Gorkha Healthpost Volunteer Program - Health volunteer in a remote state-run healthpost in the northern part of the Gorkha district, Nepal

Gorkha Healthpost Volunteer Program
Health volunteer in a remote state-run healthpost in the northern part of the Gorkha district, Nepal

This is a sample itinerary and can be adjusted to fit your schedule and interest. We could modify the
number of days spent sightseeing, trekking and of course, volunteering in the village.

ITINERARY

The itinerary we have provided is flexible and can be modified as required. Through June to September
is the season for harvesting, so you’ll get enough opportunities to witness the traditional farming
methods, using bulls and other beasts of burden. If you like, you could even plough and plant the seeds
on the muddy fields! Further, you could do some fishing in the Budi Gandaki and Stull Rivers, both of
which are very popular with fishermen. Bathing in the rivers and rivulets as well as the spring water will
be very relaxing. Maybe a hike to the neighboring villages, or to the nearby hills to get a great glimpse of
the sunrise and the sunset? Nepal is culturally rich and in the pre-monsoon seasons, there will be
multiple festivals held in the village and in the markets. These rituals are very lively, colorful and involve
a lot of folk dancing and singing. There will be plenty to do in the village to experience a new way of life
in this secluded region.

Day 1           Arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu
You will be welcomed by our representative, and taken to the hotel for check-in. In the evening
we will have a briefing about the volunteering trip, village information and cultural tips. We'll
spend some time exploring the popular tourist area Thamel. Overnight at Hotel Heritage Home,
or similar class, in Kathmandu.

Day 2            Early morning departure 1 to Arupokhari. Initial meeting with the health official
After a 7-hour bus ride (4 hours tarmac and 3 hours dirt road), we take some time to wander
about the streets of Arughat Bajar and socializing with the locals. We start the walk up to
Arupokhari and Ratmaté village (1.5 hours). On the way up, you will be enchanted by the scenic
beauty of Arughat and neighboring hills. Our team as well as the local people will warmly
accompany you to reach the village. After reaching our destination, a cup of tea with the school
staff will give the opportunity for a small ice-breaking introduction session and interaction with
the local teachers. If you have any question regarding the volunteering program, the village or
any general matter, please feel free to ask. Accommodation will be in a local house.

Day 3 - 7     Volunteer activities at the healthpost and in the community
On these days, the volunteer activities will take place at the healthpost. The locals are greatly
enthused on having volunteer in the health sector for the first time in their village. Our past

1Arughat is the nearest market from Arupokhari, i.e. where the schools are situated. Buses run from KTM to Arughat
three times a day. An alternative mode of transportation (4WD vehicles), faster and more comfortable than the bus can be
arranged. Please see the costing section for more information. Arughat to Arupokhari (healthpost site) is a 2 to 3 hours of
uphill hike.

teacher volunteers have expressed their pleasure working at Arupokhari schools. The Nepalese
people are very welcoming to their guests; and the locals of Arupokhari are no exception. Their
hospitality towards your presence will be very evident.

Many people in the village are deprived of the resources as well as knowledge on simple
hygiene matters, nutrition and the art of healthy living. Besides at the healthpost, the activities
can be conducted in the community in the form of ad hoc awareness campaigns. The potential
for the locals to benefit from your expertise and selfless contribution are endless. Being with
the locals will really develop a warm relationship with the culture and the society. Overnight at
a local house.

Day 8            Return to Kathmandu and sightseeing
After the 3-hour hike to Arughat and 7-hr drive back to Kathmandu via the Dhading Besi town,
we have the evening to ourselves to go sightseeing and shopping. Transportation from the
village will be either on a 4WD SUV or by a public bus. In Kathmandu we will explore Asan ( the
oldest street market of the city), Kathmandu Durbar Square (an ancient palace and a collection
of temples) , and Thamel (a chic tourist area). Overnight at Hotel Heritage Home, or similar
class.

Day 9          Preparation and a full-day guided sightseeing tour
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu throughout the day (5- to 6-hour
tour). A tour guide and a private vehicle will be provided. The places we visit on this day will
include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath and Swayambhu. Please
see the section Places of Interest in Kathmandu for detailed information. Overnight at Hotel
Heritage Home, or similar class.

Day 10         Transfer to the international airport for your final departure
We conclude our program on this day. Our Airport Representative will drop you at the airport.
A last glimpse of the hills of Kathmandu before taking off.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

            Location            Activity                      Accommodation               Transportation

Day 1       Kathmandu           Arrival in KTM and            Hotel                       Private van
                                briefing
Day 2                           Arrival in Arupokhari via                                 Transportation Option2
                                Arughat
Day 3
Day 4       Arupokhari                                        Accommodation Option1
                                Volunteer activities at the                               On foot
Day 5
                                Healthpost
Day 6
Day 7                           Farewell and Reflection
Day 8       Kathmandu           Return to Kathmandu.          Hotel                       Transportation Option1 &
                                Sightseeing.                                              Private Van
Day 9       Kathmandu           Sightseeing                   Hotel                       Private Van
Day 10                          Departure                                                 Flight

1
Accommodation Option
Options available from Day 2 to 7 (in Arupokhari and Taple Village) are: (i) camping, and (ii) local house

2
 Transportation Option
Options available for Day 2 (KTM - Arughat) and Day 8 (Arughat - KTM) are: (i) 4WD SUV, and (ii) public
transportation. Arughat to Arupokhari (the healthpost site) is a 2 to 3 hours of uphill hike.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN KATHMANDU

Ason
It is one of the oldest and busiest street markets in the valley, famous for its narrow alleys and temples.
Some of the oldest shops of Nepal are located Ason. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, you can find all
sorts of goods, from vegetables, metal handicrafts, home decoration, to typical Nepalese fast food in
this area.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
As you walk in, you will feel a sense of inner harmony. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a collection of pagoda
and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The
attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty five
windows, art galleries, the statue of King BhupatindraMalla.

Bouddhanath
Lies about 6 kms to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the valley. It looms 36
meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath is also
known as Khasti, or dew drops, after an account that builders had to use dew to mix the mortar as
Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought during the construction of Bouddhanath.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
This is an ancient palace of the Malla regime dating back hundreds of years. Here you can visit the
temple of the Living Goddess Kumari, who acknowledges greetings of devotees from the balcony of her
temple residence. The name Kathmandu is believed to have been coined from the temple of
Kasthmandap standing right in the midst of the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooking the
Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the former Nepalese royalty.

Pashupatinath
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is considered one of the holiest
Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated along a lush green natural setting on the banks of
the Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilted roof and richly carved silver doors.
Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of the Shivaratrifestival which happens
around February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.

Thamel
The popular tourist destination in Kathmandu has been the centre of the city's tourist industry for
over two decades, growing up between two of the original hotels, the Kathmandu Guesthouse and
Hotel Utse. Its concentration of narrow streets are lined with small shops selling everything from
food and provisions to clothes, walking gear, cakes, pastries, music, handicrafts, travel agents and
budget hotels.

IN PICTUES: ARUPOKAHRI AND RATMATÉ VILLAGES

                    The hills of Arupokhari and Ratmaté as seen from an adjoining village

   The Ganesh Mountain stands tall in a distance              Harvest blanketed by an early morning fog

       Terraced farms on a picturesque day                 Hills appear to float atop the thick monsoon fog

IN PICTURES: LIFESTYLE OF THE PEOPLE IN THE VILLAGE

                           Farming practices are still very traditional in Arupokhari

  Monsoon is the prime wedding and festival season                   Kids taking a dip in the Stull River

 Women carrying metal goods to the market for trade          A local couple taking a stroll along the dirt road

IN PICTUES: WHAT TO EXPECT - LOCAL HOUSE STAY & PUBLIC TRANSPOTATION

                         A local house in Ratmate. Most houses have similar architecture

     Toilets are usually detached from the house                    Squat toilets are the most common

 Dal (lentils) and Bhat (rice) served in a typical kitchen    There are two to three buses to KTM each day

IN PICTURES: WHAT TO EXPECT - CAMPING AND 4WD SUV TRANSPORTATION

      Camping site at Bhairabi School, with stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding hills

        The new 5-stalled toilet in Bhairabi             Western-style flush toilet (and shower) in Bhairabi

  A variety of food prepared by our camping cook         A 4WD SUV heads to the village thru the dirt roads