Volunteer Abroad

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Dharamsala,  Rural Areas,  Shimla

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: The world is your classroom and experience your greatest teacher as mother earth. Through a combination of volunteer community service work, homestays, outdoor adventure, and intense developing, Adventurehills participants are set on a dynamic first-hand learning experience about the region in which they are traveling. At the same time, they are presented with a unique environment and opportunity for self-discovery.

Volunteer for an Eco adventure Tour in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains in Himachal Pradesh. A charitable contribution by you as you participate and travel. Members will spend 2 weeks in the environmental landscape and religious culture of the Himachali region of northern India. The combination of a strikingly beautiful, and mystical rich heritage of the Hindus and Buddhist culture provides the ideal setting for combining eco-tourism and spiritual awareness. Our non-profit tour program is based on participant funding where Tour Members will do simple volunteer work in areas of alternative energy, biodiversity, water resources, waste cleanup, agriculture, endangered species and glacial movement, education, child welfare. While on tour, members will be immersed in the spiritual nature of the region by visiting ancient monasteries, temples interacting with Buddhist monks and lamas, Hindu priests, attending summer harvest festivals, apple harvesting, learning Buddhist meditation and Hindu cultures.

Adventurehills contributes to educational and health care needs of women and children in the region.

Highlights: Chopal, Sarain Nerwa, Rinjat, Thekra, Dheiya and many more small towns and villages in Himachal Pradesh is tucked in the remote Shimla district. The state is in the hilly mountain region of northwestern India. The area needs a lot of care and volunteer programs for the development of the region.

During this 2 week period the team will split up and live in separate homes with local families. Days will be spent working on a variety of community service projects within the community and also taking part in set activities to enhance their understanding of culture, history and contemporary issues.

The team will also attend a three day introductory meditation - practised in the Tibetan tradition. Visit the various old temples which need renovation and restoration. Additionally, the group will trek for 4 days in the Himalayan foothills above Sarain in the Churdhar sanctuary to Churdhar Peak. They can also go for a 3 days mountain biking trip.

Qualifications: No special qualification needed except a jest for working and exploring the unexplored Himachal Pradesh.

Cost in US$: 1,250

The only costs that the program fee does not cover are personal items and individual free time activities. Personal items would also include health insurance and any medical expenses, travel visas, as well as transportation to and from host country.

Salary / Pay: 25% discounts for spouse and family members.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Each participant is unique! Our participants bring with them a wonderful diversity of backgrounds and interests. Each members share a like mindedness, and bond well, through their common interest and enthusiasm toward the activities and ideals which have drawn them all toward the Adventurehills program. All, in some way or another, are eager to step outside of the path they are on at the moment. To challenge themselves to get out and learn more about the world, and about who they are in relation to that world. Many are taking a break, off in the middle of college, or between graduating high school and beginning college. Several have recently finished college, and want to experience some of the world before starting a career or going on for higher studies. A few are taking time out from a career. Our participants come from all corners of the world.

Age Range: 18-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 10

Scholarships are Available. Students qualify for a 10% discounts.

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Adventurehills's Mission Statement: To promote eco tourism and volunteer programs in education, health, environment, in Himachal Pradesh India.

Year Founded: 1999