The complete Himalayan Gap Year experience - Nepal - India

Product Details

In small groups we travel through India and Nepal. We Learn, we Volunteer, we Explore! 3 Phases = 1 unforgettable travel experience.

The rising world power of India that you've read about in mainstream media in fact comprises an extraordinary kaleidoscope; a cacophony of noises, colours and smells that it can be difficult to imagine from most of what is written in British newspapers about the former pride of the Empire. From romanticised Rajasthan to the awe-inspiring Himalayan mountains, there are hundreds of opportunities to fulfil dreams many have nurtured all their lives: se ek out tigers, sail down the Ganges, and trek to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.

LEARN Week 1

Adjust to the hustle and bustle of this unique country, learn to haggle and get to grips with Indian transport. Learn some Hindi and how to cook a real curry. Take a trip out to Rajasthan for a camel safari and sleep out under the stars. The contrast between the hustle and bustle of Delhi and the tranquillity of the desert is astounding.

VOLUNTEER Weeks 2-4

Indian children really benefit from the refurbishment work in Schools in the Rajasthan desert, undertaken by volunteers like you. From building desks and benches to helping to decorate the classrooms, and installing fuel-efficient cooking fires with smoke extraction chimneys, you’ll be making measurable improvements to these crucial educational centres. Weekends are free to explore the beautiful Mandore gardens, or the majestic Jodphur Fort, one of the largest in India.

EXPLORE Weeks 5-12

Tiger tracking is an art you'll have a chance to master in week 7, followed by a mellow two-day sail down the Ganges in traditional craft. You'll hop on the Toy Train to Darjeeling for your first glimpse of the mighty Everest, before heading into the kingdom of Nepal to visit the beautiful Chitwan National park, where you'll get a chance to ride an elephant on a rhino spotting safari. After a spot of white-water rafting we stock up on equipment and food in Kathmandu and head east into the Himalayan foothills. This marks the beginning of our unforgettable 17 day Everest Base Camp trek. You'll travel through rhododendron forests with views of many of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains and gain a real insight into daily life in the Himalaya as you enjoy the hospitality of the area's people while staying in local tea houses.

All this is possible with this unique 3 phase ethical venture.

This is an all-inclusive trip with full support and a range of services provided before during and after the Venture. You will be accompanied by VentureCo guides throughout the whole journey as well as in country project and activity co-ordinators.

The VentureCo Trust

Registered Charity No: 1111268

Funding for our development projects comes directly from the VentureCo Trust. For each person that joins a Venture, we as a company, donate a set amount to the Trust. 100% of the money the Trust receives is spent on projects. To date, the Trust has funded 63 development projects around the world.