Nepal is the birth place of Buddha, who is popularly known as the light of Asia, the founder of Buddhism. So, Buddhism is widely respected, adopted and promoted in the country. Nepal boasts countless Monasteries, Stupas and Buddhist pilgrimages. However, the physical infrastructures of these monuments are being deteriorated. Due to the dearth of fund and resources these historically and culturally significant monuments could not be renovated. RCDP offers unique Monastery Renovation Project in Nepal where most compassionate helping hands are always welcomed in this sacred project.

The Renovation project aims to build, reconstruct, renovate and restore ancient Buddhist temples (Stupas) and monasteries where resources are lacking. Since the establishment of RCDP in 1999, we have been working with local communities to restore culturally important structures, and promoting responsible tourism through volunteer vacations. Our innovative programs to restore Buddhist temples in Nepal allow people from any background and skill level to join the local communities in their restoration efforts.

The result is a truly rewarding having unique travel and cultural experiences. You will have an opportunity to put your heart, hands and mind to preserve and protect the world's great cultural heritage. In turn, our partner communities are provided with jobs, job training and a renewal of community pride.

Your Activities as a Volunteer:

The volunteers will be engaged in the activities such as renovation, painting, and gardening. The volunteers will work 4-5 hours a day, and will be living with the Buddhist families where volunteers can feel and experience the rural setting of Buddhism. RCDP works in such places where the need of renovation is felt. Buddhism, the philosophy of non-violence and peace, is more pertinent in the present context because the world, today, is undergoing through massive war, terror, destruction, obliteration and so on. This unique renovation project may also appeal for world peace and harmony.

In this program, volunteers can travel around Buddhist villages and discover ancient monasteries-joining Buddhist rituals: mediation, chants, and traditions. Volunteers will experience the peaceful life of these religions and renovate the old and neglected monasteries. In addition to your project work, this will be an invaluable opportunity for you to practice and experience Buddhism and to learn the peaceful and non-violence of philosophy of Buddhism.

Project Skills Required:

Volunteers joining this project should have strong compassion and motivation to work for Buddhist people and to renovate the monasteries, stupas etc. Since the renovation and construction work demands some physical effort and strength, you have to be physically strong and perfect. Besides, a willingness to learn and respect Buddhism and Buddhist culture are highly anticipated.

Project location:

Kathmandu: The city boasts numerous monasteries, stupas and Buddhist monuments. Mostly, they are in dilapidated condition and are seemed like waiting for helping hands for their renovation.

The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu is also known as the city of temples and historically significant monuments. This is why the small city harbors more than half a dozen of ancient historical places and heritages which are listed in World Heritage Site. Though small in size, the valley has topographical variation and cultural diversity. Besides, the apt temperature and climate of the city which is neither too cold nor sizzling warmly welcomes you.

Language Orientation and Cultural Immersion

RCDP provides you a basic language orientation and cultural immersion program comprising language training, cultural tours, visits to popular tourist sites in Kathmandu like Pashupathinath, the holiest Hindu temple, Swoyambhunath, the holiest Buddha temple, Bouddha Stupa, Budhanilakantha etc. The main objective of our unique language and cultural orientation program is to teach volunteers about local language, culture, religion, and ways of life in fabulous Nepal.

Arrangement of room/food/supervision

RCDP-Nepal makes appropriate provision for food, room and supervision for its volunteers from the very beginning of their arrival to the country. During the first few days of language orientation and sight seeing program, RCDP-Nepal manages you a clean and pleasant hostel having food facility where cooks prepare a variety of Nepali food (Dal, Bhat, Curry, Bread, Pickle, Tea etc). For your convenience, they will make continental and international food as well. During volunteers’ volunteering programs, their accommodation will be provided by a host family. RCDP-Nepal arranges a separate room along with a communal bath for volunteers in both the host families and hostel accommodations. Besides, Nepali people are extremely hospitable, warm and welcoming and volunteers are well respected and behaved wherever they go. Our staffs visit the volunteers at their placement frequently. We assess the situation of the volunteers, working progress, and also receive feedback during this visit.

Proposed program itineraries