DASHAIN CAMP FAQS
Thanks for your interest in applying to Dashain Camp! We know there are lots of questions about an opportunity like this, so we’ve done our best to answer them here.
The last day to apply is May 31,2025.
We’re aiming to have our final decisions made by June 15. If your application is selected for an interview, you’ll be contacted by the Dashain Camp Director. Please note that interviews may not start for many weeks after you apply, and we may not be able to interview every applicant. We’re expecting a high number of applicants for a small number of spots.
Camp runs from Monday, October 7th through Saturday, October 18th.
We are asking volunteers to cover the cost of supplies for their course. These costs vary. Volunteers coming from abroad must cover their entire travel and related expenses (see below) and volunteers from within Nepal are eligible to have their bus fare from within Nepal covered by BlinkNow. All volunteers will be provided with shared accommodation in Surkhet for the duration of the camp, however, private rooms are available at your own expense.
Travel expenses:
- Flight to Kathmandu: varies per volunteer; average $800 one-way from the US and $500 one-way from Europe
- Taxi to and from airport in Kathmandu to hotel in Kathmandu: approximately $10-20, each way
- Hotel in Kathmandu: approximately $20 and up per night (depending on the hotel you pick and how many days you are in Kathmandu before going to Surkhet)
- Hotel in Surkhet: Lodging will be provided for volunteers based on a shared room arrangement. Volunteers who wish to have their own room will be liable for their own lodging expenses which is approximately 25$ per night (depending on the hotel we arrange)
- Food in Kathmandu: $10 and up per meal, depending on where you eat. There are many options in Kathmandu. In Surkhet, expect about $5-$15 per day, depending on how much you eat. There are few options in Surkhet.
- Travel to Surkhet: approximately $20 each way if by bus; approximately $200 each way if by plane.
You’ll be teaching a class for a few hours each day before lunch! All volunteers also help with afternoon activities and games, with plenty of other opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, such as running the morning assembly.
- Men’s clothing: Very similar to western wear. Shorts, pants, t-shirts, and button-down shirts are the norm.
- Women’s clothing: Please note that to comport with local customs, you should keep shoulders and knees covered; nothing too sheer or too tight. Volunteers typically dress for comfort in flowy pants, T-shirts, jeans, and long skirts.
We send our accepted volunteers a nice big packet of information on what to expect, so don’t worry if all your questions aren’t answered here!
