Bolivia - Santa Cruz

Saturday: Arrive in Kathmandu

Your adventure begins today with your arrival in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. We will arrange your transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel, where you will have time to unpack and unwind. You will finally get to meet your fellow volunteers, your Team Leader and the Habitat for Humanity coordinator, who will accompany you at a special welcome dinner for the week.

Sunday: Travel to the project site, welcome & orientation

After breakfast, the team will take a short (35 min) flight to Biratnagar airport (arranged by Habitat), where you will be transferred to your build-week hotel. Habitat Nepal will hold a formal introduction and lead you through a thorough in-country orientation, where you will learn about Nepal’s culture and housing situation, the project site, building techniques, essential announcements about logistics, etc. After another lovely dinner, you will enjoy a good night’s sleep to prepare for your first day on site!

Monday: Begin construction of the house

Arriving on the build site for your first day of construction, you’ll meet the family whose home you will be helping to construct and will have the opportunity to learn about their stories. The construction supervisor and local labourers will show you the ropes, and you can start the house construction. There will be rest breaks for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, which will all be provided on-site. You can stop for a drink of water and a break as often as you need. At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy the flavours of Nepal at the team dinner and a well-earned rest!

Tuesday to Thursday: Full days building with your teammates

You will see the new house take shape over the next few days and you will be amazed at how much can be achieved in just one week. From preparing bamboo columns and beams, weaving bamboo, applying mud mortar to walls, or painting, there are plenty of ways to contribute. Each night we will take you to some local restaurants, where you can experience mouthwatering cuisine as you unwind with the team and get to know one another better. The evenings are a chance to relax, swim in the hotel pool and recharge your batteries for the following day’s work.

Friday: House dedication ceremony & farewell

The closing day is emotional for everyone involved. You will spend the morning adding the finishing touches to the house and maybe even some celebratory decorations. You will welcome the partner family to their new home and reflect together on the contribution that you have all made. This is the time to celebrate with the community all your hard work and imagine the new life that the partner family will have in the home that you have built.

Saturday: Return to Kathmandu

Today you will check out of the build-week hotel and take the short flight back to Kathmandu. You may catch a return flight home today, or wait until tomorrow. If you stay in Kathmandu, there is so much to see in this ancient city with rabbit-warren-like streets, set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountains and home to several World Heritage Sites: the Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. You could dodge monkeys and admire the views of Kathmandu at Swayambhu Nath stupa or chill out in Kathmandu’s Garden of Dreams. After more exploring or well-deserved R&R, the team meets for a final dinner to celebrate the team effort and the end of an incredible week with your group.

Sunday: Global Village concludes

Today you will head back home (unless you left the previous evening) or continue your travels. There is so much to offer in Nepal. Have you ever considered Everest Base Camp? Although your build has ended, you will have unforgettable memories and long-lasting friendships that will keep the experience alive for a long time.