Elderly community engagement in Nepal

This 2-week journey for 2025 blends cultural exploration with genuine human connection, giving you the chance to spend time with older people, offer companionship, and learn from their life stories. Centered in the Kathmandu Valley, it’s a slow, heartfelt experience focused on care, understanding, and lasting memories beyond tourism.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

When you get to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), a person will meet you. They will take you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax. This helps you get used to the new place and its height. In the evening, you will have a welcome dinner. You will also get a talk about the fun trip ahead. This first day is about settling in and getting ready for your adventure. You will feel comfortable and prepared for the days to come.

Day 2: Cultural Introduction and Orientation

Today, you will learn about Nepali culture. You will start with a basic Nepali language class. The class will teach you simple phrases. These words will help you talk with the older people you meet. In the afternoon, you will visit the Boudhanath Stupa. This is one of the biggest stupas in the world. It is a holy place for Tibetan Buddhists. You will see many people walking around it, spinning prayer wheels. After that, you will visit Pashupatinath Temple. This is an important Hindu temple. It sits by the Bagmati River. You will see holy men and feel the calm, spiritual mood of the place. This day helps you understand the heart of Nepal before you begin your main work.

Day 3-6: Volunteering at a Senior Citizens' Center

These four days are the main part of your trip. You will help at a local center for older people in Kathmandu. Your work will include many things. You might help serve meals. This simple act ensures everyone gets their food. You might also help keep the center clean. This makes a nice place for everyone. You will spend time talking with the elders. You can share stories from your life. They will share stories from theirs. You will hear about their past, their families, and their hopes. These talks are very important. They help the elders feel heard and valued.

You can also help with fun things. You might set up games like cards or board games. Music can bring joy, so you might play some songs or lead a singing time. If you like art, you could help with simple art projects. These activities help keep their minds active and spirits high. If you have a background in health care, you could help with basic health checks. Even if you do not, just being there helps a lot. Your kind presence and a listening ear mean the most. You will see smiles and feel a deep sense of thanks from the people you help. Each day will bring new moments of connection and understanding.

Day 7: Explore Patan Durbar Square

After helping at the center, you will visit the old city of Patan. Patan Durbar Square is a special place listed by UNESCO. It is known for its beautiful art and buildings. You will see temples, palaces, and statues with fine carvings. The details in the wood and stone are amazing. You will have time to walk around the square. You can feel the history of the place. You will also visit the Patan Museum. This museum has a great collection of Nepali art. It shows the rich history of the area. This day is a chance to see more of Nepal's past and beauty.

Day 8: Free Day for Personal Exploration

Today is your day to explore Kathmandu on your own. You can go back to a place you liked. Maybe you want to shop for gifts in Thamel. This area is full of shops selling clothes, jewelry, and local crafts. You might want to just relax at a local cafe. You can watch daily life go by. This day gives you a break to do what you like. It lets you take in the city at your own speed. You can think about your experiences so far and get ready for the next part of your trip.

Day 9-12: Community Engagement in a Rural Village

You will travel to a country village outside the Kathmandu Valley. This is for a deeper look into Nepali culture. You will stay with a local family in their home. This gives you a real feel for village life in Nepal. You will wake up to the sounds of nature and the smell of cooking. During these four days, you will spend time with the older people in the village. You might help with farm work, like picking vegetables or feeding animals. You can learn about how they grow food and live off the land.

You will also learn about old Nepali cooking. The family might teach you how to make local dishes. This is a fun way to share cultures. You will see a different side of Nepal, away from the busy city. You will form strong bonds with the local people. They will welcome you into their daily lives. This part of the trip is about living simply and connecting deeply with a close-knit community. You will learn much about their ways and simple joys.

Day 13: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Your last day of sightseeing will be a visit to Bhaktapur. This is another old city in the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also a UNESCO site. It is famous for its well-kept old art and buildings. You will see the famous 55-Window Palace. This building has many windows with beautiful wood carvings. You will also see the Nyatapola Temple. This is a tall, five-story temple. It stands out in the square. You can also visit Pottery Square. Here, you will see local potters making clay pots by hand. This day shows you more of Nepal's amazing past. It is a good way to end your cultural visits.

Day 14: Departure

After breakfast, you will go to Tribhuvan International Airport. You will take your flight back home. You will leave with many good memories. You will also feel happy knowing you helped older people in Nepal. This trip will stay with you long after you leave.