Tour
Rebuild Home Volunteer Program
Overview
This program aims to provide roofs over head of the homeless people in rural villages of Nepal whose houses have been destroyed by the earthquake who have still not been able to rebuild their homes especially after COVID-19 pandemic affected their livelihood. On April 25, 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Himalayan nation of Nepal causing large-scale destruction. The number of deaths was above 9,000, more than 13,000 were injured and about 8 million Nepali people were affected. It is the deadliest natural disaster in Nepal in more than 81 years. On top of it, the effects of the global pandemic have made lives in the village even harder. While the roofs from their head were taken away, they also struggle to make ends meet. The destruction from earthquakes is difficult enough for Nepal to deal with alone and therefore we need the help of foreigners like you. We have designed this voluntourism itinerary in such a way that you first spend your time in rebuilding activities in the remote villages of Gorkha which lie at the epicenter of the deadly earthquake. For volunteering, we have chosenGorkhafor deploying foreign volunteers like you because, first, the epicenter of the devastating earthquake was in this region. Second, it is the remote part of Nepal and close to Tibet, away from cities like Kathmandu, so earthquake disaster relief hasn’t reached here as much as it should. The people of Gorkha are helpless, and suffering, and need your help even more so after the pand
Route: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
- Beautiful scenic view while driving to Gorkha village.
- Exploring some unexplored beautiful villages in Gorkha.
- Rebuilding activities in the village of Gorkha.
- Constructive work with the involvement of locals.
- A unique opportunity for volunteers to live and work in remote Nepal.
- Opportunity to witness the traditional village lifestyle and culture of the Nepalese people.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel You arrive at Tribhuvan Int’l Airport i
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,400 m) and transfer to hotel. Overnight at a hotel.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel You arrive at Tribhuvan Int’l Airport in Kathmandu. Our representative will receive you and transfer you to a hotel in Kathmandu. Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m) Overnight at a Hotel No meals included
Day 2: Meeting in the Ace official, language tutoring and half day sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Meeting in the Ace official, language tutoring, and half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel.
Meeting in the Ace official, language tutoring and half day sightseeing in Kathmandu. In the second half of the day, we all meet at the ACE office in Thamel near your hotel and we’ll have a crash course in Nepali to learn the most important words and phrases that you might find handy in daily conversation and while teaching in the village. The length of this tutoring can be shortened or lengthened depending on how the group feels. After this, we will visit some of the important historical, religious and cultural sites of Kathmandu, which will include Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swoyambhu. Boudhanath: Later visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist stupa in the Valley built in 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels. Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is the holiest shrine for Hindus from all around the world. In Pashupatinath area, you can see famous Lord Shiva temple and Hindu cremation ground. Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The two-tier golden roof and silver doors of the temple are famous all over the world. Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is one of three squares within Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building. Duration: 4-5 hrs sightseeing Overnight at a Hotel Breakfast included
Day 3: Early-morning Drive to the village in Gorkha from Kathmandu On this day, we transport you to one of the villages of Gork
Early-morning Drive to the village in Gorkha from Kathmandu. Overnight at a tented camp.
Early-morning Drive to the village in Gorkha from Kathmandu On this day, we transport you to one of the villages of Gorkha which lie at the epicenter of the earthquake. We will use 4WD and you have to do a few hours of walking too. Our focus is on five villages: Aruchanaute, Arbang, Manbu, Thumi and Arupokhari. Depending upon the size of group, we will decide whether your group will go to one village or two or more. The journey from Kathmandu to the villages can take from 7 to 9 hours. Duration: 6-7 hrs drive Overnight at a tented camp Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
Day 4: 07: The Rebuilding Activities in the Village The rebuilding activities of the houses of the village start in this day an
The Rebuilding Activities in the Village. Overnight at a tented camp.
07: The Rebuilding Activities in the Village The rebuilding activities of the houses of the village start in this day and will continue for the time of 5 days. You won’t be engaging on works that require technical expertise. The activities you will do are simple: carrying housing equipment like timber, stones, sand, cement, tin, iron rods, aluminum sheets etc, mixing sand and cement, painting the walls of the houses and so on. For activities needing technical skills, we will hire building professionals. But if you have skills, then you can help them in their work and make things easier. We will be focusing mainly on re-using the resources like woods, bamboo; stones, useful rods especially from the damaged houses which can minimize the cost of building new houses and the fund can be utilized in buying other needy materials. For this, we will definitely discuss with the locals and inspect those damaged houses so as to re-utilize the resources. The houses will be more eco-friendly by utilizing the local materials and also the local family can repair by themselves if its required. You don’t necessarily have to do only the works we have mentioned above. You can do anything you see as absolutely essential. All that matters is that you help the victims of the earthquake of Gorkha to lessen their suffering and to get back on their feet. Any types of new ideas you can always feel free to discuss with the team which can be helpful to overcome the circumstances. Duration: 4-5 house per day Overnight at a tented camp Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 8: Drive Back to Kathmandu from the village and Farewell Dinner in the evening You will be driven back to Kathmandu from th
Drive Back to Kathmandu from the village and Farewell Dinner in the evening. Overnight at a hotel.
Drive Back to Kathmandu from the village and Farewell Dinner in the evening You will be driven back to Kathmandu from the village. And, at the end of the day, there will be farewell dinner for you in a Nepali restaurant with cultural performance. We have organized this dinner program to bid you goodbye and say thank you for your noble efforts in rebuilding the village of Gorkha. Duration: 6-7 hrs drive Overnight at a Hotel Breakfast and farewell dinner included
Day 9: Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop
Transfer to the International Airport for your Final Departure
Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal. Breakfast included
Departures and availability
| Date | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-05 | 8 |
| 2026-10-19 | 12 |
Frequently asked questions
What additional documents do I need?
What should I know about booking my flights to/from Nepal? Do I need to plan extra days in case of delays?The best course of action is to add a day or two before and after your intended trek days in case of flight delays or cancellations. It also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required before your trip.Please be aware that Ace the Himalaya is not responsible for any inconveniences or missed international flights resulting from unforeseen events like airport changes, flight delays or cancellations, etc.
What should I know about booking my flights to/from Nepal? Do I need to plan extra days in case of delays?
What immunizations will I need?COVID-19 vaccination (Negative PCR report in case of unvaccinated travelers.)Typhoid vaccination is recommended but not requiredWe suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
What immunizations will I need?
What is the group size?Depending on the needs in each area, we assign 5 to 30 people for building one house.
What is the group size?
Depending on the needs in each area, we assign 5 to 30 people for building one house.
How are weather and temperature in these regions?
Spring – March, April, May and JuneBest time to travel. Always clear sky and good views. During springtime, the average temperature is 25 degrees C. But the temperature can climb up to a maximum of 30 degrees C, and it can drop to a minimum of 15 degrees C in the morning and at night (for areas above 2000 meters).Monsoon Season – July, August and First Half of SeptemberNot recommended to travel but best time to see the farming and work with local people in the field. The maximum temperature during the monsoon season can be 25 degrees C during sunny days and the minimum temperature can be 15 degrees C in the morning and at night (for areas above 2000 meters). The average temperature tends to hover around a comfortable 22 degrees C.Autumn – Second Half of September, October and NovemberSimilar to spring. Best time of the year and much cooler than spring and monsoon.Winter – December, January and FebruaryCold season. The average temperature during this season is 10 degrees C and can climb
Who will come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
Is it possible to obtain a visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport?Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms. The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.To save time, we recommend filling out the online visa application form in advance. Applying online 2 weeks before your arrival will expedite the process at the airport. For detailed guidelines, please refer to our blog titledGuidelines for Online Tourist Visa Form in Nepal.
Is it possible to obtain a visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport?
Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms. The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.To save time, we recommend filling out the online visa application form in advance. Applying online 2 weeks before your arrival will expedite the process at the airport. For detailed guidelines, please refer to our blog titledGuidelines for Online Tourist Visa Form in Nepal.
How much additional money do I need per day?
Is it possible to use credit cards in the places I visit?In Kathmandu, yes. But once you are out of the city, all you need is cash. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the villages.
Is it possible to use credit cards in the places I visit?
Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later, or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.
Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later, or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?
How do I pay the remainder of my balance upon arrival in Kathmandu? US Dollars cash or credit card?You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu.We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100). Please note that the cashshould not be older than 2009and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.
How do I pay the remainder of my balance upon arrival in Kathmandu? US Dollars cash or credit card?
How are the ATM and money exchange facilities in Kathmandu?There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you will be staying in Kathmandu. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.
How are the ATM and money exchange facilities in Kathmandu?
There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you will be staying in Kathmandu. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.
What is the main Volunteering Activities?
Will volunteers be able to complete the house?You will only be assisting in construction of the house for a few days before another batch of volunteers’ takeover with the involvement of locals and other builders. Likewise, we continue the construction work until one house is completed. Only then, we move on to construction work for building another house.
Will volunteers be able to complete the house?
What is the mission of this Program?The mission of this Program is to help the villagers to rebuild the houses destroyed by the 7.8 earthquake by bringing in the good-intentioned foreigners to volunteer and providing donation to cover a certain portion of the house-construction expenses.But it excludes cost for tap, toilet and furniture. It’s because most of the taps, toilets and furniture have escaped destruction and are usable.
What is the mission of this Program?
What type of houses will be build?The house will be built in load-bearing wall system. It will be earthquake-resistant. We will follow the technique recommended by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).What makes this technique effective in resisting damage from earthquakes is predominately the tie beams on the walls and concrete stitches at the corners. The tie beams are used to tie the walls to each other and prevent dampness coming up from ground to the superstructure. Both beams and stitches will be made from iron rods and concrete.We will be using stones instead of bricks as they are readily available in the village and they are strong. We want to minimize the cost by using locally available and reusable materials found in the existing house site. If we can minimize the cost, we can build more houses.
What type of houses will be build?
What sort of skills do I need to have for this volunteering trip?You don’t need technical skills like that of a professional builder. The works you will do are simple such as carrying stones, mixing sand and cement, painting the walls, etc. But if you have the technical skills to build a house, you are warmly welcome in doing more than simple activities.
What sort of skills do I need to have for this volunteering trip?
If all the houses are damaged in the village, then how do you select which family we support?Our own Managing Director comes from this village where this project focuses. Therefore, it becomes easier for us to know the most destructive areas where people have lost their shelters. So main focus would be for those who are very in need and is very economically low.The main occupation of the villagers is farming, grazing animals, etc and due to this massive disaster, they have become not only homeless but jobless too so we will give the first priorities to such families.
If all the houses are damaged in the village, then how do you select which family we support?
Our own Managing Director comes from this village where this project focuses. Therefore, it becomes easier for us to know the most destructive areas where people have lost their shelters. So main focus would be for those who are very in need and is very economically low.The main occupation of the villagers is farming, grazing animals, etc and due to this massive disaster, they have become not only homeless but jobless too so we will give the first priorities to such families.
How fit do I need to be for this tour? Is this trip for me?
This trip is suitable for average people who are moderately fit. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey as you will engage in rebuilding activities.If you are moderately fit and want to help a devastated community to rebuild, then this trip is for you.
What accommodation options do I have??
What are the bathing and laundry facilities like in the village?In the village area, there are no private facilities for bathing and washing clothes. There are spring water creeks, rivers and communal water source available for bathing and washing. While in Kathmandu, the hotel offers the attached bathroom with hot and cold water.We will provide the shower tent for those who want to have private shower near by the camp especially for our female volunteers. Depending on the weather our kitchen team will prepare the bucket of hot water for the shower.
What are the bathing and laundry facilities like in the village?
How is toilet facility in the village?During your stay in a tented camp in village, we will provide you a common tented toilet. While in Kathmandu, the hotel will offer the room with attached toilet and bathroom.
How is toilet facility in the village?
What will the daily meals be comprised of?During the camping in Gorkha, our local cook can prepare normal and special meals upon request. There is a wider variety of food available, including Western-style food, and you may request to eat at any point of the day. The camping price includes an all-you-can-eat food service.Please note that lunch and dinner in Kathmandu is excluded in your trip price.Important:It is common in Nepalese culture to offer food when receiving guests into the home; however, volunteers are advised not to accept any food from local villagers at any time. Please kindly reject the offer. Often time the food is not prepared properly or contains contaminated water and volunteers risk getting sick. If visiting a villager’s house, or a local festival, it is recommended to take a guide from the Ace team to communicate this issue. If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know and we’ll do the best in our ability to have this arranged.
What will the daily meals be comprised of?
I'm a Vegetarian, is that a Problem?No problem at all because we can serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our volunteers to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning.
I'm a Vegetarian, is that a Problem?
Is there any electricity/communication/Internet while we are in the village?Only very recently has the village started receiving electricity, which means you are now be able to charge your electronic devices. Internet facilities cannot be guaranteed though.Please, remember to bring your adapters!
Is there any electricity/communication/Internet while we are in the village?
Only very recently has the village started receiving electricity, which means you are now be able to charge your electronic devices. Internet facilities cannot be guaranteed though.Please, remember to bring your adapters!
Is there any Important Cultural Tips and Consideration for this trip?
What is the language preference?The main language is Nepali. English is the official second language of Nepal, but despite this, young students in the village speak only broken English, and the older generations will not speak at all.It is for this reason that we recommend you learn some basic Nepali phrases before arriving in the village. It will help you communicate and get to know the villagers, as well as explain basic rules in your workshops.
What is the language preference?
Do I need to tip my guide and driver? How much would that be?Tipping is expected. Your gratitude towards the trek guide and porters would be appreciated. You can tip your trekking guides and porters based on your satisfaction and enjoyment. Assuming you find it hard to choose, we suggest you spend at least 10% of your total trek cost tipping the whole nearby staff. During our pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu, you’ll be likewise educated about the proportion of tipping guides and porters based on your group size.
Do I need to tip my guide and driver? How much would that be?
How much additional money do I need per day?You don’t need much money in the village. However, you can carry some cash on you, about USD 10 to buy some snacks or other necessities. You need to change the USD in Kathmandu into local currency before going into the village or the mountains. You can change the money easily from the banks and money exchange counters nearby your hotels.
Is Ace the Himalaya's staff insured?
Do your guides have Tour guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center?Yes, they have all received a 45-days training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training fromKEEP(Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). Please checkAce the Himalaya’s teampage
Do your guides have Tour guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center?
Yes, they have all received a 45-days training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training fromKEEP(Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). Please checkAce the Himalaya’s teampage
What are the available mode of transportations?
Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?Yes, you need to book your own international flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in theInternational Flight page.
Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?
Yes, you need to book your own international flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in theInternational Flight page.
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