Advice: Just do it! I learned so much about myself as well as new cultures (both from volunteer placement site and from fellow volunteers). It is hard to describe the gratifying feeling I got from the whole experience.
Elephant Conservation Volunteer Program in Nepal
Purpose
Protect & preserve elephant populations
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Local hotel
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Active volunteers who love animals and want to be part of a conservation project that genuinely cares for the wellbeing of elephants. No experience is needed as you’ll be working closely with placement staff.
Project details
Are you interested in volunteering your time and effort to protect elephants? International Volunteer HQ’s Elephant Conservation project gives you the opportunity to support a local elephant sanctuary in Chitwan. Elephant Conservation volunteers will assist local caretakers look after rescued, neglected, old and sick/injured elephants. Volunteers who are practicing vets or veterinary students may also have the opportunity to assist with medical treatments and minor surgeries.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
As a volunteer on the Elephant Conservation project, you will be helping local veterinarians and staff ensure the wellbeing of the animals in their care is the best. Located on the outskirts of Chitwan National Park, the elephant sanctuary takes in elephants that have medical issues and require care.
The elephants move freely around and they have a big barn where they sleep at night and can rest during the day. The elephants have free time to do what they want and can go with local staff to graze and eat in the jungle.
On this project, the main role of volunteers is to provide exceptional care to the elephants who have been given a second chance to live. Before coming to the sanctuary, elephants who require medical care are generally considered ‘worthless’ by their owners who only use them to make money for elephant rides. The sanctuary offers to purchase the elephants and they are then placed in the sanctuary to live out their days in a safe and comfortable environment.
Your main role on the Elephant Conservation project will be supporting the staff at the sanctuary in providing care to rescued elephants. The tasks may include:
- Cleaning the barn and the land where the elephants live
- Cutting and preparing the elephants’ food
- Planting the food for the elephants’
- Help with a variety of building projects on site
As you will be working closely alongside the staff at the shelter, you are not required to have any qualifications to join this project; however, it is a great chance for volunteers within the animal care or veterinary field to gain hands-on experience and offer their skills.
Please keep in mind that there are two major festivals in Nepal and during these times there won’t be volunteer work available; but accommodation and all other services of the program will be available. The dates impacted are:
- 10th to 15th of October 2024 (Dashain Festival)
- 31st of October to 4th of November 2024 (Tihar Festival)
- 29th of September to 4th of October 2025 (Dashain Festival)
- 20th to 24th of October 2025 (Tihar Festival)
Why do Elephant Conservation volunteering in Nepal with IVHQ?
When you volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Nepal, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping care for abandoned elephants
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining experience caring for elephants
- Exploring Nepal’s beautiful Chitwan National Park
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Nepal photo gallery
IVHQ Elephant Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Elephant Conservation project
IVHQ volunteers in Nepal
IVHQ Medical Elective project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Elephant Conservation project
IVHQ volunteers in Nepal
Typical volunteer classroom
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Elephant Conservation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Medical Elective project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Elephant Conservation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
Exploring Kathmandu during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Chitwan during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Chitwan during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Chitwan during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
JR
Judy Lynn Rhodes
17 Dec 2024
...
JL
Jessica Long
09 Dec 2024
My Program Manager was friendly and approachable regarding any questions I had prior to going to Nepal. Very good support from IVHQ and local team when the floods happened, reassurance provided from the local team. The program guide was very helpful to know what to expect.
Excellent assistance from the local team, always ready to go above and beyond to help, such as when you need to buy a SIM card, order a taxi, or send packages back to your hometown. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the festivals whilst being in Nepal. The hotel staff in Chitwan and my homestay family went out of their way to ensure volunteers were involved in seeing the rituals and celebrations. This was an amazing authentic experience I will never forget!
I really enjoyed volunteering at the elephant sanctuary and feel I made a bond with Sita (elephant) she knew I was easy-going so would come up to me and put her trunk up for food when I was making Kuchi (food), this was a lovely feeling. Feeding the elephants and seeing a baby elephant only days old was a very surreal experience. I particularly liked the challenge this volunteer job provided for my physical well-being because it allowed me to push myself.
During my time volunteering for the special needs project, I visited two special needs centres. The resources at one of the centres were less than those at the other. Since I had to come up with new ways to assist at both centres, this aided my development. I did a few things at both centres that I thought made a small impact. The special needs centres were full of happiness and joy! I enjoyed coming up with ways I could assist at both centres.
Overall, what an amazing experience! This is an experience I will never forget! Thank you IVHQ & the local team!
...
KS
Kristin Schaaf
12 Sep 2024
I have already recommended IVHQ volunteer programs to friends. I can back from my program with so much knowledge from a different culture and the proper care that elephants require. With every story I truly enjoyed my trip.
...
SZ
Serena Zyskowski
22 Aug 2024
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.
...
CS
Christine Sanders
22 Aug 2024
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
...
PM
Peter Medawar
10 Jul 2024
My advice? Don't hesitant! If you can, go. My personal interest was in learning about elephants and about Nepal, and I feel I learned a lot for two weeks. I was very grateful for the organisation and the friendliness of the staff, and I will never forget my moments of 'connection' with the elephants. They are amazing beasts.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Land-locked in the middle of South Asia, Nepal is known for its astonishing alpine scenery and breathtaking mountainscapes. But this diverse country offers much more than its remarkable natural environment. Among Nepal’s 28 million people, there are more than 100 different ethnic groups speaking as many languages and following a large number of religious and cultural traditions. It also faces the challenges associated with a history of civil war, natural disasters, political corruption and a lack of resources and infrastructure to support its population.
Volunteers can have a meaningful impact on Nepalese communities by providing assistance with a wide range of activities that help make life, and the future, better for local people. IVHQ has a number of volunteer projects in Nepal. Some are located on the outskirts of the capital city of Kathmandu in rural and urban areas, while others are in Chitwan 150 kilometres away, in the middle of Terrai - a flat fertile plain that borders India and stretches right across Southern Nepal. Pokhara is located in mid-western Nepal and is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its amazing mountain views.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Kathmandu on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Kathmandu. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Nepal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Kathmandu on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Nepal team in Kathmandu and runs over the course of two days. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Nepal – an introduction to Nepal, Nepalese customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Nepal, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to visit local temples, sample authentic Nepali food, meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
If you are placed in Pokhara or Chitwan, you will travel to your placement location on Tuesday afternoon and you will begin work on Wednesday. If you are located in Kathmandu, you will begin work on Wednesday.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day:
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays:
While a volunteer daily schedule will vary depending on the specific placement, a typical day is as follows:
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast at the homestay. |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break. |
| 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Dinner at the homestay. |
Weekends:
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of their local town and Nepal. Known for being home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mt Everest, Nepal is an adventurer’s paradise. It has a vast selection of exceptional hikes in the Himalayas with arresting views in every direction, white-water rafting, canyon swings, paragliding and scenic flights. It also has a rich multicultural heritage and a huge collection of temples, pagodas, shrines, carvings and ancient architecture, not to mention an astonishing array of wildlife and an interesting cuisine influenced by its many ethnic groups and cultures.
Accommodation and WiFi
On arrival in Nepal, volunteers stay in a local hotel in Kathmandu for their two-day orientation. After orientation, volunteers are then transported to Chitwan for the Elephant Conservation project. While on the Elephant Conservation project, volunteers are accommodated in a local hotel that is close to the placement.
Living is basic but comfortable and there will be electricity and running water. Western toilets can be found at the hotel but please keep in mind that squat toilets are still the norm in parts of Nepal so you might find these at your placement and during activities, treks, etc. Volunteers can also expect low-pressure showers that are generally not heated; however, this is refreshing after a day in the heat.
WiFi may be available but volunteers should expect to walk to a nearby cafe for better internet access.
There are no private room upgrades available on the Elephant Conservation project so you should expect to share a room with up to one other volunteer, of the same gender. Bedding is provided and it is recommended volunteers bring their own sleeping bag and mosquito nets for any trips away.
Meals
The staple meal for most Nepali families is dal bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and vegetables in curry (tarkari) and/or meat (masu) with a side of pickle/sauce (achar).
Food in Nepal is heavily influenced by the country’s Indian and Tibetan neighbours and includes plenty of curries, breads and potato-based dishes. Volunteers are served two meals per day at their homestay and can purchase additional food to supplement this if they wish.
Bottled water is readily available in Nepal and volunteers should budget approximately £4 per week for two litres a day. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but there is a need to be flexible.
Typical volunteer bedroom during orientation
Typical volunteer bedroom during orientation
Typical volunteer dining area during orientation
Typical volunteer bathroom during orientation
Typical volunteer bathroom during orientation
Typical homestay in Kathmandu
Typical volunteer kitchen in Kathmandu
Typical volunteer bedroom in Kathmandu
Typical volunteer living room in Kathmandu
Volunteer homestay hosts in Kathmandu
Typical homestay in Chitwan
Typical volunteer dining room in Chitwan
Volunteer homestay host in Chitwan
Typical volunteer bedroom in Chitwan
Volunteer host cooking dinner in Chitwan
Volunteers enjoying dinner in Chitwan
Typical homestay in Pohkara
Typical view from volunteer house in Pohkara
Typical volunteer bedroom in Pohkara
Typical volunteer living room in Pohkara
Volunteer homestay host in Pohkara
Typical volunteer bedroom in Pohkara
Volunteers enjoying dinner in Pohkara
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer Dinner
Typical volunteer Dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £250), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £250) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $485 Equivalent to $69/day |
| 2 weeks | $960 Equivalent to $69/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,380 Equivalent to $66/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,800 Equivalent to $64/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,220 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,640 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,480 Equivalent to $62/day |
| 10 weeks | $4,320 Equivalent to $62/day |
| 12 weeks | $5,160 Equivalent to $61/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £250) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Nepal generally find US$45 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as lunches, transportation and local tours & activities.
- Daily breakfast and dinners
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Daily lunches
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Nepal
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Nepal program.
Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)
Embark on an unforgettable jungle safari to witness Nepal’s captivating wildlife in its natural habitat.
£156
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)
This iconic expedition is the most popular trekking route in the Himalayas and is unlike any other in the world.
£1236
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)
Reconnect with tranquility and mindfulness during a rejuvenating one-week yoga and meditation retreat, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Western world.
£441
Check what's required to visit Nepal
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Kathmandu |
| Population | 28 million |
| Languages | Nepali |
| Currency | Rupee (NRs.) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:45 |
Weather and climate: The climate in Nepal varies largely due to the variations in geography across the country. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons with dry weather and moderate temperatures. The Kathmandu Valley and other areas of high altitude experience summer temperatures of up to 28°C (82.4°F) and in winter, temperatures range between 2°C (35.6°F) and 20°C (68°F). The summer temperatures in Chitwan can reach up to 35°C (95°F) and in winter they range between 7°C (44.6°F) and a mild 23°C (73.4°F). The climate in Pokhara is similar to that of the Kathmandu Valley, with slightly warmer temperatures.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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