Volunteering in Kakani, Nepal, offers a window into lush hillsides, vibrant cultural heritage, and hands-on Kakani community development. From 2016 until 2019, Volunteers Initiative Nepal (ViN) deployed its holistic approach to education, Health, environment, Economy, and Infrastructure across Okharpouwa and Kakani Kaule wards. Though COVID-19 paused our efforts, our mission endures: to empower marginalized groups through equitable, inclusive, SDG-aligned programs backed by local and international volunteers.
Introduction
Kakani, Nepal, known as Kakani Nuwakot, perches at 2,000 m above sea level. This serene hill station dazzles with panoramic views of the Himalayas, sprawling strawberry farm plots, and cool forests. Between 2016 and 2019, ViN partnered with these communities to launch transformative Kakani educational programs, health clinics, women’s cooperatives, and rural infrastructure upgrades.
Volunteers Initiative Nepal (ViN), founded in 2005 by development workers, educators, social activists, and professionals, is a non-religious, non-political NGO. Our four pillars education, health and environment, economy, and Basic Infrastructure Development—are driven through six community empowerment programs: women’s Empowerment, children’s Development, Youth Empowerment, Public Health and medicine, Environment Conservation, and Disaster Risk Reduction. All align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nuwakot District & Kakani Municipality Overview
Strategic Location & Topography
Nuwakot District spans 1,121 km² of rugged ridges and deep valleys. Kakani, Nepal, a gateway between Kathmandu and the Himalayas, lies at its northern edge. Its altitude ranges from 500 m in river basins to 2,500 m on uplands. As a hill station, Kakani attracts visitors seeking respite from city heat and a taste of fresh air.
Climate & Natural Environment
Monsoons (June–September) drench pine, rhododendron, and oak forests. Winters (December–February) bring crisp temperatures down to 2 °C. Summers (March–May) hover around 22 °C. ViN’s Kakani environmental conservation efforts between 2016 and 2019 planted 25,000 saplings, curbed erosion, and revived two community springs.
Population & Society
Kakani Rural Municipality has approximately 32,000 residents (2021 estimate). Ethnic Tamang (40 %), Brahmin-Chhetri (30 %), Gurung (15 %), Newar (10 %), and others live here. Literacy rose from 68 % in 2011 to 76 % in 2021, thanks partly to ViN’s reading clubs and teacher-training workshops.
Economy & Livelihoods
Farming is the livelihood focus. Potato and cabbage fields alternate with the famed Kakani strawberry farm, which produced 6 tons of fruit in 2018. Dairy cooperatives deliver fresh milk to Kathmandu markets. Many households depend on remittances from abroad. ViN’s Kakani rural tourism pilots introduced homestays and guided Kakani hiking tours to diversify incomes.
Cultural Heritage & Tourism
Historic Nuwakot Durbar, 15 km south, recalls the Gorkha kingdom’s roots. In Kakani, Nepal, monasteries grace hilltops, hosting daily pujas. Festivals Lhosar, Buddha Jayanti, fill the valleys with dance and devotion. Visitors flock to Kakani picnic spots at Jalbire Khola and seasonal flower meadows. ViN’s youth-led eco-fair in 2019 drew 1,200 participants, showcasing local crafts and Kakani adventure activities like mountain biking.
Ward Profile: Okharpouwa (Ward 3)
Geography & Access
Okharpouwa, Kakani Nuwakot sits at 2 050 m. A 15 km gravel road winds from the Kakani-Trishuli highway through pine groves. Terraced farms cascade down steep slopes, framing distant peaks.
Population & Demographics
Home to 4,800 residents, primarily Tamang and Chhetri Okharpouwa families live in traditional timber-framed homes. Many young adults migrate seasonally for work in Kathmandu or the Gulf.
Economy & Occupations
Terraced fields yield potatoes, cabbage, and seasonal vegetables. ViN’s Community Empowerment in Kakani program introduced high-yield potato varieties, increasing local harvests by 35 %. Women run roadside fruit stands, selling fresh Kakani strawberry farm jams.
Culture & Heritage
Okharpouwa’s mountain shrine honors the Kukur Thap Fix deity. Annual jatra festivals feature masked dances (Lakhey) and drum beats that echo across valleys. Local elders recite salt-trade legends by hearth fires.
Infrastructure & Services
One primary school educates 230 children. A health sub-center offers maternal-child services. Electricity arrived in 2015; households use solar lanterns after dark. From 2016 to 2019, ViN’s Infrastructure Development in Kakani built two footbridges over seasonal streams, ensuring safe water access year-round.
Environment & Attractions
Okharpouwa’s trails link to pine ridges. Volunteers guide Kakani hiking to overlooks with Himalayan panoramas. Spring meadows host wild orchids and bird species like the Himalayan monal.
Ward Profile: Kakani Kaule (Ward 5)
Geography & Access
Kakani Kaule rests at 1,950 m beside the main highway. A short spur road leads to its cluster of fields and forested pockets.
Population & Demographics
Kaule houses 5,200 people, the majority of whom are Gurung and Newar. Literacy stands at 78 %, bolstered by ViN’s adult learning sessions.
Economy & Occupations
Kaule’s farmers grow buckwheat and millet. ViN’s Educational Programs in Kakani, from 2016 to 2019, introduced kitchen-garden kits to 120 families, boosting vegetable yields and nutrition diversity.
Culture & Heritage
Gurung heritage thrives at Tamu Lhosar festivals, where villagers parade in colorful dress, and horse races thrill crowds. A 19th-century gompa crowns the ridge, offering daily morning pujas.
Infrastructure & Services
Kaule boasts one secondary school (700 students) and two health posts. ViN’s Public Health & Medical Program ran eight mobile clinics here, treating 1,500 patients in 2019. A mini micro-hydro plant powers 80 homes in remote hamlets.
Environment & Attractions
Adventurers’ scout Kakani adventure activities include mountain biking and ziplining near the gompa. Guided walks reveal rhododendron blooms and native orchids.
ViN’s Four-Pillar, Six-Program Impact (2016–2019)
From 2016 until COVID-19 halted fundraising in 2020, ViN’s holistic model empowered Okharpouwa and Kakani Kaule:
Education Pillar
- After-School Clubs: Reached 150 children, improving reading scores by 22 %.
- Teacher Training: Interactive-pedagogy workshops elevated test scores by 18 %.
Health & Environment Pillar
- Mobile Health Camps: 12 camps served 3,200 patients, focusing on maternal-child care.
- WASH Projects: Installed 200 bio-sand filters; diarrhea incidence dropped 35 %.
- Reforestation: Planted 25,000 trees, restoring two springs and reducing soil erosion.
Economy Pillar
- Women’s Savings Groups: 40 groups, 800 members; micro-loans funded 50 small enterprises.
- Youth Agro-Training: Permaculture, beekeeping, and strawberry cultivation workshops raised incomes 30 %.
Infrastructure Pillar
- Trails & Footbridges: Rehabilitated 25 km of footpaths and built four bridges, improving year-round mobility.
- Solar Streetlights: 50 lamps were installed, enhancing safety during evening hours.
Cross-Cutting Programs
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Landslide early-warning drills cut evacuation times by 50 %.
- Local Governance Workshops: Trained 100 community leaders in participatory planning.
Volunteer Travel Opportunities
Volunteers can immerse themselves in Kakani rural tourism and community life:
- Teaching & Literacy: Lead classes in Okharpouwa’s primary school.
- Health Outreach: Support ViN’s mobile clinics in Kaule.
- Eco-Tours & Hiking: Guide Kakani trekking routes and Kakani hiking to the Himalayan viewpoints.
- Agro-Tours: Host tours at Kakani strawberry farm and teach permaculture.
- Homestays: Experience authentic Kakani homestay living and local customs.
Placements span 4–12 weeks. ViN covers homestays, orientation, a local mentor, and basic supplies.
Testimonials
“Teaching in Kakani, Nepal, ignited my passion for rural education. I helped open a library in Okharpouwa.” Anna Mülle Europe
“Running health camps after COVID-19 taught me compassion and resilience.” James Carter, USA
“Leading permaculture workshops in Kakani Kaule boosted my career in sustainable agriculture.”Sophie Walker, UK
“I guided Kakani adventure activities, zipline, and biking, and forged bonds with villagers.” Liam Thompson, Canada
“Joining a savings group in Okharpouwa let me start a small bakery. My daughters now go to school.” Mrs. Maya Tamang, local beneficiary
“The literacy club in Kaule gave me a voice and new confidence.” Ms. Sita Gurung, local beneficiary
“Planting trees in both wards restored our springs and our hope.” Ms. Radha Shrestha, local beneficiary
Practical Information for Prospective Volunteers
- Travel Routes: Kathmandu → Trishuli Bazaar bus → Shared jeep to Kakani Bazaar → Okharpouwa or Kaule.
- Accommodation: Homestays in Okharpouwa/Kaule (USD 5/night); volunteer dorm in Kakani Bazaar.
- Visa & Registration: Tourist visa on arrival; register at the ward office.
- Best Seasons: October–December & March–May; monsoon (June–September) may limit trail access.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply for ViN’s Kakani volunteer opportunities?
Complete the form at volunteeringnepal.org; select Okharpouwa or Kaule. - Are there age or skill requirements?
Volunteers must be 18+; teaching, healthcare, agriculture, or hiking guide experience is a plus. - What living conditions can I expect?
Simple homestays with shared bathrooms and home-cooked meals; dorm lodging available. - How does ViN ensure volunteer safety?
Orientation, 24/7 local mentor, emergency contacts, group lodging. - Will I need vaccines?
Routine vaccinations required; consider Hepatitis A and typhoid. - Can I earn academic credit?
ViN partners with universities—contact us to align curricula. - What costs does ViN cover?
Volunteers cover flights and visas for orientation, homestay, local transport, and basic supplies.
Conclusion
Kakani, Nepal, and Kakani Nuwakot in wards Okharpouwa and Kakani Kaule offer more than scenery; they offer purpose. From 2016 to 2019, ViN’s holistic programs transformed lives. Today, we invite you to revive that momentum:
Volunteer with ViN to teach, heal, build, and grow.
Intern in community development and gain real-world skills.
Donate to reignite vital programs paused by the pandemic.
Share this guide to spread the spirit of service.
Join us as each step uplifts a community, and every smile seeds sustainable development in Kakani!