Medical Electives in Nepal

Join our Medical Electives in Nepal program and gain meaningful hands-on experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking and culturally rich countries. Designed for medical and nursing students or qualified healthcare professionals, this program offers supervised learning opportunities in local hospitals and clinics across Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city.

Each year, thousands in Nepal face limited access to quality healthcare. By participating in this program, you’ll contribute to improving patient outcomes while expanding your clinical knowledge in a developing country setting. From shadowing experienced doctors to engaging in general medicine, pediatrics, nursing, and radiology, you’ll learn, grow, and make a tangible impact.

This is more than just a placement — it’s an immersive elective abroad combining medical learning with cultural exploration. 

Why Choose This Program

  • Supervised medical learning with qualified doctors and nurses
  • Experience real-world medicine in a developing country
  • Strengthen your CV with international hospital experience
  • Exposure to diverse medical cases and healthcare systems
  • Meaningful cultural exchange and community impact
  • Career development and global networking opportunities
  • Explore Nepal’s culture — from bustling Kathmandu to Himalayan landscapes

Whether you’re a student fulfilling your medical elective requirement or a healthcare professional on a career break, this program offers the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons, develop empathy, and make a real difference.

Who Can Join

This medical elective in Nepal is open to:

  • Students aged 18 or older

  • Medical, nursing, or healthcare students seeking practical experience

  • Individuals with good mental and physical health

  • Volunteers with a positive attitude, curiosity, and compassion

No previous overseas experience is necessary — just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and contribute.

What is involved

Our Medical Electives in Nepal program is designed to give aspiring medical and nursing students the opportunity to gain practical medical experience abroad while immersing themselves in one of Asia’s most culturally fascinating destinations. This program allows you to enhance your clinical knowledge and understanding of global healthcare systems, all while taking part in responsible and meaningful travel.

The elective duration is flexible — from 2 to 12 weeks, depending on your academic schedule and travel plans.

Our medical elective placements in Nepal are based in Kathmandu and nearby communities. You’ll work under the supervision of experienced medical professionals, shadowing doctors and assisting local teams across multiple hospital departments.

Participants can choose their preferred medical field or specialty, including general medicine, pediatrics, nursing, radiology, or community health. If you’re unsure which area to focus on, our team will assign you to a general rotation, ensuring you gain well-rounded exposure across different departments.

Your weekdays will typically involve 4–6 hours of hospital work, Monday to Friday, giving you plenty of time to explore Nepal’s incredible natural beauty and culture on weekends. Whether you’re shadowing consultations, observing clinical procedures, or learning patient care protocols, this experience will deepen your appreciation for healthcare in developing regions.

Depending on your level of experience, you may be placed in one or more of the following areas:

  • Outpatient and General Medicine

  • Pediatrics & Neonatal Care

  • Radiology & Pathology

  • Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy

  • Endoscopy & Imaging

  • General Nursing & Ambulance Services

  • Dental or Public Health Departments

You’ll observe local healthcare systems in action, participate in patient care discussions, and gain exposure to a wide variety of cases that are often rare in more developed countries.

This learning experience will not only enhance your clinical knowledge but also help you understand the challenges of providing healthcare in resource-limited settings.

Typical Schedule

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Arrive at hospital / ward briefing

  • 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Shadow doctors, observe consultations, assist with basic procedures

  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch break

  • 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Continue in assigned department or attend case discussions

  • Afternoons / Evenings: Free time to explore Kathmandu’s heritage sites or relax with fellow interns

  • Weekends: Optional trips to Chitwan National Park or trekking excursions to Everest Base Camp

Some details

Medical Electives in Nepal Programs Dates

Start Dates are suggested below. We advise you to check with us about public holidays and festivals during

Days

2025

Days

2026

Days

2027

Medical Electives in Nepal Programs Cost

Below you can find all the program fees in USD $ per person.

Medical Electives in Nepal Program Fee Inclusions

Pickups are available from 8am-10 pm on specified dates at designated airports or hotels near airports. Participants not arriving on these dates will have to meet with the local team independently or pay extra transportation fees.

  1. Pre-departure guide to Nepal
  2. Airport Pick-up from Kathmandu airport on arrival 
  3. Home-Stay Accommodation
  4. Home-cooked meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  5. Location orientation
  6. Project training
  7. Project Placement and donation
  8. Weekly meeting with staff
  9. 24/7 Daily ground support as required

Whats Not Included in your program fee :

  1. Flights to the program destination
  2. Medical and travel insurance
  3. Visa costs
  4. Airport Drop on departure
  5. Lunch for volunteers whilst at the project
  6. Personal shopping and gratuities
  7. Local or weekend excursions
  8. Project materials 
  9. Project travel costs 
  10. Private or air-conditioned rooms
 

Medical Electives in Nepal Location

Living and working in Kathmandu is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The city itself boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Temple, and Pashupatinath. Beyond the capital, you can venture into the Chitwan National Park jungles, or take a weekend trip to Pokhara for breathtaking lake views. For those seeking adventure, the Everest Base Camp trek is an unforgettable experience.

Our local coordinators will provide full support throughout your stay — from orientation and hospital introductions to travel assistance — ensuring your experience is safe, smooth, and enriching.

Nepal

Medical Electives in Nepal Nearest Airport

  1. The nearest airport for this program is Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
  2. Visas are possible on arrival at the airport for upto 5 months
  3. Travel Insurance is compulsory on this program.

Medical Electives in Nepal Accommdation, Meals and Set Up

You will be staying in our volunteer house based in Kathmandu. Living is basic but comfortable and you will have access to electricity and western style toilets. Wifi is not always very strong but you can always get data plan on your mobiles and stay connected. There are fans provided, however, it is important to be aware that there is no air-conditioning at the accommodation. 

Breakfast at the accommodation is usually eggs and bread, butter, jam, fruit and tea or coffee. Dinner is usually a traditional Nepali meal with daal, curry and rice or other locally available dishes. Depending on your project site you can grab lunch near your projects. If you are at home during lunch time food will be provided. 

What your first week looks like

Arrival Day Cultural immersion in Nepal

Arrival day

Your arrival weekend will be relaxed. We will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your accommodation. Depending on your time of arrival, our team will meet you and give you a local orientation so you can get to know the area you are living in. The next day you will be given health and safety briefing, culture orientation and project training before we take you in for your program.

Weekend in Nepal

Weekdays

Your project coordinator or a member of the team will be taking you to the project and after introductions you can get started. Two meals breakfast, and dinner will be the accommodation and lunch is generally at the project site or outside. In the evenings most volunteers spend it either exploring local sights, relaxing at the accommodation or preparing for projects.
 
Weekend in Project in Nepal

Weekend

Our local team will suggest many activities for you to do! Your weekends will be free for you to explore Nepal. We highly recommend you to utilise your time so you can get to see more of the country that you are visiting. We usually make recommendations based on past volunteer experiences. Its always better to book excursions in country with other volunteers.
 

Volunteer Abroad Video Reviews

Other Volunteer Abroad Destinations

follow along @voljourneys