Indian Himalaya tailor made tour

Environment

In order to facilitate an enduring support structure for the communities we visit, and to show a commitment to these values, in January 2009 we set up a charitable foundation through which we can channel funds to both existing NGOs and our own development projects. In addition to organising ethically sensitive tours, having our own charitable foundation allows us to raise money – through the cost of our tours, charity trips and fund raising events – which can then be used to fund various projects in education, sanitation, reforestations and a number of other important issues facing developing communities. Wherever possible we are happy for our clients to visit these projects to see for themselves where and how this money is being spent.

In India our foundation has supported many community projects and fundraising efforts including:

• A reforestation programme in an arid region of Rajasthan.
• The Hope Foundation, Calcutta which works to help the street children of Calcutta by providing education, nutrition and health care and ultimately removing them from the street into better lives.
• Donated new beds for the maternity ward at the hospital in Bijaipur, rural Rajasthan
• Donated funds towards the India cyclone appeal.
• The Ladakh Project, which has brought solar lighting to families in the remote Nubra Valley, enabling them to grow and harvest crops and stockpile supplies to get them through the harsh winters.
• Funds to help towards a new school bus community school in Rangdum, Ladakh

Community

All our tours employ the services of local guides and drivers, stay in locally owned hotels and guesthouses – often staying in our guides villages and homes, which again diverts important funds directly into the area. The wonderful thing about this kind of interactive tourism is that everyone gains – the locals financially, and our clients with the unique experience and social interaction.

On our Indian Himalayan Adventure itinerary transportation includes travel by train and foot. During the walking section of the itinerary we stay in traditional village houses, which are dotted through the Almora region, mixing local Kumoan charm with modern comforts perfectly. Set a few hour's walk apart, each house blends into its village, giving guests the chance to witness Himalayan life up close. Each house is equipped with comfortable beds, western toilets, and outside shower blocks. The locally run village house accommodation scheme also employs private chefs, who prepare meals each night, and porters. This is a truly wonderful off-the-beaten-track, low-impact look at rural India.