Krmecofoundation.org

Preparation for Your Arrival to KRMEF
Contact Information:
1. Please provide the KRMEF Volunteer Coordinator with your contact information. Before and after arrival, we will assist you on locating KRMEF. Sending a photo is optional but will help us identify you at the pickup site. Once you are prepared to come to KRMEF, let us know your traveling schedule and location. Getting to KRMEF
2. There are several ways for you to get to KRMEF from Tribhuvan International Airport. Keep in mind, the foundation is located in the village Khahare, approximately 7 km South of Kathmandu. a. Option One: Take a bus from the airport to Ratna Park. Disembark and take a second bus to Dakshinkali Temple, route #22. Disembark at the Khahare bus stop. Note that you should pass a large pond on the south side of the road; Khahare is ¼ mile beyond the pond. Once you have reached Khahare, ask locals or shopkeepers where Krishna Gurung lives. They should be able to direct you towards the hill; walk up the dirt road, approximately 0.1 km, pass the bottle house construction site and enter the blue gate of the KRMEF eco village. Bus fare should cost no more than Rs.50.
b. Option Two: If you are traveling in a bigger group or would simply like to support the local economy here at Khahare, we highly suggest calling the local taxi driver. His name is Ashis, he will know where to drive you if you request transport to KRMEF. His number is (984) 126-1480 and he charges Rs.1700. c. Option Three: If you wish to take a taxi of your own choosing, you will have to give them directions, many taxi drivers do not know where Kharare is located. Direct them to drive you on the road to Dakshinkali Temple and stop at the first dirt road on your right after Taudha Pond. You can get out at the bottom of the hill and walk up, as the drive may be difficult. If you should have trouble giving these directions, you can also ask the taxi driver to call (985) 104-3710 to directly contact KRMEF (we will be able to give directions to your driver). This should cost you no more than Rs.800. Kathmandu Airport:
3. Before you arrive Kathmandu Airport please bring a passport photo, US dollars or euros. Proper forms to enter the country will be at the airport and may be provided on your flight. Depending on the duration of your visit, the visa cost will vary, ie. USD$40 for 30 days, USD$100 for 2 months, etc. More information can be found at, Medical Concerns:
4. KRMEF can offer limited medical assistance. So, before you depart from your country of origin we recommend that you review the different types of medical services Kathmandu has to offer. In case of an emergency, we will take you to the closest safest facility. There are many pharmacies in Kathmandu which require no prescription. If you wish to bring your own medications, here are some useful drugs to bring: ciprofloxacin (antibiotic that relieves diarrhea), probiotics (builds your immune system), dramamine (prevents motion sickness) and/or ibuprofen (pain reliever). We also suggest that you review the recommended vaccinations listed on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website. Personal Expenses:
5. Kathmandu has many ATMs but there are none in Khahare. Remember to contact your bank and inform them that you will be making international purchases with your card of preference. This will prevent locked accounts or withdrawal issues. KRMEF is located in a village, so there will be a small price difference from Kathmandu. Here are the approximate prices for eating out in Kathmandu (USD$3-7), accommodations for nice hotel (USD$70), decent room (USD$25), taxi and bus fare from KRMEF to Thamel (USD$6/USD$0.50, respectively), shampoo (USD$2), toothpaste (USD$1) etc. Rates for Staying at KRMEF:
6. KRMEF room and board is set at two rates: students - USD$15 and professionals - USD$40. These expenses cover meals, lodging, upkeep of facilities and aid for projects. Volunteers may want to consider reaching out to their relatives and friends by writing letters requesting for funds or hosting fundraising events such as bake sales, car washes, etc.
Projects:
7. Please review the website to see what “current projects” are in progress. Please let us know what interests you or what volunteer work you wish to do at KRMEF. We welcome your expertise, please share this information upon arrival. Payment:
8. We accept cash or payment through PayPal, which can be accessed through the Once You Arrive to KRMEF
Welcome Tour:
1. After you arrived and settled, the Volunteer Coordinator will provide a tour of the foundation, village, local shops, such a tailor who can make custom made pants or get a shave for 40 rupees.
Utilities:
2. Nepal experiences a load shed, so electricity is available at certain parts of the day. The electricity schedule is posted in the dining area. Water is collected through a nearby spring and filtered at KRMEF. We ask that you use both the electricity and water in an efficient manner, especially the hot water. Living Standards:
3. Cleanliness is a high priority. Please be considerate of other volunteers and keep the bathroom and all other living places clean/orderly. No smoking in the house or the house outdoor spaces.
4. Meals are provided all week except Saturday. Nepal has a Sunday through Friday work schedule. There are local restaurants and markets where you can purchase food. Breakfast is scheduled at 8:30AM, lunch at 1:00PM and dinner at 7:30PM. Meals are home cooked and typically vegetarian/vegan (much of the food is grown here on the bio-dynamic farm or is otherwise bought locally). Meat is served about once a week.
Share Your Heritage:
5. Cook a favorite meal or dessert. Tell stories at meal time.
Volunteer Hours:
6. Volunteers begin projects at 9:30AM to 5:00PM with a one-hour lunch break, from Sunday-Friday. You are also welcome to open the library at 4:30 and play with the kids or play a game of pingpong. Overall, KRMEF work schedule is flexible to your needs. Information Session:
7. Krishna has a weekly presentation, as appropriate for the ebb and flow of volunteers. The presentation is basic but offers a great discussion regarding the environmental and social issues in Nepal. Discussions:
8. We recommend that you take part in as many discussions regarding issues in Nepal, as they arise and during meals. We also encourage volunteers to bring questions.
Internet:
9. We have wireless internet and multiple computers available for your use. Please be considerate of others by sharing the office resources. If needed, you may use the phone to make local calls. Taxis and Buses:
10. Buses are the main source of public transportation in Nepal. Taxis can overcharge and get expensive over time. It is important to negotiate a price and barter with the taxi driver before getting into the taxi. Buses can become overpacked but nevertheless do not sit on top. Before boarding it is important to ask directions. Mention a popular destination on your route and proceed to take that bus. Be alert and continuously ask the fee collector if you have reached your destination. If you need a transfer, get off at the closest junction and proceed to get on another bus. For example, if you are traveling from Thamel to KRMEF, you should walk to the city bus park and look for the Daxinkali Temple bus, route #22. The bus ride will take approximately 25 minutes. Ask to be dropped off at Khahare. Language:
11. English is widely spoken but we recommend that you purchase a Nepali Phrasebook. This will be useful when shopping, finding your way, greetings, etc. There are also Local Attractions/Things to Do:
12. There are many places near Khahare for volunteers to hike such as to Khokona and a Newari village. There is also the option to camp on the mountain behind KRMEF. Kathmandu has many local sites to visit, talk with the Volunteer Coordinator to get more details.
Recommended Travel Agency:
13. We recommend working with “Around the Himalayas” for travel assistance, both flying in and out of Kathmandu as well as booking treks. Ask for Kiran Thapa. Phone Volunteer Departure
Your Feedback
14. We would appreciate a written review of your time at KRMEF. Suggestions on how to improve our project assignment, what would have made your stay more enjoyable, and any advice on the operations of KRMEF. Please do so by signing our guest book, found in the dining area.

Stay Active with KRMEF
15. Join the KRMEF group of friends from around the world’. This will allow you to receive electronic updates, provide constructive criticism, share your experience, virtually connect with KRMEF from your home and continue to help the foundation. We will send you more information about a month after your return home. KRMEF Internship
Please read the “Volunteer Orientation Packet”. The content contains basic information about your arrival, your stay at KREMF and notes for your departure. The KRMEF internship implements an extensive work schedule, production of innovative ideas, previous experience in human welfare and the desire to take part in sustainable development projects. Interns are encouraged to get a tourist visa upon arrival. Soon there after it is recommended that you either renew your visa or request for a different type. You will need to review the different types of visas, application process and requirements. The foundation is registered with the Nepal government but we are unable to provide foreigners with work visas or any other type of visa.

Source: http://krmecofoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/VolunteerInternHandbook.pdf