Conscious Journeys is a unique volun-tourism program of the Tibetan Village Project (TVP) and we offer a balanced blend of cultural immersion, sustainable travel and volunteerism excursions to Tibet for professional volunteers such as doctors, nurses, dentists, adventurists, and students. Volunteer activities include things like building greenhouses and working on community-based tourism projects such as building hiking trails, constructing waste bins, offering site clean ups and ‘Leave No Trace’ environmental ethics training. Volunteers can join with one of the featured journeys or create a customized journey to suit their own interests. Our program offers living and breathing Tibetan cultural experiences, and we give 30% of the profit from the trips back to local communities. In short, we don’t organize tourist trips to tourist places.
How do we travel? Chinese laws do not permit organized volunteers from abroad in certain Tibetan areas including the TAR. Therefore, we offer volun-tour trips that blend service with sights, and our participants travel to China on regular tourist visas. When we travel to villages, we use local, authorized travel agencies to organize our service trips to Kham and Amdo. True to our mission, we travel responsibly to minimize the exploitation of Tibet’s fragile natural and cultural landscape. We arrange for lodging and meals in local guesthouses and restaurants to facilitate cultural exchange and support community businesses. Furthermore, we encourage our guests to purchase necessities and goods from village markets and shops, and ask everyone to use recyclable materials, pack up their own trash, and educate others on responsible travel.
Who should join? Volunteer missions are designed for travelers who wish to experience the sights and sounds of Tibet while helping better the lives of rural Tibetans. Participants need not have a special skill, just an open mind and a genuine compassion for others; Conscious Journeys aims to put your own personal talents to work. Volunteers may also choose to assist skilled professional groups (Medical & Dental Mission, etc.). Given the rugged terrain and high altitude, participants must be physically fit, able to handle altitudes up to 12,000 ft, and afford to cover their own expenses.
Trip Registration: To reserve a spot on Conscious Journeys to Tibet, please submit the Application Form (click here) with a $500 deposit made out to Tibetan Village Project. In most cases an interview will also be required. Once an applicant has been approved, we will send out all essential information regarding your trip to Tibet including: China visa, travel gear, a recommended reading list, day-to-day itinerary, detailed description of volunteer work, and health and safety information, etc.