Himalaya Challenge

Challenge Snapshot

  • Duration: 22 Days
  • Location: India
  • Total Cost: 3650
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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.

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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!

DOWNLOAD THE ITERNIRARY FOR A DAY-BY-DAY OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM

*FYI: This is a carbon neutral program

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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. 

Who can join the program

WE'RE LOOKING FOR HIGH-ENERGY, PASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE LOOKING TO LEAVE THEIR HANDPRINT ON THE WORLD.

If you’re passionate about animals and the environment and are looking for ways to use your skills to make an impact, then this program is perfect for you! Whether you’re studying education, science, engineering or creative arts, this is an awesome opportunity to join a team of likeminded people and use your skills, knowledge and passions to take global climate action and protect life on land.

Why you should join the program

Become a Challenge Leader

ARE YOU LOOKING TO ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE?

Build your own community of people who care and inspire a team of Global Citizens to join you on this epic adventure… become a Challenge Leader! This is your chance to step up as a global leader and showcase your awesome leadership skills. Not only will you feel a great sense of achievement, but it’s an experience that’s guaranteed to make you stand out in any future employment opportunity.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!

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The journey that I took with Challenges Abroad and the FutureSense Foundation has had a major impact on me and the way I view my life. It has taught me so many things and I definitely recommend to anyone who wants to leave their mark on the world!
Elaina Bohman, Western Sydney University
Today was incredible. We walked the whole park and visited most of the elephants we will be working with over the next 6 days. There are 80 elephants here, some blind, some injured from land mines, traps and logging and others just traumatised at the hands of man, but amongst all this park is home to health, strong, baby elephants. So blessed to be here and to be part of this amazing team
Nathanael Simpson - Griffith University
This experience was the first time I had decided to do such hands-on volunteer work and it was beyond expectation. The trip was the perfect blend of a holiday from studies and an opportunity to learn and give back to the world as humans who have the capacity to provide assistance to those in need. It was an incredibly eye-opening experience!
Jessica Summerhill - Griffith University
My experience in Thailand was challenging, fun, rewarding and eye opening. Experiencing the culture at the Hill Tribe was incredible and I felt very welcomed by everyone there. Volunteering at ENP was such a fun and eye-opening experience as I learnt heaps of things, not just about elephants, but wildlife conservation and animal protection as well which was super interesting! The extension trip allowed me to experience different parts of Thai culture in fun and interesting ways. I had such an incredible time.
Sophie Bray - University of Technology Sydney

CHALLENGE DATES

  • Program Date:
    28th February - 14th March 2026
  • Extension Trip: 07 Dec 2025 - 13 Dec 2025
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  • Program Date:
    30th May - 13th June 2026
  • Extension Trip: 25 Jan 2026 - 30 Jan 2026
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  • Program Date:
    27th June - 11th July 2026
  • Extension Trip: 12 Jul 2026 - 17 Jul 2026
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*Note: if you have other dates in mind or would like to travel as an individual, email us at [email protected] and we’ll be more than happy to help!

What’s Included?

  • 24/7 in-country support
  • All accommodation
  • 3 meals a day (Monday – Friday)
  • In-country transport
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Volunteer t-shirt
  • Pre-departure support, including full program briefing
  • An incredible volunteer experience!

What’s NOT Included?

  • Visa
  • Vaccinations
  • Pre-departure support, including full program briefing
  • Travel Insurance

Your Impact

Challenges in India

Himalaya Health Promotion Challenge
Himalaya Challenge

The Challenges Abroad Difference

Student Impact

Developing the next generation of Global Citizens, who as future leaders will help shape a better future for everyone.

Community Impact

Short-term programs with positive, long-term impacts on local communities.

Environmental Impact

Creating a more sustainable future for everyone as we become a carbon neutral organisation.

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