Ladakh VIII: Mindful Travel & Sustainable Living
Program Overview
A 14-day immersive learning program set between the Himalayas and Karakoram — one of the world's most culturally rich and ecologically fragile regions.
You will live with a Ladakhi host family in a traditional village, work alongside them, share meals, and learn about indigenous agriculture, natural building, and sustainable living — not as a tourist, but as a temporary community member.
Three days are spent at SECMOL, the alternative school that inspired the film 3 Idiots. Run entirely by its own students on solar power, SECMOL only accepts students who "failed" the state exam — and transforms them.
Co-organized with Local Futures (Helena Norberg-Hodge, Ancient Futures) and partnering with LAMO and SECMOL on the ground.
Includes accommodation, 3 meals/day, transport, permits, travel insurance, guides, and workshops. Excludes flights and India visa. Financial support available.
Suitable for gap year students, educators, and conscious travelers. Note: Leh sits at 3,500m — participants should be in good health.
Full program (14 days, Aug 10–23): $1,100. Short program (8 days, Aug 10–17): $756.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- Eco Tours
- Ecology
- Mountaineering
- Nature Tours
- Summer Camp
- Tours
- Vacation Packages
- Experiential Learning
- Self-Discovery
- Study Abroad
Updated Jun 11, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Ladakh, India
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Application Procedures
- In-Person Interview when Feasible
- Online Application
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
- After College
Starts At
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Vcil Travel School.
Where we will stay during the program?
With VCIL TRAVEL SCHOOL IN LADAKH, participants not only visit social enterprises and meet historians and scholars, but also live with local people and work with them for up to 2 WEEKS.
- During the first 2 days in Leh, participants will stay at a local guesthouse. This is one of the few houses in Leh that still retains its traditional architecture.
- From day 3 to day 8, participants will live, work, and share daily life with local families
Who will be the guide throughout the program?
You will have the opportunity to learn from historians, social entrepreneurs, and community leaders. To truly experience a place, you will have many opportunities to interact with people who have deep connections to and comprehensive understanding of the location. You will engage with researchers, local NGO members, local students, school principals, and teachers.
What is the registration process?
- Submit application: Complete the online form before the deadline.
- Review process: Our team will review your application to ensure alignment with program goals.
- Interview (if applicable): Some candidates may be invited for an interview to discuss motivation and expectations.
- Acceptance notification: If selected, you will receive an acceptance email with detailed instructions (within 72 hours of registration).
- Payment & Confirmation
Who should I contact if I have question?
You can contact us via email or leave your contact information here for assistance, or contact us via Zalo/Whatsapp/Phone: +84.83243541 (Huy Hoang)
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