Himalaya Challenge

Combining workshop facilitation in local schools with an exhilarating 5-day trek into the Himalayas, this trip is the perfect choice for adventure seekers wanting to make a meaningful impact in India!

how you can help

As a participant on the Himalaya Challenge, you will be working on a range of projects that help improve education quality at our partner schools in Palampur, which could include:

• Running life skills workshops that build children’s confidence and encourage transferable skills like problem solving, conflict resolution, teamwork, career planning and leadership.

• Delivering conversational English lessons that will provide opportunities for further education and well-paying jobs later in life.

• STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) workshops that encourage experimentation and innovation and help develop children’s creativity.

• Working on a small-scale renovation project, such as painting a mural, to improve learning environments and promote school attendance.

speak to a caa representative about this program

Program structure

When you arrive in India you’ll be met by our team at the airport. Over the next few days you’ll have a thorough induction and orientation where you’ll learn about Indian culture and history, get your bearings around town, meet community partners and gain a better understanding of the context of the projects you’re working on.

Over two weeks, you’ll take part in your project Monday – Friday with the weekend free to do your own travel and exploring. Your day will usually be structured with a morning session (approx. 3 hours) after breakfast and then a session of the same length after lunch. Your afternoons and evenings will be free for you to relax and explore town or do any required planning for the next day.

On the third week of your program you'll begin your trek! You will head east to the town of Bir, where you will meet with your guide and gear up for the days ahead. The trek will be of moderate difficulty for the majority, but the portion of the trail leading up to Nohru Pass is steep and exhausting; stay hydrated and keep encouraging each other until you finally make it over the literal and metaphorical hump!

On the last day of the program, you'll either catch the morning transfer to the airport or continue with the extension trip!

Extend your program

After your program you can join our optional extension trip for $950 and spend a week on the most spectacular tour of India! You'll begin by heading to Amristar where you'll visit the Golden Temple and watch the famous lowering of the flags ceremony at the Wagah Border. Next up is Agra where you'll spend time exploring the Red Fort, local markets and the one and only Taj Mahal! Your final destination will be Delhi where you'll visit the Old and New cities and have plenty of time to do you own exploring before catching your flight home.