Clinic-Only Itinerary: $1,050 (based on double occupancy)
Call our office for single-occupancy rates.
At the conclusion of the clinic, enjoy an optional five-day extension to Bhutan, a beautiful mountain kingdom open to a limited number of visitors each year.
The total project duration is 18 days, which includes: travel time to Nepal, orientation, overnight in Kathmandu, transportation to Pharping, five days working in the dental clinic, sightseeing in Kathmandu and a five-day extension to Bhutan.
Volunteers may opt out of the sightseeing portion of the project and head home after the clinic.






















































Project Dates
What’s Included?
- Accommodation in a basic guesthouse in Pharping and three-star hotel in Kathmandu; In Bhutan —full board for 4 nights in 3-star hotel
- Three meals a day while working in the clinic; other days, breakfast only
- Airport transfers
- Round-trip ground transport from Kathmandu to Pharping
- Round trip flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
- Signature GDR T-shirt and water bottle
- Celebratory farewell dinner
Plus, you will get all this too:
- A small group of 12 international volunteers
- The chance to make connections and create lifelong memories with new friends from all over the world
- GDR Return Volunteer Discount on all future projects
- Two GDR designated trip leaders
- A Project Coordinator in the office to answer questions and ensure you are prepared for your trip
- All tips for guides and drivers (except arrival and departure airport transfers)
Sightseeing Itinerary
Day 1: Depart the US.
Day 2: In transit to Nepal.
Day 3: Arrive Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu you are met and transferred to your guesthouse. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)
Day 4: Kathmandu. Enjoy sightseeing of the Kathmandu valley and time to adjust before heading to the clinic tomorrow. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)
Days 5: Kathmandu – Pharping. Depart this morning for Pharping, approximately 2 hours driving. On arrival, join clinic orientation and final set–up. Enjoy dinner at the guesthouse and overnight in Pharping. (B/L/D)
Day 6 – 7: Pharping. Full day working in the clinic. Overnight in monastery guesthouse. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Pharping. Half day working in the clinic, with time off in the afternoon for a local hike or relaxation. Overnight in monastery guesthouse. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Pharping. Full day working in the clinic. Overnight in monastery guesthouse. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Pharping. Full day working in the clinic. Assist in packing clinic. Overnight in monastery guesthouse. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Pharping – Kathmandu. This morning return to Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)
Day 12: Kathmandu – Bhutan. Drive to Thimphu. Morning flight to Paro. On arrival, meet your Bhutanese guide and embark on your journey to Thimphu, nestled near the Wangchu River and overshadowed by beautiful peaks. Overnight in Thimphu. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Thimphu. Enjoy a day of local sightseeing, including a visit to the Changangkha Lhakhang. Overnight In Thimphu. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Thimphu – Paro. After breakfast, return to Paro. Visit the Rinpung Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of a Heap of Jewels.” Overnight in Paro. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Taksang Hike. Early morning departure to the famous “Tiger’s Nest.” The two hour trek (one-way) offers spectacular views of the sacred monastery which is perched on a rock face 3,000ft above the valley floor. Overnight in Paro. (B/L/D)
Day 16: Paro – Kathmandu. Morning transfer to Paro International airport for your return to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)
Day 17: End Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your international flight home. (B)
Day 18: Arrive home.
Clinic-Only Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S.
Day 2: In transit to Nepal.
Day 3: Arrive Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you are met and transferred to your guesthouse. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B/-/-)
Day 4: Kathmandu — Pharping. Depart this morning for Pharping, approximately two hours driving. On arrival, you will have lunch and then travel to the clinic location for setup and a clinic briefing. Enjoy dinner at the monastery guesthouse. Overnight in Pharping. (B/L/D)
Days 5-8: Pharping. Full day working in the clinic. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Pharping. Full day working in the clinic. Assist in packing clinic. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Pharping — Kathmandu. Morning return to Kathmandu with a visit to the World Heritage Site in Patan. Lunch in Patan, arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon. Overnight in Kathmandu in the Boudhanath area. (B/ L/-)
Day 11: End Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Arrive home on day 12.
Physical Demands
Volunteer dental clinics are fast paced and include a moderate amount of physical activity each day. On our Pharping service trip, you will be expected to:
- Walk approximately 30 minutes daily (15 minutes each way) to and from the clinic site.
- Be able to stand and/or walk (including climbing stairs) for approximately two hours at a time during sightseeing tours.
- Sleep with street noise (dogs, car horns, chickens, etc.) and have weak or no hot water at times.
- After orientation, be able to navigate the walk to clinic location and local restaurants.
- Be okay having limited or unstable access to Wi-Fi/internet.
- Be willing to eat primarily local Nepali food.