France to Nepal: My Spiritual Journey as a Volunteer Abroad

Our Volunteer Paul Sharing His Experience Who Explored Buddhism, Meditation and Other Elements of Himalayas

Last Updated: November 28, 2023

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Hi I am Paul from Nice , France!

This May I traveled to Nepal in the search of some peaceful moment in the Birthplace of Lord Buddha, meanwhile with the intent of helping local people there. I have made the plan a few months in advance and have gone through proper internet research before deciding to pick which program would be best fit for me.

I finally picked this program of Volunteering in Buddhist Monastery of Nepal, and my journey began from there on. From the day of signing up the project to the day of my departure back from Nepal to France, everything went really smoothly. Here I would like to share with you some of the moments I had during my volunteering. Most of these moments will stay with me as a good memory forever.

Chapter 1: Arrival in Nepal

Paul enjoying spiritual tour in Bouddha Kathmandu

I will never forget my arrival in Nepal. When my plane was preparing to land in the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu, I was exhilarated with the view. There were Fluffy clouds over the green hills, white, puffy, and looked like flying cottons. Behind the hills I could partially see the white Himalayan mountains. From this early view I could feel like I am about to embark into a new world.

It was the mid May of 2023 and the summer had started in Kathmandu already. The weather was a little warm and humid, but I was kind of liking it. My local coordinator of the program Narayan and his family welcomed me very warmly and I felt really grateful with the hospitality.

In the evening I went for a walk with Narayan and heard a few facts and stories about Buddha and Hindu Gods like Shiva, Shakti and Bishnu.

From this very first day I started feeling connected with eastern culture, their traditions and beliefs. I was amazed to see the harmony between Buddhist and Hindu people in Kathmandu and how Buddhism and Hinduism are blended in the culture and history of Kathmandu valley.

Chapter 2: Volunteering in Buddhist Monastery

After enjoying the hospitality of my local coordinator for a couple of days, we headed for my stay in the monastery, something that I have been waiting for months. The monastery was almost 1 hour drive from Kathmandu city, in the foothills of the southern hill.  I was already awe struck by the beauty of the area as the car was passing through the beautiful scenery of the green hills of the valley.

Few minutes before the arrival of the monastery, we passed through a breathtaking road around the botanical garden surrounded by green trees.

Finally, the moment arrived, I could see the majestic Buddhist Monastery in the foothills of the Godavari forest. I was astonished by the picturesque view of the place. The red monastery building with yellow patterns and motifs, it was something out of the world for me. The moment our car arrived inside the monastery, a few monk kids approached us waving their hands with welcoming gestures. The incharge of the monastery walked towards her joining her hands and said ‘Namaste’ welcomed us with a smiling face and said ‘Welcome to our monastery, and welcome in Nepal’.

The moment that I had there in the monastery was truly a gift. The Buddhist prayers in the mornings and evenings were soul soothing. I loved participating in their prayers in the temple located in the center of the monastery. The Buddhist chants with traditional instruments were really cultivating a sense of peace.

The classes were interesting, it was my first experience of teaching kids. I tried my best to teach English to the little monk kids. It was fun sometimes and sometimes challenging as you know, kids will always be kids, whether they are in a nursery or a Buddhist monastery.  :)

The staff and senior monks of the monastery were very helpful, humble and respectful. I learned a lot about peace, compassion and empathy while staying in the monastery. I couldn’t even realize when the one and half had passed since I arrived in Nepal and started staying with these Buddhist monks, these were definitely the most precious moments I would always love to keep with myself.

Chapter 3: Exploring Kathmandu in Weekends

In the weekend breaks I traveled through the kaleidoscopic cities in the valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur.  I experienced meandering  two-wheeled travel in motorcycles. I visited spectacular shrines like Bouddha and Swayambhu. These places were full of positive energy and I could always feel the peace and soul healing vibes while reaching these places. Visiting Pashupatinath temple, holy Bagmati river and its crematory area was another level of spiritual enlightenment.

Kathmandu city is full of temples and scriptures of Gods, it is completely blended with Hindu and Buddhist culture and tradition. Exploring Kathmandu on weekends has been a fulfilling spiritual journey for me.

Chapter 4: My Trek to the Annapurna, Himalayan Mountain

Paul posing in front of a hotel in annapurna trail

I had separated my last week of Nepal for a trek. Nepal is the country of Mount Everest boasting Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders in the world. So, it was always a dream to make a hike to one of the Himalayan mountains. I picked the Poon Hill of Annapurna range based on the availability of time .

Narayan arranged my trekking perfectly , from the moment of starting the trek to the end everything was properly arranged, Kumar the trekking guide was a kind and lovely man. Monsoon had started by the time I planned for trekking, but I was very lucky that none of my trekking days were hindered by the rain.

I was amazed with the breathtaking view of the Annapurna region.  The green hills, lovely local people, the streams and waterfalls and majestic Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain in the backdrop, it was the vista that I could enjoy once in a lifetime.

This trek gave me the opportunity to go one step closer to the mighty nature and filled my spirits with its wonders.

Chapter 5: Back to Home

After returning from trek I enjoyed my final couple of days in the hospitality of Narayan and his family again. In the peaceful setup and calm location of Narayan’s home, I practiced meditation in front of the Buddha’s portrait on the wall and with incense sticks with delightful fragrance that permeated the air.

I bought some souvenirs for my family and friends back home. I met another volunteer, Francesca, staying with the family. We explored the city together for a day and she also helped me with shopping.

On my last morning in Nepal, everyone bade farewell to me, and Narayan dropped me to the airport. With a heavy heart I had to say goodbye. But I promised I will be back again someday, as there is still a lot that I could explore in this country.

In a Nutshell: My Spiritual Journey as a Volunteer Abroad

This journey has been a rewarding experience for me. From staying in the Buddhist monastery to hiking through the trails of Annapurna, every moment has contributed to my spiritual awakening.

I explored not only this untouched part of the world but also the inner self of me. I believe this trip connected me deeply with the people, culture, nature and my inner self. I arrived in Nepal with an expectation of being a volunteer abroad, whilst I am returning with something way more than that. I attained spiritual awakening, I explored my inner soul and I found a complete peace of mind.

Paul after crossing a stream on annapurna trail

I would like to thank everyone who helped me on this trip!

Based on a Volunteering Journey of Paul Ferrettini

The story is based on the experience of our volunteer Paul Ferrettini from Nice, France. He volunteered in a Buddhist Monastery in Nepal for one and half months and explored the country for the next 15 days. He has always been very kind, helpful and supportive during his stay. Always calm and peaceful, the team Nepal of our program also learned a lot of things from Paul. The monastery family adored him very much and will always be grateful for his help with teaching the monk kids. We wish Paul all the best for his future.