Description

What does the project do?

Spiti, situated in the vast expanse of the Himalaya, is a cold desert with an arid landscape with limited vegetative growth, similar to the neighboring areas of Ladakh and Tibet. Its height is well above 3000m and in the 6 month long winters the temperatures can easily dip to -30 degrees centigrade making travel in and out nearly impossible. As you can imagine in such hostile conditions, there is plenty of help needed.

The project is a collaborative effort of the local community of Spiti and professionals from diverse backgrounds, with a wide spectrum of skills and experience, effectively spanning the bridge from the general to the niche. Their focus is to re-establish the critical link between the custodians of Spiti's natural and cultural resources, and travelers, through the promotion of responsible tourism in Spiti. They aim at providing the local community with a sustainable source of income and an incentive to conserve and revive their unique natural & cultural heritage.

The project undertakes various activities in the Spiti valley that ensure livelihood generation for the local communities whilst also maintaining the environment through initiatives such as using solar and renewable energy to reduce fuelwood consumption and carbon emissions as well as enabling local communities to have access to green vegetables even in the winters with temperatures of -20 degrees centigrade, through improved greenhouses.

Highlights

Want to get away from it all and live the good life?

This tour is a chance to experience unspoiled India and get truly stuck into the rural lifestyle as you work with this local community dedicated to using carbon neutral techniques to maintain their environment. This community has been working with a local organization that helps these farmers use eco-friendly techniques such as solar panels, solar greenhouses and renewable energy to preserve the surrounding area. Whilst doing your bit to help this community you'll also get the chance to hike and mountain bike in the stunning countryside, visit local Buddhist monasteries and immerse yourself in a new way of life - you might never want to go back!

Trip Highlights
- Hiking in the Himalaya wilderness
- Mountain biking to cover more ground (optional)
- True immersion to a more simple way of life in a rural farming community
- Visits to Buddhist monasteries and understanding of Buddhist culture
- Helping a community to protect their environment

Qualifications

What's the project like?

On this project you will be a fully fledged member of the local community, it`s a great way to visit this region and become part of community you're working with. You'll be up close and personal, while contributing to the villages economy, development or conservation needs.

You'll be based in a village in the Spiti Valley which lies in the Trans-Himalayan belt of India bordering Tibet in the east and Ladakh in the north. The residents of Spiti are traditionally agro-pastoralist with a meager 6 months in which to earn their livelihood for the entire year. The 6 months of summer are therefore a very busy time for them and an additional hand to help in agricultural work or their daily chores is always welcomed and a great help to the family. In addition to working in the fields it's the communities responsibility to herd the cattle and keep them safe from the local predators such as the Himalayan Wolf and Snow Leopard. Cattle deaths often lead to retaliation killing of these endangered animals by the local community. After research conducted by Ecosphere it was found that livestock depredation is largely caused due to a lack of adequate hands for herding the cattle. During the time in the village you'll also be involved in herding the village cattle and be a part of protecting the livestock but also helping conserving endangered wildlife.

Why does the project need volunteers?

This project needs extra pairs of hands to help out with all sorts of activities. However be prepared for dirty hands and hard work! As this is at altitude you will also need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be involved in various activities and no specific skill set is required, only the ability to be flexible and a willingness to work hard and get stuck in!

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,399.00 for 2 weeks, USD 660.00 for every week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Various: homestay while on project (2 or 3 sharing), hotel/guesthouse at other time (based on twin sharing)
* Food: Most meals included, see itinerary for full details
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early! Return transfer to the airport at the end of your trip also included
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Eco-tourism
• Gardening
• Organic Farming
• Volunteering

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994