Give Back To The Nepalese Communities
in Need

Elephant conservation program

This program takes place in Chitwan National park, which is one of Nepal's most popular tourist attractions. The park, located 175 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, provides excellent opportunities to view rare species such as the sloth bear, bison, leopard and the elusive tiger. The common species such as deer, rhinoceros and wild boar are in abundance. Tourists can float down Rapti river in dugout canoes with the chance to view exotic birds including the Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican and Paradise flycatcher. There are also herds of elephants in and around Chitwan National Park. Some are used for tourism purposes for safaris. Other elephants are used for patrolling and research purposes by the Nepalese government.

As a volunteer, you will assist with caring for the elephants at Chitwan National Park. Many go to safaris at 6:30 am with tourists each morning until 10 am. The Elephants are then taken to drink water and for bathing. You will then help the trainers (Mahouts) prepare food until 2 pm. Then at 2 om the elephants are taken for Safari for tourists until 5 pm. Your main duty is to help in preparing food, help in bathing and work for the special care of the elephants. Grass is the main food of the elephants but they also eat leaves, twigs, bamboo, bark, roots, fruit, seeds and flowers. Elephant are given special food containing molasses inside covered with hay or grass. You can also assist in making elephant dung paper. The paper is then distributed to to local students who live nearby for use as school stationary.

Locations: Sauraha, Chitwan

Dates: Available year-round. You choose the start and end dates.

Requirements: Age 18+. Veterinarian students and those with an interest in animal welfare are preferred.

Length of Stay: 2 weeks to 12 weeks

Schedule: Volunteer Monday – Friday 9am to 3pm. Weekends free-time.

Accommodations: Host Family.

Program Fees

HHFN is committed to offering the highest quality yet the world’s most affordable volunteering opportunities in Nepal for volunteers across the globe. The altruistic cause of volunteerism is our passion thus we always strive hard to keep our coast as low as possible. The majority of your program-fee is used for your program.  

What’s Included:

Volunteering Placement

Meals & Accommodations

Airport Pickup & Drop-Off

24-hour Support

Orientation in Nepal

Volunteer Handbook

Pre-trip Guidance & Support

Assistance with Visa Process

Help with Extra Sightseeing

T-shirt

Certificate of Participation

What Not Included:

Flights, Insurance, Visas