India: Darjeeling Culture + Volunteering | 21 Days

Week 1: Culture Week — Dive into Darjeeling Life

• Monday: Welcome ceremony, introduction to Darjeeling, cultural etiquette sessions, local neighborhood tour

• Tuesday: Nepali language basics, scavenger hunt in Chowk Bazaar, visit Chowrasta & Mahankal Temple

• Wednesday: Morning walk on Mall Road, cooking class, optional rock climbing, tea garden visit

• Thursday: Discussion on volunteer projects, extra language class, visit Japanese Peace Pagoda, cultural night

• Friday: Hike to Tiger Hill, feedback sharing, farewell dinner

Weeks 2 & 3: Volunteering — Make a Difference

From your second week onward, you’ll join your chosen volunteer project. During these weeks, you’ll generally volunteer Monday to Friday, spending mornings and early afternoons on your project work. In the afternoons, you might prepare lessons or activities, join cultural workshops, or enjoy your free time exploring Darjeeling and bonding with your group. Weekends are free for you to travel, relax, or take part in optional activities.

Choose one of the following volunteer projects:

• Special Needs Care & Support — Help at centers for adults with special needs or elderly care homes, supporting daily activities and building connection.

• Education & Teaching — Teach English and other subjects in local schools and kindergartens, using fun, creative methods.

• Construction & Renovation — Improve schools and community spaces through painting, light repairs, and beautification projects.

• Animal Care — Assist at an animal shelter, feeding and caring for rescued animals and joining outreach vet camps.

• Monastery Teaching — Teach English and basic subjects to novice monks while experiencing monastic life (selected periods only).

Departure

Your program ends on Saturday at noon of your final week. Plan to depart from Darjeeling that afternoon or later. If you’d like help organizing onward travel, our local team is happy to assist.

What’s Included

• Accommodation from Sunday arrival until Saturday noon of your last week — you’ll stay in a comfortable, shared volunteer house in Darjeeling, giving you a social base to connect with other participants.

• Pick-up upon arrival during regular pick-up hours and local transportation for scheduled activities.

• Daily meals — 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends, with a mix of local Indian and Western-style options.

• Full support and guidance for all program activities.

• Program materials and entry fees for cultural activities and excursions during Culture Week.

• 24/7 support from the local team throughout your stay.

What’s Not Included

• Flights and visa expenses — you’ll need to arrange these on your own.

• Travel insurance — required for participation and must cover volunteering activities.

• Personal expenses like snacks, extra drinks, souvenirs, or nightlife.

• Additional tours or activities not on the set schedule.

• Transportation outside of program activities (e.g., private taxis or extra trips).

Location

Darjeeling, India – often called the “Queen of the Hills.” This charming Himalayan town is famous for its sweeping tea plantations, stunning sunrise views over Kangchenjunga, lively markets, and peaceful Buddhist monasteries. Known for its blend of Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan cultures, Darjeeling offers a truly unique experience filled with rich traditions, warm hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a shared volunteer accommodation centre designed to be safe and welcoming. Rooms are typically shared with participants of the same gender and offer basic but comfortable amenities. Meals are provided on-site (three meals on weekdays and two on weekends), and there are common areas where you can relax and connect with fellow volunteers. The accommodation includes 24/7 local team support, access to filtered drinking water, and Wi-Fi available in common spaces. While simple, the setup offers a friendly community atmosphere that helps you feel at home throughout your stay.

Standard Requirements

• Minimum age: 18

• Minimum English level: Basic

• CRB check: On signup

• Passport copy: On signup

Additional Requirements

• Participants over 65 must provide medical clearance as proof of physical fitness

• Under 18s need signed parental consent; adult accompaniment is strongly recommended

• Good physical fitness to handle outdoor activities and varied terrain

• Must be self-motivated, open-minded, and ready to adapt to new cultures and situations

• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)

• Recommended vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Tuberculosis

Good to Know

• You’ll use public transport during excursions for a truly local experience

• Be prepared for early mornings and active schedules during both culture and volunteering weeks

• Expect basic but clean living conditions — this is part of the immersive experience

• Bring extra cash for personal snacks, souvenirs, or optional activities during free time

• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required, especially at temples and schools

Week 1: Culture Week — Dive into Darjeeling Life

• Monday: Welcome ceremony, introduction to Darjeeling, cultural etiquette sessions, local neighborhood tour

• Tuesday: Nepali language basics, scavenger hunt in Chowk Bazaar, visit Chowrasta & Mahankal Temple

• Wednesday: Morning walk on Mall Road, cooking class, optional rock climbing, tea garden visit

• Thursday: Discussion on volunteer projects, extra language class, visit Japanese Peace Pagoda, cultural night

• Friday: Hike to Tiger Hill, feedback sharing, farewell dinner

Weeks 2 & 3: Volunteering — Make a Difference

From your second week onward, you’ll join your chosen volunteer project. During these weeks, you’ll generally volunteer Monday to Friday, spending mornings and early afternoons on your project work. In the afternoons, you might prepare lessons or activities, join cultural workshops, or enjoy your free time exploring Darjeeling and bonding with your group. Weekends are free for you to travel, relax, or take part in optional activities.

Choose one of the following volunteer projects:

• Special Needs Care & Support — Help at centers for adults with special needs or elderly care homes, supporting daily activities and building connection.

• Education & Teaching — Teach English and other subjects in local schools and kindergartens, using fun, creative methods.

• Construction & Renovation — Improve schools and community spaces through painting, light repairs, and beautification projects.

• Animal Care — Assist at an animal shelter, feeding and caring for rescued animals and joining outreach vet camps.

• Monastery Teaching — Teach English and basic subjects to novice monks while experiencing monastic life (selected periods only).

Departure

Your program ends on Saturday at noon of your final week. Plan to depart from Darjeeling that afternoon or later. If you’d like help organizing onward travel, our local team is happy to assist.

What’s Included

• Accommodation from Sunday arrival until Saturday noon of your last week — you’ll stay in a comfortable, shared volunteer house in Darjeeling, giving you a social base to connect with other participants.

• Pick-up upon arrival during regular pick-up hours and local transportation for scheduled activities.

• Daily meals — 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends, with a mix of local Indian and Western-style options.

• Full support and guidance for all program activities.

• Program materials and entry fees for cultural activities and excursions during Culture Week.

• 24/7 support from the local team throughout your stay.

What’s Not Included

• Flights and visa expenses — you’ll need to arrange these on your own.

• Travel insurance — required for participation and must cover volunteering activities.

• Personal expenses like snacks, extra drinks, souvenirs, or nightlife.

• Additional tours or activities not on the set schedule.

• Transportation outside of program activities (e.g., private taxis or extra trips).

Location

Darjeeling, India – often called the “Queen of the Hills.” This charming Himalayan town is famous for its sweeping tea plantations, stunning sunrise views over Kangchenjunga, lively markets, and peaceful Buddhist monasteries. Known for its blend of Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan cultures, Darjeeling offers a truly unique experience filled with rich traditions, warm hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a shared volunteer accommodation centre designed to be safe and welcoming. Rooms are typically shared with participants of the same gender and offer basic but comfortable amenities. Meals are provided on-site (three meals on weekdays and two on weekends), and there are common areas where you can relax and connect with fellow volunteers. The accommodation includes 24/7 local team support, access to filtered drinking water, and Wi-Fi available in common spaces. While simple, the setup offers a friendly community atmosphere that helps you feel at home throughout your stay.

Standard Requirements

• Minimum age: 18

• Minimum English level: Basic

• CRB check: On signup

• Passport copy: On signup

Additional Requirements

• Participants over 65 must provide medical clearance as proof of physical fitness

• Under 18s need signed parental consent; adult accompaniment is strongly recommended

• Good physical fitness to handle outdoor activities and varied terrain

• Must be self-motivated, open-minded, and ready to adapt to new cultures and situations

• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)

• Recommended vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Tuberculosis

Good to Know

• You’ll use public transport during excursions for a truly local experience

• Be prepared for early mornings and active schedules during both culture and volunteering weeks

• Expect basic but clean living conditions — this is part of the immersive experience

• Bring extra cash for personal snacks, souvenirs, or optional activities during free time

• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required, especially at temples and schools