The Bagmati Rural Municipality (Rural Municipality is known as Gaupalika in Nepali) lies in the Makwanpur district which is about 120 km (75 miles) southeast of Kathmandu.
This Rural Municipality has 9 wards and a population of approximately 38,500.
Hetauda (approx. 38 Km/24 miles away) is a sub-metropolitan city that is also the headquarters of the Bagmati Province. It has a majority of the amenities you might need, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and banks.
However, it is recommended to have all needed things purchased from home or Kathmandu before heading to the base in Phaparbari village.
Nepali people are very friendly but may seem shy when meeting strangers. Politeness is key, and it’s best to avoid swearing or using strong language.
Given local customs, especially in rural areas, please wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection between opposite sexes are generally discouraged, even for married couples, as they can be viewed as inappropriate.
Winter in Southeast Nepal can be very cold in the months of November through March, particularly in the late evenings and early mornings. In April and May the temperatures begin to gradually increase, but thunderstorms are common. June is the early monsoon season and the chance of daily thunderstorms increases and heavy continuous rainfall is common. Please be sure to check the local forecast and pack accordingly.
ACTIVITIES DURING YOUR TIME OFF
During your time off, there are several places you can explore:
Explore Faparbari village! It takes around an hour to reach the village by foot. Once there you can see the colorful market street, cross the suspension bridge, get your haircut, and/or stock up on snacks.
Try the local cuisine: You can visit the ‘Momo hut’ just down the road where the friendly owner will make you chowmein and momos and you can enjoy relaxing with plenty of tea. Or you can walk a bit further and find a BBQ place which is a nice place to spend a few hours.
Visit Hetauda (1.5-2 hours from the base by bus): you can go to the big supermarket (Bhatbateni), try cafes and restaurants, and stay at nice hotels. You can wander around Hetauda Lake and Sahid Smarak Park.
On your monthly break: you will have time to visit Chitwan National Park (2 hours from Hetauda), Parsa National Park (1.5 hours from Hetauda), Kathmandu, and/or Pokhara (7 hours from Hetauda).
For more help do not hesitate to ask our staff members on the program who can guide you. Remember to check local travel advisories and guidelines, and respect the local customs and traditions during your visit.
Chitwan National Park
Faparbari village
Suspension bridge
Volunteers on a walk near the base