Clinic-Only Itinerary: $1,450 (based on double occupancy)
Call our office for single-occupancy rates.
At the conclusion of the clinic, volunteers can extend for a 3 night / 4 day jungle safari to renowned Bardiya National Park, home to the elusive Bengal Tiger and 260 species of birds and mammals.
The total project duration is 18 days, which includes: travel time to Nepal, orientation, overnight in Kathmandu, flight to Pokhara, six days working in the dental clinic, sightseeing in Pokhara and the jungle safari.
Volunteers may opt out of the sightseeing portion of the project and head home after the clinic.
Project Dates
- November 2 – 19,2024
What’s Included?
- Accommodation in a basic guesthouse in Pokhara, and three-star hotel in Kathmandu
- Two meals a day while working in the clinic; full board while in Bardiya National Park; other days breakfast only
- Airport transfers
- Sightseeing on day off from the clinic
- Celebratory farewell dinner
- Roundtrip airfare from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- All ground transportation as listed in the itinerary
- 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
- All tips for guides and drivers (except arrival and departure airport transfers)
Sightseeing Itinerary
Day 1: Depart the US.
Day 2: In transit to Nepal.
Day 3: Arrive Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Katmandu a representative will meet you at the airport and you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 4: Kathmandu – Pokhara. Depart this morning for Pokhara – a short 45 minute flight. On arrival you are met at the airport and transferred to the monastery where you’ll be working for the next week. After lunch pitch in to help set up the clinic. Overnight in Pokhara at the monastery guesthouse. (B/L)
Days 5-7: Pokhara. Full day working in the clinic in Pema Tsal Monastery. Overnight at the monastery guesthouse. (B/L)
Day 8: Pokhara. Today is a free day from the clinic. Join the group to explore the town, or relax on your own. Overnight at the monastery guesthouse. (B)
Days 9-10: Pokhara. Full day working in the clinic in Pema Tsal Monastery. Overnight at the monastery guesthouse. (B/L)
Day 11: Pokhara. Full day working in the clinic in Pema Tsal Monastery. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with the group. Overnight at the monastery guesthouse. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Pokhara – Kathmandu. Morning return to Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)
Day 13: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Bardiya National Park. Morning flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Continue overland to lodge in Bardiya National Park. On arrival, enjoy an evening of jungle activities. Overnight in Bardiya. National Park. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Bardiya National Park. Early morning River Safari. After breakfast, enjoy a full-day of safari activities. Return to lodge for dinner, overnight in Bardiya. National Park. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Bardiya National Park. After breakfast, enjoy a jeep safari to visit Chisapani Bridge. Evening a cultural dance. Overnight in Bardiya. (B/L/D)
Day 16: Bardiya National Park – Kathmandu. Morning excursion, afternoon transfer to Nepalgunj airport for return to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/L)
Day 17: End Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Day 18: Arrive home.
Clinic-Only Itinerary
Day 1: Depart the U.S.
Day 2: In transit to Nepal.
Day 3: Arrive Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you are met and transferred to your guesthouse. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 4: Kathmandu — Pokhara. Depart this morning for Pokhara, a short 45-minute flight. On arrival, you are met at the airport and transferred to the monastery where you will be working for the next week. After lunch, help set up the clinic. Overnight in Pokhara at the monastery guesthouse. (B/L/-)
Days 5-7: Pokhara. Full day working in the clinic in Pema Ts’al Monastery. Overnight at the monastery guesthouse. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Pokhara. Today is a free day from the clinic. Join the group to explore the lakeside town of Pokhara or relax on your own. Overnight at the monastery guesthouse. (B/-/-)
Days 9-10: Pokhara. Full day working in the clinic in Pema Ts’al Monastery. Overnight at the monastery guesthouse. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Pokhara. Morning working in the clinic. After lunch, help pack up the clinic. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group. (B/L/-)
Day 12: Pokhara — Kathmandu. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu in the early afternoon. The balance of the day is at leisure to shop or relax! Overnight in Kathmandu in Boudhanath area. (B/-/-)
Day 13: End Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Arrive home on day 14. (B/-/-)
Physical Demands
Volunteer dental clinics are fast paced and include a moderate amount of physical activity each day. On the Pokhara Small Adventure service trip, you will need to:
- Walk approximately 30 minutes daily (15 minutes each way) to and from the clinic site.
- Be able to stand and/or walk (including climbing stairs) for approximately two hours at a time during sightseeing tours.
- Sleep with street noise (dogs, car horns, chickens, etc.) and have weak or no hot water at times.
- After orientation, be able to navigate the walk to clinic location and local restaurants.
- Be okay having limited or unstable access to Wi-Fi/internet.
- Be willing to eat primarily local Nepali food.
