Jobs in Nepal

Each location in Nepal is suited to a different type of volunteer worker, whether they are looking for thrills and adventure, or peace and tranquility. With tourism being Nepal’s main industry, the country welcomes over 500,000 international visitors each year, often many more. Here are some of the most sought-after destinations for tourists and workers alike.

Kathmandu. Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, is likely to be any traveler’s first stop-off in Nepal, and for many, is their destination. Chaotic and charismatic, Kathmandu has endless opportunities for exploration, including artistic backstreets, hidden temples, and courtyard markets selling arrays of spices and colorful handicrafts. Top sights include the city’s historic royal palace, Hanuman Dhoka, and the intriguingly-named Garden of Dreams, which serves as a sanctuary of perfect serenity in the middle of the bustling city. 

Chitwan. Sharing a name with the valley in which it is located, Chitwan can be found in the foothills of the Himalayas. Many of Nepal’s crops, such as rice, maize, vegetables, and pulses are grown in the region, aided by irrigation from the Gandaki river. However, perhaps the most interesting feature of the region is Chitwan National Park, which is home to a hugely diverse selection of wildlife, including endangered species such as the bengal tiger and different species of leopards and rhinoceroses. 

Pokhara. Pokhara is renowned for its mountain and lakeside scenery, and whilst it is blissfully tranquil, it is also a hotspot for adventure sports. Like much of Nepal, it is the ideal place to stay for hikers thanks to its closeness to the Annapurna range, and it is also one of the world’s best places to try paragliding. However, if you’re looking for more peace and quiet than an adrenaline rush, Pokhara’s old town is ideal for a relaxing stroll.

Whilst it’s not always easy to find paid work (since Nepal jobs for foreigners are few and far between), there are some avenues worth exploring. Like many countries, Nepal hires native English teachers, and the number of companies looking for qualified workers is on the rise. However, it’s important to note that unemployment is a big problem in Nepal, and an economic crisis means that the window of opportunities, for locals and expats alike, is narrow.

Education. Teaching English in Nepal is a great way for aspiring teachers to gain experience, and there are some unusual options that are unlikely to be found elsewhere. Whilst expats could find work, paid or voluntary, in a traditional classroom, it’s also possible to teach in monasteries. Most teaching jobs can be found through agencies, gap year programs, or by studying for a TEFL certificate in Nepal. Although this type of program often comes with a fee, it’s possible to combine working with other activities, such as trekking or community activities.

Volunteer. Voluntary work is much more popular and accessible than paid jobs abroad in Nepal. The range of opportunities and industries is far wider, with roles in conservation, healthcare, research, childcare, and eco-tourism, to name just a few. Volunteering programs are easier to come by and range in duration, allowing workers to decide if they want just a taste of life and work in Nepal, or to commit to a longer stay. Volunteering is also a great way to gain experience in your area of interest, which could lead to a full-time job, at home or abroad, in the future. That’s a pretty good trade-off for a paycheck!

Salaries in Nepal tend to be very low, and in some industries, competition even for low-paying jobs can be intense. However, English teachers may be able to make a living with some schools paying upwards of $500 per month. Many job opportunities in Nepal are voluntary, and the range of opportunities for this kind of work is much wider than for paid work.

Workers finding jobs through a program, such as a gap year program, may have the opportunity to live with a host family for the duration of their stay in Nepal, or shared accommodation may be provided.

To work abroad in Nepal, expats must have a work permit. If you choose to go through an agency or company to find a job or project in Nepal, this should be taken care of for you prior to travel. Another option, although not as secure, is to travel to Nepal on a tourist visa, which is available on entry, and to switch to a working holiday visa upon finding a job. For more information on visas, check the GoAbroad embassy directory.

Whilst Nepal is not the easiest destination for foreign workers, there are many benefits to work abroad in Nepal. Nepal is a great place to gain experience, particularly in teaching, and what the country lacks in work opportunities for expats it more than makes up for in travel experiences. Home to some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery and fascinating cultural heritage, working or volunteering in Nepal is sure to be a life-changing learning experience as well as a chance to assist in the local community.

An expat’s search for jobs in Nepal should come from a genuine desire to help Nepalese people through contributing skills that are lacking in their community. Foreign workers should be conscious of the struggle for local people finding work, and avoid resentment by not looking for jobs that could be taken by locals. It is also advisable to take some time to travel in Nepal before committing to a job or volunteering role.

Working in Nepal could be one of the most challenging, but worthwhile, experiences in an expat’s life. The rare opportunity to live with a host family and share in a vastly different culture is not to be passed over, and could go a long way towards broadening your horizons and empathizing with people of different lifestyles and beliefs. Visiting Nepal should also be on every traveler’s bucket list, to be immersed in the hugely diverse landscape and range of exciting experiences, from mountain trekking to jungle exploring. For any short or long-term trip to Nepal, preparation is key for a memorable visit.