Indian Himalayas community project and charity trek, India
This type of trip is ideal for people who are unable to take very long periods off work but who are interested in volunteering to work with communities in need, or in wildlife conservation. These shorter trips combine volunteering with an opportunity to see the main sights in destinations.
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We go to great lengths to minimise the potential harm that can come from taking groups into areas of fragile ecosystems and go to great lengths to ensure that our customers are well informed about the area and aware of the impact that they can have on the environment. Our local guides will only take you along established trails and will adhere to our policy of ‘leave no trace’ tourism.
We provide information to each participant about social etiquette, dress codes, how to deal with begging and what to do with litter among many other issues. We encourage the use of environmentally friendly hygiene products and ensure that the only thing that is left in the destination is our footsteps. The cost of the challenge includes a donation to the project you will be working on, so you are really helping each project by your participation.
Community
We believe that life-enhancing travel is not about seeing a place, but experiencing a place, its people, its cultures, food and ways of life. We believe that when tourists enjoy the benefits of tourism, they should do so responsibly, by ensuring that they are not contributing to the exploitation of either people or the environment, that they are contributing to the sustainable economic development of the communities who host them, and that they are respectful towards and assist in the maintenance of indigenous cultures.
This tour offers you opportunities which few others do. Instead of just ‘seeing’ India as a tourist, a spectator of sceneries and events happening to other people, this tour will provide you with the chance of actually getting involved with a project in Agra, thus benefiting the community in which you are staying.
On this challenge you will have the amazing experience of meeting local people, interacting with them and experiencing their culture and way of life, safe in the knowledge that you are contributing directly to the local economy and making a difference to the lives of the local population. Your achievements during your project work will have long-lasting impacts on the community.
All the hotels we use in India are vetted to ensure they come up to our rigorous environmental sustainability standards such as ensuring they have water conservation and recycling policies, and that they source as many products as possible locally. We check that the hotel workers, guides and porters benefit from ‘staff friendly’ employment practices, (such as the right to belong to trades union), and earn a fair wage. Any animals that are used for carrying equipment, luggage or used for transport are checked to ensure they are well looked after, healthy and have not been subjected to any kind of mistreatment. We can guarantee that the money spent in these hotels directly benefits local people.
As well as the physical challenge of trekking through the Indian Himalayas with your local guides and porters, you will spend time working at a project in Agra. The project is an orphanage for boys and girls. The girl’s side is better off but the kitchen is filthy and requires a massive effort to paint, decorate and perhaps refurbish. The boys' halls also needs painting and decorating.
Whether you choose to pick up a paintbrush, construct some shelving or spend time with local people helping them with some simple English lessons – you can be assured that you and they alike will have a fantastic time and make lasting friendships!
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