Nepal

Volunteering in the Tiger Project in Nepal

In the middle of nature
life in the village community
animals in the wild

Bengal tigers are in great danger in Nepal. Conflicts with local farmers and farmers often lead to the shooting down of tigers. Set up here on the edge of Chitwan National Park as a Wildlife Volunteer for the big cats and help secure their habitat and their survival!

Meghauli

from 18 years

2 - 12 weeks / from €1.380

Wednesday, Sunday

life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Project ID : FA-NE273

As a volunteer
Nepal

2 - 12 weeks / from €1.380
to the cost overview

Volunteering in the Tiger Project in Nepal

What's the matter?

When volunteering in the field of wildlife and animal welfare, you should make sure that the welfare of the animal and the protection of species are the top priority for the project. With our magazine article We would like to give you not only an assistance on what you have to pay attention to the project choice. We also want to show you why animal welfare is even important in tourism and during a project assignment.

Tigers are one of the critically endangered species in Nepal and are on the brink of extinction. Habitat destruction and poaching have severely depleted their numbers. In addition, since the habitat of the animals is severely restricted, there are also conflicts between the tigers and the local people, for example the farmers. This is another reason why the big cats are shot again and again.

In Nepal, you can volunteer with a non-profit organization to save the endangered big cats. Help the team analyze data, fight poachers, and help resolve conflicts between tigers and humans by doing educational work.

Your assignment is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wild tigers in Nepal. In the forest areas around the village of Meghauli, on the border of the Chitwan National Park, the team has officially been observing the movements of the tigers since 2010, campaigning against poachers and relocating the big cats if necessary. Her work continues research that began in 1974 and has developed over the years into a well-coordinated animal welfare campaign.

Your tasks as a volunteer

During your volunteer work in the Tiger Project in Nepal you can help in all areas. For example, you can work on the tracking processes. Here you enter GPS data, set up camera traps and evaluate the pictures taken. You will also take part in anti-poaching projects and support the team with their educational seminars in schools and the local community. In addition, you have the opportunity to help in projects that are intended to minimize conflicts between tigers and humans or to make suggestions yourself.

You can also help to produce information material such as leaflets needed for seminars and visitors. In order to protect the habitat of the animals, you can also remove rubbish from the protected areas during clean-up campaigns.

In the morning you can walk to your assignment site. It is about a 10-30 minute walk from your accommodation. You then usually work on the project from around 10 a.m. to 15 p.m. On days when you are working away from the assignment site in the woods, however, the work can also take longer. At noon you have a break where you get lunch.

You have two days off a week. Since the team also works on the weekends, these are based on the project work that needs to be done and do not necessarily fall on the weekend.

Accommodation Catering

all fotos

Home Stay in Meghauli

During your volunteer work you live in a home stay near the volunteer site. Here you live in a traditional hut made of bricks and bamboo. You usually share your room with another volunteer.

The accommodation has a bathroom and toilet with running water, internet access via mobile data is possible. There is also a small garden next door and a small shop nearby where you can buy toiletries and extra food. There is also a laundromat in the village where you can wash your clothes.

The area is considered extremely safe, so you can move freely in the village. Because of the wild animals in the area, you should not walk alone in the woods or swim in the rivers. At night you should stay at your accommodation only for security.

Location

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Meghauli

During your assignment you will live in the Chitwan district in the south of the country. The district is named after the Chitwan Valley, a valley between the foothills of the Himalayan range. There is also the Chitwan National Park, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is located in the village of Meghauli, which is considered to be one of Chitwan's most biologically and culturally rich communities.

The village of Meghauli is on the border of Chitwan National Park. The location is in the Terai lowlands, which stretch along the border between Nepal and India. The lowlands, characterized by elephant grass and dense rainforest, are very fertile: more than half of the agricultural area is in the Terai. This is one of the reasons why there are always conflicts between humans and tigers, whose habitat had to make way for the fields.

Meghauli is a very old and traditional village. You can learn a lot about the traditional customs of Nepal here. The village is surrounded on both sides by rivers, the Rapti and the Narayani River. The latter is one of the largest rivers in Nepal and is of strong religious importance. A variety of wild animals live in the forests surrounding the village, including Bengal tigers, rhinos, crocodiles, bears and many species of birds and reptiles.

Your free time in Meghauli, Nepal

In addition to your project work, you can use the evenings and days off to explore your new Nepalese homeland. Meghauli is set amidst the unspoilt landscapes of Chitwan National Park - the perfect opportunity to explore it on a walk or safari while spotting native wildlife. Or you are planning an extensive bike tour. Rent a bike and enjoy the beauty of nature on your bike.

A highlight is definitely a boat tour that you can take on one of the rivers bordering the village. You get to know your surroundings from a completely different perspective.

Meghauli is a very old village and has a long history. Therefore, you can experience and learn a lot about Nepal's customs and traditions during your time there. The villagers are very warm and open. They are happy when you explore their village, visit the colorful bazaar and buy a souvenir or two there.

After your volunteer work, you can of course continue to travel and explore Nepal. How about a city trip to Kathmandu, for example? Nepal's capital impresses with its numerous Hindu temples, the small winding streets and the traditional shops that invite you to stroll.

On-site procedure

Arrival in Nepal

For your assignment in Nepal you land at the airport in Kathmandu. There you will be picked up by a team member. You will probably stay one night in Kathmandu, where you will get your first important information about life in Nepal. The next day you take the bus to your deployment site in Meghauli. The journey takes about six to eight hours. Once you have arrived, you will get to know your accommodation and the village. Here you will also get the dos and don'ts for life in the deployment site explained.

Orientation program in Nepal

At your placement, you will be given the dos and don'ts for life on site. In addition, at least one daily briefing will be held during your project work. In the morning you will discuss the projects that are pending for the day with the team and you will receive more detailed information about your subsequent tasks. In general, you get an overview for the next day in the evening, so that you already know what to expect before the meeting the next morning.

Your first day in the project

After the introductory program, you will start your work on the project. First you will receive instructions from a team member and then over time you will be able to take on tasks independently.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.380, -

2 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 380, - / week

up to 10 weeks respectively

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

Airport transfer on the agreed arrival and departure days
Accommodation at Home Stay

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Drinks

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

"Volunteer Teaching Focused" online TEFL/TESOL course

245 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course for volunteers
Intensive online TEFL/TESOL course (120h)

460 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course
Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

Meghauli Team
site

The team in Nepal is led by Prakash and Gauri. Prakash has worked in volunteering programs for a long time and is the local coordinator.

They are supported by Baburam, who works with the volunteers on projects outside the assignment site. He has over twenty years of tiger tracking experience and loves to share his knowledge. All team members are fully committed to their joint project and are at your side with advice and action.

RGV FAQ
to the project

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

What visa do I need for Nepal?

You need a tourist visa (for 30 days or 90 days) to enter Nepal. You will receive this directly at the airport upon arrival. You can also fill out the application online in advance. The fees are then paid at the airport.

What language skills do I need for the project in Nepal?

Good knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Nepali is also helpful - we therefore recommend taking a Nepali language course on site.

What vaccinations/ health precautions do I need?

If you are traveling from a yellow fever area, you need a yellow fever vaccination. Otherwise there are no compulsory vaccinations.

We generally recommend a consultation in a practice for travel and tropical medicine.

You can get general information about recommended health care and vaccinations online Center for Travel Medicine as well as on the side of Foreign Office.

When does the project always take place?

Mostly anti-poaching projects are running from July to September. The activities are limited compared to the other nine months.

Festivals will take place from October 5th to 10th and November 7th to 9th and will temporarily not be worked on.

What are the requirements for the animal welfare project?

There are no special requirements for participation. What is important is having fun working with animals and being interested in animal welfare. Good physical fitness is often an advantage.

What do I have to bring?

Robust clothing in green or beige is recommended for working in the forest. All clothing should cover shoulders and knees.

What do I have to consider as an LGBTQ person?

Please be aware that homosexual acts are considered undesirable in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and are even punishable by law in some places. In general, people who are identified as queer are often exposed to hostility.

For example, get information from Foreign Office about the exact regulations in your destination country.

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to get involved as a volunteer in Nepal? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

A stunned problem tiger is being transplanted

More projects you too might be interested

Are you not sure yet? Think about whether a spontaneous assignment as a volunteer abroad is the right choice for you or whether you would like to Voluntary social year (FSJ) abroad want to decide.

With RGV you achieve flexible volunteer work in different countries worldwide. Maybe there is one too Internship abroad the ideal choice for you to gain valuable experience abroad.