Himalaya Venture

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Darjeeling,  Kolkata (Calcutta),  Delhi,  Rishikesh,  Jodhpur,  Calcutta

  Nepal

Bhaktapur,  Kathmandu

Dates: Please enquire

Description: From the hubbub of Delhi to the desert of Rajasthan and from the jungles of Bandhavgargh to the slopes of Mount Everest, Himalaya Venture explores a kaleidoscope of environments that contains all the colors of the rainbow. As the Venture progresses, what begins as bewilderment at a strikingly complex society becomes an appreciation of India's great fusion.

Cultural Orientation:
(Week 1)
Our introduction to India is a trail that leads from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, west to Rajasthan to reveal the intricacies of Indian culture including the caste system, local traditions and, of course, the cuisine! Contrast the teeming masses in the cities to the peace and tranquility of the camel safari deep into the desert. After the Mandore project, we spend a second week exploring the ancient lands of Hind, visiting the Taj Mahal and jungle temples at Khujaraho, said to be the inspiration behind Kipling's "The Jungle Book".

The Community Projects:
(Weeks 2-4)
The two week Mandore Project is in the desert state of Rajasthan, where the Vishnois communities are known for their reverence for wildlife and their sensitive environmental management. By contrast, the Rewa Project (also two weeks) takes place in the Sal jungles of Madhya Pradesh. The two projects are similar in that we work with remote, rural communities. Conditions in their villages are basic with limited health and education facilities. Both two-week projects concentrate on providing assistance to the local school and within the community itself. From the Rewa project we journey by jeep deep into the nearby forests of Bandhavgargh National Park, home to India's elusive tiger.

The Expedition:
(Weeks 5-12)
We first encounter the Ganges at the sacred Hindu city of Allahabad and board boats for a mellow sail downstream to Varanasi.

Continuing west by train to Calcutta, we strike north to the hill station of Darjeeling where we pause in this former monsoon retreat of the British Raj, nestled at the foothills of the Himalaya. Traveling overland to Nepal, we reach Kathmandu, our base for mountain biking and whitewater rafting activities, and a second tiger safari to Chitwan National Park.

The final leg of the expedition is the three week trek to Everest Base Camp putting all your experiences and training to the test. Following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the trail winds through the foothills to the Sherpa capital at Namche Bazaar. As you enter the highest mountain landscape in the world the scenery changes from rolling hills to soaring peaks. Finally the world's greatest peak rises high above you and the Base Camp is at your feet; the quest for Everest is complete.

Highlights:
* Bustling Delhi
* Red Fort
* Rat temple of Bikaner
* Jaiselmer desert Camel trek
* Sleep under the stars
* Blue city of Jodphur
* Volunteer in a Bishnois village
* Pink city of Jaipur
* Taj Mahal
* Erotic temples of Khajuraho
* Tiger spotting in Bandhavgarh National Park
* Ganges Sail Trek
* Varanasi
* Chaotic Calcutta
* Darjeeling
* Tea tasting
* Chitwan National Park
* Elephant back safari
* Pokhra
* White-water rafting
* Everest Base Camp trek
* Kathmandu
* Bungy jumping
* Gorge swinging
* Canyoning
* Rafting and kayaking
* Mountain biking
* Rock climbing and hiking

Cost in US$: 5,450 USD for 12 weeks

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of maximum of 16

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded: 1999