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Kathmandu Dental Project + Bhutan Sightseeing

On this 18-day adventure in service, volunteers provide dental care to children from schools and orphanages in the Kathmandu Valley who would otherwise not have access to dental care. Volunteers work alongside local teenagers in the clinic and stay in a basic guesthouse in Kathmandu within walking distance to the clinic. When not working, volunteers enjoy visiting world famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Patan, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur. There is also time in the evenings to explore the many local shops and restaurants of the area. After the clinic, volunteers depart for a five-day sightseeing tour of Bhutan, a Himalayan Mountain kingdom of imposing architecture, lush valleys and a culture open to limited visitors each year.
Project Cost: $4,090 (based on double occupancy)

Clinic-Only Itinerary: $1,650 (based on double occupancy)

Call our office for single-occupancy rates.

Volunteers may opt out of the sightseeing portion of the project and head home after the clinic.

 

Project Dates
  • April 29-May 16, 2025
What’s Included?
  • Accommodations in two- to three-star hotels
  • Two meals per day during the clinic and all meals during Bhutan sightseeing, other days, breakfast only
  • Overland transportation while in Nepal
  • Airport transfers
  • Sightseeing in Nepal
  • Celebratory farewell dinner
  • Signature GDR T-shirt and water bottle

Plus, you will get all this too:

  • A small group of 14 to 18 international volunteers
  • The chance to make connections and create lifelong memories with new friends from all over the world
  • GDR Return Volunteer Discount on all future projects
  • Two GDR designated trip leaders
  • A Project Coordinator in the office to answer questions and ensure you are prepared for your trip
Sightseeing Itinerary

Day 1: Depart the U.S.

Day 2: In transit to Nepal.

Day 3: Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Katmandu a representative will meet you at the airport and you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 4: Kathmandu. Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu. Afternoon visit to the clinic site and project briefing of where you will be working for the next 6 days. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)

Days 5-7: Kathmandu. Full day working in the clinic. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/L)

Day 8: Kathmandu. Day off from clinic to rest. Half day sightseeing of Bhaktapur. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)

Days 9-11: Kathmandu. Work in the mobile dental clinic in Kathmandu. (B/L) *On Day 11 we will have a farewell thank you dinner for all of our volunteers.

Day 12: Fly from KTM to Paro. Drive to Thimphu. On arrival in Paro, meet with your Bhutanese guide and embark on your journey to Thimphu, which is nestled in a large valley near the Wangchu River and overshadowed by beautiful peaks. Overnight in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Thimphu. Enjoy a day of local sightseeing in Thimphu, including a visit to the Changangkha Lhakhang. Overnight in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Thimphu. After breakfast, return to Paro. Visit the Rinpung Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of a Heap of Jewels.” Overnight in Paro. (B/L/D)

Day 15: Taksang Hike. Early morning departure to visit the famous “Tiger’s Nest.” The two hour (one-way) trek offers spectacular views of the sacred monastery which is perched on a rock face 3,000ft above the valley floor. Overnight in Paro. (B/L/D)

Day 16: Paro – Kathmandu. Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for your return to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)

Day 17: Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your international flight home. (B)

Day 18: Return to US.

Clinic-Only Itinerary

Day 1: Depart the U.S.

Day 2: In transit to Kathmandu

Day 3: Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative will meet you at the airport, and you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 4: Kathmandu. Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu. Afternoon project briefing at the clinic site where you will work for the next six days. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/-/-)

Days 5-7: Kathmandu. Work in the mobile dental clinic. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/L/‐)

Day 8: Kathmandu. Day off from clinic to rest. Half day sightseeing of Bhaktapur. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/-/‐)

Days 9-11: Kathmandu. Work in the mobile dental clinic in Kathmandu. (B/L/‐)

Day 12: Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Arrive home on day 13. (B/-/-)

Physical Demands

Volunteer dental clinics are fast paced and include a moderate amount of physical activity each day. On the Kathmandu dental service trip, you will need to:

  1. Walk approximately 30 minutes daily (15 minutes each way) to and from the clinic site.
  2. Be able to stand and/or walk (including climbing stairs) for approximately two hours at a time during sightseeing tours.
  3. Sleep with street noise (dogs, car horns, chickens, etc.) and have weak or no hot water at times.
  4. After orientation, be able to navigate the walk to clinic location and local restaurants.
  5. Be okay having limited or unstable access to Wi-Fi/internet.
  6. Be willing to eat primarily local Nepali food.

Wolfgang Pfannenstiel

What Volunteers Say

After my first dental volunteer trip I was sure to do this continuously no matter what! This is helping kids in need effectively. This is having enjoyable conversations with new friends. This is creating unforgettable memories. So in my specific case the letters GDR stand for the German Dentist Returns :)”

- Wolfgang Pfannenstiel, Dentist, Germany

Darshani Khosla

What Partners Say

Global Dental Relief makes sure children are receiving continuous care and that clinics are run efficiently and with the highest ethical standards. They take care of every detail on your service trip — I plan to volunteer with them for years to come!

- Darshani Khosla, Dentist, Texas

Carol Lim

What Volunteers Say

Thank you Global Dental Relief! Nothing compares to the efforts and impact of your volunteer overseas programs, working hard to bring healthy smiles to children.

- Carol Lim, Vice President of Business Development, Cranberry U.S.A

TJ Gabriels

What Volunteers Say

I plan my whole year around these opportunities to volunteer abroad. I love travel with a purpose, being more than a tourist and making a small, positive mark in the world. This organization has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and has really helped broaden my world view.

- TJ Gabriels, Lawyer and General Volunteer, New York

Michael Pasoff

What Volunteers Say

As a dentist, I have treated and cared for many patients, however, nothing can compare to the sense of fulfilment when volunteering your time and skill to ease the pain and suffering of others. It never ceases to amaze me what can be accomplished when surrounded by dedicated, caring and talented volunteers, such as those I met in past international dental clinics with GDR.

- Michael Pasoff, Dentist, Montreal, Canada

Nour Shehadeh

What Volunteers Say

I am honored and grateful to help these amazing children, meet incredible people, explore their culture and change children's lives for the better. I look forward to many service trips with GDR in the future.

- Nour Shehadeh, Dental Hygienist, Illinois

Peggy Lamm

What Volunteers Say

If you want to literally change lives, this is a great way to do that. Our work with Global Dental Relief produced more real good than all the other cumulative good works I've helped with through the rest of my life.

- Peggy Lamm, CEO Colorado Mesa University Foundation and General Volunteer, Colorado