour of the city of Nepal with an interesting game called “Scavenger Hunt”, we will tell you more about this when you are here
Movie Night
Wednesday
Yoga and meditation
Nepali cooking session
Cultural as well as historical orientation tour to Sleeping Bishnu, Jamchen Vijay Stupa and ISKON Temple as ISP
Thursday
A cultural as well as historical orientation tour to the famous Swayambhunath temple
A talk on schooling and education system in Nepal and placement sites
Culture Night
Friday
It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
Feedback sharing (evaluation)
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Public Holidays
This project isn’t affected by public holidays, but there may be slight changes to the Culture Week if it overlaps with public holidays:
2025
06, 13 & 24 April
01, 12 & 28 May
07 June
09, 16 & 26 August
06, 19, 22 & 30 September
01-04, 06, 20-23 & 27 October
05 November
25 & 30 December
There are no official monastery holidays. Even during government holidays, monasteries remain open, and we can continue to accommodate volunteers. However, at times, we might not be able to conduct teaching programs as expected because the monks participate in religious activities during celebrations and they attend ceremonies related to the surrounding community.
Please note that this program is both a teaching opportunity and an opportunity to be immersed into a monastic life. The monastery program is focused on learning about the Buddhist monks' lifestyles, behaviours, rituals, and the culture within the monasteries and surrounding communities whilst teaching at the monasteries.
2025
06, 13 & 24 April
01, 12 & 28 May
07 June
09, 16 & 26 August
06, 19, 22 & 30 September
01-04, 06, 20-23 & 27 October
05 November
25 & 30 December
There are no official monastery holidays. Even during government holidays, monasteries remain open, and we can continue to accommodate volunteers. However, at times, we might not be able to conduct teaching programs as expected because the monks participate in religious activities during celebrations and they attend ceremonies related to the surrounding community.
Please note that this program is both a teaching opportunity and an opportunity to be immersed into a monastic life. The monastery program is focused on learning about the Buddhist monks' lifestyles, behaviours, rituals, and the culture within the monasteries and surrounding communities whilst teaching at the monasteries.
Mandatory Volunteer Requirements
Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Educational requirements: High school graduate
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Copy of CV/resume on sign-up
Passport copy required up on arrival
Travel & medical insurance
4 passport size photographs (that can also be taken locally at the start of your program)
Basic level of competency in English
Educational requirements: High school graduate
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Copy of CV/resume on sign-up
Passport copy required up on arrival
Travel & medical insurance
4 passport size photographs (that can also be taken locally at the start of your program)
What Makes a Good Volunteer?
Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.
Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.
Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.
How Long Should I Volunteer?
Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.
Summary
What’s included?
Extra expenses at the destination
None
Activities
Weekends free. Please note, however, that some monasteries have a different weekend system as they follow the lunar calendar.
Accommodation
Project Accommodation at the Monastery
You will be accommodated at one of the monasteries itself, sharing a room with other participants. Rooms at the monasteries are shared normally between 4 to 6 participants with shared bathroom facilities. Wi-Fi is very limited at the monasteries. Please note that in Asia, cold showers are the norm.
We have monasteries in different locations: Near Kathmandu, there is Khawalung Monastery, Pharping Monastery, Nala Monastery and Palnge Monastery with Chiwang Monastery and Serlo Monastery in the Everest region.
Monasteries near Kathmandu
Khawalung Monastery:
Distance and Time : 7 Kilometers / apx. 40 minutes by Private Transportation and apx. 1 hour and 30 minutes by Public Transportation (Bus)
Pharping Monastery:
Distance and Time : 26 Kilometers / apx. 1 hour and 30 minutes by Private Transportation and apx. 3 hours by Public Transportation (Bus)
Nala Monastery:
Distance and Time : 28 Kilometers / apx. 2 hours by Private Transportation and apx. 4 hours by Public Transportation (Bus)
Palnge Monastery:
Distance and Time : 25 Kilometers / apx. 2 hours and 30 minutes by Private Transportation and apx. 4 hours by Public Transportation (Bus)
Monasteries near Everest Region
Chiwang Monastery:
Distance and Time : 127 Kilometers / apx. 13 hours = 12 hours ride in a shared Jeep to Phaplu then 1 hour ride in a tempo.
Serlo Monastery:
Distance and Time : 121 Kilometers / apx. 14 hours = 12 hours ride in a shared Jeep to Phaplu then 2 hour ride in a tempo.
Accommodation During Culture Week
During the Culture Week, you will stay at the volunteer house in Kathmandu. The volunteer house is 5 km away from the city centre and has rooms with 4 to 6 people sharing on a single gender basis and space for up to 36 volunteers. The modern bathrooms with hot showers are shared with your roommates. There is a modern kitchen and dining room, a frigerator where you can store food and beverages, a fully furnished living room, live-in staff on call 24/7, a garden with a comfortable, covered area for relaxing including a smoking area as well as 24/7 security. Other amenities available at the centre are a TV with SKY, DVD player and Wi-Fi. Unfortunately the internet connection might occasionally be slow and irregular. Laundry facilities are available at an additional fee. The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15-minute walk away from your accommodation.
Please note:
In the winter season it can get very cold.
It is not common for hostels and volunteer accommodation to provide heating, we would therefore recommend you take a warm sleeping bag or silk sleeping bag liner with you for extra warmth. Extra blankets are available locally, please make sure you ask for additional blankets, if you are feeling cold.
You will be accommodated at one of the monasteries itself, sharing a room with other participants. Rooms at the monasteries are shared normally between 4 to 6 participants with shared bathroom facilities. Wi-Fi is very limited at the monasteries. Please note that in Asia, cold showers are the norm.
We have monasteries in different locations: Near Kathmandu, there is Khawalung Monastery, Pharping Monastery, Nala Monastery and Palnge Monastery with Chiwang Monastery and Serlo Monastery in the Everest region.
Monasteries near Kathmandu
Khawalung Monastery:
Distance and Time : 7 Kilometers / apx. 40 minutes by Private Transportation and apx. 1 hour and 30 minutes by Public Transportation (Bus)
Pharping Monastery:
Distance and Time : 26 Kilometers / apx. 1 hour and 30 minutes by Private Transportation and apx. 3 hours by Public Transportation (Bus)
Nala Monastery:
Distance and Time : 28 Kilometers / apx. 2 hours by Private Transportation and apx. 4 hours by Public Transportation (Bus)
Palnge Monastery:
Distance and Time : 25 Kilometers / apx. 2 hours and 30 minutes by Private Transportation and apx. 4 hours by Public Transportation (Bus)
Monasteries near Everest Region
Chiwang Monastery:
Distance and Time : 127 Kilometers / apx. 13 hours = 12 hours ride in a shared Jeep to Phaplu then 1 hour ride in a tempo.
Serlo Monastery:
Distance and Time : 121 Kilometers / apx. 14 hours = 12 hours ride in a shared Jeep to Phaplu then 2 hour ride in a tempo.
Accommodation During Culture Week
During the Culture Week, you will stay at the volunteer house in Kathmandu. The volunteer house is 5 km away from the city centre and has rooms with 4 to 6 people sharing on a single gender basis and space for up to 36 volunteers. The modern bathrooms with hot showers are shared with your roommates. There is a modern kitchen and dining room, a frigerator where you can store food and beverages, a fully furnished living room, live-in staff on call 24/7, a garden with a comfortable, covered area for relaxing including a smoking area as well as 24/7 security. Other amenities available at the centre are a TV with SKY, DVD player and Wi-Fi. Unfortunately the internet connection might occasionally be slow and irregular. Laundry facilities are available at an additional fee. The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15-minute walk away from your accommodation.
Please note:
In the winter season it can get very cold.
It is not common for hostels and volunteer accommodation to provide heating, we would therefore recommend you take a warm sleeping bag or silk sleeping bag liner with you for extra warmth. Extra blankets are available locally, please make sure you ask for additional blankets, if you are feeling cold.
Local transport
Arrival Information
If your flight arrives on Sunday between 06:00 and midnight, we will pick you up from the relevant airport. Look for the 'The Green Lion Nepal' sign board at the airport outside the arrival gate.
An arrival transfer is only possible for airport arrivals. If arriving by land or already in Nepal, then you will need to make your own way to the volunteer house.
Transfer Coordinator: Prema (she speaks English)
Mobile:+977 9860 270 140 / +977 9813 235 329
If you are lost or have any major concerns regarding your transfer, please try to contact the coordinator at the airport first.
Emergency: Rajesh Shrestha (he speaks English)
Mobile: +977 9851 034 651
Land line: +977 1 437 7623 / +977 14377696
Email: [email protected]
Use these numbers only in case of a GENUINE emergency. If you experience problems with your pick-up, please call the transfer coordinator at the airport first before trying these numbers.
Tourist Police: Dial 4226359 / 4226403
The Tourist Police of Kathmandu are trained to assist you in English. Direct any safety concerns to them.
Transportation to and from the Monastery is not included
Transfer is by private car/jeep. This is paid for locally and costs between EUR 11.50 and EUR 39 per transfer, depending upon the distance to the monastery. The exact amount will be confirmed before departure and depends upon which monastery has availability. All volunteers return to our centre in Kathmandu at the end of their project and leave the accommodation on Saturday morning. Departure transfer is not included as due to the many different personal plans and return flight times, it's logistically simpler for you to make your own way - whether it is to do more travelling or to catch your flight from Kathmandu Airport.
If your flight arrives on Sunday between 06:00 and midnight, we will pick you up from the relevant airport. Look for the 'The Green Lion Nepal' sign board at the airport outside the arrival gate.
An arrival transfer is only possible for airport arrivals. If arriving by land or already in Nepal, then you will need to make your own way to the volunteer house.
Transfer Coordinator: Prema (she speaks English)
Mobile:+977 9860 270 140 / +977 9813 235 329
If you are lost or have any major concerns regarding your transfer, please try to contact the coordinator at the airport first.
Emergency: Rajesh Shrestha (he speaks English)
Mobile: +977 9851 034 651
Land line: +977 1 437 7623 / +977 14377696
Email: [email protected]
Use these numbers only in case of a GENUINE emergency. If you experience problems with your pick-up, please call the transfer coordinator at the airport first before trying these numbers.
Tourist Police: Dial 4226359 / 4226403
The Tourist Police of Kathmandu are trained to assist you in English. Direct any safety concerns to them.
Transportation to and from the Monastery is not included
Transfer is by private car/jeep. This is paid for locally and costs between EUR 11.50 and EUR 39 per transfer, depending upon the distance to the monastery. The exact amount will be confirmed before departure and depends upon which monastery has availability. All volunteers return to our centre in Kathmandu at the end of their project and leave the accommodation on Saturday morning. Departure transfer is not included as due to the many different personal plans and return flight times, it's logistically simpler for you to make your own way - whether it is to do more travelling or to catch your flight from Kathmandu Airport.
Meals
The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants, if you choose a monastery near Kathmandu but monasteries near Everest region won’t have any restaurants close by, you have to travel a bit further to get to the nearest village in order to get to a restaurant but they do have their own canteen where you can buy snacks. At the monasteries only tea and water is served, no coffee. Three meals per day during weekdays and weekends are included.
Additional info
The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants, if you choose a monastery near Kathmandu but monasteries near Everest region won’t have any restaurants close by, you have to travel a bit further to get to the nearest village in order to get to a restaurant but they do have their own canteen where you can buy snacks. At the monasteries only tea and water is served, no coffee. Three meals per day during weekdays and weekends are included.