Himalaya Volunteering Program

Why a Volunteer Program?

Volunteering is a beautiful way to travel with numerous benefits that are being enjoyed by tens of thousands of people from all over the world each year.

If you are looking to have fun, make a difference and do it safely then you can look forward to making a volunteering trip for the following reasons:

Experience the real culture of your destination – unmatchable by any other type of travel.
Make a difference to a community or environmental project.
Travel safely in a well-organised packaged program
Pay fair prices for trips that offer a lot of great experiences.
Visit famous highlights and nature reserves or have soft adventures.
Be a proud, 21st -century global citizen, travelling responsibly.

Why India ?

Reasons India Should Be Your Next Trip

Vibrant, exuberant, boisterous, chaotic, maddening…it’s hard to say what you will think of India. Each experi- ence ends up being completely unique because of how much India has to offer. At the very least, everyone that visits India will be able to say they have been on an adventure. These are the top 6 reasons India is a place you should visit in your lifetime.

The further off the beaten path you travel, the friendlier the locals seem to become in India. You might be invited to partake in children’s games on the street, or welcomed for a meal at a local’s house. In any case, you are likely to experience the warmth of the people soon after you reach India.

The diversity in India is astonishing and, food is pretty high up on the priority list. As a traveller, this means endless local dishes to sample. As you head North, you encounter delicious creamy curries that warm up your stomach. A few must-try recipes are mutton Rogan josh, Parathas, and tandoori chicken. Southern Indian food makes use of coconut, seafood, and rice. Be careful, the food tends to be spicier in the South than the North. If you are vegetarian, India will be a haven for you as much of the population is Hindu and offers vegetarian options.

If you are interested in religion and spirituality, India is a mecca for all the major world religions. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated in India, and you will experience daily practices regularly. You may find opportunities to take part in a meditation retreat, during which you will live a life like the Buddha. Or you can learn about both the body and mind through yoga.

The folk art of India is still thriving in the local communities and is slowly making a return to the big cities. Artists often use whatever they have on hand for their creations and most pieces have a story behind them. There is something new to learn in each re-gion, as they all have their own styles and they can offer insight into Indian culture.

The Ganges River runs from the Himalayas all the way to the Bay of Bengal, a distance of 2,525 kilometres. Hindu's rely on the river for fishing, agriculture and industry, but it has a meaning beyond practical use. It is considered to be the transporter of prayers of a believer to heaven and, if you swim in the river, it is said to purify the soul. Varanasi is the oldest city in India, and this is where Hindu's travel to participate in ceremonies, or cremate bodies along the Gan- ges riverbed. It is believed that if the ashes are washed away in the river, the soul is guaranteed to be transported to heaven, es- caping the cycle of rebirth.

One of the most famous monuments in the world, this building is a symbol of India. It was commissioned in 1632 and mostly com- pleted by 1643, although new construction took place for another ten years. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. It is widely believed to be one of the most remarkable architectural wonders ever created. You won't regret visiting this building. India is a land of wonder. No matter what you choose to explore there, you will find you’ve learned something about the world and about yourself when you leave.

Locations and Accommodation details

Himachal Pradesh means in the lap of Himalayas. It is famous for its abundant natural beauty. Palampur (Idex location) is in District Kangra at an elevation of 4500 Ft above sea level. The area is very well known and for its beautiful tea gardens and forests of pine and deodar. The Palampur is famous for its picturesque sites, tea gar- dens and affable people. The air is pure and the climate is soothing and the views are breathtaking, which makes a traveler fall in love with this place. IDEX house is located on the right bank of NeugalKhad near Kandi Bridge, on the front of Saurabh Van vihar park (Tourist attrac- tion) (3 KM from Palampur main city)The area is surrounded by the Dhauladhar mountains and offers scenic views of the surrounding

Facilities at Idex Accommodation

The following facilities make it a well-equipped and comfortable accommodation

Himalaya (India) Volunteer Program Practical Details

Here is a sample of a 4-week volunteer program. If you want to travel for shorter or longer durations, then let us know and will give you a plan for that. Based on your budget, you can do this program in 2 forms, “Volunteering Only Program” or “Volunteer and Travel Program”.

Volunteer only Program

Volunteer and Travel Program

Day 1, Monday

Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi and transfer to Idex Delhi accommodation settle down Meals: Meals provided based on arrival time

Day 2, Tuesday

Early morning transfer to the Himalayas by train. Upon same-day arrival in Himachal, participants will be transferred to the volunteer house. Post arrival rest and orientation which cover: • India & its culture • Social development and the role of volunteers • How to do volunteer work • Project actvites • Cultural responsibility • Personal safety & Code of Conducts • Introduction to the allotted project. Important note: Please note that if customers arrive late or are unable to obtain a train ticket during the day, they will be transferred to the Himalayas via an overnight train. Their orientation will be arranged on the following day upon arrival Meals:B.D

Day 3, Wednesday

Volunteering project work starts with the daily schedule of volunteering, cultural activites and free time. Afternoon Hindi language lesson. Meals:B,L,D

Volunteering project work starts with the daily schedule of volunteering, cultural activites and free time. Afternoon Hindi language lesson Meals:B,L,D

Day 4, Thursday

Volunteering project continues. Afternoon Hindi language class. Meals:B,L,D

Day 5, Friday

Volunteering project continues. Afternoon Hindi language class. Meals:B,L,D

Day 6, Saturday

Free Weekend. All Meals in volunteer program only/B.D only in volunteer & travel option

One night, two-day excursion to Mcleodganj Dharamshala and trekking to Triund. All Meals in volunteer program only/B.D only in volunteer & travel option

Day 7, Sunday

Free Weekend. All Meals in volunteer program only/B.D only in volunteer & travel option

One night, two-day excursion to Mcleodganj Dharamshala and trekking to Triund.- Late evening return back to Palampur All Meals in volunteer program only/B.D only in volunteer & travel option

Day 8, Mon

Volunteering project continues. Afternoon cooking Demonstration and free time Meals:B,L,D

Volunteering project continues. Afternoon cooking Demonstration and free time. Meals:B,L,D

Day 9, Tues

Volunteering in the morning. Visit a local family in the evening for learning about day to day life in India and have a meal with them. Meals:B,L,D

Volunteering in the morning. Visit a local family in the evening for learning about day to day life in India and havea meal with them. Meals:B,L,D

Day 10, Wed

Volunteering during the day and a yoga workshop to try your hands at this ancient practice for personal wellbeing. Meals:B,L,D

Day 11, Thu

Continue volunteering in the morning and afternoon workshop with henna painting and dressing like locals for a cool photo op. Meals:B,L,D

Continue volunteering in the morning and afternoon workshop with henna painting and dressing like locals for a cool photos. Meals:B,L,D

Day 12, Fri

Continue volunteering in the morning and afternoon Free time /transfer to railway station to board the overnight train to New Delhi Meals:B,L,D

Continue volunteering in the morning and afternoon transfer to railway station to board the overnight train to Agra Meals:B,L,D

Day 13, Sat

Free weekend/Arrival at Delhi and transfer to Idex Delhi accommodation/ Overnight at Delhi. All Meals in volunteer program only/Breakfast only in volunteer & travel option

Arrival at Agra and transfer to hotel One night two days excursion to Agra for visiting the famous Taj Mahal and red fort All Meals in volunteer program only/Breakfast only in volunteer & travel option

Day 14, Sun

Free weekend/ Transfer to Airport/ Overnight at Delhi. Meals:B.D

Returning from the Taj Mahal trip to Delhi, followed by an arrival in Delhi and transfer to the airport/Overnight stay in Delhi. Meals:B.D

Day 15, Mon

Continue the volunteering project. (a departure for2-week program participants). Meals:B,L,D

Continue the volunteering project. (a departure for 2-week program participants). Meals:B,L,D

Day 16-18, Tue-Thu

Continue volunteering project. Meals:B,L,D

Day 19, Fri

Continue volunteering in the morning and afternoon Free time/ transfer to railway station to board the overnight train to New Delhi Meals:B,L,D

Continue volunteering in the morning shift and afternoon transfer to holy city Amritsar for Amritsar Excursion Meals:B,L,D

Day 20, Sat

Free weekend/Arrival at Delhi and transfer to Idex Delhi accommodation/ Overnight at Delhi. Meals:All Meals in volunteer program only/Breakfast only in volunteer & travel option

Early morning visit to the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, followed by an afternoon transfer to the railway station for an overnight train journey to Delhi. Meals:All Meals in volunteer program only/Breakfast only in volunteer & travel option

Day 21, Sun

Free weekend/Transfer to Airport/overnight at Delhi Meals:B,L,D

Arrival at Delhi and transfer to Idex Delhi Accommodation/transfer to Airport/overnight at Delhi Meals:B,L,D

Day 22, Mon

Continue volunteering project. ( Departure for 3-week program participants) Meals:B,L,D

Continue volunteering project. ( Departure for3-week program participants) Meals:B,L,D

Day 23-25, Tue-Thu

Continue Volunteering project Meals:B,L,D

Day 26, Fri

Continue volunteering in the morning and afternoon Free time/ transfer to railway station to board the overnight train to New Delhi Meals:B,L,D

Continue volunteering in the morning and afternoon transfer to railway station to board the overnight train to Haridwar Meals:B,L,D

Day 27, Sat

Free weekend/Arrival at Delhi and transfer to Idex Delhi accommodation/ Overnight at Delhi. All Meals in volunteer program only/Breakfast only in volunteer & travel option

Two days one night excursion to Haridwar & Rishikesh All Meals in volunteer program only/Breakfast only in volunteer & travel option

Day 28, Sun

Free weekend/Transfer to Airport/overnight at Delhi Meals:B.D

Return from excursion and overnight at Delhi Idex accommodation. Meals:B.D

Day 29, Mon

Departure at Delhi Airport for the journeyback home. Meals:No Meals

Departure transfer to Delhi Airport for thejourney back home. Meals:No Meals

*Participants can choose to travel on weekends by purchasing excursions additionally.

Typical Daily Schedule

Monday – Saturday
While the schedule of the day depends on the project, overall, it looks a bit like the following:

Activities Time
Breakfast at accommodation 7:00 - 8:00
Project volunteering work 8:00 - 13:00
Lunch 13:30 - 14:30
Cultural workshops- as per program schedule 15:00 - 16:00
Preparation meeting/lesson planning for the next day 16:00 - 17:00
Tea/coffee at the accommodation 17:00 - 17:30
Dinner at accommodation 19:00 - 20:00

Lunch may be offered a packed lunch or lunch at the project depending on different factors such as distance from accommodation and others. *The scheduled time table mentioned above may change due to the need of the project or any other circumstances.

Available Volunteering Projects in Himalaya (India)

The following listed project are available in our Jaipur (India) location.

Teaching Project

Care and Education for Special Needs Children

Child Care

Women Empowerment

Services Included

Accommodation on sharing occupancy.
Airport pickup on arrival
Drop off at the airport at the end of the program
Daily return transfers between accommodation and volunteer project
All required transfers for cultural workshops and excursions (as included in the program) • Breakfast, lunch and dinner of local cuisine from the time of arrival till departure during the volunteering days and free week ends
Activities for experiencing local culture in addition to the volunteering and optional week end trips include:

Cooking workshop to observe and learn Indian cuisine and try your hands at it yourself.
Visit the home of a local, English-speaking middle-income level family to experience their day to day life, its challeng- es and opportunities. Have a meal with the family for a truly authentic experience.
Have a fun day with henna painting and dressing like locals, a great photo opportunity.
One workshop to practice yoga with a professional instructor.
Learn Nepalese for fun, use during trips and volunteer work

A pre-selected and organised volunteer project based on your selection and availability including
Project introduction to get you settled at the project.
Handover session so you may continue the work from where it was left by previous volunteers.
Daily work planning to plan the next day.
Daily accompanying staff to help with translation, organising and general support.
The material used for volunteering such as pens, papers, workbooks, paint, colours or others.

Services not Included

Any personal expenses such as tips, laundry and drinks.
Any extra meals (other than those specifically laid down).
Personal Travel Insurance, visa etc.
Camera fees (both still and video).
International flight ticket or other flight tickets, unless otherwise mentioned.
Donation to your volunteering project is not included in this program fee and may be taken

Arrival and Departure Procedure

Arriving into and departing from an unfamiliar country can cause stress. Especially if you are visiting the country for the first time. Read these instructions carefully and have them be known to your travel agent because at any scheduled start date we are picking up people arriving from all parts of the world to join the program.

Once we have you on the program, you can just relax because we will pick you up, no matter what time of the day it is. You will also have multiple phone numbers to reach out to, in case your flight is delayed, or you miss the connection altogether. Once you provide us with your flight details, we have you covered.

Important: please carefully note the detailed itinerary to know the arrival and departure airport for your trip and plan your flights accordingly

Arrival Procedure

Please arrive by flights that have their scheduled arrival time from 10 AM on the start date of the pro- gram until 6 AM on the following day ( Day 2) of the program. If the flight is delayed inside a reasonable time, then we will wait for you – else call us, and we will come to pick you up.

Arrival pickups or flights with their scheduled arrival time outside of these hours will be charged extra.

Check in at accommodation is available from 12 noon on Day 1 of the program, even though, we attempt to have you checked in at the accommodation, as early as possible.

Please exit from departure gate and wait outside of exit gate at Jaipur International airport.

Please be advised that you will see a board with the Idex logo instead of your personal name when searching for our airport pickup representative.

Departure procedure

Airport transfer on departure is available from 8 PM on the 2nd last day of the program (for ex, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28 in case of 2 weeks, 3 weeks or 4 week programs respectively) until 10 AM on the last day of the program (for ex, Day 15, Day 22, Day 29 in case of 2 week, 3 week or 4 week programs respec- tively).

Departure transfer will be available at gaps of 2 hours, and you will be asked to take the most conven- ient transfer based on your flight's departure time.

Departure transfers outside these times or schedules are available on extra charges.

During departure, check out time from the accommodation is 12 noon on the last day of the program (for ex, Day 15 on a 2-week program).

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