How to Travel the Himalayas for Free (At Nominal Cost)

Ahh! The beautiful Himalayas—who doesn’t want to travel there? And if it’s for free or at a nominal cost, then heck yeah!

I have been hiking in the Indian Himalayas since 2021, and in this period, I have covered popular hikes and destinations in Uttarakhand and Himachal. Along the way, I found a few ways that can help you travel the Himalayas at a nominal cost or for free. Whether you are a college student, someone low on budget, a foreign national, or someone who wants a break from a hectic life, these methods will guide you on your journey. Let’s start with today’s topic.

Note: Nothing is free; you either give your time or skills to travel for free. A nominal cost needs to be spent either on travel, hiking equipment, or learning skills.

Ways to Travel the Indian Himalayas for Free

1) Healing Himalayas:

Founded in 2016 by Mr. Pradeep Sangwan, Healing Himalayas (HH) is an NGO dedicated to cleaning the Himalayas. HH has played an important role in bringing people and authorities together to work on this mission. I’m proud to say that they have set up MRF (Material Recovery Facility) at locations such as Rakcham (Kinnaur), Koksar (Lahaul Spiti), Mansari (Manali), Barshaini (Kullu), and Bharmour (in the process, will be completed by next year). I have volunteered with them at Manali, Parashar, and Mani Mahesh Kailas. So how can HH help you with your dream of free travel in the Himalayas?

HH organizes multiple cleanups at various locations in Himachal, mostly scheduled between April and October. To execute these cleanup campaigns, they need a workforce—that’s you, the volunteers. As a volunteer, you join them for cleanup, work with their team, make the cleanup a success, and travel for free. Stay and food are provided; you only have to bear your transport expenses.

For example, when I went to Manali and Parashar with them, stay was provided, and breakfast and dinner were included (lunch depends on the situation). I only spent money on my travel expenses.

Check campaigns on this page: https://healinghimalayas.org/campaigns
Connect with Team HH for volunteer opportunities: https://healinghimalayas.org/contact

2) HVT Foundation:

Founded by Panki Sood and Mahima Mehra, Himalayan Volunteer Tourism brings together volunteers and those in need of volunteers (homestays, hotels, schools). You can register on their website with your details and get updates on ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Here’s how it works: I’ve started a new homestay but can’t afford a full-time employee, so I connect with HVT or post in their Facebook group about the volunteer opportunity. Generally, food and stay are provided, and you contribute to the property owner with your skills. You might work as a social media manager, videographer, cook, graffiti artist, front desk attendant, etc. As a volunteer, you get an opportunity to travel in the Himalayas at a nominal cost and a chance to improve your skills. Various entities like hotels, NGOs, homestay owners, and schools are registered with HVT to source volunteers for their projects. Vidyut and I are currently volunteering with HVT to create their new website.

Check their website: https://himalayanvolunteertourism.com
Join Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/300191307828733/

3) Volunteer Yatra:

Volunteer Yatra works on the same model. Volunteers and hosts can register on their website, and you apply according to your skills and talent. Though they charge a membership fee, it’s nominal, and you travel at a low cost. On this page https://www.volunteeryatra.com/search, you can find available opportunities that match your skills. Most hosts provide food and stay for free, which you can confirm before applying for the volunteer opportunity.

Read more about them: https://www.volunteeryatra.com/about

4) HDT Foundation:

Founded by Sobendra Singh and me :), at HDT Foundation we focus on preserving the Himalayas. As you all know, trekking and hiking have gone viral in India, and it seems everyone wants to travel to the Himalayas.

Romanticizing the Himalayas in reels, vlogs, and Bollywood has brought a huge crowd to the region. I could write an in-depth article on “Why Everything Is Wrong with the Indian Hiking Industry.” This issue is serious; major trekking sites are piled up with garbage, and at HDT, we focus on bringing that waste to its designated place. You, as a volunteer, can join us in our cleanups and community drives. We provide food and stay; you only need to offer your time and skills.

5) Travel and Pitch Your Skills:

What do I mean by this? During my travels, I’ve met business owners and school principals who genuinely need a helping hand. Not everyone is tech-savvy or knows about platforms like the HVT Foundation and Volunteer Yatra. These people are unaware of these platforms and won’t find them unless someone tells them.

If you’re traveling anywhere in the Himalayas, visit local schools, NGOs, and homestays, and pitch them your skills. If you gain their trust, they’ll let you stay at their place, and in return, you can help them improve their schools, businesses, or NGOs.

Summary

These were some of the ways I have used to travel in the Himalayas at a nominal cost. Along the way, I met wonderful people, helped them with my skills, and made new connections. If you’re new to solo traveling and need a confidence booster, consider volunteering with HVT or Volunteer Yatra. If you’re confident in your skills, pack your bag, head to an inaccessible village, and volunteer there. We Paharis are known for our hospitality—anyone would gladly provide food and stay. No need to worry.

And let me tell you, there are many NGOs working in Himachal, but Uttarakhand is still behind in terms of NGOs working there. If possible, volunteer in Uttarakhand as well.

Websites to look for Volunteering opportunities abroad: Volunteer World, WorkAway, WorldPackers, HelpX,

Hope I helped you in some way. Got a question? Connect with me at bhuvi@develosquad.com

How to Travel the Himalayas for Free (At Nominal Cost)

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