Volunteers unaccustomed to travel in developing countries are viable to undergo a healthy dose of culture shock upon volunteering abroad in Kathmandu. While the city is indeed the most industrialized in the country, it still lacks many elements of an advanced infrastructure, which may be taken for granted in the developed world. Depending on your volunteer placement in Kathmandu, living conditions are likely to be quite basic. It is important to come with a flexible attitude and you will leave with an enlightened understanding of how, when it comes to material possessions, less is more.
Nepal is a very religious country, its inhabitants primarily observing Hinduism and Buddhism. There are many beautiful temples and monuments to visit while volunteering in Kathmandu, and some placements even involve teaching Buddhist monks at local monasteries, exposing volunteers to the Nepalese religious traditions fully. While the city is indeed governed by a fairly conservative ethic, there is a lively counterculture which also makes volunteer work in Kathmandu fun and exciting. Reggae bars with live music performances, funky marketplaces abundant with offbeat commodities, and and plentiful “Free Tibet” paraphernalia all make for a lively time spent volunteering abroad in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu is also one of the cheapest cities in the world to live in. Meals and transportation costs will never run you more than a few dollars at a time, and prices are usually negotiable. Transportation throughout the country is also easily accessible from the city’s main airport or bus terminal, making frequent weekend getaways for trekking, kayaking, or simple relaxation a consistent possibility if you ever tire of exploring the city.