Cultural Exchange and Homestay Program in Nepal is the unique opportunity to live with a traditional Nepali family. This experience allows you to learn about all aspects of Nepali life, its culture, food, traditions, and society.
Activities Include
- Cultural exchange with host families
- Interacting with local people
- Observing festivals and daily village life
- Experiencing authentic Nepali culture and lifestyle through homestay
Cultural Exchange Opportunities in Nepal
This cultural exchange program helps you experience the daily life, culture, and traditions of Nepal. No matter your nationality, age, or background whether you're a student or a working professional, you will gain far more than an average tourist. We support you throughout your stay and help you adjust to Nepal. We also organize cultural tours and sightseeing during major festivals such as Holi (festival of colors), Tihar (festival of lights), Dashain, Teej, and various Hindu and Buddhist celebrations. You’ll witness Nepali traditions, wedding ceremonies, and other rituals, offering you a rich cultural experience. Youwill also have the chance to learn the Nepali language and try your hand at cooking traditional Nepali food.
As part of the program, you are encouraged to share your own culture your family traditions, food, lifestyle, and customs with your host family and the local community. Volunteers become part of the household and take part in everyday activities like cooking, washing, working in the fields, and helping around the house. If you want to truly understand the real Nepal, this is an excellent way to immerse yourself in village life and local culture. This program can also be combined with other volunteer opportunities.
Why Is There a Fee for Volunteering?
It’s important to understand why we charge a fee. Without our organization, you wouldn’t have access to these experiences. Feeding, housing, and training volunteers costs money. If local organizations had the resources, they would hire local staff. Our model is a social business, we use the fees to cover operational costs such as rent, salaries, phone, and website. We also donate to local development projects and orphanages. We don’t receive external funding and rely on volunteer programs to support our work and cover administrative costs.
Program Highlights
- Experience real Nepali life with a local family
- Discover Nepal’s rich culture and traditions
- Visit cultural and religious sites in Kathmandu
- Go on hikes through villages and immerse yourself in local culture
- Explore the uniqueness of rural Nepali communities
- Learn about Nepali lifestyle in an authentic setting
Food, Accommodation, and Hospitality
In Nepal, we believe “Atithi Devo Bhavah”—“The guest is god.” Guests are treated with respect, especially in Hindu culture. Nepali hospitality is warm and welcoming. Ke Garne provides homestay accommodations with English-speaking host families or in our volunteer hostel in Kathmandu. Clean and comfortable rooms with large beds and western-style bathrooms are provided. Hot water (powered by solar energy) and free Wi-Fi are available. Our staff is always available to help, and volunteers enjoy a homely atmosphere and local support. We also offer cultural tours and activities to enrich your experience.
Local Orientation
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a local orientation. This includes information about transportation, safety, and how to adjust to your new environment.
Free Nepali Language & Cooking Classes
As part of your homestay experience, you’ll receive basic Nepali language lessons and Nepali cooking classes for free. These lessons are helpful for daily communication during volunteering or travel. They’re also essential for students doing research or studying abroad in Nepal.
Meals Provided
We provide breakfast and dinner daily. Meals are healthy, hygienic, and a mix of Nepali and some Western dishes. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. Volunteers may also use the kitchen to prepare their own meals. During placement hours, lunch is typically eaten outside at nearby restaurants.
Breakfast: Chapati, paratha, beans, sprouts, toast, eggs, pancakes, porridge, fruit, and Nepali tea.
Dinner: Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup), curry (tarkari), pickles (achar), meat (masu), fried rice, momo (dumplings), chowmein, thukpa (noodle soup), samosas, pakoras, papad, yogurt, salad, and pasta.
What's Included in the Program
- Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
- Accommodation with host family or in a volunteer hostel
- Local orientation after arrival
- Airport pickup and drop-off assistance
- Cultural tours and sightseeing
- Participation in community development projects
- Free Nepali language and cooking classes (optional)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Option to join additional volunteer programs
- Full support from our team
Additional Support and Services
We help you plan your entire trip, including traveling, trekking, and exploring Nepal. We offer affordable tours and treks. Yoga and meditation classes can also be arranged. Ke Garne is committed to preserving Nepal’s nature and culture. A portion of the profits from our tours supports community development in local villages.
