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Help on organic farm and nursery of coffee, hibiscus and citrus in Sindhupalchok, Nepal

  • Favourited 1475 times
  • Last activity: 28 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Dear volunteers.

    We are a group of motivated people, Deepa and Thomas, Ama, Nana, Mangale and Dinesh (5 nepalese and 1 norwegian) who love farming and want to make positive change in our village areas.

    The priority of our work is village development through regenerative farming. Many people leave the village these days for work, and we would like to provide opportunities; be an example, show the way to grow profitable organic permaculture crops, like high quality coffee.

    As a research and study farm we working long term to develop climate and alltitude adapted seedlings, continually trying out new projects, new crops, new processing methods. We are looking for volunteers to help us achieve our goals and with whom we can exchange ideas, share knowledge, research and learn.

    We provide a friendly environment to contribute, learn and research farming. There are plenty of chances to contribute and share your skills in interesting development projects around the farm.

    Our specialty crop is coffee, but we also grow hibiscus, different species of citrus fruits, guava, nepali hug plum, sichuan pepper (timur), black cardamom, mulberry, strawberry, herbs and many more. Vegetables for kitchen.

    On the land you will also find a good variety of native and non native tree species, including buddha chitta, rudraksya.

    The farm is situated in a less known and beautiful part of the Himalayas. Surrounded by fields, forests, birds and wildlife.

    Located 2,5 km from nearest town and main village. The town provides acess to goods and has regular bus service to Kathmandu.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    You will work with local Nepalese people and live closely with us during your stay. There are many opportunities to learn;

    Learn through experience! Get stuck in with practical work led by the Nepali members of the Farm’s family. Language may be limited but by watching how we work, doing it yourself, and communicating in other ways you can connect to the team and practice lots of skills.

    Get an insight into the lifestyle of rural Nepali villages and people, learning some Nepali language from the team and exploring the local area.

    Read all about farming and Nepal by borrowing books from our little library!

    You will see our organic methods for increasing soil fertility and field management, see how coffee is made from seed to roast, learn how to harvest and process the different seasonal crops – such as hibiscus and nepali hog plum (lapsi).

    Understand more about the culture and landscape through trekking and attending local festivities on your days off. You can visit a monastery, stupa, the local town and – if the weather is right – get a view of the “White Mountains”. Langtang range and Shisapangma.

  • Help

    Help

    We are looking for dedicated volunteers that have experience, knowledge or interest related to organic farming, permaculture, coffee, development work.

    The only prerequisite is that volunteers are proactive, independent, self-motivated and interested in learning about various skills and topics .

    Are able and willing to communicate and interact with locals to make a good cultural exchange.

    Are motivated and capable to put in the required 25 hours a week of work.

    Work from day to day may vary a lot, depending on the time of year.

    We also recommend that volunteers be very proactive to have the experience they seek during their time here. If you want to apprentice someone, learn a specific skill, if you want to try something new, please ask any of us and don’t be shy!

    Otherwise, tasks that my be given to volunteers include: weeding, helping with tree care (we will direct), coffee and fruits picking and processing ( seasonal) tree planting, cutting grass with sickle, help with projects around living quarters, construction work, nursery,watering, mulching and compost making.

    Days will be active, but to the degree that is comfortable for each volunteer.

    Because It takes time to fully experience our place and local area, to travel here, get into the farm routine and work, to have a good learning and cultural exchange, we have a fixed minimum stay of 2 weeks.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Hindi: Fluent
    Nepali: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    All of us likes languages and to learn new words in any language. We all speak Nepali, one of us speaks Tamang as well. We all like to practice English.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    There are 4 rooms furnished with wooden beds. The rooms can accommodate 2 people each, and there is one shared squat toilet and solar shower with hot water.

    At the farm, you will eat the typical Nepali mountain food. At noon and in the evening, we make “Daalbhat” Rice, lentils and vegetables, etc. Meals are mainly organic, sourced from our local area or own field.

    The high-grown organic rice in our area is tasty and nutritious, so we try to keep a year-round supply sourced from nearby farmers. We grow ginger, turmeric, chili and many other seasonal fruits and vegetables for the household.

    Sometimes we serve other local dishes like Thukpa, Dhilo, also international dishes. Volunteers are welcome to take part in cooking by request. In between meals, we serve snacks, fruits, tea, and coffee. Our food is basically vegetarian, but we can have meat occasionally too.

    Breakfast is cooked in outdoor kitchen and is is typically beaten rice, bread, rice, egg, porridge, seasonal fruits.

    HOUSERULES:

    We don’t permit alcohol.

    During working hours, we appreciate it if mobile phones are turned off or left in the room.

    Be on time, ready and focused when work starts.

    In the evenings, we kindly ask for silence from 23h00.

    We prefer that you are back on the compound before dark.

    We expect you to be respectful, friendly and positive.

    small household tasks ( sweeping the floors, cleaning the toilet, doing the dishes..) will be executed by everyone.

    At the farm, it is ok for both men and women to wear shorts and sleeveless tops. Shoes are not permitted inside the house or covered outside areas. Bring easy-to-wear slippers/sandals.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    BUS DIRECTIONS from Kathmandu:

    To ensure a smooth journey, stay connected with us both before and during your travel. This will allow us to coordinate and arrange to meet you in Nawalpur.

    From Chuchepati bus stop.
    Bus to Nawalpur at 7.30, 8.20 and 11.00

    Be there 1 hour before departure to reserve your seat.

    The bus route is via Bahunepate or Melamchi:

    7.30 bus via Bahunepate.

    8.20 bus via Melamchi. The bus stop in Melamchi for 30-60 minutes lunch break. Leaves Melamchi around 13.00. P.S The bus stops for 10 minutes at main bus stand, then moves to lower bus stand by the river and waits there until departure to Nawalpur 13.00.

    These 2 morning busses are preferred options. 8.20 via Melamchi is a good option.

    The bus to Nawalpur will arrive in the afternoon between 1 and 5 pm. (around 5 hours) .

    The Farm is 2, 5km / 40 min walk from Nawalpur. Some of us will meet you in Nawalpur and walking to the farm.

    In Kathmandu, Thamel, we have relatives that runs a travel office and a small family hotel. Our volunteers may contact with them. For a touch base, information, directions to bus. Airport pickup / accommodation in Kathmandu.

    The temperatures in our area are similar to Kathmandu. Winter is cold, especially at night. Summer rainy and warm. Bring warm clothes, socks, hat and raincoat, gumboots accordingly.

    We recommend you bring a head-torch light, flip-flops or other easy to wear house sandals (you don’t want to wear your hiking boots the whole time), clothes you are okay with getting dirty.

    Volunteers support our project by contributing $6 dollars per day per person for your food.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    The wifi works well most of the time but we do have occasional power break. Specially during monsoon season.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

  • ...

    This host charges a fee

    read more
    US$6 per day to help host family with food costs
Host ref number: 416617964961

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