Allow the traveller in your circle to discover themselves by gifting them fabulous immersive experiences this festive season. Even better, gift yourself a chance to explore the world in a sustainably responsible style while you go on self discovery on one of these experiential tours.
The Tons River Valley, located in the Himalayas, is known for its natural beauty. It is located in Uttarakhand, around 200 kms from Dehradun and 400 kms by road from Delhi. You can explore the natural beauty and immerse in local culture with Tons Trails, a social enterprise promoting sustainable tourism in this region. They work to economically empowers local mountain communities and help them preserve their unique cultural and natural heritage. In all their trips, they strictly follow the 'leave no trace' philosophy. For those looking for family experiences, they specialise in putting these together.
You can sign up for their Nomad Trail which gives a glimpse into the the life of a Himalayan nomad. For centuries the shepherds of the Tons Valley have followed the summer ritual of taking their sheep to graze on the spectacular high altitude grasslands of the Himalayas. On this trail, you can walk and camp with the herders to experience their unique lifestyle. It is a 5N/6D trail that is run from April to November. The max altitude is 12,000 ft. Only those above 10 years can sign up.
Or try their Tons Heritage Trail. The Upper Tons Valley is a place of mystique, folklore and legends. This trail will take take you on a drive up the Supin and Rupin Valleys to meet and interact with the communities that live here. You will stay in local homes, eat the unique cuisine and even enjoy a luxury camping experience by the river. It is a 4N/5D trail and it runs through the year. The max altitude is 6,000 ft. And it is open to all ages.
More info here.
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), founded on 15 September 1883, is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. They organise regular local, national and international walks, tours and treks which also help document species for their work. One of the documentation trails includes mapping the birds of Goa. Situated in the heart of the Western Ghats, the eastern part of Goa is home to a plethora of birds. This tiny state boasts over 550 species of birds. During the BNHS camp, you will explore the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan-Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park and a few birding locations. Some of the birds you will find include Flame-throated Bulbul, Grey-headed Bulbul, Malabar Barbet, White-cheeked Barbet, Malabar Hornbill, Dark-fronted Babblers, and Malabar Trogon. Accommodation will be on a twin sharing basis.
More info here.
A growing number of people becoming interested in natural building with a desire to build their own homes from natural materials with their own hands. However, no one was offering opportunities to learn directly from master artisans. This is where an organisation like Indi Architecture comes in. It is a social enterprise located in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh which strives to protect, conserve and teach the methods of vernacular architecture—a path to sustainable living. In May 2023, they are organising a workshop and tour on the vernacular traditions of Spiti and Rajasthan in one intensive workshop. Combine an unforgettable journey to Spiti Valley with a 6-day hands-on plasters workshop constructing a 5,000 litre all-natural lime water tank, the first in the valley. Master Artisan Dawood ji will be joining you all the way from Rajasthan to teach this time-honoured tradition. Experience the cultural change alongside material selection and innovative design. Himachal is home to diverse people and landscapes and local architecture—like Kath Kuni, stone masonry, rammed earth, adobe, wood carving, slate and flat mud roofs. You will visit various examples of diverse vernacular buildings - private homes, temples, monasteries and forts and understand the adaptations made in different regions to create homes suited to the local climatic and social context utilising abundant local resources.
More info here.
Himalayan Ecotourism is a cooperative that runs trekking tours in the Great Himalayan National Park (GNHP) which was awarded the UNESCO heritage site in 2014 for its outstanding biodiversity. The best part is that the money earned goes towards conservation of natural resources, nurturing green technologies, community empowerment through self-help groups, and creating local products - thus illustrating how tourism can be sustainable, inclusive, and be part of a circular economy. They offer several kinds of treks, including for those going solo. If you are in a group then sign up for their fixed departure trek packages in the Tirthan valley that include 3 day, 4 day or 5 day treks to the GHNP. If you are travelling solo and keen on joining a group of people with similar minds and interests, then you just need to select one of the trek packages on their website.
If you are a pro trekker, environmentalist, naturalist, conservationist, wildlife or a travel enthusiast, GHNP will bestow you with the opportunity to connect with nature and have an enriching experience in its habitat. The GHNP is home to mammal species like the Blue sheep, Brown bear, Himalayan Tahr, Snow leopard, Musk deer, Himalayan ghoral or the Asiatic black bear.
The fixed departure treks are available to Shilt Hut, Rakhundi Top, Kundri, Marahni Peak, Ookhal and Kobri. Don't forget to mention which fixed date departure you want to join, and the number of people you could gather for the trek if you are already more than one.
More information here.
BuDa Folklore is an organisation dedicated to conserving the rich biodiversity and folk tales of the indigenous people of Uttar Kannada aka North Karnataka. BuDa's relatively new programme Rutu Live and Learn has people studying seasonal rhythms in the forest, the ecology and life. As the name suggests, this programme (and life at BuDa's Anagdibail farmhouse in general) is deeply centred on the changing rhythms of the seasons. Every season, different flowers bloom, different crops are grown, and different festivals are celebrated. The seasonal changes don't just affect human activities, but also have a bearing on the lives of other beings. In the monsoon, the leeches and snakes venture out. In winter, migratory birds come to visit from places as far as Mongolia and Siberia. And in summer, fireflies light up the night sky.
More info here.
