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Host rating
85 %
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12 Nov 2025
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Description
We are a Himalayan initiative rooted in holistic and sustainable living, nestled in Pant Village, Chitai, Almora (Uttarakhand). Our project is a living experiment in regenerative rural development — weaving together organic agriculture, biodiversity, livelihood creation, natural healing, and traditional knowledge systems.
Our purpose is simple yet profound: to rejuvenate the land, nurture community livelihoods, and restore harmony between people and nature. Inspired by the philosophies of Osho, Krishnamurti, Schumacher, Gandhi, and Fukuoka, we celebrate simplicity, self-reliance, and conscious living.
We dream of creating a haven of love, creativity, mindfulness, eccentricity, and friendliness — where people can live freely, think deeply, and create joyfully.
Volunteers here exchange their time, skills, and creativity for wholesome food, mountain air, and an experience that stays with the heart. We welcome self-motivated, open-minded individuals who value clean, simple living and the beauty of shared purpose.
At the foothills of the Himalayas, you’ll experience authentic mountain life — working alongside farmers, women’s groups, and artisans while learning about local crops, traditions, and sustainable ways of living.
Those drawn to meditation, reflection, or mindful living often find this place deeply rewarding — a quiet rhythm of work, nature, and self-discovery.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Writing
Photography
Gardening
Animals
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Architecture
Art & design
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Mountain
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers will experience authentic Himalayan village life while contributing to an initiative focused on sustainability and community well-being. They will learn about organic farming methods, permaculture principles, traditional Himalayan crops, herbal processing, and local food systems.
Working alongside local women and farmers offers insights into Kumaoni culture, craftsmanship, and the challenges of mountain livelihoods. There are also opportunities to exchange ideas on cooking, ecological living, and creative project building.
The environment encourages mindfulness, simplicity, and connection with nature — making it an ideal setting for travelers seeking meaningful experiences beyond conventional tourism.
Ideal Profile: This opportunity suits travelers who are self-reliant, open-minded, and comfortable with minimal facilities and rural life. It is ideal for those who enjoy simplicity, care for the environment, and wish to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable, community-led project in the Himalayas.
Help
We are building a living model to inspire sustainable ways of farming and living with the earth. We invite volunteers to contribute their skills to the development, design, and implementation of ideas that help evolve the site and its community.
The site itself aims to serve multiple ecological purposes — to grow food for those living here, to model organic and holistic farming methods, and to act as a learning and experimentation ground for biodiversity and environmental care. We aspire to be a space for the exchange of knowledge and practices related to organic farming, permaculture, reforestation, and natural living.
We currently have vegetable gardens, herbs, fruit trees, and are planning a tree nursery. We are also experimenting with seed balls as a reforestation tool in the surrounding area. Volunteers can engage in:
Landscaping, soil improvement, and planting
Gardening and maintaining vegetable beds and herbs
Developing natural and communal spaces
Assisting in eco-construction, rainwater collection, and resource management
Cooking and helping with food preparation using local produce
Teaching culinary skills or other meaningful crafts to the local women and staff
Supporting small local projects such as developing natural products, eco-education, or documentation of community work
We also have an organic food and cosmetics factory on-site, sourcing herbs, teas, seasonings, grains, and pulses from Himalayan organic farmers. The factory employs local women and provides income to small farmers, helping to preserve traditional crops and farming systems. Volunteers interested in herbal processing, packaging, product design, or local food innovation are welcome to get involved.
Local food is another area of focus. Working with our cook and local women to share ideas and techniques in cooking, baking, and preserving is encouraged. We are developing products using traditional crops such as millet, amaranth, corn, soybeans, rosehips, and herbs. The goal is to revive interest in local foods, promote healthy eating, and create markets for small-scale organic producers.
We are also expanding our network of organic farmers in remote Himalayan villages. Volunteers may participate in outreach activities that support sustainable agriculture, strengthen local livelihoods, and prevent rural migration.
This is an evolving and open-ended project. We encourage observation, creativity, and initiative. Volunteers with a background or interest in plants, agriculture, design, natural resource management, or sustainable community building are especially welcome.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hindi: Fluent
Accommodation
We can host multiple volunteers at a time. Accommodation options include rooms in a nearby farmhouse and space for camping (tents can be provided if required). There are shared bathrooms and toilets on-site.
We are vegetarians and provide healthy local meals made with organic ingredients. The atmosphere is simple, clean, and community-oriented. Volunteers are expected to maintain cleanliness and respect shared spaces.
Currently, the site is home to two people, two dogs, and whoever else is staying. Languages spoken mostly are English and Hindi, and one man who speaks German.
The minimum stay is one month, though we encourage volunteers to stay longer (up to a year) for a more fulfilling experience, as it often takes time to understand the flow of work and find ways to contribute meaningfully.
Working days are typically Monday to Saturday, with the factory operating from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including a one-hour lunch break. Volunteers are encouraged to follow their own initiatives within this timeframe while maintaining a productive and cooperative environment.
What else ...
When you’re not helping on the project, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in the surrounding Himalayan area. Local transport (shared jeeps and buses) connects Pant Village to nearby towns and villages, making short outings quite doable. For example:
Visit the Chitai Golu Devta Temple (just a short ride away) with its thousands of bells hung by devotees — a unique cultural-spiritual experience.
Take a day trip to the scenic viewpoints around Almora, or walk through pine and deodar forests to soak in Himalayan panoramas
Explore the heritage of the region by visiting ancient sites like the Katarmal Sun Temple or the rock-shelter paintings at Lakhudiyar Caves for a dose of history.
Enjoy the local cuisine, markets, and simply taking peace in the quiet mountain villages — perfect for rest, reflection, creativity or reading after a morning of hands-on work.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Enough space for Parking
Can possibly accept pets
We love animals, but do let us know in advance — we’ll check if it’s feasible to host your pet during your stay.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Bhalu and Bagheera (2 years)
Huge cuddly beasts who make this place lively!
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